All Broward Courts Will be Closed on Sept. 21 for Yom Kippur

In observance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Reflection, all courts in the 17th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Monday, September 21, 2026. This includes:

  • Broward County Judicial Complex (Main Courthouse) – Fort Lauderdale
  • North Regional Courthouse – Deerfield Beach
  • South Regional Courthouse – Hollywood
  • West Regional Courthouse – Plantation

We extend our best wishes for a meaningful day to all who observe. Regular court operations will resume on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Sheridan Tech Students Explore the Courts

Students from Sheridan Technical College got an up-close look at the justice system during a recent visit to the courthouse.

They visited First Appearance Court, stopped in Felony Mental Health Court—where they had the chance to sit on the bench and pose with the judge’s gavel—and even stepped inside a holding cell.

At the law library, students spoke with representatives from the Public Defender’s Office and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, learning about the many people and professions that play a role in the justice system.

For these students, the law wasn’t just something they studied in a classroom—it became tangible, real and right in front of them.

Judges Connect at Stephen R.  Booher Meeting

Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit recently gathered for a kickoff reception for new members of the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court at Bistro Mezzaluna in Fort Lauderdale. The Honorable Tabitha B. Eves. is the organization’s new president this year.

The event provided a great opportunity for judges to celebrate new members, network, catch up with colleagues and discuss important legal updates.

Circuit Court Judge Weiss Elevated to Fourth DCA

The 17th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of Circuit Court Judge Marlon J. Weiss to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Judge Weiss currently presides in the Circuit’s Family Division. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on September 4.

“On behalf of the entire 17th Judicial Circuit, we congratulate Judge Marlon Weiss on his appointment to the 4th DCA and wish him all the best,” said Chief Judge Carol Lisa Phillips.

The elevation comes 16 months after Gov. DeSantis had appointed Judge Weiss to the Circuit Court bench on May 19, 2025 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Jack Tuter. Judge Weiss is the second judge from the 17th Judicial Circuit to recently be elevated to the Fourth DCA. Judge Johnathan D. Lott was appointed in October 2025 to serve on the Fourth DCA after a year on the Circuit Court bench.

H.O.M.E.S. Youth Visit the Courthouse

Young adults from H.O.M.E.S. Inc., a nonprofit that provides housing, job coaching, tuition assistance and job placement services to at-risk youth, recently visited the courthouse for an inside look at the justice system.

During their tour, they met Judges Corey Friedman, Michael Davis and Lorena V. Mastrarrigo and visited First Appearance Court, Drug Court and Criminal Court.

They also met Tayron Lopez from the Public Defender’s Office and Sanissa Macko, a DNA expert with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

It was a great opportunity for these young adults to learn more about the courts, the people who work in them and the many career paths available in the justice system.

Bringing Drug Court to the Front Lines

Judge Michael Davis, who presides over Drug Court, and Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards were recently invited to speak at the monthly firefighter/EMS meeting about the Circuit’s Drug Court program.

The presentation provided an opportunity to share how Drug Court works, discuss the impact of the program and highlight the collaborative effort involved in helping people overcome substance use and successfully move forward.

It was a great opportunity to connect with the firefighters and EMS professionals who are often on the front lines of the challenges associated with addiction and to share how the justice system can be part of the solution.

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