Courtroom Guide
Courtroom Etiquette and What to Expect
Straightforward answers to the practical questions people have before their first time in a Florida courtroom, from what to wear to what happens if you're running late.
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Years of Practice
Florida Bar member since 1989
1989
Florida Bar Licensed
University of Miami School of Law
State & Federal
Court Admission
SDFL (1991), MDFL (2001)
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Practice Model
Direct attorney involvement
Miami-Dade courthouses run on their own rules, and small mistakes can create real problems for your case. A few core questions come up regardless of what type of hearing it is.
- What to wear and when to arrive for a Miami-Dade hearing
- Whether phones, kids, or recording devices are allowed inside
- How to address the judge and whether you can speak for yourself
- What happens if you show up late or miss a hearing entirely
- Whether courtroom rules differ for a first appearance versus trial
- What to do if your question is not answered here
Before You Go
Getting Ready for Court
What to wear, when to arrive, and what to expect if it's your first time.
01What should I wear to court?+
Dress conservatively, as you would for a job interview. For men: dress pants, a collared shirt, and a jacket or suit if you have one. For women: a business-appropriate dress, skirt, or pantsuit. Avoid jeans, shorts, t-shirts, athletic wear, flip-flops, and anything with bright colors, large logos, or offensive graphics. Cover visible tattoos where practical and keep jewelry minimal. When in doubt, dress more formally rather than less.
02How early should I arrive for a court date?+
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows for parking, security screening, and finding the correct courtroom, all of which can take longer than expected at a busy courthouse. Being in the courtroom itself, not just the building, before your case is called is what really matters. See our post on what happens if you miss a court date in Florida for what's at stake if you don't make it at all.
03What if I'm nervous about going to court for the first time?+
That's a normal reaction, and it does not affect your case. Most of a court day involves waiting and routine procedure rather than dramatic moments. Knowing what to expect, what to wear, and what will happen at your hearing helps more than anything else.
04Can I appear at my hearing virtually instead of in person?+
Sometimes. Many Florida courts now offer virtual hearings for certain types of proceedings, particularly shorter or more routine matters, though this depends on the court, the judge, and the type of hearing involved. Whether it's available for a specific case is something to confirm well before the hearing date, not the day of.
05What are the rules for a Zoom or virtual court hearing?+
A virtual hearing is still a real court proceeding, and the same courtroom decorum applies. Dress the same as you would for an in-person hearing. Log in several minutes early to resolve any technical issues before your case is called. Use a quiet location with a neutral background and no distractions, stay muted until it is your turn to speak, and never appear while driving.
Courthouse & Courtroom Rules
What's Allowed Inside
Phones, kids, recording devices, and what happens if things don't go as planned.
06Can I bring my phone into the courtroom?+
It depends on the courthouse. At the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in Miami, phones are allowed inside, but must pass through an x-ray machine at security and be completely off or silenced once inside a courtroom. You can use your phone in hallways and waiting areas outside the courtroom, though cell signal and Wi-Fi can be unreliable in parts of the building. Miami's federal courthouse is stricter: electronic devices are restricted under standing administrative orders, and courtroom use is prohibited without a judge's permission. Policies vary by building; see our South Florida Courthouse Directory for addresses and details on other Miami-Dade, Broward, and federal courthouses.
07Can I bring my children to court?+
It's generally advisable not to. Most courts recommend, and some formally require, that childcare be arranged in advance rather than bringing children to a hearing. Court can last much longer than expected, courtrooms don't allow talking or movement once proceedings begin, and a child's presence can be a distraction during your own case.
08Can I record or take photos in the courtroom?+
Almost never without the court's express permission. Photography and recording are generally prohibited throughout courthouses, not just inside courtrooms, including in hallways and waiting areas. This protects the privacy of witnesses, jurors, and other parties, and violating the rule can result in contempt of court.
09Do I have to stand when the judge enters?+
Yes. When the bailiff announces the judge's entrance, everyone in the courtroom stands until the judge is seated or instructs otherwise. This applies every time the judge enters or leaves, including after breaks.
10What happens if I'm late to court?+
The consequences depend on the type of hearing. In some cases, the court can proceed and rule without you present. In criminal matters, failing to appear can result in a warrant being issued. If lateness is unavoidable, contacting the court beforehand rather than after is far better for the outcome.
In the Courtroom
Conduct and Communication
How to address the judge, whether you can speak for yourself, and what to expect from your own lawyer.
11How do I address a judge, and how do I address a lawyer?+
Address a judge as "Your Honor." Address an attorney, whether your own or opposing counsel, as "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their last name, or simply "Counsel" in more formal exchanges. Avoid first names in the courtroom regardless of how familiar you are with someone outside of it.
12How should I act in court to make a good impression?+
Stay composed and respectful regardless of what is said during the hearing. Judges notice body language as much as words, so visible frustration, eye-rolling, or arguing out of turn all reflect poorly. Speak only when addressed or instructed to by your attorney, arrive early, dress appropriately, and treat court staff and the bailiff with the same respect as the judge.
13Can a friend or family member come to court with me for support?+
In most cases, yes. Courtrooms are generally open to the public, and having a supportive person present in the gallery is usually permitted. Some proceedings, such as certain family court or juvenile matters, may have restrictions on who can be present.
14Can I speak directly to the judge myself, or does it all go through my attorney?+
If you have an attorney, they generally speak for you, and there is usually a specific point in the proceeding where you may be given the opportunity to address the court directly. Speaking out of turn or without your attorney's guidance can work against you, even if what you say is true.
15Do lawyers use tricks on their own clients?+
A good attorney's job is to represent your interests honestly and prepare your case thoroughly, not to manipulate you. What can feel like a "trick" is often just standard legal strategy, like advising you not to speak to investigators, or preparing you for tough questions you'll face from the other side. If something your attorney asks you to do doesn't make sense, ask them to explain their reasoning.
16Who can overrule a judge's decision?+
A judge's ruling can only be overturned through a formal legal process, most commonly an appeal to a higher court. This is a separate legal proceeding with its own strict deadlines and procedures. Read more about how appeals and post-conviction relief work in Florida.
17What should I bring to a free consultation?+
Read the full breakdown of what happens at a free consultation and what to bring with you.
Speak With Andre
Have a Question That's Not Answered Here?
Every case is different, and the specifics of your hearing may not be covered by general guidance. Initial consultations are free and confidential, with no obligation to retain. Calling early in a matter usually creates more options than calling late.
Need the address, hours, or directions for a specific South Florida courthouse? See the full South Florida Courthouse Directory. Appearing by video instead? See our Zoom Court Hearing Guide, or check our Legal Terms Glossary for definitions of common courtroom terms. Here for a first appearance? See our Bail and Bond Guide or the Criminal Case Timeline. Contesting a traffic ticket? See our Traffic Tickets and Points Guide. Don't have an attorney yet? See our post on what to ask before you hire a criminal defense lawyer.
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