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Court Rules
Judge Stacy M. Youmans
Judge

Judge Stacy M. Youmans

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Legal Memorandum
15 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Case Law, Legal Authority

  • Email

Exceptions Objections Pleading

  • Email

Exhibits

Notice of Hearing, Motion

  • Email • Upon Filing

Adjournments

  • A stipulated motion to continue a trial must state specific information supporting the request.
  • Motions for continuance are disfavored and are granted only upon a showing of good cause.
  • Unless good cause is shown, the party requesting a continuance must sign the motion.

Request must include

Reason for RequestAdversary PositionProposed Rescheduled Date
  • A motion to continue a hearing must be submitted at least seven days before the hearing.
  • A motion to continue a trial must be submitted at least fourteen days before the trial, absent exigent circumstances.

Communication

Email

Chambers

jferguson@circuit5.org
Scheduling
Phone

Chambers

352-401-7820
Filters:

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Absent prior permission of the Court, no party shall file a legal memorandum in excess of fifteen (15) pages in length.

Legal memorandum
Up to 15 pages

Document Format Requirements9 rules

FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

Applications must be written, comply with the standing order and Florida civil rules, and ordinarily may not be presented as letters absent court invitation or direction.

Court's wording

All applications to the Court requesting relief in any form, or citing authorities or presenting argument with respect to any matter awaiting decision, shall be made in writing in accordance with this order and in appropriate form pursuant to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and unless invited or directed by the Court, should not be addressed or presented to the Court in the form of a letter or the like.

FormattingMandatory

The required ADA statement in court notices and process compelling appearance must be in bold face and 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font.

Font size
14 points

Court's wording

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:

m-2010-08-c · Jun 2026 · p. 1
|SectionFourth Amended Administrative Order Regarding Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
FormattingMandatory

All proposed orders must be submitted in the latest version of Word (.docx) format ONLY on 8.5 x 11-inch pages with a 1” margin and provided to opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant.

File type
Word
Margins
1 inch
Paper size
Letter
Applies to
  • Proposed order
FormattingMandatory

Electronic orders other than final judgments of foreclosure must use ICMS format and the specified paired signature-date codes in all-capital four-letter form, while hard copies must not use ICMS formatting.

Applies to
  • Proposed order

Formatting

  • Each code may be used only once per line

Court's wording

➢ All electronic orders (other than Final Judgments of Foreclosure) must be in ICMS format. If hard copies are being sent, please do not use ICMS formatting. You must use the codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature). Below are the required pairs. ❖ DDDD = Judge Signature Date/JJJJ = Judge Signature ❖ MMMM = Mailing Date/AAAA = Judicial Assistant Signature ❖ The codes must be all capital letters. You must add all 4 letters for each field. These codes should only be used once per line

FormattingMandatory

Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: Plaintiff 1 or Defendant 1

Applies to
  • Exhibits

Formatting

  • Label exhibits as Plaintiff 1 or Defendant 1
FormattingImportant

Do not use page breaks or section breaks in your document. This causes blank pages to occur in the system. Do not insert memos, notes, or comments into your documents.

FormattingImportant

Please do NOT staple copies.

Formatting

  • Do not staple copies
FormattingImportant

If hard copies are being sent to the Court, please do not use the ICMS coding from above.

FormattingImportant

All exhibits should be pre-marked with a letter for identification.

Document Filing Requirements43 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A written motion or other application must be accompanied by a filed and served legal memorandum citing authority supporting the requested relief.

Court's wording

In making any written motion or other application to the Court for the entry of an order of any kind, the moving party shall file and serve with such motion or application a legal memorandum with citations to authority in support of the relief requested.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A party opposing a written motion or application must file and serve an opposition memorandum with citations within 20 days after being served.

Court's wording

Each party opposing any written motion or other application shall file and serve, within twenty (20) days after being served with such motion or application, a legal memorandum with citations to authority in opposition to the relief requested.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Before filing a Rule 1.380 motion to compel or Rule 1.280(c) protective-order motion, counsel must confer and correspond with opposing counsel in good faith and certify that effort when filing.

Court's wording

Before filing a motion to compel pursuant to Rule 1.380, Fla. R. Civ. P., or a motion for protective order pursuant to Rule 1.280(c), counsel shall confer and correspond with counsel for the opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve by agreement the issues raised, and shall certify to the Court at the time of filing the motion that s/he has

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

(3) state (with citations to authority) the reasons such objection should be overruled or sustained.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A discovery motion must attach correspondence showing the parties’ good-faith effort to resolve the dispute.

Court's wording

conferred with opposing counsel and has been unable to resolve the dispute and shall attach to the motion a copy of the correspondence with opposing counsel of the good faith effort to resolve the discovery dispute.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Except for motions based on a complete failure to respond, a discovery motion must quote in full each discovery request to which it is addressed.

Court's wording

Except for motions grounded upon a complete failure to respond to discovery, discovery motions shall: (1) quote in full each interrogatory, question on deposition, request for admission, or request for production to which the motion is addressed;

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

(2) quote in full the objection and grounds given therefore; and

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Unless otherwise directed by the Court, each party shall submit a proposed order for the Court’s review and consideration.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All notices of court proceedings and all process compelling appearance must include the specified ADA accommodation notice.

Court's wording

IT IS ORDERED: 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: “If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, ===== PAGE 2 ===== you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, Telephone: (352) 401-6710, or email: ADAMarion@circuit5.org, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately on receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.”

m-2010-08-c · Jun 2026 · p. 1
|SectionFourth Amended Administrative Order Regarding Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Standing Order Establishing Motion Practice Procedures, each party shall submit a proposed competing order for the Court’s review; or the parties may send an agreed order.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

“Meet and Confer” confirmation and Certificate of Conferral for all non-dispositive motions pursuant to Fl.

Document
Motion

Include

  • Certificate of conference
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Every Notice of Hearing must contain the specified ADA accommodation notice and contact information.

Court's wording

All notices of hearing must contain the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540, and pursuant to Administrative Order: M-2010-08-C (June 5, 2026) for Marion County. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, Telephone: (352) 401-6710,

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Once an email is received from the Judicial Assistant stating that the hearing time is reserved, a Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after confirming hearing time.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judge’s Zoom credentials.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Requests to use communication technology for an appearance at a hearing that is set to occur in person must be made by motion.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

This Court requires the parties to prepare and submit to the Court proposed orders granting or denying motions following the hearing.

youmans-judicial-practices-and-procedures-sept -2026 · Sep 2026 · p. 9
|SectionD. Requirements for Proposed Orders/Judgments After Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Proposed orders must be emailed to the Court’s Judicial Assistant in Word format pursuant to the requirements in Section E below;

youmans-judicial-practices-and-procedures-sept -2026 · Sep 2026 · p. 10
|SectionD. Requirements for Proposed Orders/Judgments After Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Certificates of Service shall state that the Order was electronically filed and that counsel shall send a copy by U.S. Mail to each self-represented party.

Document
Proposed order
Placement
Certificate section

Must include

  • Certificate of service

Court's wording

➢ Certificates of Service shall state the below. An example of the formatting required can be found at the end of this section: I HEREBY CERTIFY that this Order was electronically filed with the Clerk of the Court on MMMM, via the Florida Courts E- portal, which will provide copies to all counsel of record or to those pro se parties who have an email registered for electronic service. **Plaintiff’s/Defendant’s counsel shall furnish a copy of this Order to each self-represented party by U.S. Mail:

Filing RequirementsMandatory

➢ Please be sure that the Certificate of Service is complete, listing all Counsel of Record and parties.

Placement
Certificate section

Include

  • Certificate of service
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please DO NOT attach the proposed order to the motion, submit separate documents for each.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Each proposed order must have a cover letter certifying unanimous agreement or identifying the parties' disagreement.

Court's wording

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.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please do not send proposed orders to the court until you have approval from all parties.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

A copy of the motion should be included with all proposed orders.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

In the event that a party objects to the proposed order and intends to present a competing order, they shall present the court with the competing order immediately with a notation in the email that it is a competing order.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

An emergency-hearing motion must detail the issues, reasons for emergency relief, and time needed for each party's presentation.

Court's wording

If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Email the Index of Exhibits only with an indication of whether each exhibit has or has not been stipulated to by the parties to the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org, and let her know that the index is for an in-person hearing.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

An Index of Exhibits shall be included with an indication of whether each exhibit has or has not been stipulated to by the parties.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

If a party has no objection to a motion and does not intend to file a responsive memorandum, counsel should file a written notice with the Clerk of the Court so indicating.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

The failure to comply with this paragraph may result in the Court entering an order striking, without prejudice, the discovery motion.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Requests for oral argument must ===== PAGE 4 ===== accompany the motion or opposing legal memorandum and must estimate the time required for argument.

Filing RequirementsImportant

A motion-hearing request must state whether all response periods have elapsed and identify any filed responses or replies.

Court's wording

If you are requesting a hearing on a motion, indicate if all response time has elapsed pursuant to the Standing Order Establishing Motion Practice Procedures. Let the Judicial Assistant know if any responses or replies have been filed.

Filing RequirementsImportant

After receiving available hearing times, the parties must confer and respond with at least two times when everyone is available.

Court's wording

Once available hearing times are provided to the parties, the parties must confer prior to responding to the Judicial Assistant. The response shall provide at least two choices from the provided times where all parties are available.

Filing RequirementsImportant

Proposed orders must include sections for a cited summary of facts, applicable law, and legal conclusions.

Document
Proposed order

Should include

  • Statement of facts

Court's wording

the proposed orders granting/denying the motion should contain at, a minimum the following three well-defined sections: (1) summary of facts with citations to particular parts of materials in the record supporting each fact with such specificity the Court could readily locate the portion of the materials supporting such factual positions in the record (i.e., depositions page(s)/line(s), location of materials, records, affidavits, and pleadings in the record by docket/line number together with page and paragraph number), (2) Applicable Law (i.e., general summary judgment standard caselaw, case specific caselaw relevant to any summary judgment issues or legal issues inherent to the cause of action/theory of liability), (3) Legal Conclusions (containing the application of the law to the facts, summary judgment analysis, and specific reasons for granting or denying the motion).

youmans-judicial-practices-and-procedures-sept -2026 · Sep 2026 · p. 10
|SectionD. Requirements for Proposed Orders/Judgments After Hearing
Filing RequirementsImportant

the Court will generally establish a reasonable deadline for filing the exceptions/objections pleading within 5 days following the filing of the proposed orders, unless a different timeline is provided;

youmans-judicial-practices-and-procedures-sept -2026 · Sep 2026 · p. 10
|SectionD. Requirements for Proposed Orders/Judgments After Hearing
Filing RequirementsImportant

File a Notice for Trial to request the case be set for trial. Indicate how long the parties would like to reserve for the trial.

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

a. motion for continuance;

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

A supporting memorandum may be incorporated into the body of the motion but should be clearly titled, "Motion to/for------- -----and Memorandum of Law."

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

b. motion for default addressed to the Court;

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

f. motion for extension of time in which to complete discovery, provided good cause is set forth in the motion; and

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

g. motion to withdraw or substitute counsel.

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

d. motion to withdraw or substitute exhibits;

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

e. motion to proceed informa pauperis;

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

c. motion for confirmation of sale;

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

The Court does not accept orders through the Court’s e-filing portal.

THE COURT DOES NOT ACCEPT ORDERS THROUGH THE COURT’S E-FILING PORTAL!

Page 10 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments

A proposed order submitted by email must be ready for immediate entry, and opposing counsel or the opposing party must approve it before submission to the judge.

➢ We DO NOT ACCEPT Orders via email that are not ready for immediate entry (i.e. allow 5 days to object, etc.). You shall obtain approval of opposing counsel or the opposing party of the proposed Order prior to your submission to the Judge for entry.

Page 12 | Submission of Orders and Judgments

Copies of exhibits must not be sent to the Court in advance of an in-person hearing.

If your hearing is in person, do not send copies of your exhibits ahead of time to the Court.

Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

When further argument is needed, counsel must file a reply within five days after receiving the opposition memorandum.

If upon receipt of an opposing memorandum, counsel determines further argument of his client’s position is required, counsel shall file a reply within five (5) days of the receipt of opposing memorandum.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Replies

The opposition memorandum is due within 20 days after service of the motion or application; the source does not specify whether those days are calendar, business, or court days.

within twenty (20) days after being served with such motion or application

Civil cases

Page 2 | Timely opposing memoranda

An in limine motion must be filed at least 15 days before the trial term begins, or the Court may deny it as untimely.

All motions in limine must be filed no later than 15 days before the start of the trial term or the Court may deny the motion as being untimely.

Civil cases

Page 4 | In limine motions

A motion must be filed with the Clerk before a hearing on that motion can be scheduled.

Motions must be filed with the Clerk prior to the scheduling of a hearing.

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Failure to file the Notice of Hearing within 48 hours after receiving the reservation email causes the hearing time to be released back into the court's availability.

If a Notice of Hearing is not filed within 48 hours of receiving the reservation email from the Judicial Assistant, the hearing time will be placed back into the Court’s availability.

Page 6 | Notice of Hearing

An objection to remote appearance technology must be filed no later than ten days before the hearing.

Any objection to the use of communication technology must be filed no later than 10 days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance

A request for remote appearance in a hearing scheduled for in-person appearance must be submitted ten days before the hearing.

If your hearing is scheduled to be in-person, all requests for remote appearance must be submitted 10 days prior to the hearing.

Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance

The submission deadline for case law and legal authority is at least five days before the hearing.

Case law and legal authority must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the hearing to allow the Judge time to review the documents by emailing the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org or by delivering a thumb drive to the Marion County Courthouse.

Page 13 | F. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Proposed orders ordinarily must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing unless the court orders a different period.

Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days from the date of any hearing, unless specifically ordered to be submitted within a different period of time.

Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Exhibits for electronic hearings must be submitted five business days before the evidentiary proceeding by email or thumb drive.

Exhibits for electronic hearings must be submitted five (5) business days before the evidentiary proceeding by emailing the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org or by delivering a thumb drive to the Marion County Courthouse.

Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Time calculations under the standing order are governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.090.

All time calculations herein shall be subject to Rule 1.090, Fla. R. Civ. P.

Civil cases

Page 4 | Time calculations

The Court may consider and determine emergency motions at any time within its discretion.

Motions of an emergency nature may be considered and determined by the Court at any time in its discretion.

Civil cases

Page 4 | Emergency motions

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The plaintiff must serve a copy of the standing order with every summons issued in a circuit civil case.

The Plaintiff is directed to serve a copy of this Standing Order with each summons issued in circuit civil cases.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Service of Standing Order

One copy of the standing order must be filed with the court clerk together with proof of service.

One copy of the Standing Order is to be filed with the Clerk of the Court with proof of service.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Service of Standing Order

Every email directed to the judicial office must copy all parties unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.

All parties must be copied on every e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless ex-parte communication is authorized by law.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by email, generally through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, unless excused.

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by e-mail, which is generally through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, unless excused.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Service of the Notice of Hearing must occur immediately after confirmation of the reserved hearing time.

Once an email is received from the Judicial Assistant stating that the hearing time is reserved, a Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after confirming hearing time.

Page 6 | Notice of Hearing

After court approval of a hearing cancellation, a notice of cancellation must be immediately filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

If approved by the Court, you must immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant.

Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A party asking the Court to mail proposed orders must submit hard copies to the stated Chambers address with stamped, addressed envelopes for every party not receiving electronic service.

If the party wishes to have the Court mail the copies, then proposed orders should be submitted in hard copy to Chambers (Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475), with stamped, addressed envelopes for all parties not receiving e-service.

Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments

The party filing a motion must provide physical copies to any party that receives service by U.S. Mail.

If any party receives service by U.S. Mail, it is the responsibility of the party that filed the motion to provide physical copies to that party.

Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Orders may be sent either by U.S. Mail or email, but not by both methods.

Orders should NOT be sent via US Mail AND by e-mail. Please use one or the other, but not both.

Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Copies of case law and legal authority must reach the judge at least five days before the hearing, either by email to the Judicial Assistant or by thumb drive to the courthouse.

Case law and legal authority must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the hearing to allow the Judge time to review the documents by emailing the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org or by delivering a thumb drive to the Marion County Courthouse.

Page 13 | F. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Additionally, copies of caselaw and legal authority shall be sent to the Court according to the requirements under Paragraph F above.

Additionally, copies of caselaw and legal authority shall be sent to the Court according to the requirements under Paragraph F above.

Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the Clerk, Court, and every party.

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.

Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

After e-filing, one courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing and any applicable motion must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant rather than served through the E-Filing Portal.

A courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing and any applicable motion that will be heard, if any, shall be emailed to the judicial assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org once it has been e-filed. Please do not serve a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the Judicial Assistant through the E-Filing Portal.

Page 6 | Notice of Hearing

A courtesy copy of any filed exceptions or objections pleading must be emailed to the Court’s Judicial Assistant by the pleading’s filing deadline.

a courtesy copy of any such filed exceptions/objections pleading must be emailed to the Court’s Judicial Assistant by the same deadline as the filing of the same;

Page 10 | D. Requirements for Proposed Orders/Judgments After Hearing

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

A required summary-judgment hearing does not eliminate the accompanying and responsive legal memoranda required by Rule 1.510.

(For example, under Rule 1.510, Fla. R. Civ. P., summary judgment motions must be set for hearing. This would not, however, extinguish the requirement that the motion be accompanied by and responded to with memoranda taking into consideration the time frame under Rule 1.510, Fla. R. Civ. P., for filing supporting and opposing affidavits, etc.)

Civil cases

Page 3 | Oral argument

Motions and applications ordinarily are decided on the papers unless a hearing is required by rule or law.

Motions and other applications will ordinarily be determined by the Court on the basis of motion papers and legal memoranda unless a hearing is required by rule or law.

Civil cases

Page 3 | Oral argument

A hearing request should be submitted only after the parties have completed all requirements of the Motion Practice Order.

If the parties would like to request a hearing after completing all requirements of the Motion Practice Order, please follow the below instructions.

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A motion to continue a trial must be submitted at least fourteen days before the trial, absent exigent circumstances.

Motions for the continuance of a trial must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the scheduled trial for which the continuance is sought, barring exigent circumstances.

Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A motion to continue a hearing must be submitted at least seven days before the hearing.

Motions for the continuance of hearings must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A stipulated motion to continue a trial must state specific information supporting the request.

A motion to continue a trial, even if stipulated, must state with specificity:

Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Unless good cause is shown, the party requesting a continuance must sign the motion.

Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).

Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Motions for continuance are disfavored and are granted only upon a showing of good cause.

Pursuant to Fl. R. Civ. Proc. 1.460, motions for a continuance are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown.

Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Chambers Communication Rules

Communications for the Court’s consideration must be filed with the Clerk of Court with copies to all interested parties, and correspondence must not be emailed directly to the Judge.

Any and all communication that a person desires to have considered by the Court must be filed appropriately with the Clerk of Court and copies must be provided to all interested parties. Do not email the Judge directly with correspondence.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

An email to the judicial office must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter in its subject line.

The subject line of any e-mail to the judicial office must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.

All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Every hearing request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, copy opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, and include all parties to be considered.

All requests for hearing must be sent by emailing the Judicial Assistant and copying opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant. Any request for hearing time that does not include all parties will not be considered.

Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Hearing requests must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.

Hearings must be requested by e-mail to: jferguson@circuit5.org.

Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A cancellation request for a previously scheduled hearing must be emailed to the court with the reason for the request.

If you wish to cancel a previously scheduled hearing, you must email jferguson@circuit5.org and advise of the reason for the cancellation request.

Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The public must not call the Court expecting to discuss a pending case with a judge, and communications not submitted through authorized courtroom argument or court filings cannot be forwarded to the judges.

*NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:* The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Fifth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Page 1 | NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Telephone communication with the judicial office is limited to self-represented litigants and attorneys excused from email service; text messages are not accepted.

Only self-represented litigants and attorneys who are excused from e-mail service may communicate with the judicial office by telephone call to (352) 401-7820. The judicial office does not accept text messages.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

After two business days without a coordination response, the requesting party may ask the court to set the hearing unilaterally and must document its email and telephone coordination attempts.

If a party does not respond to coordinating counsel within 2 business days, the party that requested the hearing may reach out to the Court, provide information as to the attempts made to coordinate, and request that the hearing be unilaterally set. Contact must be attempted at all emails provided as well as telephonic attempts at any phone number provided.

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Requests for electronic appearances of expert witnesses must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.

Electronic appearances of expert witnesses only can be requested via email to the Judicial Assistant.

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Parties and witnesses must log in five minutes before the hearing begins.

Parties and witnesses must be logged in 5 minutes prior to the start of the hearing.

Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance

Other motions or matters may not be scheduled for the same time as an already scheduled motion or petition without prior email approval from the Judicial Assistant.

Once a motion or petition is scheduled, any other motions or matters may not be noticed for the same time without prior approval from the Judicial Assistant via email.

Page 8 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Additional hearing-time options must be requested by email to the Judicial Assistant.

If additional options are needed, please email the Judicial Assistant.

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The platform meeting ID must be obtained by contacting the Judicial Assistant.

Contact the Judicial Assistant to obtain the platform meeting ID#

Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance

The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.

The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.

Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 77 rules apply across Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Formatting

All 34
  • Format
    DOCX

    Proposed orders must be created in the latest version of Microsoft Word in .docx format.

  • Proposed orders must not contain page breaks or section breaks.

  • Do not place spaces before the JJJJ, GGGG, or AAAA codes, and use the Right Alignment button to position signature fields.

Filing Requirements

All 30
  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    Each electronic-signature code must contain all four capital letters and may appear only once per line.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    proposed order

    Proposed orders must use the specified signature-field code pairs, including DDDD/JJJJ, MMMM/AAAA, RRRR/GGGG, and CCCC.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    case number

    Every proposed order must include the Unified Case Number.

Communication

All 4
  • Non-lawyer personnel may communicate with judges, judicial officers, or other court personnel only about scheduling and other ministerial matters.

  • A lawyer must avoid substantive ex-parte communications with the presiding judge in a pending case.

  • A lawyer must notify opposing counsel of communications with the court or tribunal unless the communication concerns only scheduling or clerical matters.

E-Filing

All 3
  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    When multiple proposed orders are submitted in one filing, each order must be uploaded separately to the E-Portal.

  • Applies to
    Cover letter

    A cover letter is optional, but if submitted it must be an Adobe PDF containing relevant details and must be uploaded separately from the proposed order.

  • Applies to
    Foreclosure packet

    All foreclosure packet documents must be e-filed with the clerk when hearing time is reserved.

About Judge Stacy M. Youmans

Stacy M. Youmans, Circuit Judge, Marion County Circuit Court. Judicial assistant: Julianne Ferguson. Office: (352) 401-7820.

  • Marion County Judicial Center 110 N.W. 1st Avenue Ocala, FL 34475
Common questions about Judge Stacy M. Youmans's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for case laws and legal authoritys. Additionally, copies of caselaw and legal authority shall be sent to the Court according to the requirements under Paragraph F above.

View ruleSource: page 14, section H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Does Judge Stacy M. Youmans require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Motions and applications ordinarily are decided on the papers unless a hearing is required by rule or law.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Oral argument

What page or word limits apply to legal memorandum before Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

Judge Stacy M. Youmans' rule states these limits: 15 pages. Unless the Court gives prior permission, a legal memorandum may not exceed 15 pages.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Page limitation

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

Judge Stacy M. Youmans' formatting rule includes 14 point type and the statement must be in bold face and use bookman old style or arial font.. The required ADA statement in court notices and process compelling appearance must be in bold face and 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Fourth Amended Administrative Order Regarding Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

What must be included with motion or application filings before Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

The rule requires legal argument. A written motion or other application must be accompanied by a filed and served legal memorandum citing authority supporting the requested relief.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Legal memorandum required

What must be included with opposition memorandum filings before Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

The rule requires legal argument. A party opposing a written motion or application must file and serve an opposition memorandum with citations within 20 days after being served.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Timely opposing memoranda

How may parties contact Judge Stacy M. Youmans' chambers?

The rule lists email jferguson@circuit5.org. Hearing requests must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Scheduling Procedures

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

The request must include reason for request, adversary position, and proposed rescheduled date. A stipulated motion to continue a trial must state specific information supporting the request.

View ruleSource: page 7, section B. Scheduling Procedures

Is electronic filing required before Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. The Court does not accept orders through the Court’s e-filing portal.

View ruleSource: page 10, section E. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What filing deadlines does Judge Stacy M. Youmans set?

When further argument is needed, counsel must file a reply within five days after receiving the opposition memorandum.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Replies

What rule applies to service for summons before Judge Stacy M. Youmans?

The plaintiff must serve a copy of the standing order with every summons issued in a circuit civil case.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Service of Standing Order
Complete rules summary for Judge Stacy M. Youmans

Failure to comply with the discovery-motion requirements may result in the motion being struck without prejudice.

A motion for confirmation of sale need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.

The plaintiff must serve a copy of the standing order with every summons issued in a circuit civil case.

One copy of the standing order must be filed with the court clerk together with proof of service.

A written motion or other application must be accompanied by a filed and served legal memorandum citing authority supporting the requested relief.

If a supporting memorandum is incorporated into the motion, it should be clearly titled as a motion and memorandum of law.

A motion for continuance need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.

A motion to withdraw or substitute counsel need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.

A motion to proceed in forma pauperis need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.

A party opposing a written motion or application must file and serve an opposition memorandum with citations within 20 days after being served.

A party with no objection to a motion who will not file a responsive memorandum should file written notice of that position with the clerk.

When further argument is needed, counsel must file a reply within five days after receiving the opposition memorandum.

Before filing a Rule 1.380 motion to compel or Rule 1.280(c) protective-order motion, counsel must confer and correspond with opposing counsel in good faith and certify that effort when filing.

A discovery motion must attach correspondence showing the parties’ good-faith effort to resolve the dispute.

Except for motions based on a complete failure to respond, a discovery motion must quote in full each discovery request to which it is addressed.

A discovery motion must quote in full the objection and grounds applicable to each discovery request.

Motions and applications ordinarily are decided on the papers unless a hearing is required by rule or law.

A required summary-judgment hearing does not eliminate the accompanying and responsive legal memoranda required by Rule 1.510.

An oral-argument request must accompany the motion or opposing legal memorandum and include an estimate of the argument time.

Unless the Court gives prior permission, a legal memorandum may not exceed 15 pages.

Applications must be written, comply with the standing order and Florida civil rules, and ordinarily may not be presented as letters absent court invitation or direction.

Time calculations under the standing order are governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.090.

An in limine motion must be filed at least 15 days before the trial term begins, or the Court may deny it as untimely.

The Court may consider and determine emergency motions at any time within its discretion.

Unless the Court directs otherwise, each party must submit a proposed order for review and consideration.

A motion for default addressed to the court need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.

A motion to extend time to complete discovery need not include a memorandum of law if good cause is stated in the motion.

A discovery motion must state with supporting authority why the discovery objection should be overruled or sustained.

A motion to withdraw or substitute exhibits need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.

The opposition memorandum is due within 20 days after service of the motion or application; the source does not specify whether those days are calendar, business, or court days.

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