Andrea Fant, Esq., was born and raised in Melbourne, Florida. She grew up in a household headed by her widowed mother, a retired Brevard County school bus driver, and alongside her older sister, who is currently serving in the United States Army.
Upon graduating from Palm Bay High School, Andrea attended Florida State University as a recipient of the Bright Futures scholarship. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
During her time at FSU, Andrea was actively involved in the community as a tutor with the Center for Civic Education and Service and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. In 2009, she graduated from Florida A&M University, College of Law, and subsequently passed The Florida Bar Exam.
Andrea began her legal career at a boutique law firm before returning to her hometown to establish her own practice, specializing in family law and civil matters. She also worked as an attorney with the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement Division, representing the State of Florida in paternity cases, child support establishment, and prosecuting parents who failed to meet their child support obligations.
Currently, Andrea serves as an Assistant Public Defender, representing indigent defendants. Her role involves managing a high-volume caseload, which includes clients with criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies.
She also represents individuals with mental health issues, autism, intellectual disabilities, and drug addiction. Andrea is an experienced trial attorney, having taken cases to jury trial verdicts and litigated complex legal issues, including Motions to Suppress and Florida's Stand Your Ground statute.
Additionally, she has argued two cases before the Fifth District Court of Appeals.
Outside the courtroom, Andrea has been actively involved in the legal community. She has served as a member and chair of the Grievance Committee, graduated from The Florida Bar's Wm.
Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy (Class VI), and held the position of President of the Brevard County chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL).
Andrea is also a member of the Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court.
Her volunteer efforts include work with organizations such as Wreaths Across America, the Daily Bread, and The Children's Hunger Project. In her personal time, Andrea enjoys theater, traveling, visiting museums, and spending time with her family and friends.
Andrea is currently a candidate for Circuit Judge in the 18th Judicial Circuit, encompassing Brevard and Seminole counties. Her campaign focuses on improving the justice system, leveraging her extensive experience to bring about positive change.