TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On Thursday, just four days before Christmas, the Florida Supreme Court said it is against the combination of certain courts.
Based on the findings of the state committee tasked with determining if the consolidation would make the entire system run better and their "own independent judgment," the court determined there is no need to consolidate Florida's judicial circuits.
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On Dec. 7, after months of meetings, hearings, and deliberation—the State Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee released its recommendation.
In a 200-page report issued to the court, the committee recommended against the move. The committee points to the plan's unpopularity as part of the reason for its decision.
It also added that our state's court system could instead be improved through things like hiring more courthouse staff and paying them better. And through the use of technology to streamline court services.
The Florida House communications team said later Thursday that there is no plan for legislation on judicial circuit consolidation this year.
"The Speaker put forward a thoughtful and timely request to review how our courts are structured hoping to find economies of scale to better serve Floridians," Andres Malave, communications director for the Office of the Speaker of the Florida House said. "We appreciate and accept the Supreme Court’s opinion and thank the committee for their diligent work in presenting their recommendation. We do not intend to bring any legislation forward this year regarding circuit court consolidation.”
