Florida Circuit Courts
Encyclopedia
The Florida Circuit Courts are state courts. They are trial court
s of original jurisdiction
for most controversies. In Florida
, the circuit court
s are one of four types of court
s created by the Florida Constitution
(the other three being the Florida Supreme Court
, the Florida District Courts of Appeal
, and the Florida County Courts).
The Circuit Courts primarily handle civil cases
where the amount in controversy
is greater than $15,000, and felony
criminal cases, as well as appeal
s from County Courts.
1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
- 5th
- 6th
- 7th
- 8th
- 9th
- 10th
- 11th
- 12th
- 13th
- 14th - 15th
- 16th
- 17th
- 18th
- 19th
- 20th
, quo warranto
, certiorari
, prohibition
, and habeas corpus
, as well as any other writs necessary to exercise their jurisdiction.
As authorized by the legislature, and in addition to the power to issue various injunctions and other necessary orders, the Circuit Courts more specifically have the following jurisdiction:
is as follows:
is as follows:
Trial court
A trial court or court of first instance is a court in which trials take place. Such courts are said to have original jurisdiction.- In the United States :...
s of original jurisdiction
Original jurisdiction
The original jurisdiction of a court is the power to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, when a court has the power to review a lower court's decision.-France:...
for most controversies. In Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, the circuit court
Circuit court
Circuit court is the name of court systems in several common law jurisdictions.-History:King Henry II instituted the custom of having judges ride around the countryside each year to hear appeals, rather than forcing everyone to bring their appeals to London...
s are one of four types of court
Court
A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law...
s created by the Florida Constitution
Florida Constitution
The Constitution of the State of Florida is the document that establishes and describes the duties, powers, structure and function of the government of the U.S. state of Florida, and establishes the basic law of the state....
(the other three being the Florida Supreme Court
Florida Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the State of Florida is the highest court in the U.S. state of Florida. The Supreme Court consists of seven judges: the Chief Justice and six Justices who are appointed by the Governor to 6-year terms and remain in office if retained in a general election near the end of each...
, the Florida District Courts of Appeal
Florida District Courts of Appeal
The Florida District Courts of Appeal are the intermediate appellate courts of the Florida state court system. There are five DCAs:*The First District Court of Appeal is headquartered in Tallahassee...
, and the Florida County Courts).
The Circuit Courts primarily handle civil cases
Civil law (common law)
Civil law, as opposed to criminal law, is the branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, in which compensation may be awarded to the victim...
where the amount in controversy
Amount in controversy
Amount in controversy is a term used in United States civil procedure to denote the amount at stake in a lawsuit, in particular in connection with a requirement that persons seeking to bring a lawsuit in a particular court must be suing for a certain minimum amount before that court may hear the...
is greater than $15,000, and felony
Felony
A felony is a serious crime in the common law countries. The term originates from English common law where felonies were originally crimes which involved the confiscation of a convicted person's land and goods; other crimes were called misdemeanors...
criminal cases, as well as appeal
Appeal
An appeal is a petition for review of a case that has been decided by a court of law. The petition is made to a higher court for the purpose of overturning the lower court's decision....
s from County Courts.
Circuits
There are 20 judicial circuits in Florida, all but five of which span multiple counties. They are:1st
First Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The First Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties in the Florida Panhandle.-External links:*...
- 2nd
Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The mission of the Second Judicial Circuit is to protect rights and liberties, uphold & interpret the law, and provide for the peaceful resolution of disputes in the six counties of the circuit.Florida's Second Judicial Circuit serves ,,,,, and Counties...
- 3rd
Third Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Third Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor Counties in Northern Florida.-External links:*...
- 4th
Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties in northeast Florida.-External links:*...
- 5th
Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties in Central Florida.-External links:*...
- 6th
Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Pasco and Pinellas Counties on the Central West Coast of Florida.-External links:*...
- 7th
Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties in North Eastern Florida.-External links:*...
- 8th
Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Eight Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union Counties in Northern Florida.-External links:*...
- 9th
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Orange and Osceola Counties in Central Florida.-External links:*...
- 10th
Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties in Central Florida.-External links:*...
- 11th
Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court composed of Miami-Dade County in South Florida. Appeals from the Eleventh Judicial Circuit are heard by the Florida Third District Court of Appeal.-History:...
- 12th
Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a Circuit Court comprising DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties on the western coast of Central Florida.-External links:*...
- 13th
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves Hillsborough County. The chief judge is Manuel Menendez, Jr., who presides over 61 other judges.-External links:...
- 14th - 15th
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves Palm Beach County. The Chief Judge is Peter D. Blanc.-External links:...
- 16th
Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves Monroe County. The Chief Judge is Luis Garcia.-External links:...
- 17th
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a court covering Broward County. The Chief Judge is Peter M. Weinstein....
- 18th
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is composed of Brevard and Seminole Counties. The Chief Judge is J. Preston Silvernail.There is over between the courthouse in Viera and the Criminal Justice Center in Sanford...
- 19th
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties. The Chief Judge is Steven J. Levin....
- 20th
Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
The Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serves Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties. The Chief Judge is G. Keith Cary....
- First Circuit - EscambiaEscambia County, FloridaEscambia County is the westernmost county in the U.S. state of Florida. The 2010 population was 297,619. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 296,772. Its county seat is Pensacola.- History :...
, OkaloosaOkaloosa County, FloridaOkaloosa County is a county located in the state of Florida. Located in northwest Florida, it extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. As of the 2000 census, the population was 170,498. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 182,172. The 2009 estimate for the...
, Santa RosaSanta Rosa County, FloridaSanta Rosa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the population was 117,743, while a July 1, 2005, estimate placed the population at 143,105, an 18% increase making it the 84th fastest growing county in the United States between 2000 and 2005. ...
and WaltonWalton County, FloridaWalton County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 40,601. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 50,324. Its county seat is DeFuniak Springs, Florida. The county is home to the highest natural point in Florida: Britton Hill, at .- History... - Second Circuit - FranklinFranklin County, FloridaFranklin County is a coastal county located in the panhandle of the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 11,057. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 11,177...
, GadsdenGadsden County, FloridaGadsden County is a county located in the panhandle of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2000 census, the population was 45,087. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 46,428 . Its county seat is Quincy, Florida. Gadsden County is the only predominantly African-American...
, JeffersonJefferson County, FloridaJefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population is 12,902. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 14,490 . Its county seat is Monticello, Florida....
, LeonLeon County, FloridaLeon County is a county located in the state of Florida, named after the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. At the 2010 Census, the population was 275,487. The county seat of Leon County is Tallahassee which also serves as the state capital. The county seat is home to two of Florida's major...
, LibertyLiberty County, FloridaLiberty County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its population was estimated in 2005 as 7,733. Its most populous incorporated area and county seat is Bristol....
, and WakullaWakulla County, FloridaWakulla County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 22,863. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county was 28,212 people... - Third Circuit - ColumbiaColumbia County, FloridaColumbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 56,513. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 64,040 . Its county seat is Lake City, Florida....
, DixieDixie County, FloridaDixie County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 13,827. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 14,647 . Its county seat is Cross City, Florida.- History :...
, HamiltonHamilton County, FloridaHamilton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 13,327. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 13,983 . Its county seat is Jasper, Florida.- History :...
, LafayetteLafayette County, FloridaLafayette County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 7,022. It is the second least populated county in the state, having one more resident, according to the 2000 census, than Liberty County, Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is...
, MadisonMadison County, FloridaMadison County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 18,733. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 19,902. Its county seat is Madison, Florida. Madison County is one of Florida's five dry counties....
, SuwanneeSuwannee County, FloridaSuwannee County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 34,844. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county was 38,624 . Its county seat is Live Oak, Florida. Suwannee County was a dry county until August, 2011.....
and TaylorTaylor County, FloridaTaylor County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 19,256. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county was 19,622 . Its county seat is Perry, Florida.- History :Taylor County was created in 1856... - Fourth Circuit - ClayClay County, FloridaClay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2010, the population was 190,895. Its county seat is Green Cove Springs, Florida. Clay County is part of the Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan area.- History :...
, DuvalDuval County, FloridaDuval County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2010, the population was 864,263. Its county seat is Jacksonville, with which the Duval County government has been consolidated since 1968...
and NassauNassau County, FloridaNassau County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 57,663. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county was 69,835. Its county seat is Fernandina Beach, Florida.... - Fifth Circuit - CitrusCitrus County, FloridaCitrus County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 118,085. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county was 141,416 . Its county seat is Inverness, Florida...
, HernandoHernando County, FloridaHernando County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 130,802. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 165,409 . Its county seat is Brooksville, Florida. The majority of the county's population is in Spring Hill, west portion of Hernando...
, LakeLake County, FloridaLake County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 210,528. The Census Bureau estimated the population in 2008 to be 307,243. Its county seat is Tavares...
, MarionMarion County, FloridaMarion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 316,183. Its county seat is Ocala....
and SumterSumter County, FloridaSumter County is a county located in the state of Florida, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 53,345. The 2006 Census estimate puts its population at 68,768 . Its county seat is Bushnell, Florida and the largest incorporated municipality is Wildwood, Florida. The Villages,... - Sixth Circuit - PascoPasco County, FloridaPasco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 344,765. The July 1, 2007 census estimate according to the U.S. Census Bureau for the county is 462,715. Its county seat is Dade City, Florida which is in the northeast part of the county - somewhat...
and PinellasPinellas County, FloridaPinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813... - Seventh Circuit - FlaglerFlagler County, FloridaFlagler County was created in 1917 from portions of Saint Johns and Volusia counties. It was named for Henry Morrison Flagler, a famous railroad builder who built the Florida East Coast Railway. Bunnell is the county seat of Flagler County....
, PutnamPutnam County, FloridaPutnam County is a county located in the state of Florida. The entire county makes up the Palatka Micropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2000, the population was 70,423. The U.S. Census Bureau 2009 estimate for the county was 72,893 . Its county seat is Palatka, Florida. The county is centrally...
, St. JohnsSt. Johns County, FloridaSt. Johns County is a county located in northeastern Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 190,039. The county seat is St. Augustine. Due to the inclusion of Ponte Vedra Beach, it is one of the highest-income counties in the United States....
and VolusiaVolusia County, FloridaVolusia County is a county located in the state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2010 official county's population was 494,593 . Its county seat is DeLand, and its most populous city is currently Deltona....
, - Eighth Circuit - AlachuaAlachua County, FloridaAlachua County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 227,120. Its county seat is Gainesville, Florida. Alachua County is the home of the University of Florida and is also known for its diverse culture, local music, and artisans...
, BakerBaker County, FloridaBaker County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 22,259. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county is 26,164 . Its county seat is Macclenny, Florida. While primarily rural, the county is included in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area.-...
, BradfordBradford County, FloridaBradford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 26,088. The 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimate for the county was 28,118 . Its county seat is Starke, Florida. Bradford County is the home of the Florida State Prison as well as several other state...
, GilchristGilchrist County, FloridaGilchrist County is a rural county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 14,437. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 16,402. Gilchrist County has only one traffic light in the entire county and has no road with more than one lane of traffic...
, LevyLevy County, FloridaLevy County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 34,450. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 37,998. Its county seat is Bronson, Florida. Levy is pronounced lee vee.- History :...
, and UnionUnion County, FloridaUnion County is a county located in the state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county was 14,916. The county seat is Lake Butler.- History :... - Ninth Circuit - OrangeOrange County, FloridaOrange County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 1,145,956....
and OsceolaOsceola County, FloridaOsceola County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 172,493. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 244,045, making it the 17th fastest-growing county in the United States. Its county seat is Kissimmee.- History :Osceola County was... - Tenth Circuit - HardeeHardee County, FloridaHardee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 26,938. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 28,286 . Its county seat is Wauchula, Florida. The county comprises the Wauchula, Florida, Micropolitan Statistical Area.- History :It...
, HighlandsHighlands County, FloridaHighlands County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the population was 97,346. Its county seat is Sebring, Florida. The county comprises the Sebring, Florida, Micropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
, and PolkPolk County, FloridaPolk County is located in central Florida between the Tampa Bay and Greater Orlando metropolitan areas. The county was established by the state government in 1861 on the eve of the American Civil War and named after former United States president James K. Polk. The county seat is Bartow and its... - Eleventh Circuit - Miami-DadeMiami-Dade County, FloridaMiami-Dade County is a county located in the southeastern part of the state of Florida. As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 2,496,435, making it the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States...
- Twelfth Circuit - DeSotoDeSoto County, FloridaDeSoto County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 32,209. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 35,406 . Its county seat is Arcadia, Florida. The county comprises the Arcadia, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.- History :DeSoto...
, ManateeManatee County, FloridaManatee County is a county in the state of Florida. According to the 2010 census by the U.S. Census Bureau there are 322,833 people living in Manatee Country.Manatee County is part of the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, and SarasotaSarasota County, FloridaSarasota County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county was 372,057. Its county seat is Sarasota, Florida.... - Thirteenth Circuit - HillsboroughHillsborough County, FloridaAs of the census of 2000, there were 998,948 people, 391,357 households, and 255,164 families residing in the county. The population density was 951 people per square mile . There were 425,962 housing units at an average density of 405 per square mile...
- Fourteenth Circuit - BayBay County, FloridaBay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county is 163,505 . Its county seat is Panama City, Florida. The county is best known for its white sand beaches and crystal blue water, where large pods of dolphins swim year-round...
, CalhounCalhoun County, FloridaCalhoun County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 13,017. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county was 13,410 . Its county seat is Blountstown, Florida.- History :...
, GulfGulf County, FloridaGulf County is a county located in the panhandle of the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 13,332. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 13,975 . Its county seat is Port St. Joe.- History :...
, HolmesHolmes County, FloridaHolmes County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 18,564. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county was 19,264 . Its county seat is Bonifay, Florida.-History:...
, JacksonJackson County, FloridaJackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. The population as of the 2000 census was 46,755. As of 2005, the population was estimated to be 48,985 . Its county seat is Marianna, Florida.- History :...
and WashingtonWashington County, FloridaWashington County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 20,973. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county was 22,299. Its county seat is Chipley, Florida... - Fifteenth Circuit - Palm BeachPalm Beach County, FloridaPalm Beach County is the largest county in the state of Florida in total area, and third in population. As of 2010, the county's estimated population was 1,320,134, making it the twenty-eighth most populous in the United States...
- Sixteenth Circuit - MonroeMonroe County, FloridaMonroe County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 79,589. The U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimate for the county was 74,737....
- Seventeenth Circuit - BrowardBroward County, Florida-2000 Census:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,623,018 people, 654,445 households, and 411,645 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,346 people per square mile . There were 741,043 housing units at an average density of 615 per square mile...
- Eighteenth Circuit - BrevardBrevard County, FloridaBrevard County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2007 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the population is 536,521, making it the 10th most populous county in the state. Influenced by the presence of the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Brevard...
and SeminoleSeminole County, FloridaSeminole County is a county in the U.S. state of Florida. Located between Orlando to the south and Deland and Daytona Beach to the north, it is part of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. Its county seat and largest city is Sanford... - Nineteenth Circuit - Indian RiverIndian River County, FloridaIndian River County is a county located in the Treasure Coast region in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 112,947. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 128,594...
, MartinMartin County, FloridaMartin County is a county in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 126,731. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county is 138,660. Its county seat is Stuart, Florida.- History :...
, OkeechobeeOkeechobee County, FloridaOkeechobee County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 35,910. According to 2005 U.S. Census estimates, its population had grown to 39,836. The county seat is Okeechobee, Florida. The county comprises the Okeechobee, Florida Micropolitan Statistical Area.-...
and St. LucieSt. Lucie County, FloridaSt. Lucie County is a county located in the state of Florida. The county seat is the city of Fort Pierce. In the year 2000, the population was 192,695. As of the year 2010, the United States Census Bureau sets the population at 277,789.- History :... - Twentieth Circuit - CharlotteCharlotte County, FloridaCharlotte County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 141,627. In 2005, the population of the MSA was 154,030.The U.S. Census Bureau 2007 estimate for the county was 152,814...
, CollierCollier County, FloridaCollier County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 251,377. The U.S. Census Bureau 2007 estimate for the county is 315,839...
, GladesGlades County, FloridaGlades County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 10,576. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 11,252 . Its county seat is Moore Haven, Florida.- History :...
, HendryHendry County, FloridaHendry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 36,210. The U.S. Census Bureau 2007 estimate for the county is 39,611 . Its county seat is La Belle. The county comprises the Clewiston, Florida, Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:Hendry County...
and LeeLee County, FloridaLee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. Located in southwest Florida, the principal cities in the county are Fort Myers and Cape Coral...
Jurisdiction
Florida Circuit Courts have original jurisdiction not vested in the County Courts, direct review of administrative action, and the power to issue writs of mandamusMandamus
A writ of mandamus or mandamus , or sometimes mandate, is the name of one of the prerogative writs in the common law, and is "issued by a superior court to compel a lower court or a government officer to perform mandatory or purely ministerial duties correctly".Mandamus is a judicial remedy which...
, quo warranto
Quo warranto
Quo warranto is a prerogative writ requiring the person to whom it is directed to show what authority they have for exercising some right or power they claim to hold.-History:...
, certiorari
Certiorari
Certiorari is a type of writ seeking judicial review, recognized in U.S., Roman, English, Philippine, and other law. Certiorari is the present passive infinitive of the Latin certiorare...
, prohibition
Prohibition (writ)
A writ of prohibition is a writ directing a subordinate to stop doing something the law prohibits. In practice, the Court directs the Clerk to issue the Writ, and directs the Sheriff to serve it on the subordinate, and the Clerk prepares the Writ and gives it to the Sheriff, who serves it.This...
, and habeas corpus
Habeas corpus
is a writ, or legal action, through which a prisoner can be released from unlawful detention. The remedy can be sought by the prisoner or by another person coming to his aid. Habeas corpus originated in the English legal system, but it is now available in many nations...
, as well as any other writs necessary to exercise their jurisdiction.
As authorized by the legislature, and in addition to the power to issue various injunctions and other necessary orders, the Circuit Courts more specifically have the following jurisdiction:
Original jurisdiction
Original jurisdictionOriginal jurisdiction
The original jurisdiction of a court is the power to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, when a court has the power to review a lower court's decision.-France:...
is as follows:
- "[A]ll actions at law not cognizable by the county courts . . . ." Therefore, all actions except: most misdemeanorMisdemeanorA misdemeanor is a "lesser" criminal act in many common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished much less severely than felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions and regulatory offences...
cases, violations of municipal and county ordinancesLocal ordinanceA local ordinance is a law usually found in a municipal code.-United States:In the United States, these laws are enforced locally in addition to state law and federal law.-Japan:...
, some disputes occurring in homeowners' associations, and cases where the amount in controversy is equal to or less than $15,000. - "[P]roceedings relating to the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors, the granting of letters testamentaryPersonal representativeIn common law jurisdictions, a personal representative is the generic term for an executor for the estate of a deceased person who left a will or the administrator of an intestate estate. In either case, a surrogate court of competent jurisdiction issues a finding of fact, including that a will...
, guardianship, involuntary hospitalization, the determination of incompetency, and other jurisdiction usually pertaining to courts of probate . . . ." - All cases of equity, including those related to juveniles, except for traffic offenses.
- Felonies.
- All cases involving the legality of state taxTaxTo tax is to impose a financial charge or other levy upon a taxpayer by a state or the functional equivalent of a state such that failure to pay is punishable by law. Taxes are also imposed by many subnational entities...
assessment, toll, or denial of refund. - EjectmentEjectmentEjectment is the common law term for civil action to recover the possession of and title to land. It replaced the old real actions as well as the various possessory assizes...
(But not evictionEvictionHow you doing???? Eviction is the removal of a tenant from rental property by the landlord. Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction, eviction may also be known as unlawful detainer, summary possession, summary dispossess, forcible detainer, ejectment, and repossession, among other terms...
, which may be brought in county court). - TitleTitle (property)Title is a legal term for a bundle of rights in a piece of property in which a party may own either a legal interest or an equitable interest. The rights in the bundle may be separated and held by different parties. It may also refer to a formal document that serves as evidence of ownership...
and boundaries of real propertyReal propertyIn English Common Law, real property, real estate, realty, or immovable property is any subset of land that has been legally defined and the improvements to it made by human efforts: any buildings, machinery, wells, dams, ponds, mines, canals, roads, various property rights, and so forth...
.
Appellate jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdictionAppellate jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdiction is the power of the Supreme Court to review decisions and change outcomes of decisions of lower courts. Most appellate jurisdiction is legislatively created, and may consist of appeals by leave of the appellate court or by right...
is as follows:
- Appeals from County Courts (except from orders or judgments declaring invalid a state statute or provision of the State Constitution, or any orders or judgments certified by the County Court as a matter of great public importance and accepted for review by a District Court of Appeal).
- Appeals from final administrative orders of local government code enforcement boards.