The civil appeals attorneys at SSRGA’s Florida Office have successfully handled numerous appeals in state and federal courts. We represent plaintiffs, defendants, appellants, appellees, petitioners, and respondents in all types of civil appellate matters.

Our attorneys are frequently engaged by trial counsel and clients to assist with complex appeals involving a wide range of civil cases, including commercial litigation, family law, probate and trust disputes, personal injury matters, administrative proceedings, and other high-stakes civil actions.

In general, a party to a civil case may appeal:

• A final order or final judgment
• Certain non-final (interlocutory) orders before final judgment
• Post-judgment orders affecting substantial rights

Specific rules govern appeals in specialized areas such as family law, workers’ compensation, probate, and guardianship matters. The Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure impose strict deadlines, including the requirement that a notice of appeal from a final judgment generally be filed within 30 days after the judgment is rendered.

Missing an appellate deadline can be fatal to a case, as appellate courts may lack jurisdiction to review the matter. Early consultation with appellate counsel is critical.

Most civil appeals arise from final judgments, such as:

• Judgments entered after a jury verdict
• Summary judgments based on pleadings, affidavits, and legal arguments

In some cases, certain non-final orders may also be appealed while the underlying case is still pending. These matters are known as interlocutory appeals and typically involve rulings that have an immediate and material impact on the case.

To succeed on appeal, there must generally be a legal or procedural error at the trial level. Examples include:

• Incorrect rulings on motions or objections
• Admission or exclusion of improper evidence
• Erroneous jury instructions
• Due process violations

Winning an appeal requires more than showing that an error occurred. The appellant must demonstrate that the error was harmful and affected the outcome of the case. Trial court rulings are presumed to be correct, and appellate courts will not reverse a decision based on harmless error.

Appellate advocacy demands a distinct skill set—focused legal analysis, mastery of procedural rules, and persuasive writing. Our appellate attorneys carefully review the trial record, identify the most compelling issues, and prepare briefs designed to persuade the court that reversal, modification, or remand is warranted.

Appeals to the Florida Supreme Court are often discretionary. Successfully invoking the Court’s jurisdiction requires a well-crafted petition or jurisdictional brief that presents significant or novel legal issues and explains why review is necessary to correct an injustice or clarify the law.

SSRGA takes a meticulous and strategic approach to every appeal. We conduct thorough reviews of trial transcripts and records, prepare clear and compelling briefs, and rigorously prepare for oral argument when required.

Whether you are considering filing an appeal or need to defend a favorable ruling, our attorneys are prepared to guide you through the appellate process.

We handle civil appeals throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, across South Florida, and statewide. Our appellate practice also extends to matters with national significance.

If you are facing an appeal—or believe a trial court decision should be challenged—timing is critical. Please get in touch with us today to speak with an experienced civil appellate attorney.