Florida's First Business Court
Business Court Video

On the evening of February 5th, Judges, members of the Bar and community leaders gathered to celebrate the beginning what Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. described as, “A new era in civil litigation here in Orange County.” On this night in the Ninth Circuit, an Inaugural Reception was held, officially opening the doors to Florida’s first Business Court.

Business Court in the Ninth Circuit is a specialty court of the Circuit Civil Division devoted entirely to cases of complex civil litigation. Because these cases are more complicated they typically require a higher degree of case management and expertise.  Business Court was developed to streamline the process of business litigation while, at the same time, allowing attorneys and the judiciary to specialize in resolving these types of cases. Overall, it is expected to significantly reduce the time and costs involved in litigation while providing the added benefit of acting as an incentive for economic development in Orange County.

“This is a B-HAG,” stated Florida’s Lt. Governor Toni Jennings who appeared as the Keynote Speaker for the Reception. “This is a Big Hairy Audacious Goal that Judge Perry and this Circuit had, and you have brought it to fruition and I think that’s very exciting,” she said.

Governor Jeb Bush who also addressed the audience on video described this new Business Court as, “an innovative approach to creating a more effective, more efficient system of civil litigation.” Governor Bush went on to commend the leadership of Judge Perry and the work of the Business Court Committee saying, “You’re efforts have forged the path for others to follow.”

Speaking to the audience, Circuit Judge Thomas Smith also commended the efforts of the Business Court Committee, emphasizing that Business Court is a reality due to the many hours of hard work and cooperation of the Judiciary and members of the Bar. Judge Smith served as Co-chair of the Committee alongside Co-chair, Ava Doppelt.

After being presented with the ceremonial gavel as the Ninth Circuit’s first Business Court Judge, Circuit Judge Renée Roche stated that, “Together, we can make Business Court an amazing success for our Central Florida Community.” Judge Roche went on to say that, “With imagination, courage, and a spirit of cooperation which we have heard about tonight, certainly incredible things can be done to make this division a success.”

This new specialty court of the Ninth Circuit is now among an elite handful of business courts across the nation.