Each state’s constitution and laws establish the state’s courts, which interpret state laws (and generally not federal laws). A court of last resort, often known as a supreme court, is usually the highest court in the state. Some states also have an intermediate court of appeals. Below these intermediate courts of appeal are the state trial courts, where most lawsuits begin. State trial courts are referred to differently in different states—often as district courts, circuit courts, or superior courts.

State courts are often courts of general jurisdiction—meaning they hear all types of cases—involving criminal law, family law, probate law, and general disputes involving money and property. But more populated counties often have courts of specific jurisdiction, such as family courts that only hear family law matters (divorce, child custody, child support); criminal courts that only hear criminal matters; and probate courts that only handle the probate of estates and related litigation.

In Florida, the state court system is structured with the Florida Supreme Court as the highest court, serving as the court of last resort. Below the Supreme Court, there are five District Courts of Appeal that serve as intermediate appellate courts. These courts review decisions from trial courts and provide opinions on legal issues. At the trial level, Florida has Circuit Courts and County Courts. Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil cases with claims above $30,000, family law matters, probate issues, juvenile cases, and appeals from County Courts. County Courts, on the other hand, are courts of limited jurisdiction dealing with misdemeanors, civil disputes involving $30,000 or less, small claims (disputes involving $8,000 or less), and traffic violations. Larger counties may have specialized divisions within these courts to handle specific types of cases, such as family or probate matters, more efficiently.