Staff Reports
Ed. Note — This post was originally published last week and has been updated. For the most recent information, go to the Supreme Court’s “Emergency” webpage.
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More courts in Florida have shut down as Hurricane Dorian’s wind and rain begin to graze the state’s east coast.
As of Tuesday, 36 counties had closed their courts, and all of the state’s appellate courts were closed except for the 1st District in Tallahassee. The Florida Supreme Court is open.
Most courts are expected to reopen Thursday, though the closures could be extended because of Dorian’s slow pace north from the Bahamas.
“After a storm, orders will be issued by the Chief Justice retroactively extending deadlines in storm-damaged areas,” the Supreme Court’s website said.
“Attorneys and others who missed legal deadlines or hearing dates in areas hard-hit by a hurricane will be protected by these orders, which will be issued once the courts in these areas reopen. They will be posted on our Administrative Orders page when issued.”
The Florida Supreme Court “issues retroactive orders extending deadlines on a county-by-county basis for periods of time when state courts are closed due to a storm or other emergency,” the court said. “There is no need to file motions for extension of times solely because a Florida court is closed because of the hurricane.”
During emergencies, the Court puts information on its emergency hotline: (850) 921-8552. This includes information for Court staff, the press, and the public. You can also ask court-related questions by email to [email protected].
All courts were closed Monday for Labor Day.
