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Practice Areas in Florida
Counties in Florida
Browse 67 county legal-information pages
The Court System in Florida
At the foundation are the trial courts, which include Circuit Courts and County Courts. County Courts handle smaller matters like traffic violations, misdemeanors, and civil cases under $30,000. Circuit Courts are the main trial courts that deal with serious criminal cases (felonies), family law matters, civil cases over $30,000, and appeals from County Courts. The middle level consists of five District Courts of Appeal, which review decisions from the trial courts. These appellate courts are located in different regions across Florida and ensure consistency in legal interpretations throughout the state. At the top sits the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee, which has the final say on state constitutional matters and reviews the most significant cases. What makes Florida distinctive is its unified system where all courts operate under consistent rules and procedures. The state also handles a high volume of cases due to its large population and tourist activity, making court efficiency a priority. Florida courts have embraced technology more than many states, offering online services and electronic filing systems. For official information about Florida courts, visit the Florida Courts website at flcourts.org.
Major Courts in Florida
The First District Court of Appeal, also in Tallahassee, covers the northern panhandle region and handles appeals from 13 judicial circuits. This court reviews criminal appeals, civil matters, and administrative decisions from state agencies. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in Miami serves Miami-Dade County, one of the busiest trial courts in Florida. It handles thousands of criminal cases annually, from misdemeanors to capital murder cases, along with complex civil litigation and family matters. The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Clearwater serves Pinellas and Pasco counties in the Tampa Bay area. This court manages a heavy caseload including criminal prosecutions, domestic relations, and civil disputes in this densely populated region. The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Jacksonville covers Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. As one of Floridas major metropolitan court systems, it processes significant volumes of criminal cases and civil matters. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, with locations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, handles federal criminal cases, civil rights matters, immigration issues, and major federal litigation throughout South Florida.
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