17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida is the court for Broward County, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

It is the second largest circuit court in the state with 90 judges. Of those, 32 are county court judges and 58 are circuit judges.

Meet Yves Laventure, General Magistrate in the Court’s Probate Division.Appointed by the Chief Judge, Magistrate Laventu...
06/19/2026

Meet Yves Laventure, General Magistrate in the Court’s Probate Division.

Appointed by the Chief Judge, Magistrate Laventure serves in a quasi-judicial role, conducting hearings, presiding over trials, and making recommendations on a wide range of probate matters. Those recommendations are then reviewed and ratified by his assigned judge, whose orders make them official.

What does he enjoy most about the job?

"I like that I actually get to help people, and more importantly, help them understand why something is happening," Magistrate Laventure said.

And in a division where emotions can run high and expectations don't always align with legal realities, there is no shortage of challenges.

"I am always busy. The hardest part of my job is attempting to manage what people expect is going to happen and what the law requires."

Through his dedication, patience, and expertise, Magistrate Laventure plays an important role in helping the Probate Division serve the public fairly and efficiently.

Thank you for all you do!

A contingent of Polish judges visited the courtroom of Circuit Judge Jose Izquierdo on Thursday, where they observed a d...
06/18/2026

A contingent of Polish judges visited the courtroom of Circuit Judge Jose Izquierdo on Thursday, where they observed a dependency case and later participated in a Q&A. The judges preside in courts in Gdansk, Warsaw, Rzeszow and Piaseczno.

Judge Izquierdo discussed the complexities of dependency proceedings and explained why many dependency matters are not open to the public. The visiting judges are in Florida through Global Ties Miami, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering international relationships and advancing understanding, connections, and cultural exchange through citizen diplomacy and international exchange programs.

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale



The visit provided a valuable opportunity for judicial colleagues from different countries to exchange ideas and learn more about the American court system.

The Supreme Court of Florida has issued an administrative order granting an emergency request to extend time periods und...
06/18/2026

The Supreme Court of Florida has issued an administrative order granting an emergency request to extend time periods under all Florida Rules of Procedure for Broward County.

The order addresses emergency procedures and provides temporary relief for procedural deadlines affected by recent events. Attorneys, litigants, and court users are encouraged to review the order for specific details and applicable time frames. Read the Administrative Order here:
https://www.17th.flcourts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AOSC26-13-2.pdf

Students participating in the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Summer Internship Program had the opportunity to hear from busines...
06/17/2026

Students participating in the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Summer Internship Program had the opportunity to hear from business attorney Valerie Barnhart, who also serves on the Judicial Nominating Commission. Ms. Barnhart shared insights on the legal profession and the judicial selection process.

The group photo features the law school students and undergraduate interns with Ms. Barnhart (center, with long blonde hair). Ms. Barnhart is also pictured with County Court Judge Jackie Powell.

Thank you, Ms. Barnhart, for investing in the next generation of legal professionals!

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Please join us in celebrating Judge Jackie Powell, recipient of the 2026 Broward County Bar Association President’s Awar...
06/17/2026

Please join us in celebrating Judge Jackie Powell, recipient of the 2026 Broward County Bar Association President’s Award!

This distinguished honor recognizes her unwavering commitment to the judiciary, her dedication to mentoring others, and her many years of service to our community. Judge Powell’s leadership, professionalism, and positive influence continue to leave a lasting impact on those around her. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and achievement! The award was presented at the 2026 Broward County Bar Association Annual Installation Dinner & Gala.

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Congratulations to the newly installed officers of the Broward County Judicial Assistants Association!Judge Melinda Brow...
06/17/2026

Congratulations to the newly installed officers of the Broward County Judicial Assistants Association!

Judge Melinda Brown administered the oath of office today as the association’s new officers for 2026-2027 were sworn in. Pictured from left to right are:

🔹 Grace Valentin, Judicial Assistant to Judge Phoebee Francois
🔹 Stephanie Woodberry, Judicial Assistant to Judge Melinda Brown
🔹 Stacy McMenemy, Judicial Assistant to Judge Susan R. Alspector
🔹 Carol Hermiston, Judicial Assistant to Judge Miranda Giuseppina
🔹 Eva-Tanja Cuthbert, Judicial Assistant to Judge Kathleen McHugh

Best wishes to the new officers as they begin their terms and continue their dedication and service to the Broward County court community.

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

All Broward Courts will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. The affected courthouses includ...
06/15/2026

All Broward Courts will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. The affected courthouses include the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, the North Regional Courthouse in Deerfield Beach, the West Regional Courthouse in Plantation and the South Regional Courthouse in Hollywood. All four courthouses will re-open on Monday.

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Say hello to David Mar, General Magistrate Assistant to Magistrate Hilary Creary, who handles Family Court cases. And if...
06/12/2026

Say hello to David Mar, General Magistrate Assistant to Magistrate Hilary Creary, who handles Family Court cases. And if you know anything about Family Court, you know that keeps David busy. Very busy.

From scheduling hearings and preparing dockets to communicating with attorneys and self-represented litigants, David helps keep the court running smoothly while answering countless questions along the way.

What David enjoys most about his job is the opportunity to learn something new every day.

“You really learn what goes on in the courtroom and why people are here,” David said. “I feel like it’s a process of helping everybody who is involved in a case.”

Thank you, David, for your dedication to serving the court and the community.

The 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to announce The Honorable Elijah H. Williams as a recipient of the Stephen R. Booher ...
06/10/2026

The 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to announce The Honorable Elijah H. Williams as a recipient of the Stephen R. Booher Award, in recognition of humanity, integrity, and unwavering service to the Bench, Bar, and community.

This distinguished honor will be presented at the Broward County Bar Association’s 2026 Annual Installation Dinner & Gala.

You are truly a standout. Congratulations, Judge Williams, on this well-deserved recognition.

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

Please join us in celebrating Judge Jackie Powell, recipient of the 2026 Broward County Bar Association President’s Awar...
06/09/2026

Please join us in celebrating Judge Jackie Powell, recipient of the 2026 Broward County Bar Association President’s Award!

This distinguished honor recognizes her unwavering commitment to the judiciary, her dedication to mentoring others, and her many years of service to our community. Judge Powell’s leadership, professionalism, and positive influence continue to leave a lasting impact on those around her. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and achievement! The award will be presented at the 2026 Broward County Bar Association Annual Installation Dinner & Gala.

.miami bcwla
Broward State Attorney's Office - 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida Law Office of the Public Defender - Broward County, FL City of Fort Lauderdale

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201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL
33301

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