Federal & State Lawfederalstatelaw.com
Back to Questions
civil-procedureFL

Can I get out of jury duty in Florida?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Florida jury duty is governed by Chapter 40 of the Florida Statutes. Service is administered at the county circuit court.

1. Qualifications (Fla. Stat. § 40.01)

  • US citizen, age 18 or older.
  • Resident of the county and a registered driver or ID holder.
  • Not a convicted felon (unless civil rights restored).
  • Not currently under prosecution for a crime.

    • 2. Statutory Excusals (Fla. Stat. § 40.013)

    You are disqualified or may claim excusal if you are:

  • 70 years of age or older (request only; automatically granted).
  • An expectant mother.
  • A parent who is not employed full time and has custody of a child under 6.
  • A full-time law-enforcement officer or investigative employee of state attorney/PD.

    • 3. Hardship Excusals

    A judge may grant a deferral or excusal for medical conditions, severe financial hardship, or undue burden — with supporting documentation.

    4. Juror Pay (Fla. Stat. § 40.24)

  • Days 1–3: $15 per day (only if your employer does NOT pay regular wages).
  • Day 4 onward: $30 per day, paid regardless of employer pay.

    • 5. Employer Rules (Fla. Stat. § 40.271)

    Employers may not threaten or discharge an employee for jury service. Florida does not require employers to pay wages, but many do voluntarily.

    6. Penalties for Skipping

    Failure to appear is contempt of court under § 40.23, punishable by fines up to $100 and possible jail. A bench warrant may be issued.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You are facing a contempt charge for missing a jury duty summons
    • Your employer retaliated, demoted, or fired you for serving on a jury
    • You were denied excusal despite legitimately qualifying (age, disability, hardship)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Fla. Stat. § 40.01
    • Fla. Stat. § 40.013
    • Fla. Stat. § 40.23
    • Fla. Stat. § 40.24
    • Fla. Stat. § 40.271

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.