If you've received a summons to report to the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building or the Miami-Dade County Courthouse, here is a practical look at how much you'll make, where to park, and what your employer owes you under Florida law.
Miami-Dade County pays $15 per day for the first three days of jury service if your employer does not continue to pay your regular wages. Starting on the fourth day, the state pays all jurors $30 per day, regardless of whether your employer is paying you or not. No travel or mileage reimbursement is offered by the county.
Free parking is not provided for jurors. You should park in the gated county lot directly west of the Richard E. Gerstein building (1351 NW 12th Street). Bring your jury summons to get the discounted juror parking rate of $8 per day. Do not park in residential lots nearby, as they are towing hot-spots.
Florida state law does not force employers to pay employees during jury duty. However, Miami-Dade has local corporate policies where major employers (like cruise lines, banks, and county agencies) voluntarily offer full pay. Your employer is legally barred from firing you for attending jury service.
Due to Miami's demographic mix, the courthouse provides assistance in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. You can register, check your status, or request a date postponement online using the Miami-Dade Clerk Portal at juror.miami-dadeclerk.com. Postponements up to 6 months are routinely granted.
What happens if you miss your summons?
Ignoring a jury summons in Miami-Dade can lead to a fine of up to $100 and a charge of contempt of court. If you have a conflict (like pre-planned travel or a medical condition), always request a reschedule or postponement beforehand through the portal rather than failing to show up.