โก Florida Jury Duty Pay โ Quick Facts
If you've received a jury summons in Florida, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Florida jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 โ from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.
โ Quick Answer: Florida state courts pay jurors $15/day. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.29/mi. Employer pay is NOT required. You cannot be fired for serving jury duty in Florida.
Florida Jury Duty Pay Schedule
Florida's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Florida follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1โ10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.
| Service Type | Daily Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Florida State Court | $15/day | Standard state rate |
| Federal Court (in Florida) | $50โ$60/day | Separate from state court |
| Grand Jury (Florida) | $15/day | Same rate, longer duration |
| Mileage Reimbursement | $0.29/mi | Travel to courthouse |
Important note: Florida jury pay varies by county. Some counties offer higher supplemental pay.
Mileage Reimbursement in Florida
The court reimburses jurors at $0.29/mi for travel to the courthouse. You must track your mileage each day and submit a mileage log to the jury clerk at the end of your service. Keep all parking receipts as many courts reimburse parking separately.
Example Calculation
If you live 20 miles from the courthouse and serve for 4 days:
- Court pay: 4 ร $15 = calculated by your state rate
- Mileage: 20 miles ร $0.29/mi ร 4 days
- Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals
Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Florida?
The answer in Florida: โ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).
While not legally required, many large employers in Florida voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.
๐ก Pro Tip: Even though Florida doesn't require it, many large companies and government employers provide full jury duty pay voluntarily. Always ask HR or check your handbook before your service begins.
Your Legal Rights as a Florida Juror
Florida, like all US states, has anti-retaliation laws protecting jurors from employment consequences:
- Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury
- Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
- You are entitled to return to your same position after service ends
- Benefits (health insurance, retirement) continue during your service period
- If retaliated against, you can seek legal remedies including reinstatement and back pay
Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Florida?
Florida courts allow jurors to request postponement or hardship exemptions. Generally accepted reasons include:
- Extreme financial hardship (especially self-employed individuals with documented income loss)
- Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
- Medical conditions verified by a physician's letter
- Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be reasonably postponed
- Prior jury service within a disqualifying period
Contact your local Florida court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.
Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Florida?
Yes. Jury duty pay received from Florida courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on your federal tax return (Form 1040). If your state has an income tax, it is likely taxable at the state level as well.
Exception: if your employer requires you to remit your court stipend to them because they are paying your full salary, you can deduct the amount you return from your federal taxable income.
๐ Tax Tip: Keep all jury duty payment receipts from the Florida courthouse. The court may issue a 1099-G or similar document if your total pay exceeds certain thresholds.
Jury Duty Pay in Major Florida Cities & Counties
While the state court rate of $15/day applies across Florida, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Florida:
๐๏ธ Major Cities Covered
๐บ๏ธ County Guides & Local Laws
Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $15/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies โ always verify with your summons.
How Jurors are Selected in Florida
Like most states, Florida uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:
- Registered voters in Florida
- Licensed drivers and state ID holders from the DMV
If your name belongs to either of these databases, you are eligible to be randomly summoned. Florida law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.
Florida Courthouse Dress Code & Rules
When reporting for jury duty in Florida, you must adhere to the court's dress code. Courts enforce a business casual policy.
- Do not wear: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive messaging.
- Security: All Florida courthouses have security screening. Do not bring pocket knives, mace, or weapons of any kind.
- Electronics: Most courts allow cell phones in the jury assembly room, but they must be completely turned off when entering a courtroom.
What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in Florida?
Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Florida can result in serious legal consequences, including:
- Being held in Contempt of Court
- Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the specific judge and county
- A new summons to appear in court and explain your absence
If you genuinely cannot attend, always follow the proper postponement or excuse procedures outlined on your summons rather than simply failing to appear.
County-Specific Jury Duty Guides
Florida allows for unique local ordinances that can significantly change your juror experience, especially regarding employer pay. Explore our detailed guides for Florida's largest counties:
- Miami-Dade Jury Duty Pay Guide โ Learn about the mandatory employer pay ordinance and downtown parking.
- Broward County Jury Duty Pay Guide โ Detailed info on the 5-day employer pay mandate in Fort Lauderdale.
Florida County Variations & Courthouses
Line 491:Florida County Variations & Courthouses
While Florida mandates a statewide daily pay rate of $15, the logistics of your service will depend heavily on your county. Each Florida circuit court has its own call-in procedures, online portals, and parking validation rules.
Primary Reporting Locations
If you are summoned for state court in Florida, you will likely report to one of these major judicial hubs:
- Miami: Miami-Dade County Courthouse or the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building.
- Orlando: Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando.
- Tampa: Hillsborough County Courthouse (Edgecomb Courthouse).
- Jacksonville: Duval County Courthouse.
- Fort Lauderdale: Broward County Courthouse.
Notable County Differences
Florida counties manage their jurors with varying degrees of automation and amenity:
- Parking: In Miami-Dade, parking is validated at specific county garages, but many jurors prefer to use the Metrorail (the court is adjacent to Government Center Station). In Hillsborough (Tampa), parking is validated at the Fort Brooke Garage.
- Online Portals: Orange County is known for its "eResponse" system, which allows for quick postponement and status updates. Other counties may still rely more heavily on phone-based call-in systems.
- Security: All Florida courthouses require security screening. High-volume courts like those in Broward and Palm Beach often have longer wait times for entry during the morning rush.
Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Orlando, Florida
To help you understand how Florida's compensation works in practice, letโs look at a typical 5-day service stint for a juror reporting to the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando.
Scenario: 5 full days of attendance, 20-mile daily commute.
- Attendance Pay: $75.00 (5 days of service × $15.00/day)
- Mileage Reimbursement: $29.00 (20 miles × $0.29/mi × 5 days)
- Total Estimated Payment: $104.00
*Note: If your employer pays your full salary, Florida law generally requires that you do not receive the $15 court stipend, or that it be remitted to your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions โ Florida Jury Duty
How much do you get paid for jury duty in Florida?
Florida state courts pay jurors $15/day. Federal courts in Florida pay $50/day (days 1โ10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.29/mi.
What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Florida?
Self-employed individuals in Florida receive only the standard court stipend of $15/day โ there is no employer to supplement it. If your business income will be significantly impacted, you may apply for a financial hardship exemption. Document your income loss carefully for the court.
Does Florida require grand jury pay?
Grand jurors in Florida generally receive the same $15/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Florida courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.
Where do I report for jury duty in Florida?
Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Florida's major jury courts are located in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document โ never assume based on proximity.
โ๏ธ Protect Your Job and Your Pay
Under federal and state law, you are protected from retaliation for serving jury duty. If you're having trouble with your employer, get an expert legal consultation today.
Talk to a Labor Lawyer โCalculate Your Florida Jury Duty Pay
Use our free calculator to estimate your exact compensation including employer pay and mileage reimbursement.
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