Welcome from Chief Judge John L. Miller

Judge Miller

As Chief Judge, of the First Judicial Circuit, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our website.  Here you will find information about our judges in the First Judicial Circuit, courthouse locations, programs and services available, contact information, and much more.

The First Judicial Circuit is one of 20 judicial circuits in Florida and we serve four counties:  Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton.

As Chief Judge, it is my honor to serve the First Judicial Circuit with 35 other judges and administrative staff to provide the citizens of our circuit with prompt access to justice, as well as fair and timely resolution of disputes.  Our goal is to serve in a manner that is honorable, efficient, mindful and accountable.  The judges and court staff strive daily to meet these goals in order to instill public trust and confidence in our court system.  The First Judicial Circuit aims to ensure that all persons are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

As Chief Judge, my responsibilities with the judicial circuit include carrying out orders from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida; proper administration and supervision of the circuit and county courts, judges, and officers of the court; developing and implementing plans for court operations; prompt disposition of cases, assignment of judges and staff, control of dockets, and regulation of courtroom usage, and the entry of administrative orders to properly direct the court’s day-to-day affairs. 

All of our judges are committed to upholding the tremendous trust you have placed in us and your comments regarding our operations are always welcomed.  We hope to hear from you, as we continue to improve our court operations here in the First Judicial Circuit. 

 

                                                                                      Respectfully,

                                                                                      John L. Miller, Chief Judge

 

Select a county to find out more about our locations and services.

e-Portal Proposed Orders

Effective January 1, 2015, the Court has agreed that the Clerk in Escambia County will not accept proposed orders through the e-Portal. This temporary restriction does not apply to any other pleadings, motions, notices, or other filings which the e-Portal is capable of accepting. Counsel should check the preferences of the assigned judge posted here on the First Judicial Circuit Website at the JUDGES tab. Most judges will prefer that proposed orders be submitted either by hand delivery through the run, by U.S. mail, or by e-mail in Word format to the presiding judge’s judicial assistant. For those judges who do not have specific preferences on the website as to proposed orders, counsel may transmit the proposed orders by any of the aforementioned methods.