Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law | May 29, 2025 | Florida Law
Jury duty is a cornerstone of the American legal system. If you receive a jury summons, you must respond and appear at the designated time and place unless you have a valid exemption or deferral.
Skipping jury duty in Florida without proper cause can result in serious consequences, including fines, contempt charges, and even jail time in rare cases.
Why Does Jury Duty Matter?
The right to a trial by jury is enshrined in the United States and Florida constitutions. Juries typically review evidence, listen to witness testimony, and consider arguments from each side in a case.
Juries are essential in ensuring that criminal and civil disputes, such as personal injury claims, are resolved impartially. Ignoring jury duty undermines this system.
Jury pools in Florida are made up of individuals randomly selected from driver’s license and voter registration databases. Being selected does not automatically mean serving on a jury, but you must report unless excused.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Missing Jury Duty in Florida?
Skipping jury duty in Florida may result in penalties under Florida law.
If you fail to appear for jury duty without a sufficient excuse, the court has the authority to impose penalties, including:
- A fine of up to $100 for failing to respond or appear
- Contempt of court proceedings, including community service, mandatory court appearances, or jail time in extreme cases
Courts may give people a second chance, but repeated absences or failure to respond to follow-up notices may result in harsher penalties.
Are There Exemptions from Jury Duty in Florida?
Florida law allows for several statutory exemptions or reasons for deferring jury duty.
A statutory exemption may apply if you are:
- A full-time federal, state, or local law enforcement officer
- An expectant mother or parent who is not employed full-time and has custody of a child under 6 years of age
- A woman who has given birth within 6 months of your service date
- A person showing hardship, extreme inconvenience, or public necessity
- A person 70 years of age or older
- A person incapable of caring for themselves because of mental illness, intellectual disability, senility, or other physical or mental incapacity, or a person responsible for their care
- A full-time student between 18 and 21 years of age
You must typically notify the court in writing or through an online portal and request recusal. It is not automatic. Every Florida county may have slightly different procedures for processing exemptions or deferral requests, so be sure to read your jury summons and carefully follow the listed instructions.
What Should I Do If I Miss Jury Duty in Florida?
It is important not to panic if you realize you have missed your scheduled jury duty date, but you should act quickly.
It is typically recommended to:
- Contact the court immediately: Call or email the jury administration office of the county that issued your summons. You may be allowed to reschedule your jury service for a later date.
- Explain your absence: Be honest about why you missed jury duty. Courts are more lenient with individuals who take responsibility and communicate quickly after an absence.
- Follow instructions: Make sure you show up on the new date if the court allows you to reschedule. Failing to appear again could result in a contempt hearing.
Ignoring a missed jury duty summons will not make the problem go away. It will likely only make things worse. Prompt communication with the court can help you avoid fines or other penalties.
Warning: Take Jury Duty Seriously
Skipping jury duty in Florida is not something to take lightly. You may not be arrested for a first-time offense, but the legal system treats noncompliance seriously. You may face fines, contempt charges, and other consequences if you ignore a summons.
If you have questions about how to request an exemption or what to do if you have missed your service date, contact the court immediately. They can guide you on the appropriate action to take.
Contact an Orlando Personal Injury lawyer at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law Today
For more information, please contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Orlando, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Titusville.
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Orlando, FL Office
633 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
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Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Palm Bay, FL Office
4620 Lipscomb Street N.E Suite #3K
Palm Bay, FL 32905
Phone: (321) 677-5964
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Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.039083,-80.6083109
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Melbourne, FL Office
1600 W Eau Gallie Blvd #205j
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone: (321) 450-7134
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Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.1289147,-80.6461588
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Cocoa, FL Office
717 S Cocoa Blvd STE 203
Cocoa, FL 32922
(321) 449-8042
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Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 28.3511613,-80.7312948
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – Titusville, FL Office
4527 S Hopkins Ave Suite B
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: (407) 801-3000
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Titusville, FL.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates:28.5584923,-80.8010051