Joshua T. Chilson

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation, Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability Incidents, Wrongful Death, Negligent Security, Dog Bites, Social Security Disability, All Other Negligence Cases Involving Serious Injuries

Legal Experience 

Josh is a seasoned civil trial attorney and respected leader in Florida’s legal community. He focuses his practice on personal injury and tort litigation, representing clients in serious injury matters including auto accidents, motorcycle crashes, wrongful death, premises liability, negligent security, defective products, dog bites, and other catastrophic negligence cases. He also provides personal counsel to individuals and businesses facing litigation involving insurance disputes or coverage challenges.

Josh currently serves on the Florida Bar Board of Governors, representing the nearly 4,000 lawyers and judges of Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit. The Board, operating under the authority of the Florida Supreme Court, regulates the legal profession statewide. He is also a member of the Board of The Florida Bar Foundation, which promotes access to justice and supports legal aid across Florida.

Within The Florida Bar, Josh has taken on multiple leadership roles, including serving on the Board’s Executive Committee, chairing the Communications Committee, and co-chairing the Budget Committee (2025–2026). He has twice chaired the Judicial Nominating Commission Screening Committee, playing a key role in reviewing candidates for the Florida Supreme Court and other judicial appointments. In addition, he was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court as the sole attorney on the Workgroup on Trial Court Technology Strategies, reflecting his expertise in legal innovation and modernization.

Josh was honored with the Florida Bar President’s Award of Merit for his leadership on two statewide initiatives: Life’s Legal Moments, which educates the public on key legal milestones, and Counsel to Counsel, the Bar’s attorney mentoring program.

With a reputation for results, professionalism, and strategic legal insight, Josh is a trusted advocate for clients and colleagues throughout Tampa Bay and across Florida.

Professional and Civic Activities 

• The Florida Bar
  • Board of Governors, Sixth Judicial Circuit Governor 2016-Present
  • Board of Governors, Budget Committe, Co-Chair 2025-2026
  • Board of Governors, Executive Committee, 2022-2023, 2025-2026
  • Board of Governors Communications Committee, Chair 2022-2023
  • Board of Governors Program Evaluation Committee
  • Board of Governors Liaison to the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar
  • Board of Governors Liaison to the Florida Bar Journal & News Editorial Board
  • Sixth Judicial Circuit Attorney Grievance Committees 6A & 6B Designated Reviewer
  • Sixth Judicial Circuit Unlicensed Practice of Law Committees 6A & 6B Designated Reviewer
  • Client Security Fund Designated Reviewer
  • Past Board of Governors Liaison to the Labor and Employment Law Section of The Florida Bar
  • Past Board of Governors Liaison to the City, County & Local Government Section of The Florida Bar
  • Past Board of Governors Liaison to the Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee
  • Past Board of Governors Liaison to the Law Related Education Committee
  • Past Board of Governors Liaison to the Annual Convention Committee
  • Past Member Board of Governors Legislation Committee
  • Past Member Board of Governors Disciplinary Review Committee
  • Past Member Board of Governors Rules Committee
  • Past Chair of The Florida Bar Second DCA Judicial Nominating Commission Screening Committee
  • Two Time Florida Board of Bar Examiners New Member Screening Committee, 2019-2020 & 2021-2022
  • Two Time Past Chair of The Florida Bar Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission Screening Committee, 2019-2020 & 2021-2022

• The Florida Bar Foundation
  • Board of Directors, 2021-Present
  • Founding Glorida Legal Aide

• Additional Judicial Branch Appointments/Service
  • Member, Florida Supreme Court Workgroup on Trial Court Technology Strategies, 2021-2023
  • Contact Attorney, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Local Professional’s Panel, 2024-Present

• Clearwater Bar Association
  • President (2014-2015)
  • Recipient 2016 Ralph Richards Award
  • Recipient of Three President’s Awards (2012, 2014 & 2019)
  • Board of Directors (2008-2016)
  • Past Chair Bench Bar Committee
  • Past Chair Civil Practice Section
  • Past Clearwater Bar Foundation Trustee
  • Past President of Clearwater Bar Young Lawyers Division

Professional Recognition 

• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
• Florida Super Lawyers 2017-2020
• Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star 2012-2016
• Three Clearwater Bar President’s Awards (2012, 2014 & 2019)
• Florida Trend Magazine Legal Elite Up & Comer Multiple Years
• 2013 Leadership Pinellas Graduate
• 2002-2004 Newman University National Alumni Board Member

Courts 

• Supreme Court of the United States
• Supreme Court of the State of Florida
• U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Education 

• Newman University, Bachelor of Science, Sociology & History (Double Major) (2003)
• St. Thomas University, Juris Doctor (2006)