Judge Reid P. Scott II
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Brief
- No Later Than 7 Days Before Hearing
Motion
Statement of Undisputed Facts
- No Later Than 20 Days Before Hearing
E Filed Document
Court-wide
Adjournments
Court-wideRequest must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Phone
Clerk
Clerk
Phone
Court-wideDuty Judge
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
ALL MEMORANDA, NOT TO EXCEED TEN (10) DOUBLE SPACED PAGES, OR CASE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO MY OFFICE NO LATER THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE HEARING
- Memoranda
- Up to 10 pages
- Format
- Double-spaced
Document Format Requirements15 rules
Orders for Division AH must be submitted in Word format through the Online Scheduling (OLS) system following the hearing.
- File type
- Word
All exhibits that will be entered into evidence must be pre-marked using the Tag/Template
Exhibits MUST be bound; i.e. Stapled, Acco-type fasteners, etc. Binders. Clips and Rubber Bands ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Each exhibit must have an Exhibit Tag/Template affixed to its back, either by taping copies to each exhibit or by using adhered Avery 5164 labels.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •The template may be scanned onto Avery labels or colored paper
Court's wording
On the back of each exhibit, place an Exhibit Tag/Template (see attached tag/template form) Either i. Make copies of the exhibit tag(s) and tape one tag on the back of each exhibit, or ii. Use Avery labels 5164 which can then be placed adhered to the page (Template can be scanned onto Avery Labels or any colored paper)
Place a numbered sticker on the top right hand corner of the front of each exhibit clearly identifying Plaintiff or Defendant. (Can be obtained in any Office Supply store).
Loose photographs are NOT accepted. Photos MUST be individually marked and mounted.
Formatting
- •Loose photographs are not accepted
The exhibit tab must be filled out completely and legibly.
Deposition(s) and Pleading(s) are NOT marked as exhibits, EXCEPT, When any document or pleading that the party would like the court to take judicial notice of, or is published to the jury. These exhibits must be marked for ID by using the Tag/Template.
Loose photographs are NOT accepted. Photos MUST be individually marked and mounted.
Formatting
- •Loose photographs are not accepted
Exhibits MUST BE bound; i.e. Staples, Acco-type fasteners, etc. Please NO spiral binders. Clips and Rubber Bands ARE NOT ALLOWED.
- Binding
- Stapled
Formatting
- •Spiral binders are prohibited
Closing documents must leave a 3-by-3-inch space in the upper-right corner, use one-inch margins on every side, and number all pages consecutively.
- Margins
- 1 inch
- Closing document
Formatting
- •All pages consecutively numbered
Court's wording
All orders for dismissal, final judgments (summary, default or consent), amended final judgments, notices of voluntary dismissals, orders vacating final judgments, orders granting motion to amend final judgment, and any other closing documents must be in compliance with Supreme Court Oder no. SC13-2384 amendments to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.520 requiring a 3 x 3 inch available space in the right hand upper corner; one inch margins on all sides of documents; all pages must be consecutively numbered.
The exhibit list must be numbered sequentially. D. Any exhibit(s) with multiple sections should be designated by number and letter; i.e. 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.
Exhibit lists which state "all", "any" and "any and all" are not accepted.
Formatting
- •The exhibit list may not state "all," "any," or "any and all."
Large demonstrative boards that you want placed into evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version.
Exhibit Tag Format for all Matters (PDF)
Formatting
- •Exhibit tag format
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
An updated, legible and specific exhibit list MUST be provided to the trial clerk on the first day of trial.
Large demonstrative boards that you want placed into evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version.
The exhibit list must be numbered sequentially.
Exhibit lists which state “all”, “any” and “any and all” are not accepted.
Before scheduling a motion hearing, the noticing attorney must attempt to resolve the matter and certify the good-faith effort to the court.
Court's wording
Specifically, attorneys are required to "make reasonable efforts to actually speak to one another and engage in reasonable compromises to resolve or narrow the disputes before seeking court intervention." Prior to scheduling, the "attorney noticing the motion shall attempt to resolve the matter and shall certify to the Court the good faith attempt to resolve."
All citations shall be with particularly to the page and line depositions, the docket number and paragraph of pleadings and the docket number and page of interrogatories or requests for admission.
it is ORDERED that if the movant will rely on anything other than affidavits to support the motion, then no later than twenty (20) days prior to the scheduled hearing on a motion for summary judgment, the movant shall file a statement of each fact alleged to be without controversy and a citation of the record establishing such fact
It is further ORDERED that within seven (7) days prior to the hearing, the party opposing the motion for summary judgment shall file a response to each fact alleged not to be in controversy, and either admit that such fact is not in controversy or set forth citation of the record with particularity described above where the facts is controverted
An updated, legible and specific exhibit list MUST be provided to the trial clerk on the first day of trial.
Exhibit List Requirements for all Non Jury Matters
- Document
- Non-jury matter
Include
- •Exhibit list
Any party seeking to exclude evidence under a Daubert analysis shall file a motion with the court specifically identifying the basis for the Daubert challenge.
At least 2 weeks before trial, counsel must: Provide Chambers with one set of joint proposed jury instructions. If any are disputed, provide each parties' respective proposals and the legal argument supporting them.
The notice shall provide the title of the motion, the filing date and the amount of time requested after consulting with opposing side(s).
If a motion is resolved prior to hearing, an Agreed Order must be submitted to the Court via the Online System. The Order must say "Agreed Order with the name of the motion."
Before seeking court intervention or scheduling a UMC hearing, counsel must attempt to resolve or narrow the dispute and certify that good-faith effort to the court; noncompliance cancels the hearing.
Court's wording
Mandatory compliance with Local Rule 4 is strictly enforced. Specifically, attorneys are required to "make reasonable effort to speak to one another and engage in reasonable compromises to resolve or narrow the disputes before seeking court intervention or scheduling a UMC hearing. The "attorney noticing the motion shall attempt to resolve the matter and shall certify to the Court the good faith attempt to resolve." If you DO NOT comply with Local Rule 4, your hearing will be canceled.
Please include a cover letter as a supporting document to the Judge indicating that all parties have reviewed and agreed to the language of the proposed Agreed Order.
The original notice to set the cause for trial must be filed with the Clerk. The notice should include the name, telephone number, mailing addresses of each lawyer or self-represented party in the case.
If the Court directs an attorney to prepare and submit an Order after a hearing, the order must state the date the hearing was held.
All parties must have reviewed the Order before it was submitted through the Online System.
Prior to scheduling a hearing online, you must have previously filed your motion clearing the date and time with all opposing party(ies).
To cancel a hearing schedule on UMC, the scheduling attorney's office must file a Notice of Cancellation and submit it to the Court via CAD-DIvisionAH@pbcgov.org.
If a case settles or is voluntarily dismissed, please file a notice of voluntary dismissal or notice of settlement in the court file and provide to the Court by email.
Stipulation for substitution of counsel must comply with Fla. R. Jud. Admin 2.505(e). The written consent of the client must be included.
The moving attorney must submit the ex-parte order for signature by the Judge and a copy of the motion as an attachment via the Online System.
Please include the zoom link information on your notices of hearing for UMC.
Any exhibit(s) with multiple sections should be designated by number and letter; i.e. 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.
Deposition(s) and Pleading(s) are NOT marked as exhibits. However, all exhibits that will be entered into evidence must be pre-marked including, but, not limited to, pleadings, documents, etc. that a party will request to be judicially noticed.
The names, email and mailing addresses of all persons receiving copies must appear in copies to of the Agreed Order pursuant Administrative Order 2.306.
If the case has a hearing or trial scheduled, please include that information in the email so the hearing/trial time can be opened up for other cases.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Division AH does not accept paper or emailed orders; orders must be submitted through the online system for judicial review.
Division AH does not accept hard copies or emailed copies of Orders. Please submit your documents using the online system for the Judge to review.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Changes for Submittals of Orders
Documents for scheduled Division AH hearings must be uploaded through the online E-courtesy system; email and mailed hearing documents are not accepted.
Your documents pertaining to scheduled hearings are to be uploaded thru E-courtesy using the online system. Division AH does not accept email documents for hearing to the divisional email or mailed documents.
Civil cases
Page 1 | IMPORTANT CHANGES
Attorneys and parties must submit through the e-Courtesy website any documents they want the court to review or possess for the hearing.
Further ORDERED that the attorneys/parties shall submit to the Court through e-Courtesy on the 15thcircuit.com website any and all documents the parties wish the Court to review or have in its possession for the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER SETTING HEARING ON [INSERT NAME OF MOTION]
The scheduling attorney's office must also use the Online Scheduling System's cancellation function to cancel a UMC hearing.
In addition, the scheduling attorney's office must log in to the Online Scheduling System, select "Uniform Motion Calendar 'UMC' Scheduling" select "Cancel Hearings" and follow the directions on the screen.
Page 1 | Cancellation of UMC Hearings
Documents for hearings and non-jury trials must be submitted through the 15thcircuit.com E-courtesy system unless the Court or Judicial Assistant directs otherwise.
ALL DOCUMENTS FOR HEARINGS AND NON-JURY TRIALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED USING E-COURTESY ON THE 15THCIRCUIT.COM ONLINE SYSTEM unless specifically direct by the Court or Judicial Assistant to submit otherwise.
Page 1 | Materials in Support of Special Set Matters
Post-judgment rehearing and relief motions cannot be set online; the original must be filed with the clerk and a copy with supporting authority emailed to the judge.
Post-judgment rehearing or relief motions, including motions for reconsideration, motions for clarification and motions for new trial, may not be set online. Please file the original with the Clerk and provide a copy with supporting authority to the Divisional email (CAD-DivisionAH@pbcgov.org) to be reviewed by the Judge.
Page 1 | X. Rehearing or Relief –from-Judgment Motions
A Notice of E-mail Designation does not register a party for judicial e-service; registration through the 15th Circuit's Online Services is required.
THE FILING OF A "NOTICE OF E-MAIL DESIGNATION DOES NOT REGISTER YOU FOR JUDICIAL E-SERVICE. YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE 15TH CIRCUIT'S ONLINE SCHEDULING SYSEM THROUGH ONLINE SERVICES.
Page 1 | E-Service for Proposed Orders
Registered users may use Online Services to schedule hearings, submit documents through e-courtesy, and submit orders through the OLS system.
Follow the prompts to Division AH section to set a UMC hearing, special set hearing, submit documents through e-courtesy or submit orders to the Court through the OLS system.
Page 1 | Online Services
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
For each hearing, the motion, responsive pleadings, and hearing case law must be filed, docketed, and provided through E-courtesy at least five days before the hearing.
For all hearings, the motion, any responsive pleadings and any case law for the hearing must be filed and docketed in the court file and provided through E-courtesy on the 15thcircuit.com five (5) days prior to the hearing for the Court's review for hearing to go forward.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Division AH – Scheduling Uniform Motion Calendar and Special Sets
Documents submitted for the court's review or possession must be uploaded at least five days before the hearing.
Further ORDERED that the attorneys/parties shall submit to the Court through e-Courtesy on the 15thcircuit.com website any and all documents the parties wish the Court to review or have in its possession for the hearing. The documents must be submitted five (5) days prior to the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER SETTING HEARING ON [INSERT NAME OF MOTION]
Unless the court directs otherwise, orders must be submitted within 48 hours after the hearing.
ALL ORDERS UNLESS DIRECTED BY THE COURT OTHERWISE ARE TO BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE HEARING.
Page 1 | Orders Submitted Following a Hearing
The motion, responsive pleadings, and hearing case law must be filed, docketed, and submitted through E-courtesy five days before the hearing; paper and notebooks must not be sent to the courthouse.
For all hearings, the motion, any responsive pleadings and any case law for the hearing must be filed and docketed in the court file and provided through E-courtesy on the 15thcircuit.com to the Court five (5) days prior to the hearing for the Court's review for the hearing to go forward. DO NOT send paper or notebooks to the courthouse.
Page 1 | I. Uniform Motion Calendar and Mandatory Compliance with Rule 4
Orders must not be submitted before the hearing; they should accompany the Court's ruling afterward, and premature orders will be rejected.
Orders ARE NOT to be submitted to the Court PRIOR to a hearing date. The order should be submitted with the Court's ruling following the hearing. Orders submitted prior to a hearing will be rejected by the Court.
Page 1 | Orders Submitted Following a Hearing
A qualifying notice of unavailability or conflict must be filed and emailed to Division AH ten days before the E-Calendar Call to be considered.
Per the Order Setting Trial, a notice of unavailability/conflict (pre-paid vacation/special set trial or arbitration settings only) are to be filed and provided to the Court at the Divisional email address (CAD-DivisionAH@pbcgov.org) ten (10) days prior to E-Calendar Call to be considered in matters on the docket.
Page 1 | IX. Notices to Set Cause for Trial
The moving party must coordinate the UMC date with the opposing side and provide at least five business days' notice unless the parties agree to a short-notice or short-set hearing.
After review of the available dates online, the moving party must coordinate the hearing with the opposing side(s) giving the opposing side(s) at least five business days' notice of the hearing date, unless the parties have agreed to short notice/short set the motion.
Page 1 | I. Uniform Motion Calendar and Mandatory Compliance with Rule 4
Service and Proof of Service Rules
An attorney or pro se party must file the motion and provide it to the opposing side before scheduling a UMC hearing.
Before scheduling, attorneys/pro se parties must first file a motion with the Clerk's office providing the motion to the opposing side(s).
Page 1 | I. Uniform Motion Calendar and Mandatory Compliance with Rule 4
Any memorandum or materials submitted to the Court must be sent to the opposing party simultaneously.
Furthermore, any memorandum or materials to the Court shall be submitted simultaneously sent to the opposing party.
Page 1 | Materials in Support of Special Set Matters
Division AH serves orders by email to attorneys not excused in writing and to self-represented parties who have designated an email address for service.
Pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516(h)(1), Division AH serves all order by "email to all attorneys who have not been excused from email service in writing and to all parties not represented by an attorney who have designated an email address for service."
Page 1 | E-Service for Proposed Orders
Orders uploaded through the Online System must not also be sent by mail or email.
Please note: Do not send duplicate orders in the mail or by email that have been uploaded through the Online System.
Page 1 | Agreed Orders
Division AH electronically serves orders to parties who have registered their email addresses; unregistered parties receive orders by U.S. Mail.
Division AH electronically serves orders to attorneys/parties that have registered their primary and secondary email addresses with the 15th Circuit. Please ensure that you have registered for judicial e-service with the Online System. Parties without registered emails will be served by U.S. Mail.
Page 1 | E-Service for Proposed Orders
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A copy of the movant's fact statement must be delivered to the judge's office.
a copy of which shall be delivered to my office.
Civil cases
Page 1 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
All summary judgment memoranda must be submitted directly to the judge's office no later than seven days before the hearing.
ALL MEMORANDA, NOT TO EXCEED TEN (10) DOUBLE SPACED PAGES, OR CASE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO MY OFFICE NO LATER THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE HEARING
Civil cases
Page 2 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
A courtesy copy of every motion in limine must be delivered to the judge's office, and the motion must be filed, scheduled, and heard before the calendar call.
All Motions in Limine shall be filed, scheduled and heard before the calendar call and a courtesy copy of the motion shall be delivered to the judge's office.
Civil cases
Page 2 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON TRIAL AND TRIAL PREPARATION PROCEDURES
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The parties must specially set a Daubert motion for hearing before the trial docket begins.
Daubert motions shall be specially set by the parties and heard prior to the commencement of the trial docket.
Page 1 | XII. Pretrial Conferences and Motions in Limine
An emergency motion may not be set for hearing unless the court grants leave.
Emergency motions shall not be set for hearing without leave of Court.
Page 1 | VIII. Emergency Motions/Requests for Emergency Hearings
Every motion to withdraw must be set for a UMC hearing with proper notice to the client and all parties or attorneys.
All motions to withdraw must be set for a UMC hearing with proper notice to the client in accordance with Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.505(f)(i), and all parties/attorneys.
Page 1 | V. Withdrawal of Counsel
An ex parte motion to compel discovery does not require a hearing if it complies with Administrative Order 3.202.
For ex-parte motions to compel discovery, a hearing is not necessary if the Motion is in compliance with A.O. 3.202.
Page 1 | VI. Ex-Parte Motions to Compel Discovery
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties must call the Clerk's Office before the trial date to obtain pre-marking instructions.
Please call the Clerk's Office at (561) 355-2986 prior to trial date for Pre-Marking instructions. (template & guidelines)
Civil cases
Page 5 | CIRCUIT CIVIL PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
A request for a special-set hearing longer than 30 minutes must be made by filing a written notice of lengthy hearing and emailing it to Division AH.
Special Set Hearings of more than 30 minutes must be requested in writing by filing a notice of lengthy hearing to be placed on a non-jury docket providing the notice to the Court through the Divisional email (CAD-DivisionAH@pbcgov.org).
Page 1 | II. Special Set Hearings
Chambers will not accept ex parte correspondence by email or regular mail; a matter must be raised by a motion filed with the clerk and served on all parties or counsel.
Our office CANNOT and WILL NOT accept any ex-parte correspondence (email or regular mail) on a case. If you have a matter to bring to the Court's attention, please file the appropriate motion with the Clerk of Court and copy all parties and/or counsel in the case with said motion.
Page 1 | XIV. Ex-Parte Personal Correspondence
A copy of the notice to set trial must be emailed to the Division AH Judicial Assistant for the case to be scheduled for trial.
Please email a copy of the notice for trial using the Divisional email (CAD-DivisionAH@pbcgov.org) to the Judicial Assistant for the case to be set for trial.
Page 1 | IX. Notices to Set Cause for Trial
Attorneys must contact the clerk for premarking instructions before trial.
It shall be the responsibility of the individual attorneys to contact the clerk for instructions prior to trial.
Civil cases
Page 1 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON TRIAL AND TRIAL PREPARATION PROCEDURES
If the clerk does not answer, the caller must leave a message with the case number, style of case, fax number, and telephone number; long-distance calls are returned collect.
If no one is available to answer your call, please leave a message including your case number, style of case, fax number, and telephone number. All long distance calls will be returned collect.
Civil cases
Page 5 | CIRCUIT CIVIL PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES
Persons interested in listening to court events may contact the Court Information Office at the listed telephone numbers to obtain an access line.
Persons who are interested in listening to the court events may contact the Court Information Office at 561-355-4495 or 561-644-0054 to obtain an access line.
Civil cases
Page 1 | IMPORTANT CHANGES
During weather or emergency situations, the courthouse hotline provides information about closures and operating hours.
The hotline number is 561-355-8744 and is available during weather/emergency situations to provide information concerning courthouse closures and hours.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Emergency Hotline for the PBC Courthouse
Questions may be directed to the Clerk by telephone at (561) 355-2986.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk at (561) 355-2986
Civil cases
Page 1 | CIRCUIT CIVIL PRE-MARKING GUIDELINES, concluding paragraph
Use the Division AH email to provide the Judicial Assistant with specified scheduling, settlement, agreed-order, trial, lengthy-hearing, and other procedural information.
The Divisional email for Circuit Civil Division AH is CAD-DivisionAH@pbcgov.org. This email should be used to provide information to the Judicial Assistant such as cancellation of a Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC) hearing, settlement of a case, notice of an agreed order sent to the Court through the online system resolving a hearing, notice for trial, notice for a lengthy hearing to be set on a non-jury docket or questions not answered by the Divisional Instructions.
Page 1 | Divisional Email