Florida Courts and Judges Key Terms

Explore courts and judges key terms to learn about Florida's judicial system

By Michele Vrouvas

As a businessman in Florida, you know just how consequential state court decisions handed down by state courts and judges can be. These decisions can determine the benefits you offer your employees, the minimum wage you pay them and even whether you make structural changes at your facility to accommodate special needs. With a quick review of key terms, you can learn the ins and outs of Florida’s judicial system that might significantly impact how you do business.

Alternative dispute resolution

Attorneys rely on alternative dispute resolution to solve cases without going to trial. Also known as ADR, alternative dispute resolution can take many forms, from mediations in which a neutral arbitrator tries to coach the parties toward agreement, to a formal arbitration proceeding in which both parties present their side of the case and the arbitrator hands down a binding decision.
Try: Guide to Florida Law points out that ADR is a quicker and more flexible approach to resolving lawsuits but may not be appropriate in every situation.

Florida's county courts

Florida's county courts are spread out over the state's 67 counties. County court judges must be members of the Florida Bar. They serve on the county courts for six years and then become eligible for appointment to the state's circuit court.
Try: Go to Florida's County Courts to find out the jurisdiction of the county courts and why they’re called “the people’s courts.”

Florida district courts

Florida's district courts hear cases on appeal from the trial courts. Three judges, appointed for six-year terms, sit on each of the five district courts which came into existence in 1957.
Try: Florida’s District Courts explains the jurisdiction of the district courts, their administration by a chief judge and why the courts have the power to review decisions made by state agencies.

Merit retention

Florida has had the merit retention system since the 1970s. It allows the governor to select judges from a list that the state's Judicial Nominating Commission prepares. Citizens in the state then get to vote on whether or not the judge should be retained.
Try: The Florida Supreme Court explains the nominating and voting process under the merit retention system.

Rules of procedure

Rules of procedure establish court procedures attorneys and judges follow as they perform specific actions related to a case. The rules tell attorneys what kind of evidence is allowed, how and when to schedule hearings and how to appeal an adverse decision.
Try: The Florida Bar links you to many of the state’s rules of procedure, including those for civil and criminal matters, judicial administration, probate matters and traffic court.

The Sunshine Law

Florida enacted The Sunshine Law in 1967 to help citizens and public employees understand the state's "open" government laws. This law allows public access to local and state meetings, including those held by special commissions.
Try: Go to My Florida Sunshine to learn how this law impacts your right to review public records.