F R O M T H E C L E R K O F C O U R T & C O M P T R O L L E R C i n d y S t u a r t – C l e r k o f C o u r t & C o m p t r o l l e r , T h i r t e e n t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t
newlawallowsnewmotherstorequest anexcusalfromJurydutyinFlorida
thehillsboroughcountyclerkofcourtandcomptrolleroffice handlesnearly3,000jurorsummonseveryweek .
Recently , new legislation signed by Florida ’ s Governor allows new mothers to be excused from jury duty . House Bill 461 introduces an optional exemption for women who have recently given birth . Under this law , any woman who has given birth within six months prior to the reporting date on the jury summons can request to be excused . In Hillsborough County , there are already provisions for excusals upon request for expectant mothers and parents who are not employed full-time and have custody of children under six . When the new law took effect on July 1st , the jury summons in Hillsborough County now includes updated language reflecting these exemptions .
In March 2023 , lawmakers in Florida unanimously approved a measure that requires courthouses across the state to provide free , clean , and private lactation rooms . These lactation rooms are in the George E . Edgecomb Courthouse and the Courthouse Annex in downtown Tampa . Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller jury service employees will be available to assist nursing mothers in accessing these rooms .
It is important to note that jury service is a civic responsibility shared by all U . S . citizens and is an essential part of our democratic system . Florida law aims to ensure that juries are composed of a diverse cross-section of the community , including individuals from different backgrounds and social groups , to form a fair representation in civil and criminal courts .
Florida law requires the selection of potential jurors randomly from records of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles ( DHSMV ) containing the
names of individuals with a driver ’ s license or identification card in the county .
If you receive a jury summons in the mail , there are a few things to keep in mind :
• The office has created a video about parking and directions to the courthouse , which can be found on our website , www . hillsclerk . com .
• If you have prior commitments on your calendar , there may be ways to help in some cases . Several other reasons may qualify you for an excusal , such as being a full-time law enforcement officer , being 70 years of age or older and requesting a permanent excusal , or having a mental or physical incapacity .
• Our website provides information on these and other exemptions . Understand that if a postponement is granted , then you will be summoned at a later time as permitted by law . If you are chosen to serve as a juror , the office assures you that it is committed to keeping you comfortable and well-informed . For more information , visit www . hillsclerk . com . n
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