Trial Courts - County

Florida's county courts are trial courts with limited jurisdiction set by statute. The majority of trials that are heard by a judge instead of a jury take place at the county court level.

Organization

Florida has 67 counties, and each county has at least one county court judge. The number of judges in a county is based on a review of the number and complexity of cases in that county and other factors set out in court rules. When necessary, the chief judge of a circuit may assign county court judges within the circuit to hear circuit court cases. The clerk and the trial court administrator for each circuit also serve the county courts within their respective circuits.

To find information about county courts, please visit the circuit court page for a complete list of counties and circuits.

More information about the administration of Florida's courts is available in the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration maintained by The Florida Bar.

Jurisdiction

County court jurisdiction is set by statute. County courts have limited jurisdiction to hear cases such as traffic offenses, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims cases up to $8,000, misdemeanor criminal matters, violations of municipal and county ordinances, and monetary disputes up to $50,000.