Circuit Judges are elected by popular vote within the circuit for six year terms.  The circuit judges and county judges within a circuit elect one of the circuit judges as chief judge of the circuit for a two year term. The chief judge, aided by the court administrator, is responsible for the administration of the courts within the circuit.  There are four circuit judges in the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Circuit Judges handle all Circuit Court matters.  The circuit court handles: probate matters (wills) felony criminal cases which includes cases punishable by more than one year in state prison.  Civil actions exceeding $15,000.  Circuit court also hears cases in equity such as domestic relations (divorce, child custody, and injunctions for protection), juvenile proceedings and petitions for writs.  The circuit court also hears appeals from the county court.