In observance of Rosh Hashanah, all courts in the 17th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This includes:
We wish a meaningful holiday to all who celebrate. Courthouses will reopen and regular operations will resume on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
High school students from Lauderhill STEM-MED Magnet School’s Women of Tomorrow program visited the courthouse on Wednesday for a hands-on learning experience.
They met County Court Judge Jackie Powell, Circuit Judge Michael J. Orlando, Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, and Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez.
From stepping inside a jury room to sitting in the witness stand—and even peppering the county’s chief prosecutor with questions—these students got an up-close look at how our justice system works.
👩⚖️⚖️ Nothing beats learning by doing!
Today we had the honor of celebrating Judge Marlon J. Weiss at his formal robing ceremony. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 19 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge Jack Tuter, Judge Weiss now serves in Unified Family.
Born and raised in South Broward County, Judge Weiss went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Emory University. Today’s ceremony was especially meaningful as his family, colleagues, judges, lawyers, court staff, and members of the Broward County Bar Association came together to support and celebrate him.
We’re so proud to welcome Judge Weiss to the bench and look forward to all that he will bring to our community.
Our very own Judge Lauren M. Alperstein and Magistrate Stephanie Matalon took part in a continuing legal education panel today via Zoom, speaking on the importance of civility in and out of the courtroom.
From maintaining professionalism with opposing counsel and self-represented litigants to navigating challenges under the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct and the Bounds of Advocacy, the panel offered invaluable insights from the judiciary’s perspective.
We’re proud to see two of our own from the 17th Judicial Circuit leading the way on such an essential topic—reminding us all that civility is at the heart of effective advocacy and the fair administration of justice. ⚖️✨
The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Governor Ron DeSantis with nominees to fill a vacancy in the Broward Circuit Court, following the resignation of Judge Gary Farmer.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply. Applicants must meet the requirements for circuit court judge as outlined in Article V, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution.
Applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Florida Rep. Daryl Campbell and his team recently visited Judge Florence Taylor Barner at Fort Lauderdale Community Court, where innovative alternatives—such as community service and mental health counseling—help address low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations.
During their visit, they observed court operations, met with participants and service providers, and learned firsthand how Community Court connects individuals with support. They also met with Fort Lauderdale’s Assistant City Manager and Commissioner Ben Sorenson to discuss the program’s beginnings and explore how this model could expand to other cities.
📊 Since January–June 2025, Fort Lauderdale Community Court has served 111 Notices to Appear (NTAs) and welcomed more than 2,117 walk-ins seeking services.
👏 Thank you, Rep. Campbell, for your interest in how Community Court is making a difference in our community!
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