Find resources for media covering the 19th Judicial Circuit, including Media Coverage Guidelines.
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) Relocates Fort Pierce Office to Port St. Lucie
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS), a non-profit law firm, has relocated its former Fort Pierce office to Port St. Lucie, located at 10570 S. U.S. Highway 1, Third Floor, Port St. Lucie, FL., 34952.
FRLS provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has helped clients navigate civil legal issues like landlord-tenant disputes, disaster-related legal issues, public benefits denials, and more.
In addition, FRLS’s Pro Bono Program offers law students, active attorneys, and retired legal practitioners’ opportunities to volunteer, virtually or in person, to help expand access to justice for those most in need.
Judge Jennifer Alcorta Waters Honored with Community Service Award
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit is proud to share that Judge Jennifer Alcorta Waters was recognized last Saturday by the Palm City Chamber of Commerce with the Michelle Radcliffe Dutro Memorial Award.
Established in 2014, the Michele Radcliffe Dutro Memorial Award honors exceptional service and lasting community impact. This year’s recipient, Judge Waters, is recognized for her dedication to public service and leadership in Mental Health Court.
Indian River County Courts Mark Historic All Women Bench
History was made in the 19th Judicial Circuit as Indian River County’s entire bench, including both County and Circuit Courts, is now comprised of women. From the first female judge sworn in within the circuit in 1989 to today’s six experienced jurists serving the community, this milestone reflects decades of progress in Florida’s judiciary.
These judges bring diverse backgrounds in criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate law, along with a shared commitment to fairness, service, and improving access to justice.
Read more on our Events page to learn about the judges and the path that led to this historic moment.
Supporting Professionalism in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
The Local Professionalism Panel offers an informal, peer-based resource for addressing concerns about attorney professionalism before issues escalate to the formal disciplinary process. Established by the Florida Supreme Court, these panels exist in every circuit to promote respectful, ethical, and professional practice in dealings with the courts, colleagues, and the public.
Our circuit’s panel is composed of experienced local attorneys who review referrals of perceived unprofessional conduct. Panel members may attempt to resolve matters informally through conversation or written outreach. If a concern cannot be resolved informally or appears to require further review, the panel may refer it to The Florida Bar’s Attorney Consumer Assistance Program.
This process does not replace the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct. Instead, it provides a constructive, early intervention aimed at improving professionalism within our legal community.
The complaint form and additional information are available on our Professionalism Panel page.
Calendar Year 2026
In accordance with the authority vested in the Chief Judge pursuant to Rule 2.215, Florida
Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, it is hereby ORDERED:
The following holidays will be observed by the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court for the calendar year 2026:
Court Divisions
Reviews appeals for errors and fairness.
Manages lawsuits, disputes, and legal agreements.
Prosecutes and adjudicates legal violations.
Handles traffic violations and related cases.
Resolves family-related disputes and issues.
Handles wills, estates, guardianships, trusts, and incapacity issues.
Handles cases involving minors’ delinquency, dependency, and protections.
Supports nonviolent defendants with supervised recovery, counseling, and rehabilitation.
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Welcome from Chief Judge Schwab
Thank you for visiting the website of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, serving Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. As Chief Judge, my priority is to ensure that our courts provide fair and efficient justice to everyone who comes before them. This website is here to help you navigate our legal system and learn more about the resources and services available to you.
Our dedicated judges and court staff work every day to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and transparency. We value your input and encourage you to share feedback to help us improve our services. We hope this website meets your needs and supports your interaction with the court.