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The Structure of the Florida Judicial System

 

Appellate Courts

Supreme Court - 1

  • Seven justices: six-year terms
  • Sits in Tallahassee
  • Five justices constitute a quorum

 

 

District Courts of Appeal - 5

  • Sixty-one judges: six-year terms
  • Five districts:
           1st District - Tallahassee - 15 judges
           2nd District - Lakeland - 6 judges
                                 - Tampa - 8 judges
            3rd District - Miami - 11 judges
            4th District - West Palm Bch. -12 judges
            5th District - Daytona Bch. - 9 judges
  • Cases are reviewd by three-judge panels

 

Trial Courts

Circuit Courts - 20

  • 468 judges - six-year terms
  • Twenty judicial circuits
  • Different number of judges in each circuit
  • Judges preside individually, except in some circumstances appeals from county court are reviewed by three-judge-panels

 

County Courts - 67

  • 263 judges - six-year terms
  • At least one judge in each county
  • Judges preside individually