The process used to establish the need for additional judges does not accurately identify where and when they are needed. In 1996-97, the State Courts expended over $128 million for salaries and benefits of trial court judges and their judicial assistants.
Using a weighted caseload system could improve the determination of judicial workload and the need for additional judicial resources such as judges and hearing officers.
Constitutional provisions limit the efficient assignment of county judges. In 35 counties where there are single judges, it would only require 12 county judges to handle the total number of cases filed in 1996. The cost of this "excess" county judicial capacity amounted to $3.8 million.
Amending the Constitution to allow assignment of county judges as needed to circuit courts would be a better option to improve court efficiency than implementing a unified trial court system.

Courts Improve Caseload System; Need to Address Supplemental Resources
Report 99-38 March 2000
Information Brief on Weighted Caseload Methods of Assessing Judicial Workload and Certifying the Need for Additional Judges
Report 97-67 March 1998

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.