Florida Courts Closed Due to Coronavirus

Florida Courts Officially Closed

The Supreme Court of Florida has officially closed the courts due to the current state of emergency caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

About the Coronavirus

For anyone who is unaware, this coronavirus is a newly discovered respiratory disease that is sweeping the world and has now been deemed a pandemic. There are global efforts in place at this time to reduce the spread and impact of the virus, including travel bans for various countries.

COVID-19 is currently being monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO), the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Florida State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).

Administrative Order from the Supreme Court of Florida

Today, the Supreme Court of Florida issued Administrative Order No. AOSC20-13 to create emergency procedures for all Florida State Courts in an effort to protect anyone and everyone who might enter a courthouse in the state over the next few weeks.

Here are a few excerpts from the order:

“All chief judges of the circuit and district courts shall continue ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the courts and court participants and to prepare to activate and implement continuity of operations (COOP) plans to address the public health emergency.”

“All grand jury proceedings, jury selection proceedings, and criminal and civil jury trials are suspended during the period beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, through Friday, March 27, 2020, or as provided by subsequent order.”

“All time periods involving the speedy trial procedure, in criminal and juvenile court proceedings, are suspended from the close of business on Friday, March 13, 2020, until the close of business on Monday, March 30, 2020, or as provided by subsequent order.”

You can read the full administrative order from the Supreme Court of Florida HERE.

Stay Safe & Healthy

Our hearts go out to the many people who have lost their lives or loved ones to this virus. From our entire team of attorneys and legal staff, we wish everyone a safe and healthy next few weeks (practice Social Distancing!), and encourage everyone to remain calm.

This virus is tragic, but we will overcome it.

For more information about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) visit:

• WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• FloridaHealth.Gov: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/