Released by Chief Judge Chris Patterson ….
Chief Judge Christopher N. Patterson has issued an Administrative Order outlining the COVID-19 operational plan of the Courts in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. The plan describes how the Courts will transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 as outlined in an Order issued from the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court and explains the steps the Judiciary and each courthouse in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties will take to ensure the health and safety of individuals entering the courthouses.
While some in-person hearings will resume starting July 6th, the Courts will continue to utilize remote technology to conduct in-custody proceedings and many civil hearings, including mediation, by phone or Zoom. As conditions improve with the pandemic, the Courts will continue to progress to Phase 3 and Phase 4 and will update its operational plan through each phase.
Examples of measures to be taken to ensure social distancing, hygiene, cleaning, and disinfecting will be posted throughout June on the Courts’ website at www.jud14.flcourts.org.
Administrative Order #2020-00-11: Click Here