Civil Division

CIRCUIT CIVIL COURT

Florida Circuit Civil Courts have jurisdiction in all civil actions exceeding $15,000 and also hear appeals from the County Courts. The 12^th Circuit Civil Division has four Circuit Judges in Sarasota County, two Circuit Judges in Manatee County, and two Circuit Judges in DeSoto County.

COUNTY CIVIL COURT

Florida County Courts have jurisdiction in civil actions which do not exceed $15,000, small claims (i.e., civil actions under $5,000) and most landlord / tenant actions. The County Civil Division has five County Judges in Sarasota County, three County Judges in Manatee County, and one County Judge in DeSoto County.

Circuit Civil Division

Judge Don T. Hall

County Civil Division

Judge Danielle Brewer

DeSoto County Forms

Landlord / Tenant

Circuit Civil Division B

Judge Gilbert Smith, Jr.

Circuit Civil Division D

Judge Lon Arend

Attention: Please make sure copies of motions, notice of hearing & most recent complaints are mailed (e-mails & faxes are not accepted) to the judicial assistant in civil division “D” at least 5 days prior to hearing being heard. Thank you!