Court Reporting Services FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a digital recording or audio file?

• A digital recording or audio file is a file containing digitized audio data that is generated from the performance of court reporting and which may be transmitted either in a compact disk (CD) format, an MP3 format, or in a format that may be received by electronic transmission.
  
  

What proceedings are available for recording requests?

• Criminal:  Felonies, Misdemeanors, Criminal Traffic, First Appearances, Municipal/County Ordinance Violations, and Juvenile Delinquencies.
• Dependencies:  CINS/FINS, Shelter hearings, and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR).
• Domestic Relations:  Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO)/Injunctions for domestic violence, and Contempt.
• Mental Health:  Guardianship, Incapacity, Baker/Jimmy Ryce/Marchman Act cases, and Risk Protection Orders (RPO).
• Magistrate:  All cases heard before a magistrate, whether civil or criminal, are digitally recorded.

How can I determine if a proceeding was digitally recorded?

• When the request is received and processed, our staff will determine in which manner the proceeding was reported and advise you accordingly.

How do I order an audio file of a proceeding?

• Complete the Audio Request Form and/or the Prohibition Against Dissemination in its entirety and submit it to our office.
  
  

Is there a cost for an audio file?

• Yes.  The cost is $25 per one CD/DVD per case number.  Payment is required before an audio file is produced and delivered.

How long will it take for me to receive my audio file?

• An audio file should be ready within one to three business days, unless extensive redaction for confidential information is required. 

Can an audio file be sent to me by mail?

• Yes.  If you supply a pre-addressed, prepaid mailing envelope with your name and address for mailing.

Can I order an audio file of just part of my proceedings?

• Yes.  Complete the “Additional Case Details” section of the Audio Request Form.  Indicate that a partial proceeding is requested.  Be specific about the event, i.e., voir dire, opening or closing arguments, sentencing, witness testimony.  If requesting the testimony of a witness, provide the name of the witness.  If you do not indicate you are requesting a partial proceeding on the Audio Request Form, the entire proceeding will be provided.

Are there any special instructions for ordering an audio file of a juvenile delinquency proceeding?

• Yes.  Include only the initials of the child on the Audio Request Form.  Also, you must provide proof that you are the parent or legal guardian of the child unless you are the attorney of record. 

Are there any special instructions for ordering an audio file of a Dependency/Shelter/Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceeding?

• Yes.  Include only the initials of the child on the Audio Request Form and the case number.  Also, you must provide proof that you are a party directly involved in the case.  In addition to payment, a signed judge’s order releasing the audio file must be provided for production to begin.

Can I order an audio file of the electronic recording if I am not the litigant or a party to the case?

• Yes.  Because you are not listed in the Clerk of Court’s docketing system as an attorney or a party to the action, the request will be treated as a public records request in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420.  A review of the audio or transcript must be undertaken by Court Reporting Services prior to its release to the public.  This procedure is in accordance with Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order 2011-22 to ensure that no exempt, confidential, or non-public matter is released.  Additional costs may be incurred for the review and redaction process, per Florida Statutes.

How can I pay for my request?

• You may mail a check or money order made payable to the State of Florida to staff in Key West, Marathon, or Plantation Key or hand deliver a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the State of Florida to staff in Key West, Marathon, or Plantation Key.  Our offices do not accept cash or credit/debit cards.

If I have a question about a digital recording, who can I contact?

• Please contact Monica Brawer, Court Reporting Services Manager, at 305-295-3639, monica.brawer@keyscourts.net, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Have your case information readily available.  If you are required to leave a voicemail, please indicate that you are inquiring about your digital recording request and provide your case number and date of hearing, if possible.

NOTICE:  All audio files obtained from Court Reporting Services are certified copies.