Florida Courts Jurisdiction
This page is a general guide to the Jurisdiction of courts In Florida. The bullets below specify matters within the primary Jurisdiction of each court. This information is not intended to be comprehensive; many exceptions and distinctions exist.
Supreme Court
- Death penalty cases
- Decisions of district courts invalidating a provision in the state constitution or statute
- Bond validations
- Public utility cases
The Florida Supreme Court also has discretionary jurisdiction over appeals from the District Courts of Appeal for the following:
- Validating a state statute
- Construction of Florida or U.S. constitutions
- Decisions affecting a class of constitutional or statutory officers
- Direct conflict with a supreme court or another district court decision
- Certain certified questions or conflict certified by the district court
District Court of Appeals
- All matters not directly appealable to the supreme court or a circuit court
- Administrative appeals if provided by law
The District Courts of Appeal also has discretionary jurisdiction over appeals from the Circuit Courts for questions certified by the county court in a final judgment that is appealable to the circuit court.
Circuit Courts
- Felonies
- Family law
- Civil cases > $50,000
- Probate, guardianship, mental health
- Juvenile dependency, delinquency
- Appeals of decisions in certain administrative, noncriminal infraction, and other types of cases
County Courts
- Misdemeanors
- Civil cases ≤ $50,000
- Small claims ≤ $8,000
- Traffic
Last Modified: March 26, 2024