13th Circuit Court
@13thCourtFL
The official Twitter account of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, serving all of Hillsborough County.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrates its 35th anniversary. The 13th Judicial Court is in full compliance with the ADA, which requires all public services & facilities to be as reasonably accessible to persons with disabilities. Learn more - fljud13.org/BusinessOperat…


This week, several of our staff are in Omaha, Nebraska, attending the 40th Annual @NACMNET (National Association for Court Management) Conference. This year's theme is Promoting Public Trust & Confidence through Service and Collaboration. Continuing #education keeps us #13Strong!

High school students from the Career Focus summer camp visited the courthouse, observing a criminal trial and Violation of Probation Court with Judge Nick Nazaretian. The camp helps students with disabilities find and maintain employment. Awesome! #Education #13Strong




Congratulations to Judges Jeffrey Rich and Richard Martin, appointed today by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Bench! Rich has been a County Court Judge since 2021, and Martin since 2023. They fill the vacancy of Judges Ward and Moe. Well deserved! #13Strong!


Are you a Hillsborough County veteran who needs help with fines, legal fees, or other legal issues? Our Veterans Outreach Court may be able to help you resolve these matters. To see if you qualify call (813) 277-1364. Learn more at fljud13.org #Vets #13Strong

Today is Tampa's 138th Birthday! On July 15, 1887, the @CityofTampa was organized under a special act of the Florida Legislature, abolishing the governments of the Town of Tampa and the Town of North Tampa, establishing the City of Tampa. #HappyBirthday Tampa! #13Strong




Great story from ABC Action News: featuring Judges Susan Bucklew, the first female judge in Hillsborough County & Katherine Essrig, currently our longest-serving judge. The 13th now has more female judges than male & they are part of this shift. #13Strong abcactionnews.com/news/anchors-r…
Congratulations to Judge Helene Daniel, appointed to a three-year term, and to Judge Paul Huey, reappointed for another three-year term, to the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions for Contract and Business Cases. Great choices! #13Strong


This week, many of our county judges are attending the annual Conference of County Court Judges. The conference offers a forum where county court judges from across the state receive continuing education, and they also meet to discuss common issues and seek solutions. #13Strong!

Check out the FOX 13 story on high school students participating in the 2nd Annual Judge Robert J. Simms Summer Mock Trial Camp at the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. fox13news.com/news/mock-tria… #Education #13Strong
New employees had "coffee & donuts with the Chief" today, visiting with Chief Judge Christopher Sabella & Court Administrator @GinaJusticeFL13. They also toured the courthouse complex to observe how varying court roles interrelate, & they met Barley, our Courthouse Dog. #13Strong




All courthouse facilities of the 13th Judicial Circuit will be closed on Friday, July 4th, in observance of #Independenceday2025, as we celebrate our nation's 249th Birthday. Court business will resume on Monday, July 7th. #HappyBirthdayAmerica #WeAre13Strong

Staff from our Mediation & Diversion Services Department and Unified Family Case Management got together today to celebrate #Juneteenth2025 with a special luncheon. Happy Juneteenth! #FreedomDay @GinaJusticeFL13 #WeAre13Strong




On June 19th, we celebrate Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, when a Union General rode into Galveston, Texas on, June 19, 1865, announcing the Civil War had ended and all slaves had been freed. #FreedomDay #13Strong




85 high school students are at the courthouse all week for the 2nd Annual Judge Robert J. Simms Summer Mock Trial Camp. Led by Judge Christopher Nash, the students are observing court proceedings, hearing from judges & attorneys, and holding a mock trial. #FutureLawyers #13Strong



Please be advised, all courthouse facilities of the 13th Judicial Circuit will be open on Thursday, June 19th. #13Strong

Court staff celebrate #FlagDay, commemorating June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress adopted the United States flag. We reflect on the values our flag represents, and the many ways it has served as a symbol of unity and pride throughout our nation’s history. #13Strong

The 13th Judicial Court participated in the @hillsclerk's 3rd Annual Government Career Fair at the Chillura Courthouse Square. If you couldn't attend, visit fljud13.org/Careers.aspx to learn about the court's many job openings and opportunities. Join our team and be #13Strong!




We are sad to report that former Chief Judge Dennis Alvarez has passed away. He served our circuit with distinction for 21 years, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, & dedicated service to the court & our community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.

Don't forget - the 3rd Annual Government Career Fair is tomorrow Friday, June 13th. The Career Fair is an opportunity for job seekers to connect with recruiters from top government agencies, including the 13th Judicial Court. Learn more at hillsclerk.com/jobs #WeAre13Strong!
