Is It Possible To Get Out of Jury Duty in Orlando, FL?

JAMES D. PAYER | October 11, 2024 | Orlando Personal Injury Blog

A letter of summons to serve on a jury is one of the last things you want to see in your mailbox. It’s a natural first reaction to wonder how to get out of jury duty.

Jury duty plays a significant role in our legal system. Most court cases are completed in a single day, while complex cases, such as those involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, can span multiple days.

Life is busy enough without unforeseen obligations being dropped at your feet. However, failing to appear for your jury duty can carry serious penalties. Our Orlando personal injury law firm shares the jury duty process and the legitimate reasons for getting out of jury duty.

How Are Jurors Selected?

According to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, juror selection is done at random using records from the Florida DMV. 

To qualify for jury duty selection, Florida residents:

• Must be over the age of 18 
• Must have a valid driver’s license or Florida Identification Card
• Cannot serve on multiple juries within 12 months

If you’re blindly selected, you’ll need to take stock of your upcoming personal and professional obligations. Jurors must be available to appear in court for trials that could take multiple days to reach a verdict.

In some cases, the court summons more people than they need. When this happens, you’ll call or check online the day before your summons to see if you’re needed. This date is listed in your letter.

Before jurors are added to the final jury, they’re interviewed by the judge and attorneys for both sides. These interview questions help determine whether a potential juror has any biases that could compromise the final ruling.

This will be the selection process for those summoned unless the court approves an exception.

Accepted Reasons For Getting Out of Jury Duty

It isn’t unusual to be excused from jury duty. There are several reasons why a judge may decide to waive your responsibility to serve. 

In Florida, these reasons are:

• You’re actively being prosecuted for a crime or have a felony charge
• You’re over the age of 70
• You’re pregnant
• You’re responsible for the full-time care of an ill or disabled loved one
• You’re a parent of a child under the age of six and aren’t employed full-time
• You no longer live in the county or state
• You’re a full-time student 
• You’re financially incapable of missing work
• You’re given an acceptable letter of excuse from your employer

Exceptions must be sent in writing to the court at least ten days before reporting day. Medical exemptions will use the Medical Excuse Form. Failure to appear for jury duty can result in fines and further sanctions.

Are There Penalties For Skipping Jury Duty?

If you fail to appear in court for jury duty, you’ll receive a letter instructing you to contact the Orange County jury department to reschedule. You won’t be fined or receive additional penalties if you successfully appear for your new jury date.

Florida Statute 40.23 dictates that failure to appear carries a fine that’s not to exceed $100. You may also be processed for contempt, which could result in community service, additional fines or sanctions, or jail time.

How To Avoid Jury Duty in Orlando, FL

If you’re wondering how to get out of jury duty, you should know that there isn’t a surefire way. Consequently, all summons should be taken seriously.

If you have a valid reason to miss jury duty, make sure you go through the proper channels. If not, make the necessary preparations to ensure that you can serve to the best of your ability while minimizing potential inconveniences as much as possible.

Contact Our Orlando Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Florida, and need legal help, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Orange County and its surrounding areas: