Jury Duty

Juror Selection

The right to a trial by jury is one of the principles guaranteed by the United States Constitution. It is the duty of every citizen to serve as a juror when called to do so. Prospective jurors are randomly selected from the Florida Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s list of driver’s license and identification card holders residing in Okaloosa County. Jurors must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age, legal residents of Okaloosa County, and possess a driver’s license or identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The Clerk and Comptroller will add the name of any person who is 18 years of age or older and who is a citizen of the United States and a legal resident of Florida and who indicates a desire to serve as a juror, but whose name does not appear on the Florida Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s list, by requiring such person to execute an affidavit at the office of the clerk.

Online Juror Check-In

Okaloosa County jurors may check-in electronically to request postponements, excusals, and confirm service.  Additionally, we request that you provide your email address and cellular number to receive text messages to keep you informed on the status of your service date. Click on the link below to get started.

When to Report

We will provide updates by email, text message, and on our Facebook page.  You may also call (850) 682-3821 in Crestview or (850) 651-6687 in Ft Walton Beach on the evening prior to your appearance date.  A recorded message will tell you whether to report.

If you fail to appear as directed, you may be fined $100, be found in contempt of court and be ordered to appear for service, per Florida Statute 40.23(3).

Jury Excusal

You may be excused from service as a juror for one of the following reasons:

• Have served as a juror in Okaloosa County within the past twelve (12) months
• An expectant mother or a parent that is not employed full-time and has custody of a child less than six years of age OR must care for a child whose regular care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to a natural disaster or global pandemic
• A woman who has given birth within 6 months before the reporting date on a summons for jury service
• Person at higher risk for severe illness during a global pandemic as identified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• You are 70 years of age or older
• A full-time law enforcement officer (federal, state or local)
• Responsible for the care of a person who, because of mental illness, mental retardation, senility, or physical or mental incapacity, is incapable of caring for him/herself or whose regular care provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to a natural disaster or global pandemic
• On leave pursuant to a law enacted in response to a natural disaster or global pandemic
• A full-time student between 18 and 21 years of age

Excusal requests for any other reason will be sent to the presiding judge for consideration.

Jury Disqualification

• Being a convicted felon and not having your civil rights restored
• Currently under prosecution for a felony
• You are not a citizen of the United States
• You are not a legal resident of Okaloosa County

For additional jury related information, view the Handbook for Jurors pamphlet.