EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURTS WILL BE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2026.
The Eighth Judicial Circuit Courts will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day. The courts will reopen on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
News & Events
Eighth Judicial Circuit Judge James M. Colaw recently received the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency's Distinguished Service Award. The nomination summary for Judge James M. Colaw states that he “exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within Florida’s criminal justice system. His distinguished career reflects not only exceptional legal expertise but also an unwavering commitment to...
On September 28, 2026, Chief Judge William E. Davis signed Administrative Order...
UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE OPENS NEW LAKE AVENUE ENTRANCE
Beginning Monday, September 14, 2026, the public will enter the courthouse through the east-side entrance along Lake Avenue, next to the Tax Collector’s office. This entrance will be the courthouse’s sole public access point and will feature modernized security screening equipment, ADA-compliant access, and improved safety features. All visitors must undergo physical security screening before entering the courthouse. Weapons...
THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WELCOMES LORELIE BRANNAN TO THE CIRCUIT COURT BENCH
The Eighth Judicial Circuit is pleased to welcome the Honorable Lorelie Brannan to the Circuit Court bench. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis on July 22, 2026, Judge Brannan will officially begin her judicial service on January 1, 2027. https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/governor-appoints-12-to-the-bench-2/
THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT WELCOMES LUA LEPIANKA TO THE ALACHUA COUNTY COURT BENCH
The Eighth Judicial Circuit warmly welcomes the Honorable Lua Lepianka to the Alachua County Court bench. Governor DeSantis appointed Judge Lepianka to the bench on July 22, 2026. She will begin her service on August 24, 2026. https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/governor-appoints-12-to-the-bench-2/
CHIEF JUDGE-ELECT JAMES M. COLAW
We are pleased to announce that the judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit have elected the Honorable James M. Colaw as Chief Judge to serve the remainder of Chief Judge Davis' term following his retirement. Judge Colaw's term will run from January 5, 2027, through June 30, 2027.
ALACHUA COUNTY SEALING & EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Is your criminal record preventing you from getting a job or finding housing? Experienced volunteers will assist you in preparing an application to have your criminal record sealed or expunged. Only cases from Alachua County can be handled at the clinics. The clinics will take place on August 14, October 9, and November 20, 2026, in the Jury Assembly...
IS YOUR FLORIDA DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENDED?
Volunteer attorneys will be available to meet on September 18, and November 6, 2026, at the Alachua County Headquarters Library from 2 to 4 pm. If you have a license or state ID, please bring it with you. Contact Three Rivers Legal Services at 866-256-8091 or trls.org with questions or to complete an application.
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 9.03 (v 2026-2), effective March 30, 2026.
Chief Judge Davis has signed 3 new Administrative Orders, including AO 9.03, General Assignments, effective March 30, 2026. https://circuit8.org/eighth-judicial-circuit-court/administrative-orders/
Jurors
The Court recognizes that jury service may impose a hardship on citizens. Every effort is made to ensure that each juror has a positive experience. The Judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit thank you in advance for your service, and we hope that you find your jury service to be an interesting and positive experience. For more information based on your specific county within the Eighth Judicial Circuit, please visit our Jurors page.
Self-Help
Pro se means you have chosen to proceed without the assistance of an attorney. If you are not sure you want to represent yourself, you can contact the Florida Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service to consult with an attorney. For more information on what a Self Help program can provide, please check the Self Help Section on the Florida Courts website. The Eighth Judicial Circuit also has its own Self Help Center for the public.
Contact Information
View our Contact page for our telephone directory, courthouse locations, and court administration contact information.
