Courts are state and federal government institutions with the authority to decide legal disputes and administer justice under the law in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Courts are generally given this authority under the relevant state or federal constitution, and the relevant state or federal statutes. Courts are generally staffed by (1) one judge (in trial courts) or a panel of judges (in appellate courts) who interpret and apply the law; (2) support staff members that may include administrators (clerks); (3) a court reporter to record court proceedings; and (4) a bailiff to provide security.

The room in which court proceedings are conducted is known as the courtroom, and the building that includes the courtroom is known as the courthouse. The term “the court” may be used to refer to the judge or judges who are presiding over court proceedings. The judges in a state or federal court system are collectively known as the judiciary.

In Florida, courts operate at both the state and federal levels to resolve legal disputes and uphold justice in civil, criminal, and administrative cases. The authority of these courts is derived from the U.S. Constitution, the Florida Constitution, and relevant statutes. At the state level, Florida's judiciary includes a variety of courts such as the Supreme Court, District Courts of Appeal, Circuit Courts, and County Courts. Each court has its specific jurisdiction and function, with trial courts typically presided over by a single judge and appellate courts by a panel of judges. These judges, appointed or elected depending on the court level, are responsible for interpreting and applying the law. Supporting the judges are staff members including clerks who manage administrative tasks, court reporters who transcribe proceedings, and bailiffs who ensure courtroom security. Courtrooms are the specific spaces where legal proceedings occur, and these are housed within courthouses. The term 'the court' can refer to the presiding judge or the collective body of judges, known as the judiciary, within the court system.