Famous cases heard in the district include the prosecution of former Panamanian military leader Manuel Noriega,[4] the Elián González case,[5] notorious Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein,[6] a 2000 United States presidential election recount in Florida case,[7] the prosecution of José Padilla,[8] and one of[9] the federal prosecutions of Donald Trump.

The court's jurisdiction comprises the nine counties of Broward, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie.

The district includes the South Florida metropolitan area of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

As of January 9, 2023[update], the United States attorney is Markenzy Lapointe.

There is also a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) office in West Miami-Dade and a Health Care Fraud Facility in Miramar.

The chief judge serves for a term of seven years, or until age 70, whichever occurs first.

The age restrictions are waived if no members of the court would otherwise be qualified for the position.