Structured Settlement Laws in Florida

Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court.

Table of Contents

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🏛️ Court
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
⏱️ Processing Time
30-60 days from filing to final order
Filing fee: $400.00 (plus $10.00 for each additional defendant)
👥 Population
1,944,375 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Clerk: Brenda D. Forman
Jurisdiction: Broward County
Established: Established 1915

Venue Overview

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court serves Broward County with Fort Lauderdale as the county seat and primary venue for all civil matters including structured settlement transfers. As Florida's second most populous county with nearly 2 million residents, Broward County processes a significant volume of structured settlement petitions annually. The court operates specialized civil divisions that handle complex financial transactions under Florida's Structured Settlement Protection Act. Judges in this circuit are experienced in reviewing transfer petitions and ensuring compliance with state requirements for payee protection. The court maintains strict standards for financial disclosure and independent advisor involvement, particularly in cases involving substantial settlement amounts or vulnerable payees.

Major Cities Served: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miramar

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed with clerk and assigned to civil division judge within 24 hours
2.Clerk issues summons and notice to all parties within 5 business days
3.20-day response period for interested parties (annuity issuer, insurance company)
4.Discovery period typically 2-4 weeks including financial document exchange
5.Pre-hearing conference scheduled 7-10 days before final hearing
6.Final hearing includes sworn testimony from payee and financial advisor
7.Written order issued within 10-14 days of hearing
8.30-day appeal period begins upon entry of final order
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing mandatory through Florida Courts E-Portal system
  • Mandatory mediation required for cases over $50,000
  • Court appearances required for final hearings unless waived
  • Emergency hearings available for medical emergencies or foreclosure prevention
  • Publication notice required in Broward edition of South Florida Sun-Sentinel
  • All transfer agreements must include discount rate and present value calculations

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • All documents must be notarized by Florida notary public
  • Proof of service required for all interested parties via certified mail
  • Comprehensive financial disclosure forms including income, expenses, and debts
  • Independent financial advisor consultation report required
  • Detailed explanation of how transfer funds will be used
  • Court must make specific finding that transfer is in payee's best interest
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$400.00 (plus $10.00 for each additional defendant)
Processing Time:30-60 days from filing to final order
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Michael A. Robinson
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Complex Business Litigation
Specializes in complex financial transactions and structured settlement transfers
Former commercial litigator with 15+ years judicial experience
Hon. Jeffrey R. Levenson
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - General Jurisdiction
Handles structured settlement and financial planning cases
Background in estate planning and financial services regulation
Hon. Dennis D. Bailey
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Probate and Guardianship
Experienced in cases involving financial decision-making and payee protection
Former probate attorney with extensive trust and estate background

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Florida Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

Florida specific information. The information provided here is specific to Florida state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: November 20, 2025

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, Florida

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, Florida requires understanding both state-level regulations and local court procedures. Each county may have specific filing requirements, court rules, and administrative procedures that supplement the broader Florida structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, Florida, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court court will review your petition to ensure the transfer serves your best interest, considers mandatory disclosure documents, and verifies that you've received independent professional advice. Local court procedures may include specific filing fees, timeline requirements, and documentation standards that vary from other counties in Florida.

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court court system's familiarity with structured settlement transfers can impact processing times and approval rates. Courts with high transfer volumes often have streamlined procedures, while others may require additional documentation or extended review periods. Working with professionals experienced in Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court court procedures helps ensure your petition is filed correctly and moves through the approval process efficiently.

Smarter Payouts partners with licensed brokers and legal professionals who understand both Florida state laws and Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court local court requirements. This local expertise helps streamline the approval process, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and protects your rights throughout the transfer. Whether you're filing in Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court or another jurisdiction in Florida, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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