In Florida, an appeal is begun by the filing of a notice of appeal. An appellant has 30 days from rendition of a final order to file the notice of appeal. This deadline is jurisdictional, meaning that an appellant who files a notice of appeal in excess of 30 days following rendition of a final order may not appeal that order, because the relevant district court would not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

The notice of appeal is filed in the lower court. It should list the court, the parties, and the case number. The notice of appeal should also include the date of rendition of the order on appeal, as well as the nature of the order. However, any technical problem with the notice of appeal should not bar the appellate court’s jurisdiction, provided that the notice is filed timely.