What is the highest court in the state of Florida?

The Florida Supreme Court is the highest court in the state of Florida, serving as the final level of appeal for both civil and criminal cases. Established by the Florida Constitution, it holds significant authority in interpreting state laws and the constitution, and its rulings set precedent for lower courts to follow. This court is composed of seven justices who review cases that have substantial legal or public interest, ensuring a cohesive understanding and application of the law throughout the state.

In contrast, the Florida Circuit Courts, Florida District Courts of Appeal, and Florida County Courts serve as lower levels of the judiciary. The Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, but they are not the highest authority; they can be appealed to the District Courts of Appeal. The District Courts of Appeal handle appeals from the Circuit Courts and serve as an intermediate appellate court. Finally, the Florida County Courts have limited jurisdiction and deal primarily with misdemeanors, small claims, and civil cases involving smaller amounts of money, making them the lowest level of the state court system. Hence, the Florida Supreme Court stands out as the apex of Florida's judicial structure.