Felony Cases
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated by the State Legislature as felonies. A felony is a criminal offense punishable by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary.
Misdemeanor Cases
The County Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated as misdemeanors.
A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is punishable by imprisonment in a county correctional facility. The County Court also has jurisdiction over criminal traffic cases. Criminal Traffic Laws, which are defined by the Florida Rules of Court as a violation that may subject a defendant upon conviction to incarceration.
Juvenile Delinquency
The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over all cases in which a child is alleged to have committed a delinquent act or violation of law. A law enforcement officer files a delinquent complaint when a juvenile is alleged to have committed a felony, misdemeanor, contempt of court, or violation of a local ordinance.