Florida Chief Justice limits in-person hearings to “essential proceedings” only

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady issued an Administrative Order on March 17, limiting court proceedings to “essential proceedings” only.

All circuit and county courts are to continue to perform essential court proceedings, including first appearance, criminal arraignments, hearings on bail motions, juvenile dependency shelter hearings, juvenile delinquency detention hearings, and hearings on certain petitions.

Courts may also hear proceedings related to the current public health emergency orders.

The order leaves open the possibility that other court proceedings could occur in the future if they “can be effectively conducted remotely.”

Courts are to “employ all methods practicable to minimize risk of COVID-19 exposure to individuals involved in the proceedings or the general public.”