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Coral Gables lies in Miami-Dade County, Florida, within the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. General litigation, or civil litigation, covers disputes between private parties, businesses, and government entities that do not involve criminal charges. In Florida, most civil disputes are handled in circuit or county courts, depending on the type of case and the amount in controversy.
In practice, a typical civil matter begins with a complaint filed by the plaintiff and a summoned response from the defendant. The case then moves through discovery, which includes depositions and document production, before going to trial or settlement. Many cases settle early through negotiation or mediation before a full trial occurs in the circuit or county court. Appeals, if any, are usually heard by the Florida District Courts of Appeal or the Florida Supreme Court, depending on the issue.
For residents of Coral Gables, understanding the local court structure helps with planning and strategy. Civil matters in Florida are primarily governed by procedural rules and state statutes rather than municipal ordinances. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade oversees civil cases filed in this area, with local practices aligning to state rules and circuit court procedures.
According to official Florida court resources, civil actions in Florida state courts are governed by established procedural rules that apply across counties and circuits.
Breach of a commercial lease in Miracle Mile or other Coral Gables districts. A landlord may seek damages or eviction actions, while a tenant may file counterclaims or seek rent abatement. An attorney can assess lease language and applicable Florida statutes to determine remedies and defenses.
Real estate contract disputes for Coral Gables properties. If a buyer and seller disagree on disclosure, vacancies, or closing conditions, a litigator can help interpret the contract, pursue or defend specific performance, and manage related damages claims.
Homeowners association or condo association governance disputes. HOA disputes over assessments, rule enforcement, or board decisions frequently require civil litigation, mediation, and interpretation of Florida statutes governing community associations.
Construction or home improvement disputes with a Coral Gables contractor. Project delays, defects, or payment disputes often lead to claims in circuit or county court, requiring evidence, expert testimony, and contract analysis.
Commercial debt collection or business-to-business disputes. Local businesses may sue for unpaid invoices or breach of contract, while defenses may include set-off, failure to perform, or enforceability issues.
Personal injury or property damage claims arising in Coral Gables. If you are injured on business premises or due to someone else’s negligence, a civil action may be filed to recover medical costs, lost wages, and damages.
Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) govern the procedure of civil actions in Florida courts, including filings, service of process, discovery, and trial practice. These rules apply in both the Circuit Court and County Court in Coral Gables. The official Florida Courts site provides the current Rules of Civil Procedure and updates as they occur.
Florida Statutes Title XXIII Civil Practice and Procedure covers the substantive and procedural framework for civil actions, including how suits are commenced and maintained. This area includes important provisions on service, venue, and remedies available in Florida courts.
Statutes of limitations under Florida law (Chapter 95) govern how long a plaintiff has to file a civil claim. Time limits vary by claim type, and missing a deadline can bar relief even if the claimed wrong occurred years ago. See Florida Statutes for the specifics on each cause of action.
Eleventh Judicial Circuit Local Rules for Civil Cases apply to civil actions in Miami-Dade County, including Coral Gables. Local rules address court procedures, scheduling, mediation, and electronic filing practices that supplement state rules.
Recent trends and changes include expanded options for virtual or remote hearings and continued emphasis on timely discovery and case management in Florida courts. These developments affect how cases move through the system in Coral Gables and across Miami-Dade County. For further details, you can consult the Florida Courthouses and Statutes pages referenced below.
General litigation refers to civil disputes brought in Florida courts between private parties, businesses, or government entities. It covers contracts, torts, real estate, business disputes, and related matters. It does not include criminal prosecutions.
You typically file a complaint or petition in the appropriate Florida court (Circuit or County Court) with the correct jurisdiction for the claim. After filing, service of process is required on the defendant, who must respond by a deadline set by the court rules.
Costs usually include an hourly rate or a fixed fee for specific tasks, plus potential costs for depositions, experts, and court fees. Many lawyers in Florida discuss retainer arrangements and offer fee summaries before representation begins.
Timelines vary by case type and complexity. Simple matters may settle within months, while complex disputes or trials can take a year or more. Delays often arise from discovery, mediation, or court scheduling needs.
Local familiarity with Miami-Dade courts, local judges, and opposing counsel can be beneficial. A Florida-licensed attorney with experience in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit is usually preferable for Coral Gables matters.
Circuit Court handles more complex civil cases and larger monetary disputes, as well as family, probate, and major legal issues. County Court handles smaller civil claims and certain limited family matters. The two courts use different procedures and judges.
No. The complaint is filed first to initiate the case, and then the court issues a summons to compel the defendant to respond. Service of process must follow the summons per court rules.
Yes, you may represent yourself. However, self-representation can be risky due to the technical rules of procedure, evidence, and court etiquette. Most people choose an attorney to avoid procedural mistakes.
Discovery is the process for exchanging information between parties. It includes interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and depositions. The timeframe is set by court orders and the FRCP rules.
Many civil cases are directed toward mediation or settlement conferences to encourage resolution before trial. Courts often require or strongly encourage mediation for certain case types.
In Florida, the prevailing party may recover some costs and, in certain circumstances, attorney fees. The court determines cost allocations based on statutory guidelines and the case results.
Appeals are usually to the Florida District Court of Appeal. A party must file a notice of appeal within a strict timeframe and follow appellate rules to preserve issues for review.
Florida Bar - Lawyer Referral & Information Service offers referrals and information to connect you with licensed attorneys in Florida. https://www.floridabar.org
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida provides court information, case management resources, and local practices for Miami-Dade County. https://www.11thcircuit.org
Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts offers case records, filings, and local court information for civil matters in Coral Gables. https://www.miami-dadeclerk.com
Florida Courts - Rules of Civil Procedure official source for current procedural rules governing civil actions in Florida courts. https://www.flcourts.org/Resources-Services/Rules/Rules-of-Civil-Procedure
Official sources emphasize that Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and Florida Statutes govern civil actions in Florida courts, with local rules shaping practice in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.
