The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court is pleased to provide information to the media. Contained in this section are the policies and procedures for interaction between the media and the Court. The following information has been compiled as part of our ongoing effort to enhance the relationship of cooperation between the Circuit and the media. We hope the information proves useful to you. It is our goal to ensure that the media and general public are accommodated to the best of the Court's abilities, while ensuring the right of the litigant to a fair and orderly trial and ensuring the operational integrity of the Court.

Media Administrative Orders

The following policies apply to all trials held in Orange and Osceola County. Please note that these orders and any orders issued by the presiding judge will be strictly enforced.

• Amended Administrative Order 07-96-19 Governing Special Interest/High Profile Proceedings
• Rule 2.450 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, Standards of Conduct and Technology Governing Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceeding

Media Parking

In Orange County, an area has been designated for media use. Contact Orange County Facilities Management to obtain a parking pass (407) 836-0101.

Cameras In Courtrooms

Pursuant to order of the Florida Supreme Court, only one video camera, one still camera, and one audio recording device for radio will be allowed in the courtroom. Those operating recording devises shall comply strictly with the Supreme Court's Standards of Conduct and Technology Governing Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings. Pool camera arrangements should be made by the media. It is presumed that all media personnel covering court proceedings have read and know the content of Rule 2.450 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, Standards of Conduct and Technology Governing Electronic Media and Still Photography coverage of Judicial Proceedings.

Courtroom Media Panels

Recording equipment and operating personnel shall be located in, and coverage of the proceedings shall take place from the gallery area near the courtroom's media panel or in areas otherwise designated by the Judge. Media panels provide audio for recording devises in the courtroom. Media are not permitted to place additional microphones in the courtroom without prior approval of the presiding Judge. NOTE: All video pool cameras operators must supply a BNC cable for connection to the courtroom media panel for the pool feed.

Movement During Proceedings

Video cameras in the courtroom must be mounted and operated from a tripod. Still cameras can be handheld, however neither video or still photograpers are permitted to move about the courtroom during proceedings, nor engage in any movement or conversation that attracts undue attention. A video camera can only be installed or removed from the courtroom when the Court is not in session.

Courtroom Access/Seating/Decorum

Unless otherwise specified by the presiding Judge, seating in the courtroom for members of the press is on a first-come, first-served basis. Media persons are requested to dress appropriately. No chewing gum, please. Pagers and cell phones should be turned off or placed on vibrate mode.

Pooling

Pooling arrangements shall be the sole responsibility of the media.

Press Rooms

Press rooms are available to record feeds or monitor proceedings. At the Orange County Courthouse the press room is room #230 on the second floor. At the Osceola County Courthouse the press room is room #1905 on the first floor. To access either room, please contact the Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

If there is additional information you would like to see or have any questions concerning the Court, please contact:
Karen Levey	Director of Communications	407-836-2047
Rob Bains	Communications Coordinator	407-836-0439
Matt Benefiel	Court Administrator	407-836-2051
A/V Dept	Audio/Visual On-Call Engineer	407-836-0522

Press inquiries should be directed to Karen Levey or Rob Bains.

Requests for Information

Requests for information by outside services, agencies, or departments are to be made directly to the Court Administrator or the Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

Please note the following:

• Rule 2.420 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, Public Access to Judicial Records
• A charge of 15 cents per page will be assessed for any copying required. Payment should be made to: The Orange County Board of County Commissioners or The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners.

Orange County Courthouse and Jail Media Fiber System

The Orange County Courthouse and Jail have extensive fiber optic services available to the news media. Each courtroom has fiber service installed. Contact Steve Gismondi, Audio/Visual Senior Engineer, (407) 836-0522.

• Orange County Courthouse - Media Feed Procedures
• Orange County Jail Booking & Release Center - Media Feed Procedures

Orange County Jail Courtrooms Media Fiber System

The courtrooms at the Orange County Jail have extensive fiber optic services available to the news media. Each courtroom has fiber service installed. Contact Steve Gismondi, Audio/Visual Senior Engineer, (407) 836-0522. Media Feed Procedures