Many of architect William “Bill” Morgan’s buildings were inspired by the monumental, masonry structures of Mayan and other pre-Columbian cultures. The Courthouse is one of his more prominent civic commissions. With its textured raw concrete façade and a strong design language with a playful use of columns and stepped, partly open levels it can be classified as Brutalist. Among the building’s most striking feature is an open corner that visually and physically connects to an exterior, public courtyard.

Judges and attorneys have long complained of roof leaks, flooding, mold, and space constraints at the 40-year-old courthouse. In 2018, plans were announced to replace the brutalist building with a new courthouse. Construction work started on a site on the Tarpon River in 2024 and is due to be completed by 2026. It is still unclear what will happen to the old building and there are fears that it could be demolished. However, many are also campaigning for the preservation of Morgan's Courthouse building, which is considered to be one of Florida's most significant works of modern architecture. A preservation review was requested (last updated on February 12, 2025).