If you’ve been called for jury duty in Miami, your first move is to complete the juror questionnaire through the Clearview Juror Portal by the date printed on your summons, then plan to report to the courthouse listed on it. Miami-Dade runs a “one day or one trial” system, so most people finish in a single day unless they’re seated on a jury. Ignoring the summons can cost you up to $100 and a contempt finding.
Responding to Your Summons
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts manages jury service through the Clearview Juror Portal. You need to fill out the questionnaire by the deadline on your summons so the court can confirm your eligibility before your reporting date.1Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Miami-Dade County. Jurors
Log in one of two ways: your Juror ID plus date of birth (both on the summons), or your Florida driver license or ID number plus date of birth. The second option works if you’ve misplaced the summons.1Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Miami-Dade County. Jurors Without a computer, use a mobile device, a public library, or call the Clerk’s jury office at 786-828-5879, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Postponing or Getting Excused
If the assigned date doesn’t work, you can request one courtesy postponement through the portal and pick a future date from the available list. You must submit the request at least seven days before your original start date. After that, the option is gone.2Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. Jury Postponement and Excusal
Excusal is a different track. It requires a statutory exemption or documented hardship such as extreme financial hardship, which needs paperwork like an employer letter or financial records. The Clerk’s office reviews the request and notifies you of the outcome. A denial means you report on the original date. All requests must go through the portal or be submitted in writing with documentation. Phone requests are not accepted.2Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. Jury Postponement and Excusal
Who Qualifies and Who Can Be Excused
Florida requires jurors to be U.S. citizens, at least 18, and legal residents of Florida and Miami-Dade County. You also need a Florida driver license or state ID, though the statute allows a sworn affidavit in place of either.3Online Sunshine. The 2025 Florida Statutes – Chapter 40 You’re disqualified if you’re under 18, not a citizen, no longer a Miami-Dade resident, currently facing criminal prosecution, or a convicted felon whose civil rights haven’t been restored. Disqualification isn’t automatic on the court’s end; you have to notify the Clerk with documentation.2Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. Jury Postponement and Excusal
Florida law also lets several groups request an excusal from a specific summons:
- Anyone 70 or older, who can also request a permanent excusal in writing (and can rejoin the pool later in writing).
- Expectant mothers.
- Anyone who gave birth within the six months before the reporting date.
- Parents who aren’t employed full-time and have custody of a child under six.
- Full-time federal, state, or local law enforcement officers and investigative personnel, unless they choose to serve.
- Full-time students aged 18 to 21 attending a state university, private postsecondary institution, Florida College System school, career center, or high school.
- Caregivers for someone who cannot care for themselves because of mental illness, intellectual disability, or other incapacity.
- Anyone who reported for jury service in their county within the past year, exempt for one year from their last day of service.
None of these apply automatically. You have to request the excusal through the portal.4Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 40.013 – Persons Disqualified or Excused From Jury Service
What Happens If You Skip
Failing to appear without a sufficient excuse is punishable under Florida law by a fine of up to $100, imposed by the court that issued the summons. The absence can also be treated as contempt of court, which carries whatever additional penalty the judge decides is appropriate.5Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 40.23 – Summoning Jurors
In Miami-Dade, no-show jurors may receive an Order to Show Cause requiring a court appearance to explain the absence.2Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. Jury Postponement and Excusal If you have a legitimate reason you couldn’t attend, bring your documentation to that hearing.
Reporting Day
Miami-Dade jurors report to one of two courthouses: the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building or the Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center. Your summons tells you which. On the Friday before your start date, an email confirms your time and status; you can also check the portal or the recorded information line.
Under the county’s one-day-or-one-trial rule, if you aren’t selected for a jury or placed into an ongoing selection by the end of your first day, you’re done. If you’re seated, you serve through the end of that trial or until the judge releases you.6Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. Jury Duty Guidelines
Parking
Juror parking is free at both courthouses. For the Gerstein Justice Building, use the Civic Center Jury Lot at 1250 NW 12th Street. For the Soto Justice Center, free parking is available in Garage #5 (Hickman) at 270 NW 2nd Street and the West Lot Garage at 220 NW 3rd Street. If you take Metrorail, display the parking decal that came with your summons at the station lot.7Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Miami-Dade County. Where to Park Give yourself extra time for parking and security.
What to Wear and Bring
Business casual. Shorts and uniforms aren’t allowed inside the courthouses, and courtrooms run cold, so pack a jacket or sweater. Bring the summons itself; it doubles as your juror badge at security.6Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller. Jury Duty Guidelines
Pay
Florida doesn’t pay jurors who are regularly employed and still receiving their normal wages during the first three days of service. Jurors who are not employed, or whose employers don’t continue their salary, receive $15 per day for those first three days.8Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 40.24 – Compensation and Reimbursement Policy
From the fourth day forward, every juror still serving gets $30 per day regardless of employment status. The rate is set by state statute.8Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 40.24 – Compensation and Reimbursement Policy
Your Job Is Protected
Florida law makes it illegal for any employer to fire you because of jury service, no matter how long the trial lasts. An employer who threatens termination over jury duty can be held in contempt of the court that issued the summons. If you are fired for serving, you can sue and recover compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reasonable attorney fees.9Florida Senate. Florida Statutes 40.271 – Jury Service
One boundary: Florida does not require private employers to pay your regular wages during jury duty. Whether your paycheck continues is a matter of your employer’s policy, so check your employee handbook before your reporting date.