ADA Assistance
Learn about accessibility services and request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.
Accessibility Information
Americans with Disabilities Act Assistance (ADA)
The Sixth Judicial Circuit provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities to enable their full participation in court proceedings. These accommodations are determined after discussion with the person requiring accommodation regarding his or her specific needs. The Administrative Office of the Courts coordinates an average of 35-40 such requests each month, including provisions for deaf interpreters, assistive listening systems, wheelchairs, real-time reporting, enlarged print, readers, closed captioning, etc.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.
ADA Accommodations for Pasco County and Pinellas County
ADA Accommodation Request in Pasco County
Please contact either the Pasco County Customer Service Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654, (727) 847-2411 (V) or the Pasco County Risk Management Office, 7536 State Street, New Port Richey, FL 34654, (727) 847-8028 (V) at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
ADA Accommodation Request in Pinellas County
Click on the links below to access the Electronic ADA Accommodation Request and the Spoken Language Court Interpreter Request for Pinellas County. Questions about completing these forms? Please call (727) 464-4062
Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 9:30am to 4:00pm.
Open ADA Accommodation Request Form
Open Spoken Language Court Interpreter Request Form
Wheelchair Availability
Wheelchairs are available at all courthouses in Pasco and Pinellas counties on a first-come, first-served basis. These are provided to assist visitors who may need support navigating the courthouse.
If you require a wheelchair, please notify courthouse staff upon arrival or contact the courthouse in advance of your visit. Staff will be available to assist you as needed.
Assisted Listening Systems
Assisted listening systems are in place in all courtrooms at Pinellas County’s Justice Center, at Pasco County’s West Pasco Judicial Center (7530 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654), the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center (38053 Live Oak Avenue, Dade City, FL 33523) and in select courtrooms at the Clearwater and St. Petersburg Courthouses.
Court participants needing to use these systems should notify the attending sheriff’s deputy or call the above phone numbers in advance of the hearing. Headsets will be provided. Personal amplification devices can be provided in courtrooms and meeting rooms not equipped with full systems. These can be accessed by request, also in advance of the hearing.
Deaf Interpreter Services
Deaf interpreter services are available upon request to ensure effective communication for court participants who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Court coordinates qualified interpreters through contracted local providers.
If you need interpreter services, please submit your request in advance of your scheduled hearing to allow time for coordination. All interpreters follow the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s Code of Ethics for Interpreters for the Hearing Impaired.
Services Not Provided
Examples of aids or services the Sixth Judicial Circuit cannot provide include:
- Transportation to and from the courthouse
- Legal counsel or advice
- An official transcript of a court proceeding
- Personal services such as medical or attendant care
- Readers for personal use or study
Additional Exclusions
Additionally, the Administrative Office of the Courts cannot grant requests that impact court procedures within a specific case. Requests for an extension of time, a change of venue, or participation in court proceedings by telephone or videoconferencing must be submitted by written motion to the presiding judge as part of the case. The judge may consider an individual’s disability, along with other relevant factors, in granting or denying the motion. Furthermore, the court cannot exceed the law in granting a request for an accommodation. For example, the court cannot extend the statute of limitations for filing an action because someone claims that he or she could not make it to the court on time because of a disability, nor can the court modify the terms of agreements among parties as an ADA accommodation.
Finally, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require the court system to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of court programs, services, or activities, or that would impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the courts.
View Grievance Procedure for the Sixth Judicial Circuit (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about accessibility accommodations, service coordination, and request procedures within the Sixth Judicial Circuit. These resources are designed to help you navigate our facilities and services with confidence.