Question 1

How should I dress for Jury Service?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate attire for jury duty is "business casual" or "business appropriate," showing respect for the court. Wear slacks, khakis, skirts, or button-down shirts, and bring a sweater or jacket as courtrooms are heavily air-conditioned. Avoid shorts, tank tops, T-shirts, ripped clothing, flip-flops, and hats.

Question 2

Why are so many people summonsed for jury service? Why can’t the jury selection process take less time?

Accepted Answer

It may seem like a lot of time is wasted during the juror selection process and that far too many people are summoned to jury duty in relation to how many are actually needed to serve. Many trial-related matters handled between the court and the attorneys must be addressed outside the presence of the jury. These events often arise unexpectedly and cannot be planned in advance. Cases may settle before a trial is to start which eliminates the need for a jury. Some cases are longer in length and more difficult than others, which may require a larger number of jurors for the selection process. These factors are unpredictable and may, at times, negate the need for your services the day you arrive for jury service. It is the presence of available jurors that enables the trials to proceed and may, without your knowledge, accelerate a case being resolved. When these instances occur, you have played a vital role in our legal system despite not actually serving on a jury.

Question 3

I know I will not be selected to be on a jury because of what I do for a living. May I be immediately excused from jury service?

Accepted Answer

The Pinellas County Circuit and County courts try both criminal and civil matters. The random selection process plus the large number of cases set on the docket prevents you from knowing what type of trial you may be selected. If the judge excuses you from a certain case, you may be sent to another courtroom or you may be dismissed and have fulfilled your jury service obligation. The Jury Services department can only excuse you if you are employed as a full-time law enforcement officer.

Question 4

I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused from jury service?

Accepted Answer

Florida law does not provide for an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs. You are still required to appear for jury service. Only the Court has that discretion. You may address these concerns when you are before the Judge.

Question 5

I have been called for jury service several times. However, I know many people who have never been called. How is this possible?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Statutes requires the selection to be random and all names are placed back on the list every year. Jurors are selected from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle files, which include both licensed Florida drivers and those who have a Florida identification card. Jurors who have served within one year from their last service date may be excused.

Question 6

Does my employer have to pay me while I am serving as a juror?

Accepted Answer

No. Florida state law does not require employers to compensate their employees while they are serving on jury duty.

Question 7

Can my employer prevent me from serving or can I be terminated from my job for having jury service?

Accepted Answer

No. Florida law prohibits any employer from preventing a person from serving as a juror or firing an employee who is serving on jury duty.

Jury Service

About Jury Service

Pasco County Jury Service

Pinellas County Jury Service

Videos

Jury Service FAQ

How should I dress for Jury Service?

Why are so many people summonsed for jury service? Why can’t the jury selection process take less time?

I know I will not be selected to be on a jury because of what I do for a living. May I be immediately excused from jury service?

I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused from jury service?

I have been called for jury service several times. However, I know many people who have never been called. How is this possible?

Does my employer have to pay me while I am serving as a juror?

Can my employer prevent me from serving or can I be terminated from my job for having jury service?

Jury Service

About Jury Service

Pasco County Jury Service

Pinellas County Jury Service

Videos

Jury Service FAQ

How should I dress for Jury Service?

Why are so many people summonsed for jury service? Why can’t the jury selection process take less time?

I know I will not be selected to be on a jury because of what I do for a living. May I be immediately excused from jury service?

I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused from jury service?

I have been called for jury service several times. However, I know many people who have never been called. How is this possible?

Does my employer have to pay me while I am serving as a juror?

Can my employer prevent me from serving or can I be terminated from my job for having jury service?

Start typing and press enter to search