Court Updates Concerning Coronavirus
The Courthouses are Open.
04-03-2020 Press Release from Chief Judge
Update Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The courts are aware of the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive order. However, the courts are considered essential and remain open for essential functions. Please see the link to the Chief Judge’s Administrative Order for the listing of essential functions. Please note, too, that jury trials are suspended through April 17.
The courthouses remain open for essential functions as published in the Administrative Order 12.510 issued by Chief Judge Marx.
All courthouse buildings remain open. Mediations will be held remotely Monday through Friday. On the following Fridays, all court hearings are suspended with the exception of: first appearances at the Gun Club Criminal Justice Complex, juvenile detention and shelter hearings at the Main Courthouse, walk-in/emergency Baker Act and Marchman Act hearings at the South, North and Main Courthouses, and any other emergency or time sensitive hearing as specially set by any judge at any courthouse.
- March 27, 2020
- April 3, 2020
- April 10, 2020*
*(Court Holiday—Baker/Marchman walk-ins and Juvenile hearings will be held at Gun Club)
- April 17, 2020
- April 24, 2020
- May 1, 2020
Administrative Orders and Press Releases
Administrative Order 12.510, Mitigating Measures in Response to COVID-19 (updated March 25, 2020)
Administrative Order from the Chief Justice (March 24, 2020)
Video from Chief Justice Canady of the Florida Supreme Court. (March 24, 2020)
First Appearance and Gun Club Events
Information for the Public
Pending until further notice, all essential felony hearings will be held in one of the ceremonial courtrooms (11A or 11H) to minimize the staffing needs and to exercise social distancing. Litigants and witnesses should speak with their attorney for more information.
Please continue to monitor the Circuit's webpage and the Circuit's HOTLINE at 561-233-0344 for more information.
Circuit Criminal Events
Pending Further Notice, Divisions “S”, “U”, “W”, and “Z” essential court hearings will be held in courtroom 11H, Monday- Thursday; and Divisions “R”, “V”, and “X” will be held in courtroom 11A, Monday- Thursday. The use of the ceremonial courtroom is to minimize the court staff needed and to exercise social distancing effectively. Therefore, the dockets will be staggered as follows:
Courtroom 11A
Division “R” at 8:30
Division “V” at 9:00
Division “X” at 9:30
Courtroom 11H
Division “S” at 8:30
Division “U” at 9:00
Division “W” at 9:30
Division “Z” at 10:00
Essential hearings” are identified as bond hearings, pre-negotiated pleas, juvenile commitment release requests, non-represented defendant arraignments, and 30-day State-to-file hearings, or any other emergency or time sensitive matter as determined by the Divisional Judge.
The Court is also requesting your assistance in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
Please do not come to any of the courthouses if you:
- Are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or shortness of breath)
- Have been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
- Have been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency
- Have recently travelled from an area with widespread COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who recently travelled from an area with widespread COVID-19
If you fall within any of the above categories and are required to report or appear in court, you should proceed as follows:
Civil infraction Traffic Court hearings are temporarily suspended through and including May 1, 2020. If you had a traffic infraction court hearing scheduled between March 18, 2020 through May 1, 2020, you will receive a new notice of hearing scheduling your court date after May 1, 2020. If you have changed your address in the interim, you must immediately provide the Clerk of your new address in writing. If you do not receive a new notice of hearing for the rescheduled date by April 17, 2020, you must call the Clerk at (561) 355-2994 to obtain your new court date.
Information on Fines, Costs, School Completion Certificates, etc.
- If you are a Defendant and are represented by an attorney, contact your attorney for instructions and assistance.
- If you are a Defendant and do not have an attorney, contact the divisional judge assigned to your case to reschedule or, if possible and permitted by the presiding judge, to appear telephonically. Find the divisional contact information.
- Witnesses and victims, please contact the appropriate agency that has been in touch with you about the matter you are scheduled to appear in.
- If you are represented by an attorney, contact your attorney for instructions and assistance.
- If you are a party and are not represented by an attorney, contact the divisional judge assigned to your case to reschedule or, if possible and permitted by the presiding judicial officer, to appear by telephone. Find the divisional contact information.
- If you are a witness, please contact the party who requested your appearance.
Announcements
Corona Virus Information
The Circuit is actively monitoring the latest information on the coronavirus. Following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, persons who are exhibiting flu like symptoms should self-quarantine. The recommendations state that the self-quarantine period should extend 14 days from the start of the symptoms. More info
Court Appointed Attorney - Juvenile Dependency Wheel
Ends March 30
New applications are being accepted for a limited time
Eldercare
Eldercaring Coordination is a compassionate, court-alternative process that helps families reduce conflict while enhancing safety, autonomy and quality of life of aging loved ones.
County Court Jurisdiction Changes
On January 1, 2020, changes in Florida state law and the Florida Rules of Procedure will go into effect, changing where a variety of court actions are heard.
Locations
