Most Floridians understand that jury duty is part of being a good citizen, but few people actually look forward to it. It’s not unusual to feel inconvenienced or nervous about receiving a jury summons. However, ignoring it or failing to show up can lead to serious consequences under Florida law.
It is important for everyone to understand their civic responsibilities. This helps strengthen the justice system that protects all of us. Here’s what you need to know about what happens if you miss jury duty in Florida and why your role as a juror is more important than you might think.
The Importance of Jury Duty
Jury duty is more than just a legal requirement. The Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury, which means that ordinary citizens often have the final say in deciding guilt, liability, and damages in court cases.
Every time a person serves on a jury, they help ensure that the legal process is fair, balanced, and accountable. Jury service allows the community to participate directly in the administration of justice. It gives every citizen a voice in how laws are applied and helps protect the rights of both plaintiffs and defendants in civil and criminal trials.
Without jurors, the justice system simply would not function.
What Florida Law Says About Jury Duty
Under Florida law, every qualified citizen has a legal duty to appear for jury service when summoned. A jury summons is not a request – it’s a court order.
If you are selected for jury duty, you are required to appear at the time and place listed on your summons. If you cannot attend for a legitimate reason (such as illness, family emergency, or undue hardship), you must notify the court in advance to request an excusal. Failing to respond to the notice without communication can result in penalties.
What Happens if I Don’t Show Up for Jury Duty?
Failing to appear for jury duty in Florida can lead to legal and financial consequences. Each county handles non-attendance slightly differently, but the penalties can include:
Contempt of Court
Because a jury summons is a court order, failure to appear can result in being held in contempt of court. This means the judge can issue a bench warrant requiring you to appear before the court to explain your absence.
Fines and Penalties
Under Florida law, a person who fails to attend jury duty can be fined up to $100 and may face additional sanctions determined by the court. While the fine may not sound large, the inconvenience and embarrassment of appearing before a judge can be significant.
Mandatory Rescheduling
If you miss jury duty, the court may automatically reschedule your service date. You’ll still be required to fulfill your obligation. If you continue to miss your service dates, you risk incurring escalating penalties.
Bench Warrants
If someone repeatedly ignores summonses or fails to respond to the court, a bench warrant for arrest can be issued. Although this is rare, it highlights the importance courts attach to jury service.
The Role of Jurors in Florida’s Justice System
In Florida, jurors are used in both criminal and civil trials. In criminal cases, jurors determine whether the state has proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, jurors decide whether a person or business should be held financially responsible for causing harm or injury.
In personal injury cases, juries ensure that injured victims have the opportunity to seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable. Without citizen participation, many of our most important rights – including access to a fair trial – would be impossible to protect.
Contact Green Personal Injury Lawyers to Arrange a Free Consultation With a Boynton Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
Jury duty is essential to ensuring justice in personal injury trials. At Green Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how crucial jurors are in helping injured victims hold negligent parties accountable. If you have questions about your legal rights after an accident, contact our Boynton Beach personal injury attorneys for a free consultation today.
Green Personal Injury Lawyers
3487 Woolbright Rd. Boynton Beach, FL 33436
(561) 362-2009