Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida The Twentieth Judicial Circuit, established in 1970, consists of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties

Another retirement to celebrate! 🎉⚖️This time, we headed to the Charlotte County Justice Center to say farewell to Gener...
09/10/2026

Another retirement to celebrate! 🎉⚖️

This time, we headed to the Charlotte County Justice Center to say farewell to General Magistrate Robert F. Koch as he officially trades the courtroom for retirement!

Judges, attorneys, court staff, colleagues and friends came together to celebrate Magistrate Koch and thank him for his years of dedicated service to the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. It was an afternoon filled with stories and a lot of well wishes!

And we couldn’t send him off without one more “team” photo! Assistant Kristy Sandrock and Bailiff Carla Williams joined Magistrate Koch for a final photo together before he begins his next chapter.

Congratulations, Magistrate Koch! We hope retirement treats you well! 👏🎉

HEADS UP đź“Ł 20th Judicial Circuit Courts will be closed on Friday, September 11th, in observance of Rosh Hashanah. Court ...
09/09/2026

HEADS UP đź“Ł 20th Judicial Circuit Courts will be closed on Friday, September 11th, in observance of Rosh Hashanah. Court business will resume on Monday, September 14th.

A well-deserved sendoff for Circuit Judge Ramiro Mañalich! 🎉⚖️Judges, court staff, colleagues and friends recently gathe...
09/09/2026

A well-deserved sendoff for Circuit Judge Ramiro Mañalich! 🎉⚖️

Judges, court staff, colleagues and friends recently gathered in Collier County to celebrate the retirement of Judge Mañalich after more than two decades on the bench.

Judge Mañalich’s journey to the bench is a remarkable one. He came to the United States from Cuba as a young child when his family fled the Castro regime in 1960. After growing up in the Midwest and earning his law degree from Marquette University Law School, his career eventually brought him to Southwest Florida. He was appointed to the Collier County Court bench in 2003 and joined the Circuit Court bench in 2008.

The gathering also gave us the opportunity to say farewell to Judge Mañalich’s Judicial Assistant, Melissa Fechner. Melissa has been an important part of his chambers and our court family, and we thank her for her years of service.

It was a special afternoon celebrating two familiar faces who have been part of our courts for many years. Best wishes to both Judge Mañalich and Melissa on what comes next! 👏

COURT CLOSURE ALERT đź“Ł Twentieth Judicial Circuit Courts will be closed on Monday September 7th, 2026 for Labor Day. We w...
09/03/2026

COURT CLOSURE ALERT đź“Ł Twentieth Judicial Circuit Courts will be closed on Monday September 7th, 2026 for Labor Day. We will see you on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 when we re-open. Have a safe and happy weekend!

Recovery Month is a reminder that strong recovery systems are built through connection and collaboration!! Last week, me...
09/02/2026

Recovery Month is a reminder that strong recovery systems are built through connection and collaboration!!

Last week, members of our treatment court team attended the Florida Behavioral Health Conference (BHCon), joining professionals from across the state to share ideas and learn more about the work happening throughout Florida’s behavioral health system.

Representing Lee County Drug Court and Mental Health Court were team members from DOC Probation and Centerstone, along with our Lee County Drug Courts Manager and Treatment Courts Director.

They came back with new ideas, new connections and valuable perspectives that can help strengthen the work happening in our treatment courts every day. 🤝🤩

Recovery is not the same for everyone and neither is the path to getting there.During National Recovery Month, we recogn...
09/01/2026

Recovery is not the same for everyone and neither is the path to getting there.

During National Recovery Month, we recognize the individuals working toward recovery and the judges, court professionals, treatment providers, attorneys, probation officers, mentors, and community partners who help support that journey.

Our Treatment Courts, including Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court, connect participants with accountability, treatment, and resources that support long-term success.

Every participant's story is different. Every step forward matters.

Join us in celebrating a path to recovery. đź’ś

Last week, employees from across the Twentieth Judicial Circuit attended the Florida Court Personnel Institute in Orland...
08/31/2026

Last week, employees from across the Twentieth Judicial Circuit attended the Florida Court Personnel Institute in Orlando, where court professionals from around the state developed the skills that help keep Florida’s courts accessible, fair, effective, responsive, and accountable.

Court interpreters, Human Resources staff, judicial assistants, and new employees represented our Florida Courts throughout the week. Our Human Resources Director, Dawn Whittington, also presented two management sessions focused on developing effective leaders and navigating challenging workplace situations.

Three graduates. Three success stories. Three lives moving forward. đź’™Congratulations to the three newest graduates of Co...
08/28/2026

Three graduates. Three success stories. Three lives moving forward. đź’™

Congratulations to the three newest graduates of Collier County Mental Health Court!

Graduation is more than the end of a program. It's a milestone that reflects hard work and a commitment to creating a better future.

This year, nine participants have graduated and 33 participants are continuing their journey through the program. Presided over by Collier County Judge Deborah Cunningham, Mental Health Court provides treatment, accountability, and support while helping participants address the underlying mental health challenges that can contribute to justice system involvement.

Congratulations to all three graduates on this well-earned achievement. We wish you continued success!

Taking the bench Monday are two new judges to the 20th Judicial Circuit! Please join us in welcoming Judge James Chandle...
08/20/2026

Taking the bench Monday are two new judges to the 20th Judicial Circuit! Please join us in welcoming Judge James Chandler and Judge Kristan Burns.

Judge Chandler has been appointed to the Circuit Court, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Elizabeth Krier in Collier County. He most recently operated his own law practice in Naples.

Judge Kristan Burns has been appointed to the Lee County Court, filling the vacancy created by Judge Kimberly Davis Bocelli’s elevation to the Circuit Court. Judge Burns most recently served with the State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Circuit.

Both judges will begin their service on August 24. Congratulations!

Address

1700 Monroe Street
North Fort Myers, FL
33901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12395339197

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