Orange, Osceola counties have longest average juvenile court case processing time: report

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – A new Florida Department of Juvenile Justice analysis revealed Orange and Osceola Counties had the longest overall case processing time of 225 days for first time youth offenders.

Case processing time refers to the period of time that passes from when a youth is arrested, to disposition, or when the court determines the outcome and sanctions imposed on a minor.

The average statewide case processing time was 106 days for all youth, and 78 days for first-time offenders. The analysis covers fiscal year 2021-2022.

The 5th Circuit had the highest number of cases at 1,227. The total number of cases across the state was 15,188.

The report said over the past five fiscal years, the statewide average case processing time has increased by 25 days. The largest increases were observed in the 9th Circuit (97-day increase) and the 17th Circuit, which includes Broward County (67-day increase).

“This analysis sheds light on lengthy case processing times, which slow down accountability and prevent youth from quickly receiving services to stop them from heading down the wrong path,” Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall said.

“This critical issue is an important piece of the puzzle that must be addressed to meet the needs of Florida’s youth and keep our communities safe,” Hall said.

Felony and misdemeanor average case processing times were 115 days and 98 days, respectively.

A copy of the full analysis can be found here.