Jury Duty – Frequently Asked Questions

Parking is in the Lake County Parking Garage, located at 200 N. Sinclair Ave., Tavares. Parking is free, and accessible parking is available on the first floor. View directions on getting to the courthouse.

You should dress appropriately. Do not wear shorts, clothing with rips or tears, or beach attire. You may wish to bring a jacket or sweater.

If you are instructed to report for jury duty, you may bring reading or writing material and snacks. Beverages are available for purchase. NO NEWSPAPERS ARE ALLOWED.  You will be subject to security screening upon entering the courthouse.

Some employers pay their employees to perform their civic duty. If your employer does not continue to pay your usual wages while you serve on jury duty, or if you do not work for pay, Florida law states that you will receive $15.00 per day. If your employer continues to pay your usual wages, you will receive no pay for the first three days of jury duty. After serving three days, all jurors will receive $30 per day. There is no added pay for mileage.

• You are under prosecution for a crime.
• You have been convicted of a felony and have not had your civil rights restored.
• You are not a resident of Lake County or a citizen of the United States.
• You are the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, a Cabinet Officer, a Clerk of Court, or a Judge.

Florida law allows certain exemptions from jury duty. This includes if have already served within the past year, or are 70 years of age or older. A list of exemptions can be found on your summons.

If you have received a summons for jury duty, you may request a one-time deferment of your jury duty, or request an excusal, online or by mailing the Juror Excusal Form attached to your summons. For questions, contact the Jury & Evidence Division at (352) 742-4160. Jurors can ask to be excused based on the following criteria:

• You are 70 years of age or older.
• You are an expectant mother.
• You gave birth within the six (6) months before the reporting date listed on your summons.
• You are a parent who is not employed full-time, and you have custody of a child under six (6) years of age.
• You are unable to care for yourself, or are responsible for the care of someone unable to care for himself or herself because of mental illness, intellectual disability, senility, or other physical or mental incapacity. A written statement to that effect from a licensed physician is required.
• You are a practicing attorney or physician.
• You are a full-time law enforcement officer or investigator.
• You are a full-time student between 18 and 21 years of age, inclusive, who is attending high school or any state university, private postsecondary educational institution, Florida College System institution, or career center.
• You can show a hardship, extreme inconvenience, or public necessity. Details must be provided.

If you have lost your jury summons, call the Jury & Evidence Division at (352) 742-4160.

The initial phase of jury duty typically lasts no more than one day, unless ordered by the court. Those jurors selected for a trial will serve for the duration of the trial.