Florida Courts

The Florida courts system includes the Supreme Court, six district courts of appeal, 20 circuit courts, and 67 county courts. Each layer of the Florida judicial system has a distinct role in providing justice across the state. 

Court System Organization & Structure

Appellate Courts

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Florida is the highest court in the state and reviews all final orders imposing death sentences, district court decisions declaring a state statute or provision of the Florida Constitution invalid, bond validations, and certain orders of the Public Service Commission on utility rates and services. The supreme court may choose to review decisions of district courts of appeal that expressly declare a state statute valid, construe a provision of the state or federal constitution, affect a class of constitutional or state officers, or directly conflict with a decision of another district court or of the supreme court on the same question of law.

The supreme court also serves regulatory functions with exclusive authority to regulate the admission and discipline of lawyers in Florida, as well as the authority to discipline and remove judges.

District Courts of Appeal

Florida's six district courts of appeal hear appeals from trial court cases and other matters within their jurisdiction to correct harmful errors and to promote clarity and consistency in the law by publishing opinions that set precedents. Most trial court decisions that are appealed are reviewed by three-judge panels at the district courts of appeal. As a general rule, decisions of the district courts of appeal represent the final appellate review of litigated cases.

Trial Courts

Trial Courts - Circuit

Florida's 20 circuit courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction. The majority of jury trials in Florida take place in the circuit courts.

Trial Courts – County

Florida's 67 county courts are trial courts with limited jurisdiction set by statute. The majority of trials that are heard by a judge instead of a jury take place at the county court level.

Office of the State Courts Administrator

The Office of the State Courts Administrator (OSCA) was created in 1972 to serve the chief justice in carrying out his or her responsibilities as the chief administrative officer of the judicial branch, which includes the Florida Supreme Court, six district courts of appeal, 20 circuit courts, and 67 county courts. OSCA is led by the state courts administrator, who serves under the direction of the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court and the six other justices. The state courts administrator oversees the operation of court initiatives and administrative functions.

OSCA handles a broad range of budgetary, fiscal, intergovernmental, statistical, technological, educational, legal, and other responsibilities necessary for the operation of the state courts. Additionally, OSCA provides professional and administrative support to the councils, commissions, committees, and workgroups appointed by the Florida Supreme Court. Essentially, OSCA works to ensure that the State Courts System runs smoothly.

Mission & Vision

Read the Mission & Vision of Florida's judicial branch.