1. What is a remote court hearing?
A remote court hearing means that you and the other participants will be participating from somewhere other than the courtroom via phone or video. For instructions on how to participate in your remote hearing please refer to the instructions from the court.
2. How do I know if I have a hearing scheduled?
The court will notify you if you are scheduled for a hearing and provide instructions on how to participate. You will be informed on whether to appear in-person, by phone, and/or by video. If you are unsure whether you have a court hearing or how to participate, contact the Clerk's Office as soon as possible at 813-276-8100.
3. What will I need to attend Court using Zoom™?
You will need a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone that is equipped with a camera and microphone and a stable internet connection.
4. What if I do not have internet or phone access or cannot attend remotely?
Contact the Clerk’s Office at 813-276-8100 as soon as possible to let them know. They may be able to help by rescheduling your hearing or by making other accommodations, as appropriate.
5. How do I participate in a remote hearing by video or by phone?
Details on about how to participate in your remote hearing will be provided to you by the court before the date of your hearing. General information about Zoom™ can be found on the Judiciary website. https://www.fljud13.org/Remote-Hearings.aspx.
6. What if I need an interpreter or other accommodations for the remote hearing?
If you need an interpreter or other accommodation for your hearing, you must let the court know in advance so arrangements can be made.
During the hearing, if you are having trouble hearing or using the remote hearing technology, let the court know as soon as possible.
To schedule a court intrepreter contact the Court Intrepreter Center at 813-272-5947. To request ADA accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 813-272-7040 or email ADA@fljud13.org.
7. What should I expect during the remote hearing?
When you first join, you may be placed in a virtual “waiting room” before the court is ready to move you to the “hearing room” for your case. The court can send you a message while in the “waiting room,” but other participants will not be able to see or contact you.
When you are moved to the “hearing room,” you will see the judge and other parties on your screen. Be sure to dress appropriately for the court hearing and locate a quite place to minimize distractions. The judge will make sure you can hear and be heard, and will explain the rules of the remote hearing. If at any time you cannot hear the court or other parties when they speak, immediately let the court know.
Place yourself on “mute” when not speaking, and listen carefully to the court’s instructions.
When your hearing is complete, the court may place you in a “breakout room” so that your attorney or a court staff member can speak to you about your case before you leave the remote hearing.
8. What if I am participating in a remote hearing, and phone data runs out or I run out of battery on the device I am using?
Fully charge your device before the hearing begins. If you sense that you are running out of data or battery, let the court know as soon as possible by sending a message using the “chat” feature. If you are using equipment other than a cell phone (laptop, iPad, etc.) for the hearing and that device becomes unable to complete the hearing, you can use a phone to dial into the hearing.
No Internet Connectivity- Join via Telephone
Dial: 1-786-635-1003
Enter your Meeting ID when prompted followed by#.
Enter your Password if required when prompted followed by#. Please listen carefully and follow instructions.
Contact the court as soon as possible if any technical difficulties prevent you from participating in the hearing either by video or by phone.