Turning 18 is a big deal. You can vote, sign contracts, and yes — you might get called for jury duty. In this blog post, we break down what jury duty means for you and what the law requires.

What Is Jury Duty?

Jury duty is when you are asked to help decide the outcome of a court case. It is one of the most important responsibilities of being a U.S. citizen. In Florida, you can be called for jury duty once you turn 18, as long as you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen
  • Live in Florida
  • Have a valid Florida ID or driver’s license

Just because you are called does not mean you will serve. Courts call more people than they need, and some are excused for different reasons.

Can Students Be Excused?

Yes. You can ask to be excused from jury duty if you are a full-time student between 18 and 21 and you are attending:

  • High school
  • Any state university
  • A private college
  • A Florida College System school
  • A career center

It’s important to remember that you must request to be excused — it is not automatic.

Other Reasons You Might Be Excused

Other than being a student, you might be excused if:

  • You are physically unable to serve
  • You have served on a jury in the same county within the past year
  • You are 70 or older
  • You are the primary caregiver for someone with a disability
  • You are a parent with a child under 6 and not working full-time
  • You are an expectant mother

Judges can also excuse people for hardship or public necessity.

Do You Get Paid?

If a juror is not employed regularly or does not continue to earn regular wages while serving as a juror, a juror serving  in state court is paid $15 per day for the first three days of jury service and $30 per day starting on the fourth day. Jurors who serve in federal court are paid $50 per day, plus mileage.

What About Your Job?

Under Florida law, your employer cannot fire you for going to jury duty. However, your employer does not have to pay you while you are serving, unless your company policy says otherwise. Additionally, some counties have ordinances that require some employers to pay for their jury service.

Final Thoughts

Jury duty might seem like a hassle, but it is a chance to be part of the justice system and make a real impact. If you are still in school, you can likely be excused — just make sure to ask. And if you do serve, know your rights and responsibilities.

Click here to learn more about Florida Jury Duty Law.