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.

Administrative Orders and Press Releases

Administrative Order 12.510, Mitigating Measures in Response to COVID-19 (updated March 25, 2020)

Administrative Order AOSC20-23 from the Chief Justice (April 6, 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:

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: