Judge Wayne Culver
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Notice of Hearing
Amended Notice of Hearing, Cross Notice of Hearing
Court-wideMotion
Court-wide- Within 10 Days After Service
Objection to Order of Referral to General Magistrate
Court-wide- 1 copy • Email
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Document Format Requirements14 rules
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.
******* 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):
All Orders must be in MS Word docx format; PDF documents will be rejected.
- File type
- Word
- Order
All Orders must be submitted in MS Word format (.docx); PDF documents will be rejected.
- File type
- Word
- Order
Formatting
- •PDF documents will be rejected
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)
- File type
Use DJMCA codes in pairs, in uppercase, with all four letters for each field, and only once per line.
Formatting
- •Use DJMCA codes in pairs
- •Codes must be all capital letters
Court's wording
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.
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).
- File type
- Word
- Margins
- 1 inch
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Submit in Microsoft Word
- •Use a lowercase filename with no punctuation other than the .docx extension
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.
Court's wording
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.
Appendix must be a .pdf file
- File type
The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature), and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not
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.
Court's wording
(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)
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,
The version of Microsoft Word must be 2007 or greater.
Do not highlight the coding (DDDD, JJJJ, MMMM, CCCC, AAAA) in the order you submit.
Document Filing Requirements31 rules
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
A Notice of Hearing cannot state “All Pending Motions,” must include email addresses for all parties, and must be electronically filed with the Clerk with copies to all parties.
Court's wording
A Notice of Hearing that states "All Pending Motions" is invalid and a cause for cancellation, as the Judge pre-reviews the Motions. Include email addresses for all parties in your NOH. Submit the Hearing Notice via electronic filing to the Clerk with copies to all parties involved.
• If you are Pro Se and are submitting a Default/Final Judgment, you must make sure your paperwork is filled out completely before submitting, and self-addressed stamped envelopes/copies for all parties are included, or they may be returned unsigned.
When submitting a Motion to Continue CM PTC, include the new date in your Proposed Order (contact the Civil Case Manager for the next available CM PTC date to put in the Proposed Order).
- Document
- Motion to continue cm PTC
Include
- •Proposed order
A signed Case Management Plan must be filed and accepted by the Clerk before submitting the Case Management Order for review.
All orders must use the specified closing and certificate-of-service wording and formatting, including the stated placeholders and layout instructions.
- Document
- Order
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Court's wording
******* 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): DONE AND ORDERED in Sanford, Seminole County, this DDDD. JJJJ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that copies have been furnished via e-service only MMMM.
Motions for Good Cause and a Proposed Order (do not submit with blank spaces; the order must be filled out completely) must be filed prior to the Hearing.
If the Order has NOT been signed, counsel is required to be present.
If a signed consent is unable to be obtained, then the Motion may be set on JACS with at least 10 days' notice to the parties.
DO NOT submit Orders with blank spaces; submit the Order with the wording you want. This includes Orders to Show Good Cause. The Court can make changes if needed.
Orders on Stipulations need to include the date the Stipulation was signed or the date it was filed with the Clerk of Court.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that copies have been furnished via e-service only
If it is an agreed Order, please state this in the opening paragraph or heading of the Order.
If the Order requires a date or dollar amount from the Clerk of Court, please obtain and insert in the Order prior to uploading it; otherwise, it will be rejected.
The motion must state the specific request sought and the opposing party’s response.
Court's wording
the Court requires the Motion to detail the specific request sought and then, the opposing party’s response. This saves the parties and the Court the inconvenience of flipping back and forth between two separate documents.
If you are Pro Se and are submitting a Default/Final Judgment, you must make sure your paperwork is filled out completely before submitting, and self-addressed stamped envelopes/copies for all parties are included, or they may be returned unsigned.
If you are submitting an Order to Continue a SC PTC, include whether you need a one or two-docket continuance in your Proposed Order.
A Notice for Trial stating that the cause is at issue must be filed with the Clerk's office.
A copy of the Notice for Trial must be mailed to the Judge, accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelopes to all counsel of record or Pro Se parties. If envelopes do not accompany the Notice for Trial, the Court will take no action.
The Notice for Trial shall include a time estimate for the Trial; jury or non-jury Trial requested; the date on which Mediation was held; and whether the Trial is on the original action or a subsequent proceeding.
If you are submitting an Order to Continue a PIP PTC, include if you need a one or two-docket continuance in your Proposed Order.
All orders must include the specified closing and certificate-of-service wording, including the designated coding placeholders.
- Document
- Order
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Court's wording
******* 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. DONE AND ORDERED in Sanford, Seminole County, this DDDD. JJJJ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that copies have been furnished via e-service only MMMM. The moving party is responsible for the service of all non-registered pro-se parties. CCCC AAAA
Please do not submit Orders prior to a Hearing; they will be rejected. Instead, bring proposed Orders with you to the Hearing along with sufficient copies for all parties, as well as self-addressed, stamped envelopes for distribution, OR submit the Proposed Order through the e-filing portal after the hearing for the Judge to sign electronically.
A signed Case Management Plan must be filed and accepted by the Clerk before submitting the Case Management Order for review.
When submitting a Motion to Continue CM PTC, include the new date in your Proposed Order (contact the Civil Case Manager for the next available CM PTC date to put in the Proposed Order).
b. Also make sure it reads: Appendix for [the name of the order it should follow]
a. Make sure the Case Number is prominently displayed
Include
- •Case number
C. The Defendant’s attorney timely files and serves a document entitled, “Notice of Appearance/Cancellation of Small Claims Pre-trial Conference/Mediation” (hereinafter referred to as “Notice of Appearance”);
If a date is needed from the Clerk’s office, please obtain it and insert it into your document.
If a dollar amount is needed from the Clerk’s office or other sources, please obtain it and insert it into your document.
When submitting a CMO Order via the e-portal, make sure the bottom is coded according to the Proposed Orders section on pages 8-10.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The Hearing Notice must be electronically filed with the Clerk.
A Notice of Hearing that states "All Pending Motions" is invalid and a cause for cancellation, as the Judge pre-reviews the Motions. Include email addresses for all parties in your NOH. Submit the Hearing Notice via electronic filing to the Clerk with copies to all parties involved.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
An Amended Notice of Hearing must be e-filed with the Clerk after rescheduling.
Rescheduling On JACS, select “Re-Schedule a Hearing” under the Main Menu. “Type in your confirmation # and hit “Reschedule”. Select the new coordinated date, and the Hearing will be rescheduled; a new confirmation number will be sent. Prepare an Amended Notice of Hearing, e-file to the Clerk with copies to participants. You may send a copy to the JA as a courtesy.
Page 4 | Rescheduling
The Notice of Hearing must be e-filed with the Clerk of Court.
JACS Confirmation - A confirmation email will be sent for your use only. You may send a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the JA, as a courtesy. You must e-file the Notice of Hearing with the Clerk of Court, with copies to participating parties.
Page 4 | JACS Confirmation
Landlord/Tenant paperwork must be submitted through the Clerk of the Courts E-portal, and if the opposing party is pro se, copies must be mailed from the filer’s office upon receipt.
• Paperwork is to be submitted via the Clerk of the Courts E-portal. If the opposing party is Pro Se, the copies must be mailed from your office upon receipt.
Page 4 | LANDLORD/TENANT
The listed filings do not require a hearing and should be submitted through e-filing; state that opposing counsel agrees when the proposed order is agreed by all parties and that there is no objection to the requested relief.
The following does not require a Hearing; simply submit them via e-filing. Please state that opposing counsel agrees (if the proposed Order is agreed upon by all parties), and there is no objection to the Court entering the relief requested. • Appointment of Special Process Server • Stipulated Modifications/Stipulated Orders • Motion for Substitution of Counsel (Signed by Attorney and Party) • Motion to Enter an Agreed Order • Cancellation of and rescheduling of a foreclosure sale • Motion to Vacate Foreclosure Judgment because of reinstatement • Default judgment of liquidated amounts • Motion to Withdraw (with signed consent from client)
Page 6 | MATTERS NOT REQUIRING A HEARING
Proposed orders must be uploaded to the Clerk’s E-portal.
Proposed Orders are to be uploaded to the Clerk’s E-portal.
Page 8 | Proposed Orders
Landlord/Tenant paperwork must be submitted through the Clerk of the Courts E-portal.
Paperwork is to be submitted via the Clerk of the Courts E-portal.
Page 10 | LANDLORD/TENANT
All documents must be filed through the E-portal, and need not also be sent to Judge Grunor.
All documents must be filed using the E-portal, eliminating the need to send anything to Judge Grunor.
Page 11 | E-FILING INFORMATION
Submit proposed orders through the e-Portal by selecting Proposed Orders and Seminole County.
1. From e-Portal, main filing page, select “Proposed Orders” (see map, red circle) 2. Click the arrow, and select “Seminole” for the county (see map, blue circle)
Page 19 | Procedure for Submitting Proposed Orders in Seminole County
Select “Order Appendix” as the document type when submitting the appendix through the portal.
3. Select “Order Appendix” (see image below) for the document type.
Page 21
The Notice of Appearance may be filed with the Clerk by hand delivery or fax and must be filed by 4:00 p.m. two business days before the pre-trial conference or mediation.
D. The aforementioned Notice of Appearance shall be deemed timely filed when it is hand delivered or provided by facsimile for filing to the Clerk of the Seminole County Court, Small Claims Pre-trial Division (fax number 407-330-7193) and served by hand delivery or facsimile to the Plaintiff’s counsel, no later than 4:00 p.m., two business days prior to the date of the Pre-trial Conference/Mediation.
Page 24 | IN RE: COUNTY COURT - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES IN PIP CASES
If the attorney obtains the client’s signed consent, the proposed order may be e-filed through the Clerk’s portal for the Judge’s electronic signature.
If the attorney can obtain a signed consent from their client, then the proposed Order may be e-filed through the Clerk’s portal for the Judge’s electronic signature.
Page 7 | Motion to Withdraw as Counsel
Hearing materials may be uploaded through the Clerk’s website.
If you are submitting hearing materials, hard copies are preferred and must be provided to the Court at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. You can mail them or drop them off in the drop-box outside of Chambers on the 3rd floor of the North building. You may also choose to upload hearing materials through the Clerk’s website (please see the very last section of this document).
Page 5 | Hearing Material Submission Rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Hearing materials, if submitted, must be provided to the Court at least five business days before the hearing; they may be mailed, dropped off, or uploaded through the Clerk’s website.
If you are submitting hearing materials, hard copies are preferred and must be provided to the Court at least 5 business days prior to the hearing. You can mail them or drop them off in the drop-box outside of Chambers on the 3rd floor of the North building. You may also choose to upload hearing materials through the Clerk’s website (please see the very last section of this document).
Page 5 | Hearing Material Submission Rules
Wait until the Clerk accepts the motion or pleading before e-filing its proposed order.
You must wait until your Motion/pleading is accepted by the Clerk before e-filing the Proposed Order, to avoid rejection.
Page 7 | Proposed Orders
If appropriate, submit a Final Judgment for Possession only after a Clerk’s Default has been entered.
Please do not submit a Final Judgment for Possession until after a Clerk’s Default is entered, if appropriate.
Page 12 | Guidelines for submitting Orders
The Notice of Appearance must be filed no later than 4:00 p.m. two business days before the pre-trial conference or mediation to be deemed timely.
D. The aforementioned Notice of Appearance shall be deemed timely filed when it is hand delivered or provided by facsimile for filing to the Clerk of the Seminole County Court, Small Claims Pre-trial Division (fax number 407-330-7193) and served by hand delivery or facsimile to the Plaintiff’s counsel, no later than 4:00 p.m., two business days prior to the date of the Pre-trial Conference/Mediation.
Page 24 | IN RE: COUNTY COURT - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES IN PIP CASES
A pro se litigant must make a good-faith attempt to coordinate when a defendant’s phone number or email is listed; if there is no response, a hearing may be set unilaterally at least 30 days from the current date.
If a telephone number or email address is listed for a Defendant, a good faith attempt must be made to coordinate; if you received no response from the Defendant, then a Hearing may be set unilaterally at least thirty (30) days from the current date.
Page 5 | Pro Se Litigants
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for receiving signed orders electronically unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A notice of cancellation must be filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must also file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A notice of hearing must be served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever their registered electronic-service email account changes.
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Copies of the Hearing Notice must be provided to all parties involved.
A Notice of Hearing that states "All Pending Motions" is invalid and a cause for cancellation, as the Judge pre-reviews the Motions. Include email addresses for all parties in your NOH. Submit the Hearing Notice via electronic filing to the Clerk with copies to all parties involved.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
Copies of the Notice of Hearing must be provided to participating parties.
JACS Confirmation - A confirmation email will be sent for your use only. You may send a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the JA, as a courtesy. You must e-file the Notice of Hearing with the Clerk of Court, with copies to participating parties.
Page 4 | JACS Confirmation
If the opposing party is pro se, copies must be mailed from the filer’s office upon receipt.
• Paperwork is to be submitted via the Clerk of the Courts E-portal. If the opposing party is Pro Se, the copies must be mailed from your office upon receipt.
Page 4 | LANDLORD/TENANT
Copies of the Amended Notice of Hearing must be provided to participants.
Rescheduling On JACS, select “Re-Schedule a Hearing” under the Main Menu. “Type in your confirmation # and hit “Reschedule”. Select the new coordinated date, and the Hearing will be rescheduled; a new confirmation number will be sent. Prepare an Amended Notice of Hearing, e-file to the Clerk with copies to participants. You may send a copy to the JA as a courtesy.
Page 4 | Rescheduling
The moving party is responsible for serving all non-registered pro se parties.
The moving party is responsible for the service of all non-registered pro-se parties.
Page 6 | MATTERS NOT REQUIRING A HEARING
The moving attorney must mail a signed order to each nonregistered self-represented party within five days after e-service of the signed order.
**Moving party (attorney) is responsible for service of signed orders to all non-registered pro-se parties. Within five (5) days from the date of e-service of the signed Order, the moving party (attorney) shall furnish a copy of the signed Order to each self-represented party by U.S. Mail.
Page 8 | Proposed Orders
When the other party is self-represented, send them the proposed order with a cover letter stating that written objections to the Court are due within 10 business days.
If the other party is pro se, a copy of the proposed Order is to be sent to the pro se party with a cover letter stating that the pro se party must voice any objections in writing to the Court within 10 business days.
Page 8 | Proposed Orders
When the opposing party is self-represented, mail the copies from your office upon receipt.
If the opposing party is Pro Se, the copies must be mailed from your office upon receipt.
Page 10 | LANDLORD/TENANT
When a case includes a pro se litigant, the filer is responsible for distributing copies to that litigant.
If there is a Pro Se litigant, then you are responsible for distributing copies to them.
Page 11 | E-FILING INFORMATION
The moving attorney must serve signed orders on non-registered pro se parties by U.S. Mail within five days after e-service of the signed order.
Moving party (attorney) is responsible for service of signed orders to all non-registered pro-se parties. Within five (5) days from the date of e-service of the signed Order, the moving party (attorney) shall furnish a copy of the signed Order to each self-represented party by U.S. Mail.
Page 12 | Guidelines for submitting Orders
Copies are furnished by e-service, and the moving party is responsible for serving non-registered pro-se parties.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that copies have been furnished via e-service only MMMM. Moving party is responsible for service of all non-registered pro-se parties.
Page 23 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The Notice of Appearance must be served on plaintiff’s counsel by hand delivery or fax no later than 4:00 p.m. two business days before the pre-trial conference or mediation.
D. The aforementioned Notice of Appearance shall be deemed timely filed when it is hand delivered or provided by facsimile for filing to the Clerk of the Seminole County Court, Small Claims Pre-trial Division (fax number 407-330-7193) and served by hand delivery or facsimile to the Plaintiff’s counsel, no later than 4:00 p.m., two business days prior to the date of the Pre-trial Conference/Mediation.
Page 24 | IN RE: COUNTY COURT - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES IN PIP CASES
Filing Fees and Waivers
Eviction monies must be sent to the Clerk; monies mailed to the Judge will be returned.
• ALL MONIES FOR EVICTIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CLERK. ANY MONIES MAILED TO THE JUDGE WILL BE RETURNED TO THE SENDER.
Page 4 | LANDLORD/TENANT
Courtesy Copy Requirements
To reschedule a hearing, use JACS to select a new coordinated date, prepare an Amended Notice of Hearing, e-file it with the Clerk with copies to participants, and optionally send a courtesy copy to the Judicial Assistant.
Rescheduling On JACS, select “Re-Schedule a Hearing” under the Main Menu. “Type in your confirmation # and hit “Reschedule”. Select the new coordinated date, and the Hearing will be rescheduled; a new confirmation number will be sent. Prepare an Amended Notice of Hearing, e-file to the Clerk with copies to participants. You may send a copy to the JA as a courtesy.
Page 4 | Rescheduling
A copy of the Notice of Hearing may be sent to the Judicial Assistant as a courtesy, but the Notice must be e-filed with the Clerk and copies provided to participating parties.
JACS Confirmation - A confirmation email will be sent for your use only. You may send a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the JA, as a courtesy. You must e-file the Notice of Hearing with the Clerk of Court, with copies to participating parties.
Page 4 | JACS Confirmation
Filing Bundling Requirements
Submit Count I possession paperwork separately from Count II damages; do not include damages with Final Possession paperwork.
Count I Possession and Count II Damages are dealt with separately. When submitting the Final Possession paperwork through the E-portal, do not include damages. Count II Damages must be submitted separately.
Page 10 | LANDLORD/TENANT
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A meet-and-confer with three attempts is required before setting a hearing on a motion, except for motions for summary judgment.
Meet and Confer MUST be held on all Motions before they are set for a Hearing. There must be 3 attempts before setting a hearing. Motions for Summary Judgment do not require a Meet & Confer.
Page 2 | Scheduling
Before requesting hearing time on discovery issues, counsel must consult the most current County Court Rules and Procedures.
Prior to requesting hearing time on discovery issues, counsel shall refer to the most current version of the County Court Rules and Procedures.
Page 25
Before requesting hearing time on a discovery issue, counsel must make a good-faith effort to resolve or narrow the issues.
Prior to requesting a hearing time on a discovery issue, counsel shall conduct a good-faith effort to resolve or narrow the discovery issues.
Page 25
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A party is excused from the PTC or hearing only if the signed continuance order is received before it; otherwise, attendance is required.
If a Motion to Continue PTC/Hearing and a Proposed Order (properly coded) are filed and you receive the signed Order Granting a Continuance back before the PTC/Hearing, you are excused. If you do not receive a signed Order Granting the Continuance back before the PTC/Hearing, you are required to come to the PTC/Hearing.
Page 7 | Motion to Continue PTC/Hearing
For a PTC continuance or waiver, you are excused only if you receive the signed order before the PTC; otherwise, you must attend.
If a Motion to Continue PTC and a Proposed Order, or an Agreed Order to Waive PTC are filed and you receive the signed Order Granting a Continuance or Waiving the PTC back before the PTC, you are excused. If you do not receive a signed Order Granting the Continuance or Waiving the PTC back before the PTC, you are required to attend the PTC.
Page 10 | TUESDAY - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIALS CONFERENCE – Courtroom “F”
After requesting a PTC continuance, parties are excused only if they receive the signed order before the PTC; otherwise, they must attend.
If a Motion to Continue PTC and a Proposed Order are filed and you receive the signed Order Granting a Continuance back before the PTC, you are excused. If you do not receive a signed Order Granting the Continuance back before the PTC, you are required to attend the PTC.
Page 11 | Case Management Pre-Trial Conferences
If a signed order granting continuance has not been received before the PTC, the party is still required to attend the CM PTC in person.
If you do not receive a signed Order Granting Continuance before the PTC, you are required to attend the CM PTC (in-person).
Page 13 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
Chambers Communication Rules
Communications to the judicial office must be sent by email.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Emails to the judicial office must copy all parties unless the law authorizes an ex parte communication.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Questions or issues about the listed orders, case management, or discovery compliance must be sent by email only to the Civil Case Manager, not the judicial assistant; responses usually take three business days.
All questions or issues regarding the Case Management Order, Failure to Comply Order, Order to Compel Case Status, Order on Notice of Intent to Dismiss, or Order to Advance Cause in your case, or regarding case management in your case, including issues regarding discovery compliance, MUST be addressed via email only to the Civil Case Manager at DivisionSCM@flcourts18.org, not the JA. Responses will usually be sent within three (3) business days.
Page 5 | ISSUES REGARDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDERS
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Parties may contact the judicial office only in accordance with the stated practices and procedures.
Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Emails to the judicial office must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
When the Judicial Assistant is out of the office, an email contact will be provided for emergencies only.
If the Judicial Assistant is out of the office, an email will be provided for emergencies only.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Judicial Assistant may not provide legal advice.
The Judicial Assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Judicial Assistant must be contacted to cancel a hearing.
You must contact the JA to cancel a hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A scheduling party must wait 10 business days for a response before contacting the Judicial Assistant to set a hearing unilaterally.
Scheduling party shall wait 10 business days for a response before reaching out to JA to unilaterally set a hearing.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
When JACS indicates no times are available or records are not found, do not call or email for additional dates because the calendar updates automatically each day.
If the JACS displays NO TIMES AVAILABLE or RECORDS NOT FOUND, then the Docket is FULL. Please do not call/email for additional dates, the calendar updates daily, automatically.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
If a hearing requires more than one hour, email the Judicial Assistant with the reason additional time is needed and request approval.
If your Hearing requires more than 1-hour, contact the JA via email with the reason more time is needed for approval.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
Initial Claim of Exemption hearings and garnishments must be scheduled with the Clerk of Court, not through JACS or with the Judicial Assistant.
Initial Claim of Exemption Hearings/Garnishments are set with the Clerk of Court, NOT on JACS and NOT with the JA.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
For pro se litigants, attempt in good faith to coordinate with a defendant whose phone number or email is listed; if there is no response, a hearing may be set unilaterally at least 30 days from the current date without contacting the Judicial Assistant.
If a telephone number or email address is listed for a Defendant, a good faith attempt must be made to coordinate; if you receive no response from the Defendant, then a Hearing may be set unilaterally at least thirty (30) days from the current date. In this case, do not contact the JA.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS — Pro Se Litigants
Do not schedule Domestic Injunction hearings in JACS; contact the Judicial Assistant to coordinate dates and times with the opposing side.
Domestic Injunction Hearings are NOT to be set on JACS. Contact the JA for dates and times to coordinate with the opposing side.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
After reasonable attempts to coordinate a date with opposing counsel fail, email the Judicial Assistant with the specified case, attorney, issue, and coordination-attempt details.
Reasonable attempts must be made to clear a date with opposing counsel. If, after these attempts, you are unable to coordinate, email the JA and include in the email: (1) Case number and style; (2) Names and emails of all attorneys involved; (3) The issue(s) that need to be addressed; and (4) The dates and methods of attempt to coordinate thus far.
Page 3 | Scheduling
Contact the Judicial Assistant to cancel a hearing.
To cancel a hearing, contact the Judicial Assistant.
Page 4 | CANCELING A HEARING
Questions about a PTC Order, qualifying PTC cancellations, and case management should be directed by email to the Civil Case Manager, who usually responds within three business days.
Contact the Civil Case Manager regarding your PTC Order, to cancel a PTC (if an appropriate filing has been filed with the Clerk of Court), or case management questions via email, at DivisionSCM@flcourts18.org. Responses will usually be sent within three (3) business days.
Page 5 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
Do not email the judicial assistant to ask about the status of an order or to request that it be signed.
Do not email the JA and ask for the status and/or for the Order to be signed.
Page 5 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
Do not email the judicial assistant to ask about the status of the order or request that it be signed.
DO NOT email the JA and ask the status of the Order, or for the Order to be signed.
Page 6 | LACK OF PROSECUTION HEARINGS
Do not call the judicial assistant to ask how long you will have to wait.
Do not call or email the JA and ask how long you will have to wait.
Page 9 | Remote Appearance
Landlord/Tenant trials are set by the judicial assistant, except Count II trials, which attorneys set in JACS; email the judicial assistant for available dates and times.
Landlord/Tenant Trials are set by the JA, except for Count II Trials, which are set in JACS by the Attorney. Contact JA via email for available dates and times.
Page 10 | LANDLORD/TENANT
Do not email the judicial assistant to ask about the status of an order or to request that it be signed.
Do not email the JA and ask for the status and/or for the Order to be signed.
Page 10 | TUESDAY - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIALS CONFERENCE – Courtroom “F”
To confirm that a case has been removed from the docket, call the Clerk of Court, County Civil Division, rather than the judicial assistant.
If you wish to confirm the case has been removed from the docket, please call the Clerk of Court, County Civil Division, NOT the JA.
Page 11 | Case Management Pre-Trial Conferences
For scheduling needs, contact the presiding judge’s Judicial Assistant.
Contact the presiding judge’s Judicial Assistant for your scheduling needs.
Civil cases
Page 1 | How to sign up for a JACS Account
After an initial Claim of Exemption hearing has been held, the attorney’s office schedules subsequent Claims of Exemption in JACS.
If a Claim of Exemption has been held in the past, any subsequent COE’s are set by the attorney’s office in JACS.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
Attorney-represented Landlord/Tenant hearings may be scheduled on JACS, while trials are set by the Judicial Assistant.
• All Landlord/Tenant Hearings that are attorney-represented may be scheduled on JACS. Trials are set by the JA.
Page 4 | LANDLORD/TENANT
The Civil Case Manager schedules CM PTCs and can be contacted by email about PTC orders, qualifying PTC cancellations, and case-management questions; responses usually arrive within three business days.
The Civil Case Manager schedules the Case Management Pre-Trial Conferences. You can contact the Civil Case Manager regarding your PTC Order, to cancel a PTC (if an appropriate filing has been filed with the Clerk of Court), or case management questions via email, at DivisionSCM@flcourts18.org. Responses will usually be sent within three (3) business days.
Page 13 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
The Judicial Assistant’s email address is melisa.garcia-medina@flcourts18.org, and email is preferred.
• Judicial Assistant’s email address: melisa.garcia-medina@flcourts18.org (email is preferred)
Page 14 | CONTACT INFORMATION