Filing an Appeal

An appeal is a legal action taken by a party in a case in which a higher court is asked to review a decision or ruling of a lower court. The higher court is known as the appellate court.

The appellate court is responsible for hearing and reviewing appeals from legal cases already ruled upon by a lower court. New evidence is not heard by the appellate court. The appellate court reviews the decisions made in the lower courts and applies the law to the facts presented in the original case.

For Sarasota County, appeals of county court decisions are heard in the 2nd District Court of Appeals (DCA).

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The defendant/appellant typically has 30 days from the date of the sentence or court order to file an appeal.

4 Ways to File an Appeal

1. By an attorney on behalf of the defendant/appellant
2. By the defendant/appellant through the e-Filing Portal
3. By the defendant/appellant (pro se litigant) in person at the Sarasota County Courthouse
4. By the defendant/appellant (pro se litigant) by mail

Information for pro se Litigants (representing yourself)

Consult the following resources to understand the process and to acquire the necessary forms:

• Rules of Appellate Procedure
• Pro Se Appellant Handbook
• Notice of Appeal Form
• Florida's Supreme Court
• Self-Help Center & Law Library Website

Sarasota Self-Help Center & Law Library
2002 Ringling Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 861-8191

All fees must be paid at the time the Notice of Appeal is filed with the Sarasota Clerk of Court and County Comptroller Office. The only exception is when the Court has entered an order to waive fees or declared the defendant indigent for the purpose of appeal.

Fee Schedule

Important! For some appeals, two fees are required, one to the Clerk’s Office and one to the 2nd District Court of Appeals (DCA). Additional fees may be incurred for the preparation of a record on appeal. An invoice will be sent to the defendant/appellant once the amount is determined (additional fees do not apply to Code Enforcement appeals)

Payment Methods

• Personal check, money order, or cashier's check payable to Sarasota County Clerk of Court
• MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express + $3.50 transaction surcharge
• Cash only if paying in person at the Sarasota County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Office

Important! If filing by mail, please do not send cash.

After receiving a Notice of Appeal, the Sarasota Clerk and Comptroller’s Office will send an acknowledgment notice to the defendant/appellant through U.S. mail.

We cannot estimate how long the appeal process will take—the process is unique to each case.

• For an appeal pending in Sarasota County, search court records using ClerkNet.
• You may also inquire with the Second District Court of Appeal located in Tampa
  (727) 610-3740