The Florida circuit courts are state courts and trial courts [1] of original jurisdiction for most controversies. In Florida, the circuit courts are one of four types of courts created by the Florida Constitution (the other three being the Florida Supreme Court, Florida district courts of appeal, and Florida county courts). [2]
The circuit courts primarily handle felony criminal cases; family law matters; civil cases where the amount in controversy is greater than $50,000; probate, guardianship, and mental health cases; juvenile dependency and delinquency cases; and appeals of decisions in certain administrative, noncriminal infractions, and other types of cases. [3]
There are 20 judicial circuits in Florida, all but five of which span multiple counties. They are: [4]
Florida circuit courts have original jurisdiction not vested in the county courts, direct review of administrative action, and the power to issue writs of mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, prohibition, and habeas corpus, as well as any other writs necessary to exercise their jurisdiction. [5]
As authorized by the legislature, and in addition to the power to issue various injunctions and other necessary orders, [6] the circuit courts more specifically have the following jurisdiction:
Original jurisdiction is as follows:
Appellate jurisdiction is as follows:
Circuit court judges are elected by the voters of the circuits in nonpartisan, contested elections against other persons who choose to qualify as candidates for the position. Circuit court judges serve for six-year terms, and they are subject to the same disciplinary standards and procedures as Supreme Court Justices and district court judges. [15]
The Florida circuit courts are state courts and trial courts [1] of original jurisdiction for most controversies. In Florida, the circuit courts are one of four types of courts created by the Florida Constitution (the other three being the Florida Supreme Court, Florida district courts of appeal, and Florida county courts). [2]
The circuit courts primarily handle felony criminal cases; family law matters; civil cases where the amount in controversy is greater than $50,000; probate, guardianship, and mental health cases; juvenile dependency and delinquency cases; and appeals of decisions in certain administrative, noncriminal infractions, and other types of cases. [3]
There are 20 judicial circuits in Florida, all but five of which span multiple counties. They are: [4]
Florida circuit courts have original jurisdiction not vested in the county courts, direct review of administrative action, and the power to issue writs of mandamus, quo warranto, certiorari, prohibition, and habeas corpus, as well as any other writs necessary to exercise their jurisdiction. [5]
As authorized by the legislature, and in addition to the power to issue various injunctions and other necessary orders, [6] the circuit courts more specifically have the following jurisdiction:
Original jurisdiction is as follows:
Appellate jurisdiction is as follows:
Circuit court judges are elected by the voters of the circuits in nonpartisan, contested elections against other persons who choose to qualify as candidates for the position. Circuit court judges serve for six-year terms, and they are subject to the same disciplinary standards and procedures as Supreme Court Justices and district court judges. [15]