FL S1384

Creates s. 25.025, F.S., allowing Supreme Court Justices who reside outside Leon County to designate a district court of appeal courthouse, county courthouse, or other appropriate facility in their district of residence as their official headquarters for use as private chambers.

Justices with designated headquarters in their district of residence are eligible for subsistence allowances (rate set by Chief Justice) for days spent at Supreme Court headquarters and reimbursement for transportation expenses between the two locations, subject to appropriated funds availability.

Prohibits the Supreme Court from using state funds to lease space for a justice's official headquarters and clarifies that counties are not required to provide courthouse space but may enter into agreements with the Supreme Court for space usage.

Increases the Ninth Judicial Circuit from 43 to 45 circuit judges and increases county court judges in Citrus, Columbia, Flagler, and Hillsborough counties (from 1 to 2, 1 to 2, 1 to 2, and 17 to 19 judges respectively).

Raises the county court jurisdiction limit for civil actions from $15,000 to $50,000 effective January 1, 2020, with automatic adjustments every 5 years based on Consumer Price Index inflation or deflation, rounded to the nearest $5,000.