Florida Immigration Courts in Tampa, Orlando and Miami: A 2026 Guide

October 28, 2026 · By Ahmad Yakzan

Getting a notice to appear in immigration court can be stressful, especially if you're not sure which court has your case. Here's how immigration courts work for people in the Tampa Bay area and across Florida, along with some recent news worth knowing.

Which Court Hears Your Case?

Immigration courts are run by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice. They are separate from Florida state courts.

Many families are surprised to learn that Tampa does not have its own immigration court. Removal cases for people who live in the Tampa Bay area are often heard at the Orlando Immigration Court. That court moved in 2024 to 500 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 1100, in downtown Orlando. Miami also has an immigration court, and some hearings take place by video. Always go by the court and address printed on your own hearing notice, because the court assigned can differ from case to case.

Types of Hearings

Master calendar hearing: A short first hearing where the judge goes over the charges against you, confirms your address and sets deadlines for filing applications.
Individual (merits) hearing: The full hearing where you present evidence and testimony to support any relief you're asking for, such as asylum or cancellation of removal.

Earlier this year, people in South Florida reported getting notices that moved their master calendar hearings earlier by months. Read every notice from the court carefully.

Recent Developments (October 2026)

Ignoring a removal order has serious consequences. On October 21, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida announced that a federal court there had ordered a person to pay more than $668,000. The person had stayed in the U.S. for over three years after being ordered removed.
Bond hearings are still being fought over in the courts. Late last week, the full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that detained people who were never formally admitted to the U.S. have no constitutional right to a bond hearing. Florida is in the Eleventh Circuit, so that ruling doesn't directly apply here. However, a related case is waiting before the U.S. Supreme Court. If a family member is detained, learn more about immigration bonds and mandatory detention.
Finding detained family members. On October 28, groups that provide legal services to immigrants filed a lawsuit against a new policy that hides the locations of detainees with final deportation orders. If you can't find a loved one, see our guide on finding someone detained by ICE.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Case

Check your case status. EOIR has an automated case status phone line (1-800-898-7180) and an online portal where you can confirm your next hearing date.
Update your address. If you move, you must tell the court within five days using Form EOIR-33. Notices sent to an old address can lead to a missed hearing.
Never skip a hearing. If you miss a hearing, the judge can order you removed "in absentia," which means while you are not there.
Plan for travel. If your case is in Orlando or Miami, give yourself extra time for the drive and for security screening.

A Note on Your Own Case

This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law changes quickly, and every case is different. Please talk with an attorney about your own situation before making decisions.

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.