VIEW FLORIDA'S COURT SYSTEM 

Florida is divided into twenty Judicial Circuits, or areas of jurisdiction, each of which is composed of Circuit and County courts.  Together with the five District Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Florida, they constitute the Florida State Courts System. The mission of the Florida judicial branch is to protect rights and liberties, uphold and interpret the law, and provide for the peaceful resolution of  disputes. 

Supreme Court:  The Supreme Court of Florida is the state’s highest court of judicial review and is located in Tallahassee.  It consists of seven justices who review questions of law from the District Courts of Appeal and capital death penalty cases from the circuit courts.  Initially appointed by the governor, the justices of the Supreme Court participate in a statewide merit retention election every six years.

District Courts of Appeal:  The state is divided into five appellate districts and the five District Courts of Appeal review decisions appealed from the circuit courts.  District Court of Appeal judges are appointed by the governor and participate in merit retention elections every six years.  Appeals from the First Judicial Circuit Court are reviewed and decided by the First District Court of Appeal, located in Tallahassee. 

Trial Courts:  Florida has a two-tier trial court system consisting of Circuit and County courts within each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits.  Judges in the Circuit and County courts are elected by popular vote, but may be appointed by the governor when vacancies arise.  Circuit and County judges serve six-year terms, at the end of which they may run for re-election. The purpose of Florida’s trial courts is to protect and declare the rights and responsibilities of the people; to uphold and interpret the law; and to provide a forum for the just and peaceful resolution of legal and factual disputes.