Jury Service


 

Jury Service Information

 

The right to a trial by jury is one of the principles guaranteed by the constitution and plays a vital role in our justice system. The Clerk’s office summons approximately 74,000 jurors a year which highlights the need to publicly thank all those citizens for their time and dedication towards an important responsibility.

Jury Selection

Prospective jurors are randomly selected from the Florida Department of Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) records. These records include all Pinellas County residents who are eighteen years and older who possess a driver license or Identification card. We receive and update these records quarterly. Residents are eligible for jury service once every year.

Length of Service

Jury service does not end at a specific time of day. Plan to spend the entire day for your jury service.

The Florida Legislature has mandated that our courts use the one-day or one trial system of jury selection. Most jurors are selected on the initial reporting day. Some trials will begin and end on that same day.

On the day you report, you may be sent to a courtroom for jury selection where the length of the trial will be discussed. If you find the length of that trial conflicts with your personal schedule you will be given the opportunity to explain this, as well as any other hardships, to the judge.

If you are not sent to a courtroom for jury selection you may be held in reserve.

Whether or not you serve on a jury trial, your jury service for that day will be recognized as fulfilling your obligation for one year.

You are required to report for jury service at the time, date and location specified on your Summons for Jury Service.

We strongly recommend that you:

  • Bring any medications you might need with you.
  • Arrange for family, business, and/or school matters before you report for jury service.
  • Always have access to a telephone. Upon your arrival for jury service an emergency number will be provided to you to share with anyone who may need to reach you in the event of an emergency.

Compensation

Juror compensation is established under Chapter 40 of the Florida Statutes.

Jurors who are not regularly employed or who do not continue to receive regular wages while serving as a juror are entitled to receive $15 per day for the first 3 days of juror service. ALL jurors who serve more than three days will be compensated $30.00 per day beginning on the fourth day.

There is no provision for reimbursement of meals, mileage or travel arrangements.

If you are eligible to receive compensation, cash payment is available every day you report for service. If you do not collect your compensation in cash, a check will be issued at the end each week and mailed to you soon after.

Juror compensation is considered taxable income.

If you are eligible to receive compensation, you may elect to donate your juror compensation to one of three statutorily-approved programs. This may be done at the time of your jury service and is irrevocable.

Restoration of Civil Rights

Under the Florida Constitution, a convicted felon cannot vote, serve on a jury or hold public office until civil rights have been restored. Citizens can easily apply for restoration, or find out if their civil rights have been restored, by visiting the Office of Executive Clemency Restoration of Civil Rights search page.

Juror Scam Notice

All potential jurors for Pinellas County are contacted by U.S. mail. We do not contact you by phone and do not ask for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or other personal information. Should you receive a phone call saying that you have failed to report for jury service and they ask for personal information, this is a potential identity theft scam. Please DO NOT give out any personal information. You may contact this office for information at (727) 464-6423.

Helpful sources of information can be obtained from Snopes.com and the FBI's website.

If you have been a victim of this crime or have any information on these phone scams, call the Office of Economic Crimes Unit at (727) 582-6200.

Contact Jury Management Office

Contact Information

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (excluding county holidays).

Track the Jury Management Twitter feed for jury excusal and other reporting information in the Reporting Locations & Parking tab of this page.

Jury Services will process all requests within 24 hours of receiving them. A response will be mailed to you. Email requests are preferred and you will receive an email reply.

General Information: (727) 464-7070 – Recorded information
Email: jury@mypinellasclerk.org
TDD users: (727) 464-4303
Phone: (727) 464-6423
Fax: (727) 464-7158
Mail: Ken Burke
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Jury Services Department
P.O. Box 18046
Clearwater, FL 33762-1046

Jury Service FAQ

It may seem like a lot of time is wasted during the juror selection process and that far too many people are summoned to jury duty in relation to how many are actually needed to serve. Many trial-related matters handled between the court and the attorneys must be addressed outside the presence of the jury. These events often arise unexpectedly and cannot be planned in advance. Cases may settle before a trial is to start which eliminates the need for a jury. Some cases are longer in length and more difficult than others, which may require a larger number of jurors for the selection process. These factors are unpredictable and may, at times, negate the need for your services the day you arrive for jury service. It is the presence of available jurors that enables the trials to proceed and may, without your knowledge, accelerate a case being resolved. When these instances occur, you have played a vital role in our legal system despite not actually serving on a jury.

The Pinellas County Circuit and County courts try both criminal and civil matters. The random selection process plus the large number of cases set on the docket prevents you from knowing what type of trial you may be selected. If the judge excuses you from a certain case, you may be sent to another courtroom or you may be dismissed and have fulfilled your jury service obligation. The Jury Services department can only excuse you if you are employed as a full-time law enforcement officer.

Florida law does not provide for an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs. You are still required to appear for jury service. Only the Court has that discretion. You may address these concerns when you are before the Judge.

The Florida Statutes requires the selection to be random and all names are placed back on the list every year. Jurors are selected from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle files, which include both licensed Florida drivers and those who have a Florida identification card. Jurors who have served within one year from their last service date may be excused.

No. Florida state law does not require employers to compensate their employees while they are serving on jury duty.

No. Florida law prohibits any employer from preventing a person from serving as a juror or firing an employee who is serving on jury duty.

Business casual is suggested for Jury Service. Please use good judgment and dress appropriately. Shorts are NOT considered appropriate attire. Courtrooms can become chilly so it may be appropriate to bring a jacket or sweater with you.

Lost your Summons?

If you were summonsed to report prior to November 13, 2023, you can click here to reprint your summons. 

If you were summonsed to report on or after November 13,2023, you can click here to reprint your summons. 

Checking Status of When to Report

It is important to check the status of your need to appear for Jury Service as Court cases may be resolved between the time the Summons for Jury Service was mailed to you and the time you are scheduled to report.

There are multiple ways you can check the status of your Jury Service appointment:

  • Visit Pinellas Jury Facebook page www.facebook.com/pinellasjury/
  • Have your 4-digit juror number on hand and call the Reporting Information Telephone Line of the courthouse you have been summoned to report:
    Pinellas County Justice Center: (727) 464-6008
    Downtown Clearwater Courthouse: (727) 464-5050
    St. Petersburg Judicial Building: (727) 582-7999

Updates are posted by 5:00 p.m. the evening before your scheduled report date. In the event there is no message, you should report as directed on your Summons for Jury Service.

 

Court Security

Court security is the responsibility of the Sheriff of Pinellas County. Deputy Sheriffs will be present at the entry of each courthouse and in each courtroom.

You must successfully pass through a magnetometer at each courthouse in the same manner you would at any airport.

Firearms, knives of any size, chemical sprays, glass containers, metal nail files, metal forks, or cutting instruments are not permitted in any court facility. Any other item deemed to be dangerous will be determined on a case by case basis.

Open filled containers of any type will not be permitted into the building. However, unfilled/ empty containers (no glass) are allowed. Please note that a filtered water filling station is available.

If you have any questions or need assistance while at the court facility, ask any Deputy, they will be happy to assist you in any way they can.

Amenities and Comfort

Reading

There may be periods of time spent waiting for court proceedings to begin. You may bring your own reading materials with you. A limited amount of magazines will be available for your use.

Laptops & Phones

You may bring your laptop computer with you. Wi-Fi is available at all locations. Like all other items, your laptop must go through the magnetometer (x-ray) machines at the security checkpoints. You may bring your cell phone, but you will not be permitted to have it on in the courtroom. Telephones are also available for local calls.

Smoking

Courthouses are smoke free facilities. Smoking is permitted outside of the building.

Hearing Devices

Amplification hearing devices are available upon request within each courtroom.

Restrooms

Restrooms are located within and nearby the Jury Assembly Room.

Fragrances

The Clerk’s office recognizes that visitors to our office may have sensitivity or allergic reactions to fragrances; for this reason we ask that you refrain from wearing fragrant products.

Food & Snacks

Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762

A juror’s lounge is located within the Jury Assembly Room on the first floor of the Courthouse. Complimentary coffee and tea are available. Vending machines with snacks, soda and water are available. A 24/7 marketplace is located on the first floor and carries a variety of foods and beverages. You may bring your own food and snacks. A microwave is available; however, a refrigerator is not. PLEASE be aware that no open beverage will be permitted past security on the first floor. Only factory sealed plastic bottles are allowed past security.

Downtown Clearwater Courthouse
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756

A Juror’s Lounge is located on the fourth floor of the courthouse outside of Courtroom A. Complimentary coffee and tea is available. Vending machines with snacks, soda and water are available. A 24/7 marketplace is located on the first floor and carries a variety of foods and beverages. You may bring your own food and snacks. A microwave is available; however, a refrigerator is not. PLEASE be aware that no open beverage will be permitted past security on the fourth floor. Only factory sealed plastic bottles are allowed past security.

St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 1st Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Complimentary coffee and tea are available. Vending machines with snacks, soda and water are available just outside the Jury Assembly Room. You may bring your own food and snacks as a Café is not available at this location. A microwave is available; however, a refrigerator is not. PLEASE be aware that no open beverage will be permitted upon entrance to the building. Only factory sealed plastic bottles are allowed past security.

Lost your Summons?

If you were summonsed to report prior to November 13, 2023, you can click here to reprint your summons. 

If you were summonsed to report on or after November 13,2023, you can click here to reprint your summons. 

Courthouse and Parking Information

The courthouse you have been summoned to report to is specified on the front of the Summons for Jury Service. Doors open at all three locations at 7:30 a.m. 

The Court does not provide transportation to and from the courthouse. Public transportation is available through the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.

Picture of Pinellas County Justice Center

Pinellas County Justice Center
14250 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Café hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  • Parking is available in the East and South Parking Lots as well as the East Parking Garage.
  • Handicapped parking is available at the south side of the entrance to the facility.
  • Parking Permits are not needed at this facility.

Picture of the Clearwater Courthouse

Downtown Clearwater Courthouse
315 Court Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7000

Café hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

(Click here for a parking map of the courthouse with parking lots)

  • There are three primary parking lots surrounding the Downtown Clearwater Courthouse (to the North, South and West).
  • Prospective jurors may only park in a metered parking lot at a metered parking space.
  • Please place the Juror Parking Permit on the dashboard of your vehicle.
  • Parking Permits will not be honored at the parking spaces on the street or the non-metered parking spaces in the parking lots.
  • Handicapped parking is available in the South Parking Lot.

Picture of the Clearwater Courthouse

St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 1st Avenue North
1st Floor, Courtroom M
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Café is not available at this location

  • Parking is available around the St. Petersburg Judicial Building at any metered parking space, at a meter on the street directly surrounding the Courthouse or any of the one or two hour parking spaces around the courthouse.
  • Do not park in any numbered parking spaces.
  • Do not park on Central Avenue, the City employee parking lot on the Northwest corner of 6th Street and 1st Avenue North or at the Sebring Building on Mirror Lake Drive. Your permit will not be honored at those locations and your vehicle is subject to being towed.
  • Please place the Juror Parking Permit on the dashboard of your vehicle.
  • Handicapped parking is available in the south and west parking lots.

Excusals

If one of the normal excusal reasons below applies to you, please submit your request online.   You will need your Candidate ID number, Zip Code, and DOB. The Candidate ID number is located on the Summons for Jury Service. You will need to complete the questionnaire in order for your excusal to be processed.

By law, you are ineligible to serve if one of the following applies:

1. You are not a United States Citizen.
2. You no longer reside in Pinellas County (New address is required).
3. You are presently under prosecution for a crime.
4. You are a convicted felon and your civil rights have not been restored.
(If you would like to petition the State of Florida for restoration of your civil rights, click here.)

You can be excused for the exemptions listed below:

1. I am not a United States citizen.
2. I no longer reside in Pinellas County. (You will be automatically redirected to update your address.)
3. I am presently under prosecution for a crime.
4. I am a convicted felon, civil rights not restored.
5.a. I am 70 years of age or older and wish to be excused from jury service. I would like to be included in future jury lists.
5.b. I am 70 years of age or older and wish to be permanently excused.
6. I am an expectant mother.
7. I am a parent/guardian of child under age 6 and not employed full time.
8. I am a full time law enforcement officer.
9. I appeared as a juror in Pinellas County within the past one year.
10. I am a full-time student between 18 and 21 years of age.
 

Postponements

If the date you have been summoned for creates a conflict in your schedule, you may request a one-time postponement.

If you have already been rescheduled or failed to appear for a previous jury service, you will not be able to process your request online.

To request a one-time postponement, please submit your request online.  You will need your Candidate ID number, Zip Code, and DOB. The Candidate ID number is located on the Summons for Jury Service. You will need to complete the questionnaire prior to requesting your postponement.

All fax, mail or email requests should be submitted 10 days prior to your report date.

Fax: (727) 464-7158
Email: jury@mypinellasclerk.org
Mail: Ken Burke
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Jury Services Department
P.O. Box 18046
Clearwater, FL 33762-1046

Remember to include your full name, the date and location of jury service, and your juror number.

If your request is denied, you must report for jury service at the time, date and location listed on your summons.

Failure to Appear

A trial by jury is a fundamental right of every person in the United States and is a very important part of the Constitution. While it is understood that jury duty is not always convenient and can cause a hardship it is still the duty and responsibility of every citizen of this country to serve when called.

In the State of Florida, Jury Duty is governed under Chapter 40 of the Florida Statutes. Within this chapter are penalties for those who do not report for jury service.

“Any person who is duly summoned to attend as a juror in any court and who fails to attend without any sufficient excuse shall pay a fine not to exceed $100, which fine shall be imposed by the court to which the juror was summoned, and, in addition, such failure may be considered a contempt of court.”

As a matter of convenience, the Court has allowed for a one-time postponement.

Jury Services Comment Card

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