Appeals

The Appeals Department receives, prepares, processes and maintains Appeals for the County and Circuit Courts of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. The appellate court is part of the judicial system that is responsible for hearing and reviewing appeals from legal cases that have already been heard and ruled upon in lower courts. The appellate court does not listen to new evidence. It reviews the decisions made in the lower courts, and applies the law to those facts that were presented.

Appeals FAQs

How should I file an Appeal and where can I file and get more information about filing my Appeal?

The Notice of Appeal shall be substantially in the form prescribed by Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.900(a). For civil appeals only, a conformed copy of the order designated in the Notice of Appeal shall be attached to the Notice.
If you are filing without the assistance of an attorney (Pro Se Litigant), you can either file  the Notice of Appeal at any of our locations or you can register and file the Notice of Appeal through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal.

 

Attorneys must follow e-filing procedures in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.525.

 

Changes to county court appeals (effective January 1, 2021) [3rd party web site link]

 

For more information about filing a Notice of Appeal please contact the Appeals Department.

Where can I obtain information about filing for an appeal without the assistance of an attorney?
Information regarding pro se litigation at the appellate level can be found in the Pro Se Appellate Handbook, which has been prepared by individual members of the Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section as a public service.  Also read about changes to county court appeals (effective January 1, 2021) [external 3rd party web site link]

What happens after I file a Notice of Appeal?

After receiving a Notice of Appeal, the Clerk’s office will prepare the Record on Appeal in compliance with the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.200 or 9.141, as applicable. It is the responsibility of the appellant or appellant’s counsel to ensure the timely filing of all documents related to the Appeal.

Please note the following:

Directions to the Clerk: The Record on Appeal will be prepared pursuant to the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. 9.200(a)(1), unless the appellant, within 10 days of the filing of the Notice of Appeal, directs the clerk otherwise pursuant to the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.200(a).

Designations to Court Reporter: Designations must be filed with the clerk within 10 days of the Notice of Appeal. Copies of the designations must be filed with the court reporter office.

What are the fees and fines associated with this service?
See Appeals Fees for more information.

What are my options for obtaining customer service from the Clerk's office?
Mail:  PO Box 3360, Tampa, FL 33601-3360
Email: Contact us
Phone:  (813) 276-8100 ext. 4771

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