TALLAHASSEE, FLA. ? Ralph Nader is again off Florida’s presidential ballot, at least for now.

Circuit Judge P. Kevin Davey on Wednesday ordered that Nader’s name be removed from the November ballot, finding that the Reform Party — which nominated Nader — isn’t a legitimate party under state law.

Davey had issued a temporary order last week keeping the consumer advocate off the ballot, but his ruling was suspended on Monday after Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood filed an appeal. Davey’s ruling on Wednesday reinstates his original decision.

The state Supreme Court has scheduled a Friday hearing on the appeal.

The state Democratic Party is suing to keep Nader off the ballot because, it argues, the Reform Party is no longer a legitimate national party and that Florida election laws requiring minor candidates to qualify by petition or through a nominating convention weren’t followed.

The lawsuit is part of a national effort by Democrats to keep Nader off ballots in states where he could siphon votes from Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.