Florida Immigration Courts: Tampa, Orlando & Miami Client Guide

November 11, 2026 · By Ahmad Yakzan

Getting a notice to appear in immigration court can be stressful, especially when you aren't sure which court has your case or what happens next. Here is a plain-English overview for Florida families.

Which Florida Immigration Court Handles Your Case?

Immigration courts are run by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), part of the U.S. Department of Justice. They are separate from USCIS, the agency that decides applications like green cards and citizenship. In immigration court, a judge decides whether a person can stay in the United States. These cases are called removal proceedings (the legal term for deportation cases).

Florida's courts include:

• Miami Immigration Court, located at 333 S. Miami Avenue in downtown Miami.
• Miami–Krome Immigration Court, which hears cases only for people held in detention at the Krome facility.
• Orlando Immigration Court, which hears many cases from Central Florida.

A Florida-specific point: Living in Tampa doesn't automatically mean your case will be heard nearby. Many Tampa Bay residents have hearings in Orlando, and a person detained by ICE may have their case heard in Krome or another detention court. Always check your hearing notice for the court and address. You can also look up your case through EOIR's automated case information system online or by calling 1-800-898-7180.

Recent Developments Worth Knowing

Notario Fraud Arrests in Central Florida

On November 2, 2026, FOX 35 Orlando reported that the Department of Justice had arrested 13 people accused of offering fake immigration legal services in the Orlando area. Charges include conspiracy to commit wire, visa, and marriage fraud. This is an important reminder: only a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative may give you legal advice about your case. "Notarios" and consultants can't represent you in immigration court, and mistakes they make can hurt your case.

Annual Asylum Fee Still Applies

Immigration law updates published this month report that the annual asylum fee has risen to $105 for fiscal year 2027, both in immigration court and at USCIS. The Board of Immigration Appeals has said that not paying can lead a judge to pretermit the claim (end it without a full hearing) or treat it as abandoned. If you have a pending asylum case, confirm your payment status.

Practical Steps Before Your Hearing

• Keep your address updated. You must tell the court within five days of moving, using Form EOIR-33. If you miss a hearing because a notice went to an old address, the judge may order you removed in your absence.
• Serve the government lawyer. When you file papers with the court, you must also send a copy to ICE's Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), along with a certificate of service.
• Attend every hearing. Arrive early and bring your documents.
• Know your options if someone is detained. Detained cases move faster, and bond eligibility varies. Learn more about immigration bonds and detention.

Every Case Is Different

This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law changes often, and the right strategy depends on your history, family ties, and any criminal record. Depending on the facts, possible defenses may include asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status. Talk with an attorney about your own situation before making decisions. You can read more about how deportation defense works.

If you or a loved one has an upcoming hearing in a Florida immigration court, schedule a consultation with Ahmad Yakzan at American Dream Law Office PLLC. Call (656) 236-0205 or schedule online.