REP. FRANKEL ANNOUNCES BEGINNING OF SOUTH FLORIDA FEDERAL COURTHOUSE REPLACEMENT PROCESS

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) announced that the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse was approved for an initial study to determine the need for replacing the aging building.

"This is a significant step toward replacing an old failing courthouse," said Rep. Frankel. "Our courts are an integral part of our justice system where folks may peacefully solve disputes and maintain rule of law. Having a safe, accessible, and updated courthouse is critical for ensuring we have a fair and responsive justice system that works for our community. I look forward to working with federal and local agencies to see this project come to fruition in the coming years."

"The Paul G. Rogers Federal Courthouse is a very important asset for Downtown West Palm Beach. Beyond its great importance as the home of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the courthouse also anchors the west end of Clematis Street, our city's main street," said Raphael Clemente, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority. "As a member of the committee comprised of local stakeholders, including federal judges, who began work to explore replacing the existing building with a new, updated courthouse, I have seen firsthand the deficiencies with the existing structure. Most significantly, the internal layout of the building creates a situation where judges can find themselves inadvertently sharing a hallway, stairwell, or elevator with a defendant or a defendant's family members. This is very unsafe for judges and courthouse staff."

"Given the growth demands in Palm Beach County and the Southern District, and the burdens this brings on the federal court system, the Bar and citizens would be greatly benefitted from an expanded courthouse," said Scott G. Hawkins, Vice Chairman of Jones Foster and Former President of the Florida Bar.

The feasibility study is expected to begin later this year and will take six months to a year to complete. Once the study is completed, the federal government will work with local leaders on appropriate replacement and funding.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, located in downtown West Palm Beach, was constructed in 1973 and has several issues with poor building infrastructure, limited space for proceedings, and lack of proper safety for judges, staff, and jurors.

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