The Florida Supreme Court is the highest court in the State of Florida. The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and six Justices. The Justices are appointed by the Governor for a six-year term. Article V, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution provides for the jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court.
The Florida Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear appeals from:
- final judgments of trial courts imposing the death penalty,
- District Courts of Appeal decisions invalidating a state statute or a provision of the state constitution, and
- final judgments on proceedings for the validation of bonds or certificates of indebtedness.
The Florida Supreme Court has the power to review:
- District Courts of Appeal decisions that expressly declares a state statute valid, or that expressly construes a provision of the state or federal Constitution, or that expressly affects a class of constitutional or state officers, or that expressly and directly conflicts with a decision of another District Courts of Appeal or of the Supreme Court on the same question of law,
- District Courts of Appeal decisions that passes upon a question certified by it to be of great public importance, or that is certified by it to be in direct conflict with a decision of another District Courts of Appeal,
- any order or judgment of a trial court certified by the District Courts of Appeal in which an appeal is pending to be of great public importance, or to have a great effect on the proper administration of justice throughout the state, and certified to require immediate resolution by the Supreme Court,
- actions of statewide agencies relating to rates or service of utilities providing electric, gas, or telephone service,
- a question of law certified by the Supreme Court of the United States or a United States Court of Appeals which is determinative of the cause and for which there is no controlling precedent of the Supreme Court of Florida.
The Florida Supreme Court is empowered to issue:
- writs of prohibition to Courts and all writs necessary to the complete exercise of its jurisdiction, and
- writs of mandamus and quo warranto to state officers and state agencies.
Upon the request of the Attorney General, the Supreme Court renders advisory opinions addressing legal issues.
By virtue of Article V, Section 15 of Florida Constitution, the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the admission of persons to the practice of law and the discipline of persons admitted.
Florida Supreme Court Website: http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/