Court Bonds

The Florida Appeal Court Structure

08.13.2019

If you have gotten an adverse judgment in one of Florida’s trial courts, you may want to have that ruling appealed in order to have that lower court decision reviewed. The Florida District Courts of Appeal review trial court decisions for harmful errors and ensure that all decisions are consistent with the required rights and liberties of people in Florida.

Florida has five District Courts of Appeal, located in Tallahassee, Lakeland, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Dayton Beach. Generally, reviews at this level represent the final appellate review of most litigated cases as the Florida Supreme Court will most likely not hear most appellate cases. The Courts of Appeal are three judge panels that review the trial court judgments.

The First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee includes the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 14th Circuits. The Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland includes the 6th, 10th, 12th, 13th, and 20th Circuits. The Third District Court of Appeal in Miami includes the 11th and 16th Circuits. The Fourth District Court of Appeal includes the 15th, 17th, and 19th Circuits. The Fifth District Court of Appeal includes the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 18th Circuits.

To appeal a civil case in Florida, you will likely need to obtain an appeal or supersedeas bond in order to secure your right to appeal and stay execution of the lower court judgment.

Where can you easily purchase an appeal or supersedeas bond?

Colonial Surety offers the direct and digital way to obtain an appeal or supersedeas bond. We are the insurance company — which means no agent, no broker, and no middleman. We make it easy to obtain your bond instantly. The steps are easy — get a quote online, fill out your information, satisfy underwriting requirements, and enter your payment method. Print or e-file your bond from your office. It’s that simple!