20th Judicial Circuit Court of Hendry County

The Supreme Court of Florida convened to address a judicial reprimand concerning Judge Kenneth N. “Sonny” Scaff, Jr. The reprimand was issued due to Judge Scaff's misconduct in his official role, which included routinely conducting first appearances without proper adherence to Florida statutes and court rules. Specific instances of misconduct involved holding hearings without the presence or adequate input from the state attorney, improperly ordering the release of arrestees before arrest reports were written and engaging in ex-parte communications. Judge Scaff admitted to violating multiple canons of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct and has taken steps to prevent future occurrences, including agreeing to mentorship and posting reminders about proper conduct.

The Florida Supreme Court convened to discuss proposed amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The committee addressed the proposal to amend rules 8.8 o c10, regarding immigration consequences in plea advisements, and 8.0 900m 3, concerning the recapture period for speedy trial after a motion for dismissal has been filed. Additionally, the court discussed rule 8.25 v e regarding testimony by communication equipment.

The meeting included discussions and decisions regarding the FY 2024-25 salary budgets, an overview of the projected GR and SCRTF start-up salary budgets for FY 2025-26, and reductions to the FY 2025-26 trial court budget. The commission also reviewed and approved the FY 2025-26 FTE net need chart for hearing officer and administrative support staff positions, as well as for general magistrates. Additionally, the meeting addressed the allocation of new trial court staff attorney FTE and FY 2025-26 due process contractual services allocations. The commission also discussed and determined the priority order of the FY 2026-27 LBR requests.

The meeting included discussions and decisions regarding the FY 2024-25 budget, including salary budgets, positions vacant for more than 180 days, FTE reclassification, operating budgets, and trust fund cash balances. Legislative session updates were provided, and recommendations on reclassification parameters were discussed. The commission also addressed the FY 2025-26 budget and pay administration memorandum, along with allocations for continuation budgets, mediation arbitration services, statewide allocations, trial court technology, and problem-solving court appropriations. Additionally, there were discussions on FY 2026-27 legislative budget requests related to case management technology, problem-solving courts OPS employees, and child support enforcement hearing officer salaries. A report from the Chief Justice Designee to Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation Executive Council was presented, summarizing budgetary and legislative activities impacting the clerks of courts.

The meeting addressed the FY 2017-18 budget status, including salary budgets, positions vacant for more than 180 days, operating budgets, and trust fund cash balances. The commission discussed allocation policies and procedures, focusing on standard base operating categories, non-due process categories, and the due process category. The allocation of re-appropriated FY 2016-17 senior judge days was reviewed, along with a request from the 6th Circuit to move FTE and recalculate the funding formula for mediation. Legislative developments, including the Governor's FY 2018-19 budget recommendations and the 2018 Regular Session, were discussed. Other business included a proposed rule on recording certain court interpreting events and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy Committee Workgroup on Mediation Fees. A report from the Chief Justice Designee to the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation Executive Council was also presented.