News & Information

Program offering low-cost, short-term legal services for civil cases launches

The Sarasota County Law Library Board of Directors has launched Skylaw-SRQ, a pilot program designed to provide short-term, limited legal services in non-criminal matters to the public. Participants can expect a one-hour online consultation with a qualified lawyer with a reduced fee and no contract required.

50 years of service to court & public

Court Administration is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 and to mark our golden year we will be spotlighting the work of Court Administration and its departments now through December.

Local JNC seeks nominees for judicial vacancies

The Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Gov. Ron DeSantis with nominees for vacancies for judgeships in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court. Specifically, the Commission has been tasked with making recommendations for potential Circuit and County Court judges created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508 and the retirement of Judge Lon Arend. 

You’re never too young to learn basic skills of conflict resolution

It’s never too soon to develop the basic skills needed to resolve conflict and respect differences. Through the Level Up reading program, preschool and elementary students are offered age-appropriate ways to peacefully resolve disputes with the aim of helping to decrease bullying in schools and communities.

Court holiday schedule

CHRISTMAS: Court buildings in Arcadia, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice will be closed December 24-26. First appearances will follow the weekend/holiday schedule in DeSoto and Sarasota counties. First appearances in Manatee County on December 25th are at 8 a.m. JANUARY 1, 2026: Court buildings in Arcadia, Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice will be closed. First appearances will follow the weekend/holiday schedule in DeSoto and Sarasota counties. First appearances in Manatee County are at 8 a.m.

Retired Circuit Judge Robert Bennett passes away at age 80

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is sad to announce that retired Circuit Judge Robert Bennett has passed away at the age of 80. Judge Bennett served as circuit judge from 1992 until his retirement in 2010. He also served as chief judge, overseeing the administrative functions of the court, from 2003-2006. A highly respected member of the judiciary, Chief Judge Diana Moreland described Judge Bennett as “an example of quiet authority.”

Circuit celebrates courtroom dedication in DeSoto Courthouse

It was standing room only in the third-floor courtroom on November 14th at the DeSoto County Courthouse. Family, friends and colleagues of the late-Judge James Smiley Parker, Jr. filled the room to celebrate its dedication in Judge Parker’s memory.

Application period for JCID is underway

October 1st ushers in the annual application period for attorneys to renew or obtain a Judicial Center Identification (JCID) card.

September 17th is Constitution Day

“For more than two centuries, we have lived by the Constitution and the law.”

These words are spoken by judges every day in Florida as part of a trial court’s colloquy to a jury before submitting a case for deliberation. What happens daily in Florida courtrooms demonstrates how the Judicial branch upholds the principles of the Constitution.

JNC seeks applicants for two judicial vacancies

The Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Gov. Ron DeSantis with nominees for vacancies for judgeships in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court. Specifically, the Commission has been tasked with making recommendations for potential judges for the Circuit Court in and for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508 and for the Sarasota County Court, created by the retirement of Judge David Denkin.

Order to Convene