Which court in Florida functions as the highest appellate court?

The Florida Supreme Court serves as the highest appellate court in the state. Its primary role is to oversee the interpretation of state law and to ensure that the law is applied consistently across all lower courts. It has the authority to review decisions made by the District Court of Appeals and can hear cases of significant public importance, including those involving constitutional issues or conflicting decisions among appellate courts.

The structure of the Florida court system includes various levels, each serving specific functions. The Circuit Courts handle the majority of civil and criminal cases and can hear appeals from the lower-level courts. The District Courts of Appeal act as intermediaries, reviewing decisions from the Circuit Courts, but are themselves subject to the review of the Florida Supreme Court. County Courts primarily deal with minor civil disputes, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Thus, within this hierarchy, the Florida Supreme Court stands at the apex, possessing ultimate appellate jurisdiction.