Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Matt Walsh as Secretary of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

TALLAHASSEE, FL - On August 13, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Matt Walsh to serve as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

“With nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, Matt will serve Florida well as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “He will continue the great work of the department to ensure the safety of those in their custody and care and improve outcomes for Florida’s at-risk youth.”

"Thank you, Governor DeSantis, for entrusting me with the appointment of Florida’s Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice,” said Matt Walsh. “I look forward to working with DJJ’s dedicated staff and partners to build stronger youth, stronger families, and safer communities in Florida.”

Matt Walsh is a 28-year law enforcement professional, most recently serving as Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) where he led the Public Safety Command, which includes Capitol Police, Protective Services Division, Criminal Justice Information Services, Information and Technology, High Tech Cyber, Targeted Violence Prevention Program, and Officer Wellness.

"Florida’s juvenile justice system is in great hands with Matt Walsh,” said former Secretary of DJJ Eric Hall. “I look forward to the great work he and the DJJ team will continue to do to build on the success of enhancing public safety in serving Florida’s youth and families.”

Walsh began his career at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He joined FDLE in 2003 where he held leadership positions in Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Tallahassee investigating violent crime, homicide, public corruption, and organized crime. Matt also had assignments to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force. In 2020, Matt was appointed Interim Sheriff for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office by Governor DeSantis.