Rule 7.150 — Jury Trials

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(a) Written Demand. Jury trials may be had upon written demand of the plaintiff at the time of the commencement of the suit, or by the defendant within 10 days after service of the summons/notice to appear or at the pretrial conference, if any. Otherwise, the jury trial shall be deemed waived.

(b) Juror Participation Through Audio-Video Communication Technology. Prospective jurors may participate in voir dire or empaneled jurors may participate in the jury trial through audio-video communication technology, as described in Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530(c), if stipulated by the parties in writing and authorized by the court. The written stipulation and a written motion requesting authorization must be filed with the court within 10 days after service of a written demand under subdivision (a) or within such other period as may be directed by the court.

(a) How to Request a Jury Trial: In small claims court, a trial by a judge is the default. If you want a jury to decide your case, you must formally request it in writing. There are strict deadlines:

  • If you are the Plaintiff (the person suing), you must make your written demand for a jury trial when you first file the lawsuit.
  • If you are the Defendant (the person being sued), you must make your written demand within 10 days of being served with the lawsuit papers, or at the pretrial conference.

Important: If you miss this deadline, your right to a jury trial is considered waived, and your case will be decided by a judge alone.

(b) Remote Jury Participation: Jurors are allowed to participate in jury selection and even the trial itself through video conference technology, but only if **both** parties agree to it in writing and the judge approves it.

Rule 7.140 Rule 7.160
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