Delinquency Publications
The Delinquency Benchbook
- updated July 2024
The Florida Delinquency Benchbook is a comprehensive resource designed to aid judges who are on the delinquency bench or who may expect to hear detention hearings. The benchbook provides information on every aspect of the delinquency process, examining the requirements of each hearing and what each participant may be expected to do. It is filled with flowcharts and quick reference guides for ease of use.
Detention Hearing Outline for Judges
Judge Thomas Palermo in the 13th Judicial Circuit created this outline to aid other judges charged with hearing juvenile detention hearings. The outline walks the user through the legal requirements and includes links to statutory references, rules of procedure etc. It can be adapted to include local procedures, and is designed to be used directly from the bench. The items in bold in the document are hotlinked within the document for quick help during hearings.
Rules and Flowcharts
Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure
The Florida Bar continuously updates the procedural rules for all types of court cases. The rules detail the procedures to follow at each phase of a court case. The rules also include some of the forms that are commonly used in each type of case.
Quick Reference Delinquency Flowchart
The OFC created a quick-reference flowchart that provides at-a-glance information about the delinquency process. This flowchart is distributed as part of the Delinquency Benchbook, but due to its popularity, it is provided as a stand-alone document as well. Last updated 2021.
Other Publications
Family Guide to Delinquency Court - PDF
The OFC has produced a Family Guide to Delinquency Court. This guide, aimed at youths who come into contact with the Delinquency system, provides helpful information about the Delinquency process, the participants in any hearing and their roles, and possible outcomes. This guide has been sent to courthouses throughout Florida, and is available to other stakeholders as well. Last updated November 2016.
What's Going to Happen to Me? English / Spanish / Haitian Creole
The OFC has produced a comic book guide to Delinquency Court for Teens. This guide is intended to inform juveniles about the Delinquency process, and provides useful information about every hearing, including definitions of those terms that may be unfamiliar to teens. This guide will be made available to teens and other stakeholders throughout Florida. Last updated April 2017.
Tales From Delinquency Court
The OFC has produced a video detailing what Delinquency Court is like, as told from the perspective of a teen going through the delinquency court process.
The Baker Act Bench Guide
This guide was developed to serve as an educational resource and a user-friendly reference for Florida circuit judges who are dealing with proceedings under the Baker Act.