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County and Circuit Court Jurisdictional Changes for Florida to go into Effect 2020
County and Circuit Court Jurisdictional Changes for Florida to go into Effect 2020
In 2020, the state of Florida’s Circuit Court jurisdictional minimum will increase to $30,000.
In 2023, the Circuit Court jurisdictional minimum will increase to $50,000.
The change in jurisdictional minimums should result in more cases being filed in County Court rather than Circuit Court, with the hope that a greater division between the two leads to faster resolution of cases.
The state of Florida has two trial court levels: Circuit Court and County Court. In most instances, the critical factor in determining whether the lawsuit is brought in Circuit Court or County Court is the amount in controversy, otherwise known as the amount of damages the plaintiff is seeking.
In May of 2019, Florida’s Governor signed into law major changes to the jurisdictional limits of Florida Courts. The changes, which go into effect January 1, 2020, change the threshold amount for circuit court jurisdiction to $30,000.00, an increase from the current threshold of $15,000.00. Thus, beginning January 1, 2020, Florida’s County Courts will have jurisdiction for lawsuits where the amount in controversy is less than $30,000.00
The jurisdictional thresholds for circuit court will increase again January 1, 2023 to $50,000.00, and county court will have jurisdiction for any controversies where the amount sought is less than $50,000.00
Jurisdiction is the legal principle by which a court is allowed to try cases and rule on the matters before it in the lawsuit. In the state of Florida, there are 20 circuit courts, and sixty-seven county courts.
It is important to note, as jurisdictional limits have increased, the new changes going into effect will not change the jurisdiction for small claims court, which has been, and will remain, for claims up to $5,000.00.
The change in jurisdictional thresholds should help reduce the burden of caseloads in the circuit court. By doing so, the hope is that cases will move faster as the judges’ dockets open up with a lighter caseload as more cases are shifted from circuit court to county court.
To determine which trial court has original jurisdiction of your matter, or to discuss your potential lawsuit in greater detail, R|A Law is here to help. Get in touch now
Gerardo Rodriguez-Albizu
Gerardo J. Rodriguez-Albizu is a seasoned attorney who represents domestic and international clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu has litigated a wide variety of cases, including matters under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), complex commercial matters, international copyright infringement, Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) cases, foreign asset seizure, international commercial arbitration, partnership break up disputes, theft of trade secrets, disputes involving banks and financial institutions (including claims under Regulation X), commercial and residential landlord-tenant disputes, among other matters.Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu also has experience with matters pending or involving foreign jurisdictions, including Central and South America, the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Drawing from his extensive litigation experience, Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu assists clients with their business law needs including forming new entities, drafting and negotiating joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and buy/sell agreements, negotiating franchise agreements, and various other contractual agreements.Additionally, Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu also has significant experience in representing U.S. and international clients with their real estate needs. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu’s experience includes assisting clients in all facets of a real estate transaction – from negotiating the purchase and sale agreement, to conducting the closing and issuing title insurance. In this regard Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu possesses experience in handling construction to permanent financing transactions, transactions involving national lenders, and all cash deals. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu also assists clients with drafting and negotiating both commercial and residential leases, either on behalf of landlords or prospective tenants.Throughout his legal career Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu has represented a wide spectrum of clients, including banks, small business owners, real estate developers, individuals, and mid-size companies. Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu has received numerous accolades from both clients and the local community in recognition of his legal services, including the “Most Effective Lawyers” award from the South Florida Daily Business Review and the “Outside Counsel of the Year” award from Areas USA, Inc. Prior to starting R|A Law, Mr. Rodriguez-Albizu worked at the international law firms Greenberg Traurig, P.A., and Diaz, Reus, and Targ, LLP.
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