Civil Court
The Circuit Civil Division handles civil actions in which the damages being sought or the matter in controversy is $15,000.00 and above. Some types of cases that are filed in the Circuit Civil Division are:
-
Negligence
-
Professional or Medical Malpractice
-
Contract and Indebtedness Disputes
-
Actions Relating to Real Property
-
Mortgage Foreclosures
-
Eminent Domain Suits
-
Declaratory Judgments
-
Injunctions
-
Interpleader
-
Replevins
-
Writs of Certiorari
-
Habeas Corpus Proceedings
-
All other civil actions that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the County Court
Due to the complex legal nature of these cases, the Circuit Civil Division does not offer any forms or advice on how to proceed with these actions.
Criminal Court
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated by the State Legislature as felonies. A felony is a criminal offense punishable by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary. The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over all cases in which a child is alleged to have committed a delinquent act or violation of law. A law enforcement officer files a delinquent complaint when a juvenile is alleged to have committed a felony, misdemeanor, contempt of court, or violation of a local ordinance.
The County Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense, which is punishable by imprisonment in a county correctional facility. The County Court also has jurisdiction over criminal traffic cases. Criminal Traffic Laws, which are defined by the Florida Rules of Court as a violation that may subject a defendant upon conviction to incarceration.