At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to providing exceptional appellate representation, guiding clients through the complexities of Florida’s appellate courts. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of appellate litigation, ensuring that your case is meticulously prepared and presented.

Florida Appellate Court System Overview

Florida’s appellate system comprises two primary courts: the District Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

  • District Courts of Appeal (DCAs): Serving as intermediate appellate courts, Florida’s six DCAs review decisions from lower courts. Each DCA has jurisdiction over specific regions:
    • First District Court of Appeal: Headquartered in Tallahassee
    • Second District Court of Appeal: Temporarily headquartered in Tampa until the new courthouse in St. Petersburg is completed
    • Third District Court of Appeal: Headquartered in Miami
    • Fourth District Court of Appeal: Headquartered in West Palm Beach
    • Fifth District Court of Appeal: Headquartered in Daytona Beach
    • Sixth District Court of Appeal: Headquartered in Lakeland
  • Florida Supreme Court: As the state’s highest court, it has discretionary jurisdiction over appeals from the DCAs and direct jurisdiction in specific cases, such as those involving constitutional questions. The court is located in Tallahassee.

Caseload and Statistics

Florida’s appellate courts manage substantial caseloads annually. For instance, between 2015 and 2022, the District Courts of Appeal received an average of 20,424 filings per year. In 2024, the First District Court of Appeal’s case filings were categorized as follows:

  • Criminal: 50%
  • Civil: 31%
  • Administrative: 15%
  • Workers’ Compensation: 4%

These statistics reflect the diverse nature of cases handled by Florida’s appellate courts. citeturn0search2

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in Florida are governed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. These rules outline the procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, brief requirements, and oral argument protocols. Adherence to these rules is crucial for the successful progression of an appeal. The complete set of rules can be accessed through the Florida Courts’ official website.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: Initiate the appeal by filing a notice of appeal with the clerk of the lower tribunal within the prescribed timeframe after the judgment or decision.
  2. Preparation of the Record: Compile the trial court record, including transcripts and relevant documents, to be reviewed by the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits a brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee may respond with their brief, and the appellant can file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court will issue a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

Florida’s appellate courts have presided over several notable cases:

  • Bush v. Gore (2000): This landmark case arose from the 2000 presidential election dispute in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court’s decision to order a manual recount was subsequently reviewed and overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, effectively determining the election outcome.
  • Graham v. Florida (2010): The U.S. Supreme Court reviewed a decision from Florida’s appellate courts, ruling that sentencing a juvenile to life imprisonment without parole for a non-homicide offense violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments.

Contact Information

Florida Supreme Court

  • Address: 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
  • Phone: (850) 488-0125
  • Website: Florida Supreme Court
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 30.4383° N, 84.2840° W

First District Court of Appeal

  • Address: 2000 Drayton Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32399
  • Phone: (850) 487-1000
  • Website: First District Court of Appeal
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 30.4213° N, 84.2696° W

Second District Court of Appeal

  • Address: 811 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Phone: (863) 499-2290
  • Website: Second District Court of Appeal
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 28.0395° N, 81.9498° W

Third District Court of Appeal

  • Address: 2001 SW 117th Avenue, Miami, FL 33175
  • Phone: (305) 229-3200
  • Website: Third District Court of Appeal
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 25.7601° N, 80.4011° W

Fourth District Court of Appeal

  • Address: 110 South Tamarind Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
  • Phone: (561) 242-2000
  • Website: Fourth District Court of Appeal
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 26.7131° N, 80.0684° W

Fifth District Court of Appeal

  • Address: 300 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
  • Phone: (386) 947-1530
  • Website: Fifth District Court of Appeal
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 29.2116° N, 81.0159° W

Sixth District Court of Appeal

  • Address: 811 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
  • Phone: (863) 499-2290
  • Website: Sixth District Court of Appeal
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Coordinates: 28.0395° N, 81.9498° W

Brownstone Law: Your Trusted Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, our team is committed to providing expert appellate representation throughout Florida. Whether you are appealing a civil, criminal, or administrative case, our experienced attorneys and post conviction lawyer are ready to fight for your rights in Florida’s appellate courts.

If you need guidance on an appeal, contact us today.

🔗 Visit our website: Brownstone Law

📞 Call us: (888) 233-8895

📍 Office Locations: Available throughout Florida