Right to a Modification
If you are an individual with a disability who needs a modification in order to participate in a court proceeding or other court service, program, or activity, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Requests for modifications may be presented using the
ADA Accommodation Request Webform, in another written format, or orally. This form is also available as a hard copy
ADA Accommodation Request Form (PDF). Please complete the form below to submit to Kate Bradford, Esq., General Counsel, 250 NW Country Club Drive, Suite 217, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986, 772-807-4370,
bradfordk@circuit19.org, as far in advance as possible, but preferably at least seven (7) days before your scheduled court appearance or other court activity.
Upon request by a qualified individual with a disability, this form will be made available in an alternate format. If you need assistance in completing this form due to your disability, or to request this document in an alternate format, please contact Kate Bradford, Esq., General Counsel, 250 NW Country Club Drive, Suite 217, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986, 772-807-4370, bradfordk@circuit19.org.
ADA Modifications Provided by Florida Courts
Pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”), the Florida State Courts System will make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, and procedures; furnish auxiliary aids and services; and afford program accessibility through the provision of accessible facilities, the relocation of services or programs, or the provision of services at alternative sites, as appropriate and necessary.
Examples of auxiliary aids or services that the State Courts System may provide for qualified individuals with disabilities include:
- Assistive listening devices
- Qualified ASL or other types of interpreters for persons with hearing loss
- Communication access real-time translation/real-time transcription services
- Accessible formats such as large print, Braille, electronic documents, or audio tapes
- Qualified readers
Aids/Services Courts Cannot Administratively Grant as ADA Modifications
Examples of aids or services the Florida State Court System cannot provide as a modification under Title II of the ADA include:
- Transportation to and from the courthouse
- Legal counsel or advice
- An official transcript of a court proceeding
- Personal devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eyeglasses
- Personal services such as medical or attendant care
- Readers for personal use or study
Additionally, the courts cannot administratively grant, as an ADA modification, requests that impact court procedures within a specific case. Requests for an extension of time, a change of venue, or participation in court proceedings by telephone or videoconferencing must be submitted by written motion to the presiding judge as part of the case. The judge may consider an individual’s ability, along with other relevant factors, in granting or denying the motion.
Furthermore, the court cannot exceed the law in granting a request for modification. For example, the court cannot extend the statute of limitations for filing an action because someone claims that he or she could not make it to the court on time due to a disability, nor can the court modify the terms of agreements among the parties as an ADA modification.
Finally, the ADA does not require the court system to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of court programs, services, or activities, or that would impose an undue financial or administrative burden or hardship on the courts.
Documentation of the Need for Auxiliary Aids and Services
If an individual has a disability that is not obvious, or when it is not readily apparent how a requested modification relates to an individual’s impairment, it may be necessary for the court to require the individual to provide documentation from a qualified health care provider in order for the court to evaluate the modification requested fully and fairly. These information requests will be limited to documentation that (a) establishes the existence of a disability; (b) identifies the individual’s functional limitations; and (c) describes how the requested modification addresses those limitations. Any cost to obtain such documentation is the obligation of the person requesting the modification.
Florida State Court System Title II ADA Modification Request Form
Florida State Court System Title II ADA Grievance Procedure
- Grievance Procedure (PDF)
- Grievance Form | PDF | Word
ADA Compliant Language for Summons
Lactation Rooms
Lactation spaces are available in the Martin, St. Lucie, St. Lucie West Annex, Okeechobee, and Indian River County Courthouses and offer a private, clean space where a breastfeeding woman can nurse her child or use a breast pump to express milk. This space is open to all professional staff, attorneys, court reporters, jurors, witnesses, and members of the general public who are required to be in the courthouse.
- Martin County: The Lactation Room is located on the third floor of the courthouse, directly across from the elevator. Visitors may check in with the Clerk’s office for access.
- St. Lucie County (Fort Pierce): Located on the third floor. Visitors may check in with court security.
- St. Lucie County (West Annex): Located on the second floor. Visitors may check in with court security.
- Okeechobee County: Located on the second floor. Visitors may check in with court security.
- Indian River County: Located on the third floor. Visitors may check in with court security.