How Does the Florida Circuit Court Work?

Florida Trial Courts are divided into two, namely Circuit and County Courts. The Circuit Court hears appeals from County Court cases and cases not assigned by statute to the County Courts. Most jury trials in Florida take place before one judge in the Circuit Court.

Florida Circuit Courts are sometimes referred to as courts of general jurisdiction because most civil and criminal cases originate at this level. However, the court’s jurisdiction is categorized into three, including:

• Appeal Jurisdiction
• Certiorari Jurisdiction
• Original Jurisdiction

The appeal Jurisdiction of the Florida Circuit Courts may be sought to review the following:

• Administrative action, if provided by general law.
• Final orders of lower courts of justice as provided by general law
• Non-final orders of lower courts of justice as provided by general law

The certiorari jurisdiction of the Florida Circuit Courts may be sought to review non-final orders of lower courts of justice other than as prescribed by rule 9.130.

Under the original jurisdiction, the Florida Circuit Courts may issue extraordinary writs of common law certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, habeas corpus, and others necessary to exercise the courts’ jurisdiction fully.

Also, some of the cases heard by the Circuit Courts include:

• Civil disputes involving more than $30,000
• Cases relating to juveniles
• Controversies involving the estates of minors, decedents, and persons adjudicated as incapacitated
• Tax disputes
• Criminal prosecutions for all felonies;
• Suits for declaratory judgments that is, to determine the legal rights or responsibilities of parties under the terms of written laws, instruments, or regulations before a dispute arises and leads to litigation
• Requests for injunctions to prevent persons or entities from acting in a manner that is asserted to be unlawful
• Actions to determine the title, boundaries, and of real property

In Florida Circuit Courts, there is no fixed number of judges; the population and caseload in a particular area of coverage determine the number of judges there. The requirements for the office of a circuit judge is as follows, the individual:

• Must be a qualified elector of a county within the circuit
• Must have been a Florida Bar member of good standing for a minimum of five years

The circuits’ voters elect Circuit Court judges in contested, nonpartisan elections against other individuals who qualify as candidates for the position. Circuit Court judges have a six-year term on the appointment, although they are subject to disciplinary measures standards similar to the Supreme Court Justices and District Court judges. The punitive measures may involve the judge being:

• Sentenced by a two-thirds vote of the Senate and impeached by a two-thirds vote of the Florida House of Representatives
• Removed by the Supreme Court after a recommendation from the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission

Among the circuit judges and county judges in each judicial circuit, a chief judge is chosen to perform administrative responsibilities for all trial courts (both circuit and county courts).

Circuit Court case records are maintained at the court’s office clerk in the Circuit Court, where the case was heard. Interested persons may query this office in writing or complete a request form provided by the court. The case number and other details relating to the case may be required during the request process.

The length of time a case takes in the Circuit Court is not fixed as each case is treated discreetly. It depends on the facts of the case and the caseload of the court.

The Florida court system is made up of 20 judicial circuits, including:

First Circuit - Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton

Second Circuit - Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla

Third Circuit - Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor

Fourth Circuit - Clay, Duval and Nassau

Fifth Circuit - Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter

Sixth Circuit - Pasco and Pinellas

Seventh Circuit - Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia

Eighth Circuit - Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union

Ninth Circuit - Orange and Osceola

Tenth Circuit - Hardee, Highlands, and Polk

Eleventh Circuit - Miami-Dade

Twelfth Circuit - DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota

Thirteenth Circuit - Hillsborough

Fourteenth Circuit - Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington

Fifteenth Circuit - Palm Beach

Sixteenth Circuit - Monroe

Seventeenth Circuit - Broward

Eighteenth Circuit - Brevard, and Seminole

Nineteenth Circuit - Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie

Twentieth Circuit - Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee

The Circuit Courts per county include:

Alachua County
Alachua County Circuit Court
Alachua County Criminal Justice Center
220 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: 352–374–3636
Fax: 352–338–3201

Alachua County Circuit Court
Alachua County Family / Civil Justice Center
201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Phone: 352–374–3636
Fax: 352–338–3201

Baker County
Baker County Circuit Court
Baker County Courthouse
339 East Macclenny Avenue, Suite 113, Macclenny, FL 32063
Phone: 904–259–8113
Fax: 904–259–4176

Bay County
Bay County Circuit Court
300 East 4th Street, PO. Box 2269, Panama City, FL 32402
Phone: 850–763–9061
Fax: 850–747–5188

Bay County Unified Family Court
533 East 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850–763–9061
Fax: 850–747–5188

Bradford County
Bradford County Circuit Court
945 North Temple Avenue, PO Drawer B, Starke, FL 32091
Phone: 904–966–6280
Fax: 904–966–6256

Brevard County
Brevard County Circuit Court
506 South Palm Avenue, Titusville, FL 32796
Phone: 321–637–5413

Brevard County Circuit Court - Melbourne
Melbourne Branch Courthouse
51 South Nieman Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: 321–952–4604
Fax: 321–952–4602

Brevard County Circuit Court - Viera
Moore Justice Center
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940
Phone: 321–617–7314

Broward County
Broward County Circuit Court
Broward County Judicial Complex
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954–831–6565

Calhoun County
Calhoun County Circuit Court
Calhoun County Courthouse
20859 Central Avenue East, Room 130, Blountstown, FL 32424
Phone: 850–674–4545
Fax: 850–674–5553

Charlotte County
Charlotte County Circuit Court
Charlotte County Justice Center
350 East Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Phone: 941–505–4716

Charlotte County Circuit Court
Murdock Administration Building
18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: 941–743–1400

Citrus County
Citrus County Circuit Court
Citrus County Courthouse
110 North Apopka Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450
Phone: 352–341–6424
Fax: 352–341–6413

Clay County
Clay County Circuit Court
Clay County Courthouse
825 North Orange Avenue, P.O. Box 698, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Phone: 904–269–6302
Fax: 904–269–6390

Clay County Circuit Court - Keystone Heights
7380 State Road 100, Suite 10, Keystone Heights, FL 32656
Phone: 352–478–8016
Fax: 352–473–7652

Clay County Circuit Court - Middleburg
1836 Blanding Boulevard, Suite D, Middleburg, FL 32068
Phone: 904–282–6490

Clay County Circuit Court - Orange Park
1478 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073
Phone: 904–278–4769
Fax: 904–278–3690

Collier County
Collier County Circuit Court
3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112
Phone: 239–252–2646

Columbia County
Columbia County Circuit Court
173 NE Hernando Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: 386–758–1041
Fax: 386–719–7401

Desoto County
DeSoto County Circuit Court
115 East Oak Street, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266
Phone: 863–993–4876
Fax: 863–993–4669

Dixie County
Dixie County Circuit Court
Dixie County Courthouse
214 Northeast Highway 351, PO. Box 1206, Cross City, FL 32628
Phone: 352–498–1200
Fax: 352–498–1201

Duval County
Duval County Circuit Court - Beaches Branch
1543 Atlantic Boulevard, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Phone: 904–255–2000
Duval County Circuit Court - Downtown Courthouse
501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904–255–2000

Escambia County
Escambia County Circuit Court
M. C. Blanchard Judicial Building
190 West Government Street, P.O. Box 333, Pensacola, FL 32591
Phone: 850–595–4130 (Civil)
Phone: 850–595–4150 (Criminal/Felony)
Phone: 850–595–4331 (Family Law)
Phone: 850–595–3780 (Juvenile)
Phone: 850–595–4300 (Probate)
Phone: 850–595–4360 (Traffic)

Flagler County
Flagler County Circuit Court
Kim C. Hammond Justice Center
1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110
Phone: 386–313–4400

Franklin County
Franklin County Circuit Court
Franklin County Courthouse
33 Market Street, Suite 203, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: 850–653–8861

Gadsden County
Gadsden County Circuit Court
Gadsden County Courthouse
10 East Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 1649, Quincy, FL 32351
Phone: 850–875–8601
Fax: 850–875–8612

Gilchrist County
Gilchrist County Courthouse
112 South Main Street, PO. Box 37, Trenton, FL 32693
Phone: 352–463–3170
Fax: 352–463–3166

Glades County
Glades County Circuit Court
Glades County Courthouse
500 Avenue J SW, P.O. Box 10, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Phone: 863–946–6010
Fax: 863–946–0560

Hamilton County
Hamilton County Circuit Court
Hamilton County Courthouse
207 NE 1st Street, Room 106, Jasper, FL 32052
Phone: 386–792–1288
Fax: 386–792–3524

Hardee County
Hardee County Circuit Court
Hardee County Courthouse
417 West Main Street, PO Drawer 1749, Wauchula, FL 33873
Phone: 863–773–4174
Fax: 863–773–4422

Hendry County
Hendry County Circuit Court
Hendry Courthouse Complex
25 East Hickpoochee Avenue, P.O. Box 1760, LaBelle, FL 33975
Phone: 863–375–5217

Hendry County Circuit Court
Clewiston Sub Office
1100 South Olympia Street, Suite 502, Clewiston, FL 33440
Phone: 863–983–1464

Hernando County
Hernando County Circuit Court - Main Office
Hernando County Courthouse
20 North Main Street, Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: 352–754–4201

Hernando County Circuit Court - Spring Hill Office
Forest Oaks Government Center
7415 Forest Oaks Boulevard, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: 352–754–4201

Highlands County
Highlands County Circuit Court
Highlands County Courthouse
590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: 863–402–6565
Fax: 863–402–6768

Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County Circuit Court
George E. Edgecomb Courthouse
800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813–276–8100

Hillsborough County Circuit Court
Plant City Courthouse
301 North Michigan Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563
Phone: 813–276–8100

Hillsborough County Circuit Court
Brandon Regional Service Center
311 Pauls Drive, Suite 110, Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: 813–276–8100

Hillsborough County Circuit Court
Southshore Regional Service Center
410 30th Street SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone: 813–276–8100

Holmes County
Holmes County Circuit Court
Holmes County Courthouse
201 North Oklahoma Street, PO. Box 397, Bonifay, FL 32425
Phone: 850–547–1100
Fax: 850–547–6630

Indian River County
Indian River Circuit Court
Indian River County Courthouse
2000 16th Avenue, P.O. Box 1028, Vero Beach, FL 32961
Phone: 772–770–5185
Fax: 772–770–5008

Indian River Circuit Court
North County Office
11604 US Highway 1, Sebastian, FL 32958
Phone: 772–388–0656

Jackson County
Jackson County Circuit Court
Jackson County Courthouse
4445 Lafayette Street, PO Drawer 510, Marianna, FL 32447
Phone: 850–482–9552
Fax: 850–482–9920

Jefferson County
Jefferson County Circuit Court
Jefferson County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello, FL 32344
Phone: 850–342–0218
Fax: 850–342–0222

Lafayette County
Lafayette County Courthouse
120 West Main Street, P.O. Box 88, Mayo, FL 32066
Phone: 386–294–1600
Fax: 386–294–4231

Lake County
Lake County Circuit Court
550 West Main Street, P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: 352–742–4100
Fax: 352–742–4110

Lake County Courthouse
550 West Main Street, North Wing, 3rd Floor, Tavares, FL 32778
Phone: 352–253–2600
Fax: 352–253–2616

Lee County
Lee County Circuit Court
Lee County Justice Center
1700 Monroe Street, P.O. Box 2469, Fort Myers, FL 33902
Phone: 239–533–5000

Leon County
Leon County Circuit Court
Leon County Courthouse
301 South Monroe Street, Room 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: 850–577–4000
Fax: 850–577–4013

Levy County
Levy County Circuit Court
Levy County Courthouse
355 South Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621
Phone: 352–486–5266
Fax: 352–486–5166

Liberty County
Liberty County Courthouse
10818 NW State Route 20, PO. Box 399, Bristol, FL 32321
Phone: 850–643–2215

Madison County
Madison County Circuit Court
Madison County Courthouse
125 SW Range Avenue, PO. Box 237, Madison, FL 32341
Phone: 850–973–1500
Fax: 850–973–2059

Manatee County
Manatee County Historic Courthouse
1115 Manatee Avenue West, PO Bos 25400, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: 941–749–1800

Marion County
Marion County Circuit Court
Marion County Judicial Center
110 NW 1st Avenue, PO. Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478
Phone: 352–671–5604
Fax: 352–671–5600

Martin County
Martin County Circuit Court
Martin County Courthouse
100 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: 772–288–5576

Monroe County
Monroe County Circuit Court
Key West Courthouse
500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305–292–3458 (Civil)
Phone: 305–294–4641 (Criminal)
Phone: 305–295–3952 (Traffic)

Monroe County Circuit Court
Roth Office Building
50 High Point Road, Plantation Key, FL 33070
Phone: 305–852–7145

Monroe County Circuit Court
Plantation Key Government Center
88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070
Phone: 305–852–7145

Monroe County Circuit Court
Marathon Courthouse
3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: 305–289–6027

Nassau County
Nassau County Circuit Court
Robert M. Foster Justice Center
76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097
Phone: 904–548–4663

Nassau County Circuit Court
Nassau County Historic Courthouse
416 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Phone: 904–548–4663

Okaloosa County
Okaloosa County Circuit Court
Okaloosa County Courthouse
601-B North Pearl Street, Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: 850–689–5000

Okaloosa County Circuit Court
Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension
1940 Lewis Turner Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone: 850–651–7200

Okeechobee County
Okeechobee County Circuit Court
Okeechobee County Courthouse
312 NW 3rd Street, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: 863–763–2131

Orange County
Orange County Circuit Court
Orange County Courthouse
425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407–836–2000

Orange County Circuit Court - Apopka Branch
1111 North Rock Springs Road, Apopka, FL 32712
Phone: 407–836–2007

Orange County Circuit Court - Goldenrod
684 Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 32822
Phone: 407–836–2007

Orange County Circuit Court - Juvenile Division
2000 East Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32806
Phone: 407–836–2000

Orange County Circuit Court - Ocoee Branch
475 West Story Road, Ocoee, FL 34761
Phone: 407–836–2007

Orange County Circuit Court - Winter Park Branch
450 North Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792
Phone: 407–836–2007

Osceola County
Osceola County Circuit Court
Osceola County Courthouse
2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407–742–3715
Fax: 407–742–3699

Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County Circuit Court
Main Courthouse
205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561–355–2996

Palm Beach County Circuit Court
South County Courthouse
200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Phone: 561–274–1588 (Civil)
Phone: 561–355–2996 (Criminal)

Palm Beach County Circuit Court
North County Courthouse
3188 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561–624–6650 (Civil)
Phone: 561–355–2996 (Criminal)

Palm Beach County Circuit Court
West County Courthouse
2950 State Road 15, Room S–100, Belle Glade, FL 33430
Phone: 561–996–4843

Pasco County
Circuit Court of Pasco County
Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center
38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: 352–523–2411 ext. 2211

Circuit Court of Pasco County
West Pasco Judicial Center
7530 Little Road, PO. Box 338, New Port Richey, FL 34656
Phone: 727–847–2411 ext. 2211

Pinellas County
Pinellas County Circuit Court
Tyrone Branch Office
1800 66th Street North, St Petersburg, FL 33710
Phone: 727–464–7000

Pinellas County Circuit Court
Clearwater Courthouse
315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727–464–7000

Pinellas County Circuit Court
Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: 727–464–7000

Pinellas County Circuit Court
St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727–464–7000
Fax: 727–582–7990

Pinellas County Circuit Court
North County Branch Office
29582 US 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: 727–464–7000

Polk County
Polk County Circuit Court - Bartow Branch
Polk County Courthouse
255 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: 863–534–4000

Polk County Circuit Court - Lakeland Branch
Polk County Government Center
930 East Parker Street, Room 240, Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: 863–534–4000

Polk County Circuit Court - Northeast Branch
NE Polk County Government Center
3425 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863–534–4000

Polk County Circuit Court - Northeast Branch
NE Polk County Government Center
3425 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863–534–4000

Putnam County
Putnam County Circuit Court
Putnam County Courthouse
410 St. Johns Avenue, PO. Box 758, Palatka, FL 32178
Phone: 386–326–7600
Fax: 386–329–0888

Putnam County Circuit Court
Interlachen Satellite Office
1114 State Road 20, Suite 2, Interlachen, FL 32148
Phone: 386–684–3717
Fax: 386–684–4640

Putnam County Circuit Court
Crescent City Satellite Office
19 North Summit Street, Crescent City, FL 32112
Phone: 386–698–1217
Fax: 386–698–4283

Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County Circuit Court
Santa Rosa County Courthouse
6865 Caroline Street, P.O. Box 472, Milton, FL 32572
Phone: 850–981–5554
Fax: 850–626–7849

Sarasota County
Sarasota County Circuit Court
Sarasota County Historic Courthouse
2000 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941–861–7400

Sarasota County Circuit Court - Venice Branch
Robert L. Anderson Administration Center
4000 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293
Phone: 941–861–7400

Seminole County
Seminole County Circuit Court
Altamonte Springs Branch
995 North State Road 434, Suite 403, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
Phone: 407–862–5373

Seminole County Circuit Court
Casselberry Branch
376 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 376, Casselberry, FL 32707
Phone: 407–830–7337

Seminole County Circuit Court
Seminole County Civil Courthouse
301 North Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: 407–665–4330
Fax: 407–330–7193

Seminole County Circuit Court
Criminal Justice Center
101 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773
Phone: 407–665–4450
Fax: 407–665–4545

St. Johns County
St. Johns County Circuit Court
Richard O. Watson Judicial Center
4010 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: 904–819–3600
Fax: 904–819–3661

St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County Circuit Court
Fort Pierce Courthouse
218 South 2nd Street, Ft. Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: 772–462–6900

St. Lucie County Circuit Court
Clerk of Court Office
201 South Indian River Drive, P.O. Box 700, Ft. Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: 772–462–6900

Sumter County
Sumter County Circuit Court
Sumter County Courthouse
215 East McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513
Phone: 352–569–6600
Fax: 352–569–6623

Sumter County Circuit Court
North Sumter Annex
8033 East CR–466, The Villages, FL 32162
Phone: 352–689–4625
Fax: 352–689–4626

Suwannee County
Suwannee County Circuit Court
Suwannee County Courthouse
200 South Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone: 386–362–0500

Taylor County
Taylor County Circuit Court
108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, FL 32347
Phone: 850–838–3506

Union County
Union County Circuit Court
Union County Courthouse
55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: 386–496–3711
Fax: 386–496–1718

Volusia County
Volusia County Circuit Court
Daytona Beach Courthouse Annex
125 East Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 386–257–6000
Fax: 386–257–6039

Volusia County Circuit Court
Daytona Beach Justice Center
251 North Ridgewood Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 386–239–7750
Fax: 386–239–7752

Volusia County Circuit Court
New Smyrna Beach Courthouse Annex
124 North Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Phone: 386–423–3300
Fax: 386–423–3348

Volusia County Circuit Court
Volusia County Courthouse
101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: 386–736–5915
Fax: 386–822–5711

Wakulla County
Wakulla County Circuit Court
Wakulla County Courthouse
3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327
Phone: 850–926–0905
Fax: 850–926–0938

Walton County
Walton County Circuit Court
Walton County Courthouse
571 US Highway 90 East, PO. Box 1260, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Phone: 850–892–8115

Walton County Circuit Court
South Walton Courthouse Annex
31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Suite 500, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: 850–267–3066

Washington County
Washington County Circuit Court
Washington County Courthouse
1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428
Phone: 850–638–6289
Fax: 850–638–6288