Jury Selection & Jury Duty

On behalf of the Courts, the Clerk’s Office wishes to thank all those citizens for their time and dedication towards the important responsibility of juror service. We have a government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Citizens acting as jurors is implementing government by the people. The right to a trial by jury is one of the principles guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and plays a vital role in our justice system. Without citizens performing their service, this right would be impossible.

The Clerk’s office summons approximately 1,200 jurors a year. Prospective jurors are randomly selected from the Florida Department of Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) records. The technology that randomly chooses jurors must be approved by the Florida Supreme Court to guarantee that the selection is truly random. All Union County residents who are eighteen years and older who possess a driver license or identification card are eligible for selection. We receive and update these records monthly.

Reporting

If you have been summoned for jury duty, please check the status below for reporting instructions. If you have questions, please call 386-496-3711.

Length of Service

Your first day of service is normally limited to jury selection. All juries for trial scheduled during the week are selected on the first day of service, and you will be instructed when to return for trial.

Attire

The dress code for court is general business attire. Casual attire is acceptable. However, you should not wear tank tops, shorts, or flip-flops.

American Disabilities Act (ADA)

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact (386) 496-3711 within two (2) working days of your receipt of this jury summons; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 1-800-955-8771.

Excusals

You may complete the Juror Excusal and Postponement form that is included in your jury summons packet, if you qualify for the excuses listed. Otherwise, follow the instructions on the form. If you need additional information, or have an emergency situation that will prevent you from jury service, contact our office.

Payment for Jury Service

If you will receive regular pay from your employer during jury service, you are not entitled to compensation for the first three days of jury service. If you will not receive regular pay, you are entitled to receive $15 per day for the first three days of service. All jurors will receive $30 on the fourth day and each day thereafter. The Juror Compensation form included with your jury summons must be completed and turned into the Clerk when you report.

Parking

Juror parking is provided in the parking lot behind the Union County Courthouse.