Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Brevard and Seminole Counties Document Format Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

No characters, verbiage, tabs, or spaces may appear before or after the date and signature codes.

There can be no characters or verbiage, or use of the tab key or space bar, before or after the codes.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Date and signature codes must be used as pairs.

a. You must use the date and signature codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature)

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Date and signature codes must each be on their own line and use all four capital letters in the field.

The Date and Signature codes must be on their own line and in all capital letters with all four letters in each field.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Use CCCC as a standalone service-list code, not paired with a date code.

4) CCCC = Service List (standalone – is not paired with a corresponding date code)

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be Word documents in .docx format and must not include specified formatting such as text boxes, macros, headers, or footers.

PROPOSED ORDER Word document (.docx). Do not include any specific formatting – text boxes, macros, headers, footers, etc.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word in .docx format, with one-inch margins on all sides and a lowercase filename without punctuation other than the .docx extension.

Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word, with 1” margins all the way around, and in the .docx format (all lower-case letters, file name, no other punctuation, and .docx file extension).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Do not change document margins or add indentations to position the codes.

Do not change document margins or add indentations to position the codes.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Cover letter

Format

PDF

The cover letter must be in PDF format.

COVER LETTER PDF format

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency order

Format

DOCX

Emergency orders submitted to the Judicial Assistant must be in Word format.

Emergency orders can be submitted directly to the JA for review/signature, in WORD format, with all parties copied with the email submission.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The JJJJ, GGGG, and AAAA signature codes must appear alone on their own lines, without other characters, spaces, or tabs on those lines.

b. Signature codes (JJJJ, GGGG, AAAA) must be on their own line. There can be no characters of any sort (including spaces or tabs) on the same line before or after the signature codes.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work.

d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case law or memorandum

Format

PAPER

Case law and memoranda must be delivered to the Court in paper format and copied to opposing counsel at least five days before the Court event.

Case law/memoranda must be delivered in paper format to the Court and opposing copied at least 5 days prior to the Court event.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Signature codes may only be positioned using the align-left, center, or align-right features in Word.

Signature codes may only be positioned using the align-left, center, or align-right features in Word.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Each party must provide the Court with printed hardcopy exhibits.

Each party shall provide the Court with hardcopy printed exhibits.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Codes must use all four letters of each field in capital letters.

c. The codes must be all capital letters with all four letters for each field.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Format

DOCX

Submit all proposed orders in Word format; Microsoft Word 2007 or later is helpful.

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format (It helps if the version of Microsoft Word is 2007 or greater).

CRITICALCriminal cases

Format

PDF

A proposed-order cover page must be a PDF, and its filename may contain only one period.

4. Please see Judges’ Policies and Procedures for Cover Page requirements. (Cover page format must be .pdf, and there must only be 1 period in the file name)

CRITICALCriminal cases

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be submitted as .docx files with one-inch margins and a lowercase filename containing no punctuation other than the .docx extension.

3. Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word, with 1” margins all the way around, and in the .docx format (all lower-case letters, file name, no other punctuation, and .docx).

CRITICALCriminal cases

Proposed orders must follow the specified restrictions on spacing, alignment, breaks, and placement of the CCCC and AAAA codes.

5. Do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding in the bottom order; use the align button instead, or the coding does not work. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Format

PDF

An appendix must be a PDF with the case number and specified order-identifying text prominently displayed on its first page, and it must be filed using the “Order Appendix” document type.

1. Appendix must be a .pdf file 2. On the first page, a. Make sure the Case Number is prominently displayed b. Also, make sure it reads: Appendix for [the name of the order it should follow] 3. Select “Order Appendix” (see image below) for the document type.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Proposed orders must use DJMCA codes in pairs, in uppercase, with all four letters and no more than one code per line.

6. DJMCA FORMAT: DJMCA is how ICMS knows where to place the signature and signature dates. a. You must use the two codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature) b. The codes must be all capital letters. c. You must add all 4 letters for each field. d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Do not place CCCC and AAAA on the same line in a proposed order.

and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Appendix

Format

PDF

Appendices must be submitted as PDF files.

Appendix must be a .pdf file

CRITICALCriminal cases

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be submitted as .docx files with one-inch margins and a lowercase filename without punctuation other than the .docx extension.

Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word, with 1” margins all the way around, and in the .docx format (all lower-case letters, file name, no other punctuation, and .docx).

CRITICALCriminal cases

Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of a proposed order.

Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order,

CRITICALCriminal cases

Format

PDF

A proposed-order cover page must be in PDF format, and its filename may contain only one period.

Please see Judges Policies and Procedures for cover page requirements. (Cover page format must be .pdf and there must only be 1 period in the file name)

CRITICALCriminal cases

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format; Microsoft Word version 2007 or later is preferred.

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format (It helps if the version of Microsoft Word is 2007 or greater).

CRITICALCriminal cases

All orders must use the prescribed bottom coding and follow the stated alignment and spacing instructions.

The bottom of all Orders must be worded as follows (do not use indentions, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding; use the align button instead. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line or the coding does not work):

CRITICALCriminal cases

Do not place indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding at the bottom of the order; use the align button instead.

Do not use indentions, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding in the bottom or the order; use the align button instead, or the coding does not work.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format.

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format.

CRITICAL

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be pre-marked using A through Z designations, with additional exhibits labeled AA through ZZ and continuing thereafter.

All exhibits shall be pre-marked for identification using the designations of Plaintiff’s or Defendant’s Exhibit “A” through “Z”, and if additional exhibits need to be marked, said exhibits shall be labeled “AA” through “ZZ” and so on.

CRITICAL

After filing the Notice of Hearing, email a copy showing the Clerk’s data line at the top of the page to the Judicial Assistant.

A copy of the e-filed Notice of Hearing (with Clerk’s data line appearing at top of page) must then be e-mailed to the JA.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Proposed orders emailed to the Judicial Assistant must be in PDF format and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

All proposed orders submitted via e-mail attachment to the JA must be submitted in PDF format and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

CRITICAL

Date and signature codes must be on separate lines in uppercase with all four letters, and no characters, verbiage, tabs, or spaces may appear before or after them; the JJJJ signature code may be left-, center-, or right-aligned.

The Date and Signature codes must be on their own line and all in capital letters with all four letters in each field. The Signature code, JJJJ, must be aligned left, center, or right. There can be no characters or verbiage or use of the tab key or space bar before or after the codes.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

A proposed order must be a .docx Word document without additional formatting such as text boxes, macros, headers, or footers.

PROPOSED ORDER, Word document (.docx extension). No additional formatting – text boxes, macros, headers, footers, etc.

CRITICAL

The redline version of the proposed order must be in Microsoft Word format and use Track Changes.

The party objecting to the proposed order shall also present a “redline” version of the proposed order to the Court, in Microsoft Word format and using the “Track Changes” function

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Hearing notebooks, legal memoranda, and briefs provided to the Court must be in electronic PDF format.

Any hearing notebooks, legal memorandums or briefs must be provided to the Court in electronic .pdf format.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

The cover letter submitted with a proposed Order must be in PDF format.

a cover letter, which must be submitted in .pdf format.

CRITICAL

The JJJJ and AAAA signature codes must appear alone on a line, may be left-, center-, or right-justified, and may not be fully justified or have characters, spaces, or tabs before or after them.

The signature code (JJJJ and AAAA) must be on its own line. It can be left, center, or right justified. It cannot be "fully" justified. There can be no characters, spaces, or tabs before or after the signature code.

CRITICAL

Attorneys must pre-mark evidence for identification purposes.

Attorneys must pre-mark the evidence for identification purposes

CRITICAL

The emailed copy of the proposed Order must be a Word document.

After the proposed Order and cover letter have been submitted through the e-Portal, the submitting party must email to the Judicial Assistant at jeanne.deveau@flcourts18.org a copy of the proposed Order (as a “Word” document)

CRITICAL

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

A proposed order submission must include the order as a .docx Microsoft Word document with one-inch margins and no unnecessary formatting.

The proposed order submission shall include the proposed order itself, which must be a Microsoft Word document, in the .docx format, with 1” margins, with no unnecessary formatting

CRITICAL

For the remote hearing, the judge requires a video appearance and court attire, and the hearing is to be conducted via Microsoft Teams.

before the Honorable Curt Jacobus, a Judge of this Court, via Microsoft Teams. https://fl18.org/curtjacobus The Judge requires a VIDEO appearance and court attire.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be in Word format; unopposed orders uploaded to the e-portal must include codes, while opposed orders must identify disagreements using redline or track changes in a single document.

All proposed orders must be either submitted in Word format by email to the assigned Judicial Assistant without codes or uploaded to the e-portal with codes (unopposed orders only). Opposed orders must be submitted in Word format identifying disagreements utilizing the redline or “track changes” feature in Word so that a single document is submitted for the Court’s entry.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Exhibits must be submitted on paper, except videos may be provided on a thumb drive.

Format: ALL exhibits MUST be submitted in paper format, except that videos may be provided on a thumb drive.

CRITICAL

Evidentiary exhibits must be pre-marked with letters in the bottom-right corner.

All evidentiary exhibits must be pre-marked with LETTERS on the bottom right corner of the exhibit.

CRITICAL

Two sets of trial exhibits are required: one for the court clerk and one for the judge.

AGAIN, TWO SETS ARE REQUIRED, ONE FOR THE COURT CLERK AND ONE FOR THE JUDGE.

CRITICAL

Jury instructions must use 14-point Arial type and follow the format of the Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases.

Jury instructions shall be in 14-point type with Arial font and follow the format of the Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must use a font of at least 12 points.

Orders must also be in a font no smaller than 12 point.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders, including agreed orders, must be editable by the Judge.

The Judge must be able to edit the proposed Order, even if it is an agreed proposed order.

CRITICAL

Trial exhibits must be marked for identification with letters.

The exhibits must be marked for identification with LETTERS.

CRITICAL

An order intended for electronic signature must omit the actual date and specified signature lines and include each four-letter code on a separate line.

For the Order to be electronically signed, the format of the order MUST NOT have the actual date, MUST NOT have “Circuit Judge” or “Judicial Assistant” signature lines within the order, and MUST contain the four-letter codes, each on its own separate line.

CRITICAL

Submit all proposed orders to the Court in Word format.

All proposed Orders must be submitted to the Court in Word format.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Motions/pleadings over twenty pages must be printed in paper format (unless directed otherwise), placed and submitted in a binder with an index page and tabbed and should be submitted by mail, courier, hand delivery, delivery carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.)

Motions/pleadings over twenty pages must be printed in paper format (unless directed otherwise), placed and submitted in a binder with an index page and tabbed and should be submitted by mail, courier, hand delivery, delivery carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.)

CRITICAL

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

A proposed order submitted through the portal must be a Microsoft Word .docx document with 1-inch margins and no unnecessary formatting, such as text boxes, macros, headers, or footers.

The proposed order submission shall include the proposed order itself, which must be a Microsoft Word document, in the .docx format, with 1” margins, with no unnecessary formatting (i.e., do not include text boxes, macros, headers, footers, etc.);

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

The cover letter submitted with a proposed order must be in PDF format.

and a cover letter, which must be submitted in .pdf format.

CRITICAL

Portal submissions must use DJMCA codes to identify the placement of electronic signatures, dates, and related information.

Portal submissions are required to be formatted with the “DJMCA” codes. The DJMCA codes identify where to place electronic signatures, dates, and related information.

CRITICAL

Notices of court proceedings and process compelling appearance must include the ADA statement in bold, 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font.

Required ADA Statement all notices of court proceedings, whether an order issued by a judge or a notice filed by an attorney or party, and all process compelling appearance, including but not limited to a summons, at court proceedings must include the following statement in bold face, 14- point Bookman Old Style or Arial font:

CRITICAL

The JJJJ and AAAA signature codes must appear alone on a line, may be left-, center-, or right-justified, may not be fully justified, and may not have characters, spaces, or tabs before or after them.

The signature code (JJJJ and AAAA) must be on its own line. It can be left, center, or right justified. It cannot be "fully" justified. There can be no characters, spaces, or tabs before or after the signature code.

CRITICAL

Use DDDD for the judge’s signing date, JJJJ for the judge’s signature, MMMM for the service date, CCCC for the service list, and AAAA for the Judicial Assistant’s signature.

DDDD is the code used for the date the Judge signs the Order; JJJJ is the code for the Judge's signature. For the Certificate of Service, MMMM is the code for the mailing/service date; CCCC is the code for the service list, and AAAA is the code for the Judicial Assistant's signature.

CRITICAL

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be in Microsoft Word .docx format with 1-inch margins on every side.

Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word, with 1” margins all the way around, and in the .docx format

CRITICAL

Proposed orders using DJMCA codes must use paired, uppercase four-letter codes only once per line, right-justify JJJJ and AAAA, and avoid unnecessary formatting.

5. DJMCA FORMAT: DJMCA is how ICMS knows where to place the signature and signature dates. a. You must use the two codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature) b. The codes must be all capital letters. c. You must add all 4 letters for each field. d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work. e. JJJJ and AAAA must be RIGHT JUSTIFIED. f. DO NOT ADD UNNECESSARY FORMATTING (i.e., line spacing, indentations, columns, etc.)

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

The cover page must be in .pdf format.

(Cover page format must be .pdf

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be in Word format and accompanied by a cover letter certifying the parties’ agreement or identifying any disagreement.

• Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format. All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.

CRITICAL

The cover-page filename must contain only one period.

and there must only be 1 period in the file name.)

CRITICAL

The proposed-order filename must use lowercase letters, contain no other punctuation, and end in .docx.

(all lower case letters, file name, no other punctuation, and .docx).

CRITICAL

Submit all proposed orders in Word format with the correct ICMS codes; an order submitted in another format may not be entered and may be rejected without notice.

27. FORMAT FOR SUBMISSION: All proposed orders will need to be submitted in WORD FORMAT and with the correct ICMS codes as indicated above. If the order is not submitted in Word format, the order may not be entered and may be rejected without notice.

CRITICAL

Send all pre-marked exhibits to the judicial assistant by email as PDFs for documents or JPEGs for photos, or upload them through the Clerk's website under the case.

For Court: Also, please scan and email the judicial assistant all pre-marked exhibits in PDF format for documents or JPEG for photos, or upload them through the Seminole County Clerk of Court website under the case

CRITICAL

For electronic signature in ICMS, an order must omit the actual date and the specified signature lines and include the required language.

For the Order to be electronically signed in ICMS, the format of the order MUST NOT have the actual date, “Circuit Judge” or “Judicial Assistant” signature line within the order, and MUST contain the following language on EVERY ORDER

CRITICAL

Jury instructions must use 14-point Times New Roman and follow the format of the Supreme Court Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases.

Jury instructions shall be in 14-point type with Times New Roman font and follow the format of the Supreme Court Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases.

CRITICAL

For remote evidentiary hearings, exhibits must be pre-marked for identification in letter format, with the marking in the bottom-right corner of document exhibits.

For any Evidentiary hearing held remotely, the parties are required to pre- mark all their exhibits for ID in letter format, i.e., “Plaintiff’s Ex A” or “Respondent’s Ex B” or “Defendant’s Ex B” on the bottom right-hand corner of the Exhibit if it is a document.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be uploaded separately, may not be bulk composite exhibits, and may not exceed 100KB per exhibit.

The file will be shown as uploaded to the exhibits for the judge and the attorney to see for the hearing. You must upload each exhibit separately and cannot upload bulk composite exhibits. The file may not be more than 100KB for each exhibit.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Exhibits must be submitted in paper format.

Exhibits must be submitted in paper format.

CRITICAL

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough exhibit copies for the clerk, the Court, and each party to review.

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the Court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.

CRITICAL

Orders sent by email must be in Word format and include a signature and date line.

Orders submitted via email must be in Word format and include the signature and date line.

CRITICAL

Orders submitted through the E-filing portal must use the proper DJMCA code format.

Orders submitted via the E-filing portal must be in the proper DJMCA code format.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be in Word format and may be emailed to the judicial assistant or uploaded to the e-portal with e-portal codes if unopposed.

All proposed orders must be either submitted in Word format by email to the judicial assistant or uploaded in Word format to the e-portal with e-portal codes (unopposed orders only).

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be in .docx format, may not contain additional formatting such as text boxes or macros, and may not have attachments.

Order must be in Word format (.docx extension); No additional formatting – text boxes, macros, etc.; There cannot be any attachments to the proposed Order.

CRITICAL

Provide the proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and requested special instructions in Word format before the pretrial conference.

A proposed set of jury instructions, including verdict form(s) along with any requested special instruction and verdict form(s), must be provided in Word format as directed before the pretrial conference.

CRITICAL

Pre-marked exhibits must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant as PDFs for documents and JPEGs for photographs.

Additionally, please email the Judicial Assistant all pre-marked exhibits in PDF format for documents or JPEG for photos.

CRITICAL

For an evidentiary hearing, all exhibits must be pre-marked for identification with letters in the bottom-right corner.

If your hearing is evidentiary, you must pre-mark all exhibits for identification with letters (i.e., “Plaintiff’s Ex. A” or “Respondent’s Ex. B”) on the bottom right corner of the exhibit.

CRITICAL

Hearing materials must be submitted in PDF or Word format.

Motions, supporting memoranda, and case law must be received by email to CivilGMDept@flcourts18.org at least three business days before the hearing, in PDF or Word format.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Proposed orders must have no spaces before or after JJJJ and must use the proper codes or they will be rejected for improper format.

• Please make sure there are no spaces before or after the JJJJ, or the signature block will not populate, and there will be no judicial signature on your order. If you do not have the proper codes on the proposed orders, the order will be rejected for improper format.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Exhibits must be submitted in paper or USB format.

Exhibits must be submitted in paper or USB format.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Proposed orders must be in Word format and accompanied by a separately filed cover letter stating the opposing parties’ position on the order.

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format along with a separately filed cover letter stating that opposing parties have reviewed the proposed Order and they have no objection to the form or content of the Order or containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.

CRITICAL

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format with a separately filed cover letter.

Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format along with a separately filed cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders not generated in court must be submitted to the judicial assistant in WORD format within seven days after the hearing.

Any proposed orders not generated in Court must be submitted to the judicial assistant in WORD format within seven (7) days after any hearing.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerks in paper format.

Exhibits must be submitted to the Clerks in paper format.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be provided to the Court as printed hard copies; video or audio recordings must be on a labeled compact or digital video disk, and digital or electronic-format exhibits are not accepted.

a. Each party shall provide the Court with hard-copy, printed exhibits. If an exhibit consists of a video or audio recording, it shall be submitted to the Court on a compact disk or digital video disk. The face of the disk shall bear the case number and exhibit label as described below. The Court will no longer accept exhibits in digital or electronic format

CRITICAL

Orders submitted after a hearing must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with signature and date lines, the email must state the hearing date, and emailed orders must not contain codes.

Orders submitted after a hearing: send to the JA, via email, complete with signature and date lines for the Court. Please indicate the date of hearing in the email. Also, No CODES in orders submitted via email.

CRITICAL

Each filing must include a cover letter and no more than one proposed order.

FILING REQUIREMENTS • Each filing must contain a Cover Letter and only one proposed order.

CRITICAL

Cover letters must be PDFs, proposed orders must be DOCX files, and proposed orders may not contain additional formatting such as text boxes, macros, headers, or footers.

COVER LETTER PDF format • PROPOSED ORDER Word document (.docx extension). No additional formatting – text boxes, macros, headers, footers, etc.

CRITICAL

Place the four-letter date and signature codes in capitals on their own line; right-align JJJJ and place no characters or whitespace before or after the codes.

The Date and Signature codes must be on their own line and all in Capital letters with all four letters in each field. The Signature code, JJJJ, must be aligned to the right. Example: There can be no characters, verbiage, or use of the tab key or space bar before or after the codes.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format.

All proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format

CRITICAL

Parties must attend in person for hearings scheduled for one hour or longer.

The Court requires parties to attend in person for any hearings scheduled for 1 hour or longer.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Courtesy materials must be submitted in hard-copy form by an accepted delivery method; digital binders are not accepted.

• Format: hard copies. • Submission Method: Hard copies are to be submitted to this office by courier, U.S. mail, FedEx, UPS, or personally delivered to the receptionist on the 4th floor. The Court does not accept digital binders.

CRITICAL

Pre-trial conferences require lead trial counsel to appear in person; remote appearance is not allowed.

This Court does not allow remote appearance for pre-trial conferences. This is a MANDATORY in person appearance proceeding, requiring lead trial counsel to appear in person.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format.

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper ===== PAGE 4 ===== format.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format within 7 days after any hearing.

Proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format within 7 days after any hearing.

CRITICAL

Jury instructions must use 12-point Times New Roman type and follow the format of the Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases.

Jury instructions shall be in 12-point type with Times New Roman font and follow the format of the Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be in Word format, and their separately filed cover letters must be in PDF format.

ALL proposed Orders should be submitted through the e-portal (in Word format) along with a separately filed cover letter (in PDF format).

CRITICAL

For an evidentiary hearing or trial, parties must premark each exhibit for identification using a letter format.

If there is an Evidentiary hearing or Trial to take place the parties MUST Premark all their exhibits for ID in letter format i.e. “Plaintiff’s Ex A” or “Defendant’s Ex B”

CRITICAL

For an evidentiary hearing or trial, parties must premark all exhibits for identification in letter format, such as “Plaintiff’s Ex A” or “Defendant’s Ex B.”

If there is an Evidentiary hearing or Trial to take place the parties MUST Premark all their exhibits for ID in letter format i.e. “Plaintiff’s Ex A” or “Defendant’s Ex B”

CRITICAL

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be submitted in DOCX format with one-inch margins and a lowercase filename without punctuation other than the .docx extension.

3. Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word, with 1” margins all the way around, and in the .docx format (all lower-case letters, file name, no other punctuation, and .docx).

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Orders must be submitted in MS Word (.docx) format; PDF orders will be rejected.

All Orders must be submitted in MS Word (.docx) format; PDF documents will be rejected.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

All Orders must be submitted in .docx format; PDF Orders will be rejected.

All Orders must be in MS Word (.docx) format; PDF documents will be rejected.

CRITICAL

Proposed orders submitted directly to the Court must be in Word format, omit the JJJJ and DDDD codes, include a date block and Court signature line, and be provided to opposing counsel and self-represented litigants.

All proposed orders being submitted directly to the Court must be in Word format, omitting the signature and date codes (JJJJ and DDDD), providing both a date block and signature line for the Court, and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Exhibits must be submitted in paper format.

Exhibits must be submitted in paper format.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders filed through the Florida Courts E-filing Portal must be .docx files and be provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

All proposed orders being filed through the Florida Courts E-filing Portal must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.docx extension), and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

A proposed-order cover page must be in PDF format, and its filename must contain only one period.

4. Please see judges Policies and Procedures for cover page requirements. (Cover page format must be .pdf and there must only be 1 period in the file name)

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

All evidence must be brought in physical form on the day of the hearing; the Court and Clerk will not print it.

All evidence is to be brought in physical form on the day of the hearing. The Court or the Clerk will not print anything for you.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Appendices must be submitted as PDF files.

Appendix must be a .pdf file

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

All orders must be submitted in DOCX format; PDF orders will be rejected.

All Orders must be in MS Word docx format; PDF documents will be rejected.

CRITICAL

Use DJMCA codes in pairs, in uppercase, with all four letters for each field, and only once per line.

6. DJMCA FORMAT: DJMCA is how ICMS knows where to place signature and signature dates. a. You must use the two codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature) b. The codes must be all capital letters. c. You must add all 4 letters for each field. d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work.

CRITICAL

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word as .docx files with one-inch margins and lowercase filenames without punctuation other than the .docx extension.

3. Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word, with 1” margins all the way around, and in the .docx format (all lower-case letters, file name, no other punctuation and .docx).

CRITICAL

Orders must not have indentation, spaces, or tabs before or after the specified coding; use the align button, avoid page or column breaks at the bottom, and keep CCCC and AAAA on separate lines.

******* The bottom of all Orders must be worded as follows (do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding, use the align button instead. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work):

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Submit all orders in .docx format; PDF orders will be rejected.

All Orders must be submitted in MS Word format (.docx); PDF documents will be rejected.

CRITICAL

Order coding must not have surrounding indents, spaces, or tabs; use the align button, avoid page or column breaks at the bottom, and place CCCC and AAAA on separate lines.

5. Do not use indentions, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding in the bottom or the order, use the align button instead, or the coding does not work. Do not use page breaks or column breaks in the bottom of the Order and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line or the coding does not work.

CRITICAL

Starting July 1, 2026, the required ADA statement in notices of hearings, pleadings, and orders setting hearing must be bold and in 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font.

Effective July 1, 2026, all Notices of Hearings, Pleadings and Orders Setting Hearing must include the following ADA statement in BOLD 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font as follows:

CRITICAL

Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.

Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

Exhibits must be submitted in paper format.

Exhibits must be submitted to the Clerk of Court in paper format.

WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

The JJJJ signature code must be aligned left, center, or right.

The Signature code, JJJJ, must be aligned left, center, or right.

WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Tables, columns, text boxes, macros, headers, and footers may cause an order to be rejected.

such as tables, columns, text boxes, macros, headers, footers, etc. These may cause the order to be rejected.

WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Minimize unnecessary line spacing and page breaks because the clerk charges by the page.

As a courtesy, please minimize unnecessary line spacing or page breaks since the clerk charges on a per-page basis.

WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Do not use the yellow highlighting shown for illustration in an actual order.

(Yellow highlighting is for illustration purposes only and should not be used in an actual order.)

WARNINGCriminal cases

Format

DOCX

For matters that do not require a hearing, a proposed order may be submitted through the e-portal in Word format with a separately filed no-objection cover letter and/or a properly filed stipulation.

Some matters do not require a hearing, and a proposed Order may be submitted through the e-portal in Word format, along with a separately filed Cover Letter indicating no objection to the proposed Order; and/or with a properly filed Stipulation.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Submit proposed orders with the desired wording filled in rather than blank spaces.

DO NOT submit Orders with blank spaces; submit the Order with the wording you want.

WARNINGCriminal cases

All orders must follow the specified bottom-of-order coding and layout instructions.

The bottom of all Orders must be worded as follows (do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding; use the align button instead. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work.

WARNINGCriminal cases

For matters that do not require a hearing, a proposed order may be submitted through the e-portal in Word format with a separately filed cover letter indicating no objection and/or a properly filed stipulation.

Some matters do not require a hearing, and a proposed Order may be submitted through the e-portal in Word format, along with a separately filed Cover Letter indicating no objection to the proposed Order; and/or with a properly filed Stipulation.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Submit proposed orders with the desired wording filled in rather than with blank spaces.

DO NOT submit Orders with blank spaces, submit the Order with the wording you want.

WARNING

Exhibits must be brought to court 15 minutes before the hearing for opposing-side review and clerk marking.

Shall be brought to court 15 minutes prior to the hearing to allow time for the opposing side to review and the clerks to mark properly.

WARNING

Proposed Orders may be submitted by email to carmen.reyes@flcourts18.org. Emailed document(s) should be submitted in Word format and should not be encrypted.

Proposed Orders may be submitted by email to carmen.reyes@flcourts18.org. Emailed document(s) should be submitted in Word format and should not be encrypted.

WARNING

Format

DOCX

Emailed document(s) should be submitted in Word format and should not be encrypted.

Emailed document(s) should be submitted in Word format and should not be encrypted.

WARNING

Format

PDF

The cover letter must be submitted in PDF format.

COVER LETTER, PDF format

WARNING

Exhibit identifications should use letters beginning with A; if exhibits exceed Z, continue with AA, AB, AC, and so on.

Identifications should be marked as letters, starting with A, B, C, D, … etc. Should the exhibits exceed Z, they will need to be marked as AA, AB, AC, AD, … etc.

WARNING

An exhibit mark may be placed anywhere, but it must be easily visible and legible; the bottom right is the usual placement.

The mark may be placed anywhere on the exhibit, must be easily visible and legible; most are placed on the bottom right.

WARNING

The court order sent as a courtesy copy to the JA must be in Word format.

E-file an unopposed motion via the Clerk of Court. Send a courtesy copy of the Unopposed Motion and court order (in Word format) to the JA.

WARNING

The email subject line must state the case style, case number, and hearing date.

The materials must include the case style, the case number, and the date of the hearing in the subject line of the email.

WARNING

When the parties disagree about jury instructions, competing instructions should appear in red or blue font and identify the objection and its basis.

If the parties disagree on any portion of the jury instructions, competing instructions should be included in red or blue font and indicate the objection and the basis for the objection.

WARNING

Photographs submitted as exhibits should be in color.

Photos should be submitted in color.

WARNING

Avoid inserting tables or charts in the header or title of proposed orders whenever possible.

DO NOT INSERT TABLES AND CHARTS IN THE HEADER OR TITLE whenever possible.

WARNING

Provide case law in PDF format and other documents in PDF or JPEG format.

Case law shall be provided in PDF format. Documents shall be submitted in PDF or JPEG format.

WARNING

Attorneys must pre-mark exhibits for identification, provide the clerk an exhibit log linking each identification to its description, use sequential letters (then double letters after Z), and make each mark easily visible.

The court clerks label the evidence with the proper evidence stickers during trials only. Attorneys must pre-mark the evidence for identification purposes and provide the clerk with an exhibit log notating the description of the evidence along with the referenced identification. Identifications should be marked as letters, starting with A, B, C, D, … etc. Should the exhibits exceed Z, they will need to be marked as AA, AB, AC, AD, … etc. The mark may be placed anywhere on the exhibit, provided it is easily visible. Exhibits may be in folders, binders, boxes, or whatever makes them easy to locate and organize.

WARNING

A proposed-order redline must be provided in Microsoft Word format using Track Changes.

The purpose of providing the Court with a “redline” version of the proposed order in Microsoft Word format, using the “Track Changes” function, is to allow the Court to compare the versions of the competing proposed orders to consider and comprehend what has been changed, revised, or added.

WARNING

Motions and pleadings exceeding 20 pages must be placed in a tabbed binder with an index page and must not be stapled.

Motions/pleadings over twenty pages must be placed in a binder with an index page and tabbed. Do not staple.

WARNING

When the parties disagree about jury instructions, competing instructions should be in red or blue font and state the objection and its basis.

If the parties disagree on any portion of the jury instructions, competing instructions should be included in red or blue font and indicate the objection and the basis for the objection.

WARNING

For extremely voluminous exhibits, arrange delivery to the clerk on the Friday before trial for pre-marking; exhibits must be identified with letters before trial, and the clerk marks them with numbers when admitted.

If the exhibits are extremely voluminous, make arrangements to provide the clerk with the Friday prior to trial so the Clerk may pre-mark the exhibits. The exhibits must be pre-marked for identification with letters. Once introduced into evidence, the Clerk will mark the exhibits with numbers.

WARNING

Courtesy copies should be in Word format.

Courtesy copies should be in Word format.

WARNING

A proposed Report and Recommendation submitted by email must be in Word format.

If the General Magistrate requests a party to prepare a Report and Recommendation after the hearing, the party may submit a Proposed Report and Recommendation by emailing the document in word format to CivilGMDept@flcourts18.org.

WARNING

The proposed Final Judgment should be submitted in Word format.

The Proposed Final Judgment should be submitted via Word Format and emailed to the General Magistrate’s Assistant at CivilGMDept@flcourts18.org.

WARNING

Video and audio recordings should be provided on a USB drive.

Video and audio recordings should be sent on a USB drive.

WARNING

Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.

All proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Orders should have at least five lines below JJJJ, keep the signature block on the same page as other content, avoid tables or blocks, and include only the DDDD and JJJJ codes.

• You should have at least 5 lines below the JJJJ to make certain the signature block appears on that page. Please do not have the signature block appear by itself on a page. When submitting an order, please do not use tables or blocks, as it is not necessary and delays processing. In order to expedite the processing of your orders, please only place the DDDD and JJJJ codes in the order. Additional codes will delay the processing times.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Proposed orders submitted through the e-portal under this procedure must be in Word format.

If the attorney is able to obtain a signed consent from their client, then the proposed Order may be submitted through the e-portal in Word format.

WARNING

For some matters not requiring a hearing, a proposed order may be submitted through the e-portal in Word format with a separately filed cover letter indicating no objection.

Some matters do not require a hearing, and a proposed Order may be submitted through the e-portal in Word format along with a separately filed cover letter indicating no objection to the proposed Order; and/or with a properly filed

WARNING

Exhibit stickers must identify the party and exhibit letter, and each label must state the case number and hearing date.

Each sticker shall state “Petitioner’s Exhibit *” or “Respondent’s Exhibit *” with “*” being each letter of the alphabet beginning with the letter “A.” When/If you get to “Z” on your exhibits, you will continue with “AA,” etc. d. Each label shall state the case number and date of the hearing.

WARNING

Place each exhibit sticker in the lower right-hand corner, or as close as possible without interfering with the document's text or substance.

b. An exhibit sticker shall be places in the lower right-hand corner (or as close thereto as is possible without interfering with the text or substance of the document).

WARNING

Exhibits must be Bates stamped, and the index must identify each exhibit by its letter and stamped number series.

All of the exhibits shall be Bates stamped for easier identification. The index shall identify the exhibit, with the corresponding exhibit letter and the dates stamped number series for each such exhibit. (Example: Petitioner’s Exhibit A – Petitioner’s Financial Affidavit – 1 – 13).

WARNING

No characters, verbiage, tabs, or spaces may appear before or after the codes in a proposed order.

There can be no characters or verbiage or use of the tab key or space bar before or after the codes.

WARNING

The order must end with “Done and Ordered” for the Judge’s signature and date codes, which must appear on their own line.

Use the phrase “Done and Ordered” as the last portion of the order for the Judge’s signature and date codes. The Date and Signature codes must be on their own line and in

WARNING

Format

PAPER

Case law and exhibits must be provided to the Judicial Assistant at least five days before the hearing in hard copy, not by email.

Please provide case law and exhibits to the Judicial Assistant at least 5 days prior to the hearing. Hard Copies must be submitted. They are not permitted via email.

WARNING

The proposed-order codes must use all capital letters with all four letters in each field, and the signature code JJJJ must be left-, center-, or right-aligned.

all Capital letters with all four letters in each field. The Signature code, JJJJ, must be aligned left or center or right.

WARNING

Do not use additional formatting such as text boxes, macros, headers, or footers.

No additional formatting – text boxes, macros, header, footer, etc.

WARNING

Motions to continue a trial or long hearing must be submitted in writing and e-filed in the case.

Motions to continue Trial or any long hearing shall be submitted in writing and e-filed in the case.

WARNING

Highlight differences between competing proposed orders so the judge can readily identify them.

Please highlight the differences in the competing orders so the judge may ascertain them without difficulty.

WARNING

Format

PDF

Appendices submitted as backup documents must be PDF files.

1. Appendix must be a .pdf file

WARNING

Use all-capital, unhighlighted, non-bold coding and follow the stated alignment and margin restrictions for the Order footer.

The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature), and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not highlighted, and not be in bold. Do not use margins/justifications from the Done and Ordered down. Do not use tabs or spaces before the JJJJ, CCCC, or AAAA coding, or the coding won’t work. Use the align button instead

WARNING

Submit the order as a Microsoft Word document rather than a scanned paper order, using Microsoft Word 2007 or later.

The only viable option is to use option #2. A PDF, created from a MS Word document, can be reverted back to its Microsoft Word format. The version of Microsoft Word must be 2007 or greater.

WARNING

Format

PDF

The cover page must be a PDF, and its filename may contain only one period.

4. Please see judges' Policies and Procedures for cover page requirements. (Cover page format must be .pdf, and there must only be 1 period in the file name)

WARNING

The specified proposed-order codes must be uppercase, unhighlighted, and not bold, and must be aligned without tabs or spaces before them.

(The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature), and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not highlighted, and not be in bold. Do not use margins/justifications from the Done and Ordered down. Do not use tabs or spaces before the JJJJ, CCCC, or AAAA coding, or the coding won’t work. Use the align button instead)

WARNING

Do not highlight the coding placeholders in the submitted order.

Do not highlight the coding (DDDD, JJJJ, MMMM, CCCC, AAAA) in the order you submit.

WARNING

Proposed-order coding must follow the stated alignment, spacing, line-break, pairing, capitalization, and code-use instructions.

5. Do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding in the bottom of the order; use the align button instead, or the coding does not work. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work. 6. DJMCA FORMAT: DJMCA is how ICMS knows where to place the signature and signature dates. a. You must use the two codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature) b. The codes must be all capital letters. c. You must add all 4 letters for each field. d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work. DJMCA Codes in pairs: 1) DDDD = Judge Signature Date/ JJJJ = Judge Signature 2) MMMM = Mailing Date/ AAAA = Judicial Assistant Signature 3) RRRR = Reported and Recommended date /GGGG = GM or JHO signature 4) CCCC = Service List

WARNING

For proposed orders filed through the Portal, the JJJJ and DDDD codes must be left-aligned with no characters, text, tabs, or spaces before or after them.

The Signature and Date codes, JJJJ and DDDD, must be aligned left. There can be no characters or verbiage or use of the tab key or space bar before or after the codes.

WARNING

Do not add additional formatting, including text boxes, macros, headers, or footers, to proposed orders.

Do not add additional formatting – text boxes, macros, headers, footers, etc.

WARNING

The proposed order accompanying a remote-appearance request must be in Word format.

Requests for remote appearance must be submitted at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled hearing, by filing a motion with a copy provided to the Court, along with a proposed order in Word.

WARNING

Materials submitted for the Court’s review must be in PDF or Word document format.

Format: PDF or Word document.

WARNING

The DDDD, JJJJ, MMMM, AAAA, and CCCC placeholders in all orders must be in capital letters.

The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature), and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not

WARNING

Order coding must use the specified all-capital placeholders without highlighting or bold; do not alter margins or justification below “Done and Ordered” or insert tabs or spaces before the JJJJ, CCCC, or AAAA codes.

(The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature) and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not highlighted and not be in bold. Do not use margins/justifications from the Done and Ordered down. Do not use tabs or spaces before the JJJJ, CCCC, or AAAA coding, or the coding won’t work. Use the align button instead)

WARNING

In orders, the designated placeholders must remain uppercase, unhighlighted, and not bold; do not apply margins or justifications below “Done and Ordered” or place tabs or spaces before “JJJJ.”

The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature), and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not highlighted, and not be in bold. Do not use margins/justifications from the Done and Ordered down. Do not use tabs or spaces before the JJJJ,

WARNING

Do not highlight the coding in the submitted order.

Do not highlight the coding (DDDD, JJJJ, MMMM, CCCC, AAAA) in the order you submit.

WARNING

Microsoft Word documents must use Word 2007 or a later version.

The version of Microsoft Word must be 2007 or greater.

INFOCriminal cases

The exhibit-upload process supports Microsoft Office documents, pictures, and PDFs.

Note: This process supports Microsoft Office Documents, Pictures, and PDFs.

INFO

Exhibits may be organized in folders, binders, boxes, or another arrangement that makes them easy to locate and organize.

Exhibits may be in folders, binders, boxes, or whatever makes them easy to locate and organize.

INFO

Highlighting pertinent case-law sections and bookmarking motion and exhibit sections in the Court's PDF is encouraged, but not required.

Highlighting pertinent sections of case law and bookmarking sections of Motions and exhibits in the PDF file provided to the Court is encouraged and appreciated.

INFO

Organize materials and, preferably, submit them in a binder.

The materials must be organized and preferably in a binder.

INFO

Bates numbering is preferred, but not required, for multi-page exhibits.

Bates Numbering of exhibits consisting of multiple pages is preferred but not required.

INFO

The Clerk will mark trial exhibits with numbers once they are introduced into evidence.

Once introduced into evidence, the Clerk will mark the exhibits with numbers.

INFO

Arial or Times New Roman is preferred for proposed orders.

Orders should preferably be in Arial or Times New Roman.

INFO

The Clerk of Court will number each exhibit when it is entered into evidence.

When entered into evidence, the Clerk of Court will mark the exhibit with a number.

INFO

Bates numbering of exhibits is preferred but not required.

Bates Numbering of exhibits is preferred, but not required.

INFO

The Upload to Judge process supports Microsoft Office documents, pictures, and PDFs.

Note: This process supports Microsoft Office documents, pictures, and PDFs.

INFO

Courtesy copies of case law or hearing materials may be provided in paper or digital format.

Format: Paper or digital.