Judge Scott M. Bernstein: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Department D008, D206, FC206, FCJ108, J008

Biography

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein is a judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Miami-Dade County. He was elected to the bench in 1998.

While on the bench, Bernstein has held assignments in the Juvenile Delinquency Division, the Complex Litigation Division, and the Family Division. He has also presided over the Dependency Drug Court and the Circuit Unified Children's Court. During his tenure in the Family Division, Bernstein helped establish its e-courtesy system, as well as helped pioneer videoconferencing technology allowing remote appearances during court proceedings. He also served as the administrative judge of the division.

Bernstein earned a B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1981. He went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law in 1983.

After graduating from law school, Bernstein entered into private practice, where he remained until his election to the bench. In addition to his commercial litigation and appellate law practice, he also served briefly as a traffic magistrate (1996 to 1997).

Bernstein was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court to serve on the Standing Committee on Families and Children in the Courts and the Florida Supreme Courts Standing Committee on Fairness and Diversity.

He has trained new judges in the Family Division as well as served as an instructor and lecturer at the Florida Judicial College, the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies, the Conference of Circuit Court Judges, the Conference of County Court Judges, and the National Judicial College. He also has also taught Family Law as an adjunct professor at Florida International University College of Law.

In 2019, Bernstein received the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence.

Recent Cases by Hon. Scott M. Bernstein

MARION OTT et al vs JOHN L. VATH, JR.,

On July 24, 2026 a civil - enforcement of judgment case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Jul 24, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil - Enforcement of Judgment

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 24, 2026

Jimenez, Cosme vs Pena, Joshy

On May 22, 2026 a diss of marriage w/children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

May 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Diss Of Marriage W/children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 27, 2026

IN RE ADMINISTRATIVE FILING: ORDERS OF ASSIGNMENT OF JUDICIAL DUTIES

On January 1, 2024 civil administrative files case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

70 Files

Filed

Jan 01, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Civil Administrative Files

Practice Area

Administrative

Matter Type

General Administrative

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 04, 2025

Amaury Alberto et al vs Florida Department of Children and Families (The) et al

On March 4, 2020 an equitable relief case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

90 Files

Filed

Mar 04, 2020

Status

Want of Prosecution

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Equitable Relief

Practice Area

Civil

Matter Type

General Equitable

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 05, 2026

HERNANDEZ, MAIDELIN VS BAKOS, CARLOS NOEL

On October 19, 2018 a stalking case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

4 Files

Filed

Oct 19, 2018

Status

Trial Verdict

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Stalking

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 21, 2024

DAVIS, KIRSTI VS DAVIS, JERELLE JAMAL

On September 6, 2018 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 06, 2018

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 26, 2021

LISKE, CATHERINE VS DUCKWORTH, CHARLES THOMAS, III

On August 27, 2018 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Aug 27, 2018

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 25, 2021

RODRIGUEZ, JULIO ANTONIO VS SANCHEZ, IRMA

On August 24, 2018 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Aug 24, 2018

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 25, 2021

CRUZ-LEON, RAFAELA VS SOTO, MARIA DE LOS ANGELES

On April 11, 2017 an other petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Apr 11, 2017

Status

Trial Verdict

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 16, 2021

REYES, JOSHUA VS PEREYRA, RITA

On March 20, 2017 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Mar 20, 2017

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 26, 2021

Mannings, Meriem Berthenia vs Shaw, Bernand, Jr.

On March 17, 2017 an administrative support proc case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Mar 17, 2017

Status

Consolidation

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Administrative Support Proc

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

May 23, 2026

SIERRA, MARIA J VS SIERRA (DECEASED), XUXA

On May 25, 2016 an other petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

May 25, 2016

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 09, 2021

Ronda Delgado, Yudisleidy C vs Martinez, Ulises

On November 4, 2015 an administrative support proc case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Nov 04, 2015

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Administrative Support Proc

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 25, 2026

Kingsway Amigo Insurance Company vs Excellent Health Services (a/a/o Edwin Martinez)

On September 30, 2015 a county and admin appeals (ap) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

70 Files

Filed

Sep 30, 2015

Status

Judgment on Appeal

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

County and Admin Appeals (AP)

Practice Area

Administrative

Matter Type

Admin Appeals

Case Last Refreshed

May 18, 2026

BARROETA, ANDRES E VS FUENTES, SADYS MARIA

On August 25, 2015 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Aug 25, 2015

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 24, 2021

Ortiz, Israel vs Del Rio, Jorge

On August 17, 2015 a stalking case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Aug 17, 2015

Status

Transfer

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Stalking

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

May 31, 2026

DIAZ, ZEINETTE VS WAYOW, JONATHAN

On August 5, 2015 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Aug 05, 2015

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 22, 2021

TOLEDO, DAGMARA VS DIAZ GONZALEZ, ARGELIO

On August 5, 2015 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Aug 05, 2015

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 22, 2021

QUINTERO, RENE VS REYNERIA VAZQUEZ, ISABEL

On August 3, 2015 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Aug 03, 2015

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 22, 2021

GARCIA, JULIO E VS GARCIA, CRISTINA S

On July 31, 2015 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Jul 31, 2015

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 25, 2021

SALAS, CHRISTOPHER T VS SALAS, NATHALIE

On June 10, 2015 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

1 File

Filed

Jun 10, 2015

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 25, 2021

PINON, LIBARDO VS PADRON, AYLIME

On April 6, 2015 an other petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Apr 06, 2015

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 27, 2021

HERNANDEZ, GLORIA VS HERNANDEZ, ARMAND D

On October 13, 2014 an other petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Oct 13, 2014

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Other Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

General Family

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 11, 2021

SCOTT, FRANZ VS PAUL-SCOTT, PETAGAYE

On September 17, 2014 simplified dissolutions case was filed in the jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County. Judge Scott M. Bernstein presiding.

Filed

Sep 17, 2014

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Scott M. Bernstein 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Scott M. Bernstein

Court

Miami-Dade County

County

Miami-Dade County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Simplified Dissolutions

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 08, 2021

Discover if Hon. Bernstein is the right judge for your case based on their ruling history.

View Analytics Dashboard

About

Scott M. Bernstein
Current Appointment 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Department D008, D206, FC206, FCJ108, J008	11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Department D008, D206, FC206, FCJ108, J008
Election/Appointment 1998 - 11th Judicial Circuit Court; 2004 - Re-elected; 2010 - Re-elected; 2016 - Re-elected	1998 - 11th Judicial Circuit Court; 2004 - Re-elected; 2010 - Re-elected; 2016 - Re-elected
Education J.D., University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law - 1983 B.A., Vanderbilt University - 1981	J.D., University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law - 1983 B.A., Vanderbilt University - 1981