Court Reporting Services

In Miami-Dade County and in courts across the nation, crucial decisions about life, freedom, the future of children and families, as well as property and money are made on a daily basis. Court reporting–the process of taking a "word-for-word" record of everything said in a legal proceeding--is, therefore, extremely important in the day-to-day operations of our court.

In the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, official court reporting firms are under contract to provide these essential services in criminal, juvenile and domestic violence cases. In civil cases involving lawsuits, probate/guardianship and family court matters, the parties involved are responsible for hiring private court reporters when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions
Court Reporting Services Department
(The following FAQ's apply to court reporting in the field of law.)

	What is the function of court reporters?
	What is a transcript?
	Can anyone obtain transcripts of court proceedings?
	What types of court reporting methods does the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida use?
	Who are Court's official court reporting firms?
	What laws govern court reporting?
	Who can I contact for further information?
	Whom do I call if I am a person with a disability who needs assistance to participate in a court proceeding, program or service?

What is the function of court reporters?

Court reporters produce an accurate record of what was said during legal proceedings, which becomes the official record of these events under the law.

What is a transcript?

A transcript is a typewritten record of any proceeding. Most court proceedings are never transcribed, although attorneys, parties in a case and judges may request transcripts when needed for research, trial preparation and review. When a case is appealed to a higher court, however, a transcript is automatically prepared for the appellate judges' review on matters of law.

Can anyone obtain transcripts of court proceedings?

Yes. According to Florida's Sunshine Law, Chapter 286.011, Florida Statutes, transcripts of court proceedings are considered public record, with the exception of certain matters which are confidential by law.

Stenographic: The method that one usually sees on TV, when a court reporter types on a special machine which produces a form of shorthand on a paper tape. The speed needed to take down every word is achieved when keys are pressed, either separately or at the same time, to designate words and phrases.

Digital electronic court reporting: The spoken word is recorded on a compact disc (CD) and a trained professional continuously listens to what is being recorded to ensure sound quality and voice clarity. The CD and detailed notes identifying who is speaking and other important information are used to produce a transcript, when requested.

Real-time court reporting: An advanced method in which a court reporter "types" the record and almost simultaneously (in real time), it is displayed on one or more computer screens. In this circuit, real-time reporting is generally used when persons under the Americans with Disabilities Act are in need of such technology.

Who are the Court's official court reporting firms?

The following court reporting firms are under contract with the Eleventh Judicial Circuit to provide services in the Circuit and County Criminal, Juvenile and Domestic Violence Divisions. (In civil cases involving lawsuits, probate/guardianship and family court matters, the parties involved are responsible for hiring private court reporters when necessary.)

Juvenile and Domestic Violence Divisions:
Court proceedings: Absolute Video, Inc. (305) 379-4741
Depositions: Goldman, Naccarato, Patterson, Vela & Assoc., Inc. (305) 545-8434


What laws govern court reporting?

Fla. Rules of Judicial Administration:	Rules 2.050(b)(6)&(g) (Requirements/Directives of the Chief Judge
	Rule 2.070 (Court Reporting Standards and Requirements)
	Rule 2.075(e) (Retention of Court Records)
Fla. Rules of Appellate Procedure:	Rule 9.200 (Requirements for the Appellate Record)
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Who may I contact for further information?

Eduardo Whitehouse, Coordinator
Court Reporting Services
Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building
1351 N.W. 12th Street, Room 7100
Miami, Florida 33125
(305) 548-5632
8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays.

Whom do I call if I am a person with a disability who needs assistance to participate in a court proceeding, program or service?

If you are a person with a disability and need assistance to appear in court or participate in a court program or service, please contact:

Please contact ADA Coordinator, at: