All Broward Courts will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, in observance of Good Friday. Court closures pertain to the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation and the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. All courts will re-open on Monday.
Congratulations to Judge Jackie Powell whose hard work and leadership helped the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Courts achieve Platinum status for the first time in 33 years. Judge Powell is the organization’s president. In recognition of this amazing accomplishment, the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court has been invited to attend the Inn of Distinction gala in July at the United States Supreme Court. Judge Powell directed the community outreach for the Inn. Read our press release HERE.
Students from North Broward Preparatory School got a chance to learn firsthand about what it is like to be a judge during a recent visit to the Broward County Courthouse. The students met Judges Stacey Schulman and Catalina Avalos, visited their respective courtrooms and peppered both with questions about their experiences on the bench. A great time was had by all!
There were hugs, handshakes, speeches and a lot of cake and posing for pictures today as the judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit bid farewell to outgoing Chief Judge Jack Tuter, who is retiring after 20 years on the bench. In his parting words, Judge Tuter said he will most look forward to not answering the phone at all hours of the day and night, but will sincerely miss the friends and personal and professional relationships he made during his tenure as a judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Judge Tuter served as Chief Judge for eight years. Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will assume the role of Chief Judge moving forward. Judge Tuter, you will be greatly missed. Your next chapter awaits!
Shout out to Judges Florence Taylor Barner and Jackie Powell for their community outreach! Judge Barner served as a panelist at Gateway Church’s inaugural community forum on housing on April 5th to help educate residents about important housing issues that could impact their lives. The event was hosted in part by Judge Jackie Powell – who attends the church – to better educate the community on all aforementioned matters. Judge Barner discussed our Community Court and explained the eviction process and how to address small claims to a group of 100 seniors and Fort Lauderdale residents. Thank you for all you do!
The Supreme Court of Florida has issued an Administrative Order that addresses emergency procedures and extends time periods under all Florida Rules of Procedure for Broward County in the wake of a water leak that unexpectedly forced the closure of our South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood on March 31, 2025. Read the Administrative Order HERE.
