The attached Administrative Order and policy applies to all proceedings held in the Third Judicial Circuit. Please note that this Order and any Orders issued by the presiding judge will be strictly enforced.

Live Streaming of Proceedings: Per the Third Circuit policy, direct live streaming is strictly prohibited from any courtroom without prior consent of a judge. If you would like to live stream court proceedings, please contact Court Administration via email at mediainquiry@jud3.flcourts.org  to coordinate requests three (3) business days prior to the court event. Please note, use of “streaming backpacks” or the streaming feature of any camera within a courtroom is strictly prohibited.

Movement During Proceedings: Video cameras in the courtroom must be mounted and operated from a tripod. Still cameras can be handheld, however neither video or still photographers are permitted to move about the courtroom during proceedings, nor engage in any movement or conversation that attracts undue attention. A video camera can only be installed or removed from the courtroom when the Court is not in session.

Courtroom Access/Seating/Decorum: Unless otherwise specified by the presiding Judge, seating in the courtroom for members of the press is on a first-come, first-served basis. Media persons are requested to dress appropriately. No chewing gum or food, please. Pagers and cell phones must be turned off or placed on vibrate mode.

Media Pooling & Press Room: Pooling arrangements shall be the sole responsibility of the media. Due to limited space at each courthouse, a dedicated media room may not be available.

Pool Camera Feeds:

• It is presumed that all media personnel covering court proceedings have read and know the content of Rule 2.450 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, Standards of Conduct and Technology Governing Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings (see Third Circuit Media Policy)
• The media should designate a pool camera person who is responsible for providing a video feed to the other media outlets.
• The designated camera person is responsible for all cables and accessories necessary to record court proceedings (I.e.: BNC Video and XLR audio cables).
• The designated pool camera person is responsible for providing a live feed to other media outlets. If the feed does not go out as planned, then they are responsible to provide copies for any and all who ask for a copy.
• The designated pool camera person should be set up and provide “Color Bars” at least 15 minutes prior to start of court.
• The designated pool camera person is responsible for providing video not only for their use, but also for the use by other media outlets. Media representatives should be prepared to continue coverage until the Court recesses.
• The television camera may be installed in or removed from the courtroom only when Court is not in session. Still photographers and broadcast media personnel shall not move about the courtroom while proceedings are in session, nor engage in any movement that attracts undue attention.
• All communication devices must be turned off or placed on vibrate mode.

Requests for Information: Requests for information by the media, outside services, agencies, or departments are to be made directly to the Court Administrator or mediainquiry@jud3.flcourts.org .