On June 15, 2023, Speaker Paul Renner of the Florida House of Representatives asked the Florida Supreme Court to consider whether a consolidation of our state’s existing judicial circuits is warranted. When the Florida Supreme Court considers decisions like these, they appoint an assessment committee to aid them in making its ultimate determination. To consider Speaker Renner’s proposal, the Florida Supreme Court has officially instituted the Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee, containing our very own Judge Keith Carsten.
This committee will investigate whether it is beneficial for cost savings measures, increased public trust, and greater efficiency and uniformity in the judicial process to consolidate the judicial circuits. Once their findings are complete, they will present them to the Florida Supreme Court with a recommendation of whether they consider it beneficial for the judicial circuits to consolidate. These findings and recommendation will be presented by December 1, 2023.
In this process, the public’s opinion is welcomed and encouraged. As part of the committee’s investigation, they will hold a public hearing on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Orange County Courthouse Jury Assembly Room. The meeting will also be accessible virtually through the WebEx link listed below. Invitations with connection information will be sent to all who have registered prior to the meeting. Reminders will also be sent to all attendees 15 minutes before the start of the seminar. For those wishing to speak during the public hearing portion, you will need to complete the Public Hearing Appearance form listed below in advance of the meeting.
WebEx Registration Link: click
Public Hearing Appearance Form Link: click here