Jurisdiction in Florida Law
Jurisdiction is the court’s authority to hear and decide a case. Without proper jurisdiction, a court’s judgment is void. Florida jurisdiction has three components: subject matter, personal, and territorial.
Subject Matter Jurisdiction
- Circuit courts: Civil cases >$50,000, family law, felonies, probate, real property
- County courts: Civil cases up to $50,000, misdemeanors
- District courts of appeal: Appellate jurisdiction
Personal Jurisdiction
- Long-arm statute (Section 48.193) reaches non-residents who:
- Operate business or commit torts in Florida
- Own Florida real property
- Breach contracts performable in Florida
- Participate in JVs with Florida participants
General vs. Specific
- General: Continuous, systematic contacts; any claim
- Specific: Claims arising from Florida contacts
- Real property ownership: specific jurisdiction for property claims
Related Terms
- Venue — Proper court location
- Long-Arm Statute — Non-resident jurisdiction
Barnes Walker Litigation
Barnes Walker’s attorneys analyze jurisdiction issues in civil and real estate litigation throughout Southwest Florida. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC