Career Opportunities

General Family Magistrate (available 01/04/2027)

Job Location

South County Courthouse

Position Available

January 4, 2027

Salary

Annual salary of $102,000 plus benefits (Sarasota County Government position).

Job

The Family Magistrate position will be available on January 4, 2027. The position is responsible for setting referred cases for hearing, conducting hearings, making determinations on cases, and preparing recommended orders for the parties and referring judge’s consideration.  The position also presides over weekly Baker Act and Marchman Act hearings both in South County and in Sarasota.  Travel to other courthouse locations and Baker Act facilities is required.  The position works under the general supervision of the Court Administrator.

All applicants are encouraged to read the un-numbered section of the Code of Judicial Conduct titled “Application of the Code of Judicial Conduct” which provides that anyone who performs judicial functions, including a hearing officer, commissioner, or a general magistrate, shall comply with Canons 1, 2A, and 3, and such other provisions of the Code that might reasonably be applicable.  Applicants should also be familiar with the Opinions of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee.

This position requires considerable knowledge of the legal system, court processes and procedures, with an emphasis on evidentiary and discovery matters. The applicant must know civil procedure, family law rules and be able to write detailed orders and make specific findings of fact.

The successful applicant must be proficient using computers to review electronic court files and Microsoft Word to generate recommended orders. Excellent writing, time management and attention to detail are important skills in this position.

The successful applicant is required to attend two weeks of Florida Judicial College magistrate education training, currently scheduled to be held in the Orlando area January 3-8, 2027, and March 7-12, 2027.

Qualifications

Juris doctorate from an accredited law school.  A minimum of five years of experience in the practice of law, including at least two years in family law. Requires membership in good standing in the Florida Bar. Prior magistrate experience is preferred.

Benefits

The Sarasota County Government benefit package includes health, dental and vision insurance; supplemental insurance (cancer, disability, and accident); Florida Retirement System membership; and paid time off. Click here to learn more about the amazing benefits of being a Sarasota County Government employee!

Apply

The link to apply directly to the Sarasota County Government Career Opportunities page will be posted once available. You must complete the online application to be considered for this position. Letters of interest and resumes are encouraged to be emailed to hr@jud12.flcourts.org.

• The successful applicant will be subject to a Level 2 criminal background check.  The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency. 
• We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.  If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call 941-749-3600 ext. 1791.
• Pursuant to section 110.205(2)(c), Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System.  All employees of the State Courts System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.