Seminole County was created in 1920 from parts of Decatur and Early counties. The amendment to the state constitution, which made the county, was proposed on July 8, 1920, and ratified on November 2.
Seminole County Clerk of Court Magistrate Court
The purpose, mission, and objective of the Court is to provide the citizens of Seminole County Clerk of Court with a high level of judicial professionalism through a systematic, efficient, and accurate judicial system in which all citizens and litigants of the County can expect fair and impartial treatment in all aspects of the judicial process promptly.
Civil jurisdiction involves negotiating and resolving civil disputes where the amount in controversy is $15,000 or less. These cases include civil actions, foreclosures, evictions (landlord/tenant), personal property/rental seizures, post-trial interrogations, and vehicle abandonment. The trial court does not conduct jury trials, nor is it a court of record.
Criminal justice included issuing arrest warrants, search warrants, arrest/bail warrants, initial appearance hearings, bond hearings, and preliminary hearings. The court presides over and conducts trials for violations of county ordinances, animal welfare regulations, and misdemeanors. Offenses include bad check/deposit fraud, trespassing, alcohol-related crimes involving anyone under the age of 21, shoplifting, and possession of marijuana under 30 grams.
Seminole County judges have the authority to hold trials, hear testimony, and review evidence presented. To become a judge in Florida, you need to be a respected, qualified attorney with a minimum of five years of legal experience.
The Magistrate’s Court is a court of restricted civil and criminal jurisdiction intrinsically established in 1983. Its authority is defined in the Georgia Law and Courts Act (OCGA) 15-10-2, the Georgia Code, and the Uniform Rules of Trial Court.