Please be aware that there is currently a nationwide identity theft scam where callers identifying themselves as jury personnel attempt to solicit personal information such as social security numbers and bank account information. A number of courts across the country, including our own, have also reported that citizens are being targeted by a juror “phishing” email. “Phishing” scams are attempts by hackers or other unauthorized individuals to get personal information, usually for use in identity theft or other illegal endeavors. The messages may look convincingly official and may include an attachment that if opened can install malicious software on your computer or steal personal information off your computer.
The Court will never ask prospective jurors for this type of information. Do not provide this information, either by phone or e-mail, and do not open any attachments to an email from someone claiming to represent the Court system. In the event you receive an e-mail or phone call that you feel may not be legitimate, please contact the Court Administrator’s office at 352-374-3638.
Jurors for County and Circuit Court are selected from the list of licensed drivers residing in Alachua County. Jurors are generally summoned 4-8 weeks prior to jury duty.
Most juries are selected on Monday morning at the Alachua County Courthouse for all trials scheduled for the week. Some 80% of the trials in Alachua County are for one day only. Therefore, most jurors serve Monday and one additional day.
Jurors are paid by the state only if they are not paid by their employer during their first three days of jury duty. If the Juror is not paid by his/her employer, they are paid $15.00 for each of the first three days they serve. After the third day, all jurors are paid $30.00 per day served regardless of whether or not their employer pays them for their time spent at the Courthouse.
All licensed drivers, meeting certain basic requirements, may serve on a jury, however, Florida law allows certain exemptions from Jury service. These include:
- Drivers over 70 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Caregiver of a child under 6 years of age
- Caregiver of a disabled person
- Police Officers
For additional information about Jury service please contact the Clerk of the Court at (352) 374-3636.