The Florida Grand Jury
The laws for grand juries in Florida are covered by Chapter 905 of the Florida Statutes. Under Chapter 905, the circuit court is given the following tasks:
- trying any challenges to an individual grand juror or the panel (section 905.06);
- excusing a grand juror related to a person being investigated (section 905.075);
- appointing a foreperson and alternate foreperson of the grand jury (section 905.08);
- extending the term of a grand jury upon proper petition (section 905.095);
- charging the grand jurors concerning their duties after the grand jurors are sworn (section 905.11);
- advising the grand jury about its legal duties when requested (section 905.18); and
- authorizing disclosure of grand jury testimony in limited circumstances (section 905.27).
The chief judge has powers under article V, section 2(d) of the Florida Constitution, section 43.26 of the Florida Statutes, and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(2), to create administrative orders that apply to the procedures to be used during grand jury investigations.
This article explains the procedures used for grand jury investigations in Tampa and Hillsborough County, FL. Call the attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm, P.A., to discuss your case. Call (813) 250-0500.
Grand Jury Terms in Florida
In accordance with section 905.01(3), Florida Statutes, the grand jury in Hillsborough County, FL, will be convened for two terms each year. The first term of the grand jury will be January 1 through June 30 and the second term of the grand jury will be July 1 through December 31.
The clerk will issue summonses for prospective grand jurors to begin each term of the grand jury on the first Tuesday of the term that is not a court holiday. The clerk will issue summonses for prospective grand jurors.
Court Duties & Judicial Assignments for the Grand Jury
Unless the chief judge directs otherwise, the chief judge will personally participate in the impaneling of each grand jury and will appoint the foreperson and alternate foreperson of each grand jury in accordance with section 905.08, Florida Statutes.
Thereafter, the following circuit judges are assigned as delegates of the chief judge to handle the remainder of the court duties identified in the introductory paragraph of this administrative order during the terms below.
The administrative order authorizes the clerk to begin preparations for the summonsing of the next grand jury.
