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Civil courts hear civil matters—which are generally lawsuits regarding disputes between persons or entities in which money, property, or personal rights under the law are at issue. Civil matters are distinguishable from criminal matters, which generally involve a city, state, or federal government prosecuting a person or entity for the commission of a crime.

In Florida, civil courts handle non-criminal cases where parties seek to resolve disputes over money, property, contracts, or personal rights recognized by law. The state's civil court system is structured with a hierarchy that includes Small Claims Courts for disputes involving $8,000 or less, County Courts for cases with claims up to $30,000, and Circuit Courts for matters exceeding $30,000. Additionally, Circuit Courts handle disputes related to real property, probate, family law, and certain other complex legal issues. Civil cases typically involve a plaintiff seeking compensation or other remedies from a defendant, and the outcomes are usually monetary damages or specific performance rather than criminal penalties. The process is governed by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and cases may be decided by a judge or a jury, depending on the circumstances and the preferences of the parties involved.

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Courts

civil courts

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Courts

civil courts

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