Miami Courthouses

Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building

The Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building handles criminal cases, including traffic matters. The criminal division operates on two levels, Circuit and County. County Criminal has jurisdiction over misdemeanor arrests, certain civil infractions and municipal ordinance violations, while Circuit Criminal handles all felony cases. Instead of visiting the courthouse, save the hassle by paying your traffic ticket online instead. The best place to park is Civic Center Lot #25 at 1355 N.W. 12 Ave.

Miami-Dade County Courthouse

The historic Miami-Dade County Courthouse handles civil and probate matters. The civil division operates on two levels: Circuit Civil and County Civil. Circuit Civil has jurisdiction over civil matters where the amount of damages sought exceeds $15,000, while County Civil has jurisdiction over small claims court (up to $5,000), actions for damages below $15,000 and landlord/tenant cases. The Probate Division oversees the distribution of deceased individuals’ estates. The elevators are really slow, and the line at the metal detector is always packed, so be sure to arrive early. Check out their public law library on the second floor, with a vast array of legal resources, computers, copiers and plenty of work space. The best place to park is the Miami-Dade Cultural Center Garage at 50 N.W. 2nd Ave.

Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center

The Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center handles exclusively family law cases, including domestic violence. If you need help navigating your family law issue, try using their Self-Help Program. They will provide you with a packet of all the necessary forms and then review the forms for completeness (for a price). If you seek a restraining order against an abusive family member, fill out their intake questionnaire first to save yourself some time. The best place to park is the Miami-Dade Cultural Center Garage at 50 N.W. 2nd Ave.

Children's Courthouse and Juvenile Justice Center

The Children's Courthouse and Juvenile Justice Center handles only juvenile delinquency cases, where children have been charged with a criminal offense, and juvenile dependency cases, for child abuse or neglect. They also have programs specifically targeted at juvenile alcohol or drug use. Juvenile cases are geared toward rehabilitation rather than punishment, and to that end the Children in Need or Services program provides a lighter touch by granting families access to a continuum of social services.

In addition to the four primary courthouses, there are five full-service District Court locations spread throughout the county. You can typically file civil cases, receive marriage licenses, take care of traffic or parking tickets, or file for uncontested divorce at these locations.

Coral Gables Branch Court

The Coral Gables Branch handles routine filing and traffic matters for southern Miami. It is a bit secluded, but this means it is usually fairly empty. There is free parking right next to the building.

North Dade Justice Center

The North Dade Justice Center handles routine filing and traffic matters north of Miami. It has a DMV in addition to its court services, but you must make an appointment first. They also boast a domestic violence intake center. The parking situation is awful, so expect to pay.

South Dade Justice Center

The South Dade Justice Center handles routine filing and traffic matters far south of Miami. It has a domestic violence room where you can request a restraining order. There is plentiful free parking at the building, look for a red-trimmed entrance.

Hialeah Courthouse

The Hialeah Courthouse handles routine filing and traffic matters for eastern Miami. The Hialeah Courthouse has a well-deserved reputation for long wait times, big fees and rude employees, so I’d recommend avoiding it unless absolutely necessary. There is no free parking available, so expect to pay.

Miami Beach Court Facility

The Miami Beach Court Facility handles routine filing and traffic matters for Miami Beach. There is no free parking, but should be some parking meters available nearby.

Overtown Transit Village South

The Overtown Transit Village South building houses several magistrates in charge of enforcing child support. This building also holds the Florida State’s Attorney, which amongst other things, enforces child support payments.

Third District Court of Appeal

The Third District Courts of Appeal is a state intermediate level appellate court with jurisdiction over all civil appeals and most criminal appeals. Your appeal will likely be hear by a three judge panel. You have no business here unless your case has already been through a lower trial-level court.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida handles federal trial-level matters only. This district sits within the Eleventh Circuit, which has jurisdiction over Florida, Alabama and Georgia.  Federal appeals from the Southern District of Florida are handled in Atlanta. Here is a helpful list of forms for many common legal actions. This court has another two locations, found within a block of this one:

C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse
301 N. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33128

James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building
99 N.E. Fourth St.
Miami, FL 33132