Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse (S.D. Fla.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Cell phones, laptops, tablets, recorders and other electronic devices may not be brought into any federal courthouse in the district by members of the public unless a judge signs a written authorization verified by the U.S. Marshal. Cameras are not allowed. All visitors are screened. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33128 |
| Public phones | Banned for the general public |
| Rule for visitors | Cell phones, laptops, tablets, recorders and other electronic devices may not be brought into any federal courthouse in the district by members of the public unless a judge signs a written authorization verified by the U.S. Marshal. Cameras are not allowed. All visitors are screened. |
| Jurors | Prospective and seated jurors (and witnesses under subpoena) may bring cell phones, including camera phones, and e-readers/tablets; phones may not be used as cameras or recorders, and jurors are excluded from the courtroom-use exception. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys permitted to practice in S.D. Fla. may bring devices with a valid Florida Bar ID card or pro hac vice order (attorneys only, not staff/investigators/clients); AUSA/FPD/Bankruptcy Trustee attorneys with office ID. In courtrooms only silent text functions are allowed unless the judge orders otherwise. |
| Governing order | Administrative Order 2018-79 (see also AO 2019-87-A on filming; AO 2023-47 bars media devices at Fort Pierce courthouse) |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see Florida county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse?
Cell phones, laptops, tablets, recorders and other electronic devices may not be brought into any federal courthouse in the district by members of the public unless a judge signs a written authorization verified by the U.S. Marshal. Cameras are not allowed. All visitors are screened.
Can jurors bring phones to the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse?
Prospective and seated jurors (and witnesses under subpoena) may bring cell phones, including camera phones, and e-readers/tablets; phones may not be used as cameras or recorders, and jurors are excluded from the courtroom-use exception.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse?
Attorneys permitted to practice in S.D. Fla. may bring devices with a valid Florida Bar ID card or pro hac vice order (attorneys only, not staff/investigators/clients); AUSA/FPD/Bankruptcy Trustee attorneys with office ID. In courtrooms only silent text functions are allowed unless the judge orders otherwise.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.