Orlando, home of the Shannin Law Firm, is geographically in the jurisdictional territory of Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal. When a trial court decision is appealed from a circuit court in Florida, the case goes before a district court. There are six districts in total, and the Sixth District Court hears appeals from the Ninth, Tenth, and Twentieth Circuit Courts. These circuits cover Orange, Osceola, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee Counties.
The Sixth District Court of Appeal was created by the Florida legislature in 2022, with its seat located in Lakeland. The Second District Court of Appeal, which was formerly located in Lakeland, now has its headquarters in St. Petersburg. The courthouse in Lakeland was plagued with many long-term issues, including asbestos and mold, and had been vacant since 2016. Before the creation of the Sixth District, the Second District Court had decided to relocate its primary courthouse, which is why it was able to move into its new home in 2025. However, this left the new Sixth District Court without a courthouse when it began operations in 2023.
Unfortunately, the Sixth District remains without a permanent physical location in 2026. The Florida legislature has not yet approved funding for a new courthouse, and the court currently hears oral arguments in other locations, including the Orange County Courthouse. The Sixth District rents a facility in Lakeland for its staff, but that location is not adequate for holding court. The Sixth District judges are now “riding the circuit,” just like in the old days, visiting other locations to conduct its judicial business. At least they aren’t on horseback!
The Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar, of which Nick Shannin and Carol Shannin are long-time members, strongly supports the funding of this and other courthouses for Florida’s appellate courts. Let’s hope that the Sixth District Court will soon no longer be homeless.