On June 25, 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Chappell to be a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, to the seat vacated by Judge Gregory A. Presnell, who assumed senior status on April 1, 2012.[3] On September 19, 2012, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on her nomination, on December 6, 2013, her nomination was reported out of committee by a voice vote.[5] On January 2, 2013, her nomination was returned to the President, due to the sine die adjournment of the Senate. She was renominated for the same office on January 3, 2013. On March 7, 2013, her nomination was reported out of committee by a voice vote.[6] The Senate confirmed her nomination on May 20, 2013, by a 90–0 vote.[7] She received her commission on May 22, 2013.[4]