Message from the 
Chief Judge Christopher C. Sabella 
 
	|  To learn more about the Chief Judge:
 [Click here]
		 | It is my
            pleasure to welcome you to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit’s website. The
            Thirteenth Circuit is one of twenty circuits in the State of Florida. Each circuit
            is comprised of at least one county, and it is in these courts where trials
            occur within the State of Florida. The Thirteenth Circuit is comprised solely
            of Hillsborough County, and within the County we have two courthouses which are
            staffed with a total of 70 judges. On this website you will find many resources
            which have been developed to make your interactions with the Circuit as smooth
            as possible.
		 
 As Chief Judge, I serve as the administrative officer of the Thirteenth Circuit, I am the liaison between the Circuit and the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, and I identify local priorities and procedures to promote the efficient use of our court system.
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		 One of the most common complaints I
            hear from people is that the court system is “too expensive and takes too
            long.” I plan to address these concerns by continuously developing, improving,
            and executing policies which address those concerns. To address the concerns of
            the taxpayer, I promise to ensure that within the Circuit we are acting fiscally
            responsible in how we conduct the business of the court. As Chief Judge, I will
            ensure we are placing judges in appropriate roles, addressing the concerns of
            the people we serve, and protecting the rights of all those who pass through
            our courts.
		 
 As Chief Judge I plan on leaning on
            my principles when it is time to make decisions for this Circuit. As a Judge of
            the State of Florida I swore an oath to support the Constitution of the United
            States and of the State of Florida. When making decisions in my courtroom, and
            now for the courthouse, I strive to fulfil this oath to the best of my ability.
            During my tenure as Chief Judge I want to ensure that all people passing
            through the doors of our courthouses receive all rights afforded to them by the
            laws of this land. Our Courts should be accessible, timely, effective,
            accountable, and always fair.
		 
 Should you have any feedback or
            suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your input is essential
            in helping us improve and better serve our community. 
		            
		 I hope this website helps you with your business before our
            courts,
		 
		 Chief Judge Christopher C. Sabella
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It is our desire to continuously improve in what we do, so we welcome your comments. Please submit suggestions to publicinfo@fljud13.org. Help us make this site more comprehensible, responsive and accessible to all.