Is It Possible to Get Out of Jury Duty?

Paul Brannon | February 14, 2025 | Personal Injury

Most people dread being called for jury duty. However, according to the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), only 14.4% of Americans are summoned for jury duty each year, and only 5-6% actually serve. Jury service is a civic duty, much like paying taxes. While there are exemptions and exceptions, it’s something most Americans can rarely avoid entirely.

Who Can Get Called for Jury Duty?

Most US citizens can serve on juries. In Florida, jurors must be at least 18 years old, US citizens, and legal residents of Florida. They must also possess a driver’s license or identification issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or must have executed an affidavit of eligibility at the clerk’s office.

What Do Jurors Do?

The Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by an impartial jury in criminal matters. As such, US citizens must serve as jurors when called upon. Jurors serve as officers of the court, along with lawyers and judges. As a juror, you become part of the judicial system and serve a critical role in trials. 

How Long Do I Have to Serve?

If you are selected to sit on a trial jury, you will serve as a juror until the case is complete. Otherwise, you will be released, and your service will be complete at the end of the day.

While judges and lawyers can estimate how long a case may take, it is impossible to say how long a trial will last. 

How Are Jurors Selected?

In Florida, including Okaloosa County, where Fort Walton Beach is located, jurors are randomly chosen from the Florida Division of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s list of individuals who possess a license or ID card. If you are deemed qualified, you’ll go through a selection process called voir dire, where the judge and the lawyers will ask you additional questions regarding your background. 

Can I Get Out of Jury Duty?

Jury duty is a civic responsibility that all eligible citizens may be called upon to fulfill. However, there are specific exemptions and excusals that can allow individuals to be excused from serving. Courts provide certain general exemptions, while others may be granted based on personal circumstances or hardships. 

Court-Provided Exemptions

Everyone summoned to jury duty must attend unless they request an excusal by the court. 

General exemptions from jury service include: 

• Expectant mothers and parents of a child under 6 years old, as long as the parent is not employed full-time;
• A showing of hardship, extreme inconvenience, or public necessity;
• Individuals 70 years old and over (may request permanent exemption); and
• Individuals who have served as a juror in their county within the last year. 

Some courts, including Okaloosa County, allow individuals to check in online to request postponements, excusals, and confirm service. 

Subjective Jury Duty Excusals

In addition to exemptions provided by the court, judges may excuse certain people from jury duty, such as practicing attorneys and law enforcement. Courts may excuse other individuals at their discretion, such as those with physical ailments that make serving difficult or those currently out of the area, such as full-time students.

People with a personal stake in a trial also cannot serve as jurors. However, living or paying taxes in an area does not disqualify someone from serving on cases involving their state, county, or city. Individuals facing criminal charges or those having convictions for serious crimes cannot serve on juries unless their civil rights are restored. 

Some government officials, such as the governor, lieutenant governor, and judges, are also excused from jury duty unless they wish to serve. Individuals caring for someone with a mental or physical disability are excused upon request, and courts must provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to serve on juries.

What Happens If I Ignore a Jury Duty Summons?

According to Florida law, failing to appear for jury duty after being properly summoned may result in a fine of up to $100. If you do not appear for jury service, you will receive a letter notifying you and instructing you to contact the jury department.

If you miss your scheduled service, you will receive a letter, not a phone call, so be cautious of jury-related scams. If you reschedule and attend jury service on the new date, you will not face a fine or other penalties.

In addition to the fine, you could face contempt charges, which may lead to sanctions such as community service or even jail time.

What Happens If I Can’t Get Out of Jury Duty?

Your role is crucial to ensuring a fair trial, as you will be responsible for evaluating the evidence and deciding the outcome of the case. As such, it is important to proceed with an open mind and pay close attention to the evidence. If you have additional questions about the jury process or are facing legal consequences for failing to report, contact an experienced Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyer. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243