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All courthouses in the 17th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Courthouse closures include the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach and the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation. Regular courthouse hours will resume on Tuesday.

Scammers claiming to be law enforcement officers are contacting relatives of recent arrestees and demanding money be sent electronically for bail, bond, an ankle monitor or diversion programs. Don’t fall for it. Hang up immediately. The Broward Sheriff’s Office will never request money over the phone through Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, gift cards or any other service. If someone demands immediate payment, it is a scam. If you live in a BSO jurisdiction and believe you are the victim of a similar scam, call BSO’s non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357). Read BSO’s press release HERE.

High school students from Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines got a real-world look at the justice system this week during a courthouse tour that included juvenile court and drug court.

Students met with Judges Elijah H. Williams and Michael Davis and Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards, learned how Narcan can save lives during an overdose, and heard powerful, firsthand stories of recovery from drug court peer counselors who have overcome addiction. They also posed for photos with Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and discussed how choices have consequences with Janelle Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Broward Public Defender.

The experience offered an unfiltered view of the courts, from observing teens brought into the courtroom in restraints to seeing how judges use Zoom to connect with participants who cannot attend in person.

Welcome Judge Pascale Achille, who was sworn in today by Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock! Judge Achille is assigned to Division 33, Family.

Judge Achille brings a wealth of experience to the bench, having served for 12 years as an Assistant State Attorney with the Broward State Attorney’s Office, including as a member of the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018. She was previously assigned to the Sexual Battery and Career Criminal Units. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs, and arguing before the Second and Fifth District Courts of Appeal. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Judge Achille to the bench on Dec. 8, 2025 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

We are excited to have you on our team. The 17th Judicial Circuit proudly welcomes you, Judge Achille!

All Broward courts will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of New Year’s Day. During this time, court services and operations will be unavailable.

Courts will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, and resume normal business hours.

The 17th Judicial Circuit wishes you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and thanks you for your continued trust and cooperation as we begin 2026.

Bailiff Leticia Johnson had a birthday request this year: buy a holiday gift for a needy child and help make the Season bright. Her goal to ensure children in shelters had a happy holiday took off when Judge Florence Taylor Barner found out and enlisted some help.

The result? Volunteers this weekend delivered nearly 200 gifts to children in need. The gifts will be distributed to children up to age 16 at shelters throughout Broward County.

Those who helped facilitate Leticia’s project included Yvette Tomkins (judicial assistant to Judge Barner) and her family, Carol Hermiston (JA to Judge Giuseppina Miranda), and Simone Reid (JA to Judge Jackie Powell) and attorney Richard Barner of Barner Legal. Judge Powell and Magistrate Hilary Creary also contributed wrapping paper.

Court employees volunteered their lunch breaks to wrap gifts, and the Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association donated wrapping paper and gift bags.

Recently honored by ChildNet for 20 years of service (Leticia works in transport for ChildNet during her off hours), Leticia is the kind of rockstar whose behind-the-scenes efforts changes lives. Thank you for making such a difference!

All Broward courts will be closed on December 25 and 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday. During this time, court services and operations will be unavailable.

All courts will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, and regular business hours will resume.

The 17th Judicial Circuit extends its warmest wishes to our judges, staff, justice partners, and the public for a joyous, peaceful, and safe holiday season.

Elementary school students from Gateway Christian Academy got a hands-on lesson in the law this week during an engaging courthouse tour where they explored Judge Jackie Powell’s courtroom, peppered Judge John D. Fry with questions, met Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, and heard presentations from John James and Janelle Floyd of the Broward Public Defender’s Office.

They also got “inked up” while making thumbprints with an analyst from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, who demonstrated what it takes to capture a quality fingerprint.

Many thanks to the dedicated professionals whose time, patience and creativity make these courthouse tours informative, fun and interactive for our students.

Court Administration honored employees today for their incredible dedication to the 17th Judicial Circuit with a special milestone ceremony. Thirty staff with a range of five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30+ years of service were recognized, representing more than 375 years of collective experience!

Congratulations and thank you all for your hard work, commitment, and service to our community. We couldn’t do this without you! #teamwork

Court Administration employees enjoyed a festive holiday luncheon on Thursday, complete with classic tunes from our talented employee carolers. Thanks to Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico and Chief Deputy Court Administrator Diana Sobel, the 20th-floor hallway was transformed into a red-and-white wonderland, filled with elaborate balloon displays and coordinated décor. The food was delicious and the desserts, decadent. Approximately 140 court administration employees attended.

The beautiful luncheon was a heartfelt “thank you” from Joe and Diana to the dedicated employees whose hard work keeps the courts running smoothly throughout the year. Happy holidays!