Judge James H. Daniel
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Brief, Case Law
- At Least 3 to 5 Business Days Before Hearing
Case Law
Emergency Motion
- 1 copy
Emergency Pleading
- 1 copy
Adjournments
- Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled trial date.
- Continuances are disfavored and require good cause and submission at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Clerk
Phone
Court-wideDocument Format Requirements6 rules
Exhibits must be submitted in paper format, sufficient copies must be brought for the clerk, court, and each party, and each exhibit must use the specified party-side labeling format.
- File type
- Paper
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Label exhibits as “Petitioner/Plaintiff A or 1” and “Respondent/Defendant A or 1”
Court's wording
Exhibits must be submitted to the Clerk of the Court in paper format. 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. Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff A or 1” and “Respondent/Defendant A or 1”.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
Exhibits must be submitted to the Foreclosure Case Management Office in paper format.
- File type
- Paper
- Exhibits
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.
hearing or trial. Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff 1” or “Respondent/Defendant A”.
Document Filing Requirements17 rules
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
A motion requesting an emergency hearing must state the issues, reasons emergency relief is necessary, and presentation time needed by each party.
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.
All counsel shall immediately notify this Court in the event of settlement or dismissal and shall submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal.
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.
All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.
- Document
- Consent order
- Placement
- Caption
Must include
- •Consent or Agreed
The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) and the docket line of the motion, e-filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time. A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance will list the Judge’s Zoom credentials. All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.
- Document
- Proposed order
- Placement
- Caption
Must include
- •Consent or Agreed
The attorney submitting the order is responsible for ensuring copies of the order(s) are mailed to any unrepresented party or parties and a Notice of Service is filed on the case.
Each proposed order must have a cover letter that certifies unanimous agreement or identifies 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.
A detailed motion for an emergency hearing must identify the issues, explain the need for emergency relief, and state each party’s required presentation time.
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.
Upon settlement or dismissal, counsel must immediately notify the Court and submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal; a mediation report alone will not remove the case from the docket.
Court's wording
• Settlement: All counsel shall immediately notify the Court in the event of settlement or dismissal and shall submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal. Counsel shall also notify the Court of any pending hearings that will be canceled as a result of the settlement. A copy of the mediation report is not sufficient to remove the case from the docket.
• Bankruptcy: Should any party file for federal bankruptcy protection, a Suggestion of Bankruptcy MUST be filed in the Court file.
The Notice of Hearing should list all motion(s) with the docket line of the motion.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance will list the Judge’s Zoom credentials.
The parties shall complete all information on the form, including the desired mediator and trial date, and submit it as an e-mail attachment to the judge’s Judicial Assistant.
The parties are to advise the Court whether the parties adopt the projected trial date/duration or whether the parties agree to a different trial date/duration along with the proposed mediator.
Please do not submit a proposed order with “proposed” in the title.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must use 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 email account registered for electronic service.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
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 email address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Proposed orders must be submitted through the court’s E-Portal with copies to all parties.
Proposed orders must be submitted to the Court via the E-Portal with copies to all parties.
Page 7 | I. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Proposed orders must be submitted through the E-Portal with copies to all parties.
Proposed orders must be submitted to the Court via the E-Portal with copies to all parties.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The Notice of Hearing should be electronically filed and served as soon as possible after hearing time is reserved.
The NOH should be e-filed and served as soon as possible after reserving hearing time.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Parties may avoid the in-person case management conference by electronically filing and emailing a completed Division CV-F Trial Set Memorandum at least 14 days before the conference.
The parties may avoid the in-person CMC by E-Filing and emailing the Judicial Assistant a completed Division CV- F Trial Set Memorandum no later than 14 days prior to the date of the CMC.
Page 6 | G. Initial Case Management Conferences
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Exhibits must be received in chambers at least three business days before the evidentiary proceeding.
All exhibits must be received in chambers three (3) business days before the evidentiary proceeding.
Page 4 | D. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
A request for remote appearance must be submitted no later than five days before the hearing.
Counsel must submit a request for remote appearance to the Court no later than five (5) days prior to the hearing.
Page 5 | E. Remote Appearance
Parties granted permission to appear remotely at an evidentiary hearing must provide their evidentiary exhibits at least two business days before the hearing.
If permission is granted to appear remotely for an evidentiary hearing, the parties appearing remotely must provide the court with their evidentiary exhibits no later than two businesses days before the hearing.
Page 5 | E. Remote Appearance
The parties may avoid the in-person CMC by E-Filing and emailing the Judicial Assistant a completed Division CV- F Trial Set Memorandum no later than 14 days prior to the date of the CMC.
The parties may avoid the in-person CMC by E-Filing and emailing the Judicial Assistant a completed Division CV- F Trial Set Memorandum no later than 14 days prior to the date of the CMC.
Page 6 | G. Initial Case Management Conferences
Proposed orders must be submitted within ten days after the hearing, and late-submitted orders may require the parties to appear in person.
Proposed orders must be submitted within ten (10) days after any hearing. The Court may require the parties to appear in person for any order submitted beyond the deadline.
Page 7 | I. Submission of Orders and Judgments
A proposed order must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted within ten (10) days after any hearing.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
All exhibits must be received by the Foreclosure Case Management Office at least three days before the evidentiary proceeding.
• Deadline for Submissions: All exhibits must be received by the Foreclosure Case Management Office three (3) days before the evidentiary proceeding.
Page 5 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
The court may require the parties to appear in person if a proposed order is submitted after the deadline.
The Court may require the parties to appear in person for any order submitted beyond the deadline.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Service and Proof of Service Rules
For parties not receiving E-Portal service, the submitting attorney must mail the order to each unrepresented party and file proof of service.
Parties not receiving service through the e-portal: the attorney submitting the order is responsible for ensuring copies of the order(s) are mailed to any unrepresented party or parties and a Notice of Service is filed on the case. The following language should be on all orders for a party or parties not receiving service through the e-portal: Counsel shall serve a copy of this Order, by regular mail, to all parties not receiving service of court filings through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and shall file a certificate of service in the court file.
Page 7 | I. Submission of Orders and Judgments
After filing a motion for rehearing, new trial, reconsideration, or clarification with the clerk, an email copy must be sent to the court.
Motion for Rehearing/Motion for New Trial/Motion for Reconsideration/Motion for Clarification: After the motion is properly filed with the Clerk of Court, please send the Court a copy of the motion via email.
Page 7 | J. Other Division Procedures
Copies of proposed orders submitted through the E-Portal must be provided to all parties.
Proposed orders must be submitted to the Court via the E-Portal with copies to all parties.
Page 7 | I. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The submitting attorney must mail the order to every unrepresented party and file a Notice of Service.
The attorney submitting the order is responsible for ensuring copies of the order(s) are mailed to any unrepresented party or parties and a Notice of Service is filed on the case.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Orders benefiting unrepresented parties must direct counsel to serve them by regular mail and to file a certificate of service.
The Page 3 of 6 Updated June 1, 2026 following language should be on all orders for a party or parties not receiving service through the e-portal: Counsel shall serve a copy of this Order, by regular mail, to all parties not receiving service of court filings through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and shall file a certificate of service in the court file.
Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The Notice of Hearing should be served as soon as possible after hearing time is reserved.
The NOH should be e-filed and served as soon as possible after reserving hearing time.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Copies of each proposed order must accompany submission to all parties.
Proposed orders must be submitted to the Court via the E-Portal with copies to all parties.
Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Courtesy Copy Requirements
One copy of the emergency pleading must be delivered to the court office.
The Court requires a copy to be delivered to the office by email, mail or hand delivery. Please send only one copy.
Page 5 | F. Emergencies and Other Urgent Matters
One copy of an emergency pleading must be delivered to the court by email, mail, or hand delivery.
The Court requires a copy to be delivered to the office by email, mail or hand delivery. Please send only one copy.
Page 4 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
Judge Daniel does not require courtesy copies of pleadings or case law to be sent to the office.
Judge Daniel does not require courtesy copies of the pleadings or case law to be sent to the office.
Page 4 | C. Courtesy Copies of Pleadings, Case Law, and Other Documents
Optional courtesy hard copies may be provided by U.S. mail, FedEx, UPS, or hand delivery.
Please provide hard copies via U.S. mail, FedEx, UPS, or hand delivery.
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Judge Daniel does not require courtesy copies or case law to be sent to the office.
Judge Daniel does not require courtesy copies or case law to be sent to the office.
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
If counsel wants courtesy copies for a hearing, motions, memorandum of law, or case law, hard copies should arrive three to five business days before the hearing.
If counsel would like the Judge to have courtesy copies for a hearing, motions, memorandum of law, or case law hard copies should be received by the Foreclosure Case Management Office at least three to five business days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Filing Bundling Requirements
A motion to cancel sale, including an emergency motion, must be submitted as early as possible to permit adequate review and action.
Motions (and emergency) to Cancel Sales shall be provided at the earliest possible time to allow adequate time for review and action.
Page 4 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are disfavored, require good cause, and must be requested at least five days before the scheduled trial date.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled trial date.
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
Continuances are disfavored and require good cause and submission at least five days before the scheduled court date; absent good cause, the requesting party must sign the motion.
• Continuance Procedure: Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled court date. 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 5 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Chambers Communication Rules
All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to the stated address with the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to jprather@coj.net. The subject line must contain the case number, style (case name), and relevant matter.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3, and all parties must be copied unless law authorizes an ex parte communication.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of all parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law. All parties must be copied on any email directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A requested hearing date or time is not secured until the Judicial Assistant sends a confirmation email.
Hearing dates/times are not secured until a confirmation email is sent from the Judicial Assistant.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Counsel must notify the court of hearings canceled because of settlement and separately notify the Judicial Assistant, because filing the mediation report does not remove the case from the docket.
Counsel shall also notify the Court of any pending hearings that will be canceled as a result of the settlement. The filing of the mediation report is not sufficient to remove the case from the docket. The parties must notify the Judicial Assistant of the settlement.
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
Counsel must immediately notify the court of a settlement or dismissal and submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal.
All counsel shall immediately notify this Court in the event of settlement or dismissal and shall submit a stipulation for an order of dismissal.
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must follow the stated practices when contacting the judicial office.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the Court. Parties may only contact the judicial office according to these practices and procedures.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Hearing requests must be coordinated by email with opposing counsel or pro se parties, unless an ex parte communication is authorized, and the requester must email the Judicial Assistant while copying all other parties.
All hearings must be coordinated with opposing counsel or pro se parties utilizing email unless an ex-parte communication is authorized by law. The party requesting a hearing on any pending pleading should email the Judicial Assistant coping all other parties at jprather@coj.net.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The completed trial-set form must be submitted by email attachment to the judge’s Judicial Assistant.
The parties shall complete all information on the form, including the desired mediator and trial date, and submit it as an e-mail attachment to the judge’s Judicial Assistant.
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
The moving party filing a motion to continue must contact the court to request a hearing on the motion.
The moving party who files a Motion to Continue is the party responsible for contacting the Court to request a hearing be scheduled on the motion.
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must contact the judicial office only as permitted by the stated practices and procedures.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the Court. Parties may only contact the judicial office according to these practices and procedures.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court
Copies of all parties must be included on emails to the judicial office unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
All parties must be copied on any email directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court
The Judicial Assistant may not provide legal advice.
The Judicial Assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Any party may request a status conference when the case requires one.
Status Conference: Any party may request a status conference when a case requires.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
All communications with the Court must be emailed to the Foreclosure Case Management Office, and the subject line must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
All communications with the Court must be submitted to the Foreclosure Case Management Office by email at DuvalFC@coj.net. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2025 CA 001234 – ABC v. 123 - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.).
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Court