Chief Judge Crawford has authorized the cancellation of all court proceedings in Seminole and Brevard Counties effective Noon, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, through Thursday, October 10, 2024.
A decision will be made Thursday regarding Friday proceedings.Stay informed by following us on Facebook or X (Twitter). You may also call (321) 637-5700 in Brevard or (407) 665-4945 in Seminole.

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts
Serving the Citizens of Brevard and Seminole Counties

Courtroom Rules and Regulations

The following are the rules and policies governing all divisions of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court. All parties are expected to follow these rules.

Dress Appropriately

Court business is very important. Shorts, tank or halter tops, undershirts, sunglasses, and hats are forbidden. The judges have the authority to ban persons not appropriately dressed from participating in the proceedings.

Cell Phones, Pagers and Other Electronic Devices

Cell phones and pagers should be left at home and not brought to the courthouse. The use of cell phones and/or pagers in the courtroom is strictly prohibited.

Speaking Etiquette & Interruptions

  1. A court proceeding is not a free-for-all where people can say whatever they want whenever they feel like it.
  2. Parties do not speak unless they are directed by the judge or lawyer to speak, then speak only to the judge or lawyer.
  3. A party never speaks directly to the other spouse in court.
  4. Interruptions, sarcasm, insults, and unresponsive answers will not be tolerated.
  5. Do not start arguments with or threaten anyone.
  6. The judge has the authority to hold you in contempt of court or expel anyone from the courtroom who hinders the orderly conduct of business.

Disruptive and Antagonistic Behavior

While it is expected that the parties may be upset when they come to court, they are expected to keep their anger and other offensive behavior under control.

Proposed Guidelines While in Court

  1. Court business is important, valuable, and orderly. The following are guidelines for all courtrooms and hearing rooms of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.
  2. Arrive a few minutes early.
  3. Always be calm and respectful during court.
  4. As a general rule, parties should speak only when the judge or an attorney requests them to do so.
  5. Dress in a manner that is not distracting. Some judges may ask you to leave the court proceeding if your clothing is distracting or otherwise inappropriate.
  6. Mobile phones and portable electronic devices should be in silent mode.
  7. Some judges may not allow mobile phones or devices in court.

Florida Courts Help available at the touch of a screen:

For constituents, customers, or callers seeking help with family law cases – divorce, adoption, name change, custody, order of protection, and much more – there is now a one-stop source for lots of information aimed at self-represented people. Florida Courts Help is available at app stores as well as online at help.flcourts.gov.

View Case Management Administrative Orders, video tutorial on how to properly complete and submit Case Management Plan/Orders, and more. Please ensure you are utilizing the most recent Case Management Plan and Case Management Order. Click here to view Civil Case Management Orders & Forms (Updated on 4/16/2024)
Case Management Plan/Orders