Interpreter Services English

The Twentieth Judicial Circuit provides qualified interpreters to limited-English-proficient and deaf persons in order to ensure due process and equal access to the courts. The Twentieth Judicial Circuit employs full-time staff Court Interpreters, and utilizes qualified independent contract Court Interpreters, with services available in all court locations.


Spoken-Language Court Interpreters:

The Twentieth Judicial Circuit provides spoken language court interpreters to limited-English-proficient persons in accordance with Florida Supreme Court Rule 2.560. Persons who do not qualify for the appointment of a Court Interpreter at public expense may retain a Court Interpreter at their own expense in accordance with Florida Supreme Court Rule 2.565.

Qualified spoken language court interpreters will be appointed where a fundamental interest is at stake and the inability of individuals to understand or express themselves in English may prevent full and necessary participation in court proceedings. Such cases include, but are not limited to, circuit and county criminal, juvenile delinquency and dependency, paternity, domestic violence injunction, mental health and incapacity proceedings. In other type cases interpreters are provided if the presiding judge makes the required findings on the record, including that a "fundamental interest" is at stake.

Spoken language court interpreters will also be appointed for limited-English-proficient witnesses in any proceeding and for limited-English-proficient victims in any circuit or county criminal or juvenile delinquency proceeding.

Requests for spoken language court interpreters must be received at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled proceeding. In the case of certain languages of lesser diffusion or unscheduled interpreting, more time may be necessary to arrange for a qualified interpreter.

Sign-Language Interpreters:

Additionally, the Twentieth Judicial Circuit provides interpreter services and reasonable accommodations for deaf persons in all cases in accordance with section 90.6063, Florida Statutes, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you need a sign language interpreter or accommodation, you are entitled to one at no cost to you. Requests for sign language interpreters should be made at least 5 days prior to the scheduled event when possible.

To request a Spoken-Language Court Interpreter, or a Sign Language Interpreter visit the interpreter request page or go to http://www.ca.cjis20.org/Forms/interpreter_english.aspx