Judge Michael D. Porter
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Binders
Case Law, Hearing Document
- Email • In Advance
Case Law, Legal Memoranda, Hearing Materials
- Five Business Days Before Hearing
Case Law, Legal Memorandum, Hearing Material
- No Later Than 5 Business Days Before Hearing
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements49 rules
When native production is not possible or advisable, such as for redacted documents, convert the files to single-page TIFF images that reflect the source documents as they would appear when printed.
Court's wording
In such cases where production in native format is not possible or advisable (e.9., redacted documents), native format files shall be converted to static images and each page thereof saved electronically as a single page "TIFF" image that reflects how the source document would have appeared if printed out to a printer attached to a computer viewing the file.
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by a requesting party, ESI shall be produced in native data format, together with all associated metadata.
The parties agree that production will be made in native format, as the ESI exists on the producing party's computer system.
For non-native productions, save each page as an image and preserve the original document, attachment, and affixed-note unitization.
Court's wording
For files or records not produced in their native format, each page of a document shall be electronically saved as an image file. If a document consists of more than one page, the unitization of the document and any attachments and/or affixed notes shall be maintained as it existed in the original when creating the image f,rles.
Physical documents, including ESI that now exists only in hard copy, must be converted to single-page TIFF files and produced under the stated or agreed protocols.
Court's wording
Documents or records which either were originally generated or instantiated as ESI but now only exist in physical hard-copy format, or documents or records that were originally generated in hard-copy format shall be converted to a single page .TIFF file and produced following the same protocols set forth herein or otherwise agreed to by the parties.
a multipage text (.TXT) file containing searchable text from the native file, and the metadata as discussed later in this document.
Native-format ESI must be placed in a Bates-numbered Logical Evidence Container or on a storage device that is Bates numbered.
Court's wording
Any ESI produced in native data format shall be placed in a Logical Evidence Container that is Bates numbered, or the storage device (i.e., CD, USB, hard drive) containing such files shall be so Bates numbered.
Documents shall be produced on CD-ROM, DVD, external hard drive (with standard PC compatible interface), or such other readily accessible computer or
Non-native document images must bear a legible Bates number without obscuring source information; other legends or stamps are prohibited except for permitted confidentiality or redaction designations.
Court's wording
For files not produced in their native format, each page of a produced document shall have a legible, unique page identifier ("Bates Number") electronically "burned" onto the TIF image in such a manner that information from the source document is not obliterated, concealed, or interfered with. There shall be no other legend or stamp placed on the document image unless a document qualifies for confidential treatment pursuant to the terms of a Protective Order entered by this Court in this litigation or has been redacted in accordance with applicable law or Court order. In the case of confidential materials as defined in a Protective Order, or materials redacted in accordance with applicable law or Court order, a designation may be "burned" onto the document's image at a location that does not obliterate or obscure any information from the source document.
For documents not produced in native format, ASCII text files must provide the full text electronically extracted from the original native files.
Formatting
- •Extracted Text must be provided in ASCII text format
Court's wording
For files not produced in their native format, text files for produced documents shall be produced reflecting the full text that has been electronically extracted from the original, native electronic files ("Extracted Text"). The Extracted Text shall be provided in ASCII text format
The parties agree that the production of Metadata produced will be provided in connection with native data format ESI requested, and includes without limitation, file, application and system metadata.
For non-native data, the listed metadata fields must be produced to the extent available, with document or production numbers using the standard Bates number used in previous productions.
Court's wording
Where non-native format data is produced, the following list identifies the Metadata fields that will be produced (to the extent available): . Document number or Production number (including the document start and document end numbers). This should use the standard Bates number in accordance with those used in previous productions; . BeginAttach; . EndAttach; . Title/Subject; 6
The documents contained on the media shall be organized and identified by custodian, where applicable.
Each item of Production Media must identify that it was produced, the type of materials, the production date, and the Bates-number range it contains.
Court's wording
Each item of Production Media shall include: (1) text referencing that it was produced ln (*:**cv**'t'*;, (2) the type of materials on the media (e.g., "Documents," "OCR Text," "Objective Coding," etc.) (3) the production date, and (a) the Bates number range of the materials contained on such Production Media item.
The text files will be named with the unique Bates number ofthe first page of the corresponding document followed by the extension ".txt."
If attachments and embedded files are combined with their parent documents, then "BeginAttach" and "EndAttach" fields listing the unique beginning and end number for each attachment or embedded document must be included.
Email attachments and embedded files must be mapped to their parent by the Document or Production number.
For non-native format data, the listed additional metadata fields must be produced to the extent available, with email- and E-doc-specific fields applying as stated.
Court's wording
. Sent/Date and Time (for emails only); . Last Modified Date and Time Created Date and Time (for E-docs); . Received Date and Time (for emails only); . Author; . Recipients; r CCti . bcc:; . Source (custodian); . Hash Value; . File Path; . Media (type of media that the document was stored on when it was collected); . Page Count; . Original File Name; . Doc extension; . Full text; . Accessed Date & Time; and . Last Print Date.
Motions must be submitted in PDF format.
- File type
- Motion
If you have exhibits to include in the agreed order, you must also submit the agreed order in .pdf format and include all necessary attachments.
- File type
- Agreed order
The movant shall submit a copy of the motion and proposed order(s) shall be emailed to the Judicial Assistant (copies to other side) in WORD format.
- File type
- Word
- Discovery motions
A final draft in Word format shall be provided to the Court by e-mail (SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org), no later than noon the Friday prior to the start of the trial.
- File type
- Word
All proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
Counsel for the party asserting the privileges must send chambers a cover letter and sealed, marked documents for in camera review, with documents Bates-stamped in the order listed in the Notice of Request for In Camera Review.
Court's wording
For all documents submitted for in camera review pursuant to this Order, counsel for the party asserting the privileges raised shall send a cover letter to the Court’s chambers, enclosing documents for in camera inspection in a sealed envelope marked FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW/NOT TO BE FILED. The cover letter will advise the documents are being provided for an in camera inspection pursuant to this Court’s order. The documents shall be produced with bates stamps in the order set forth in the Notice of Request for In Camera Review.
Motions must be submitted in .pdf format.
- File type
- Motion
All proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •WORD format
Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •WORD format
If you have exhibits to include in the agreed order, you must also submit the agreed order in .pdf format and include all necessary attachments.
- File type
Formatting
- •Include all necessary attachments
The Court requires hard copies of cases cited in the trial brief with appropriate highlighting of the pertinent sections.
A final draft in Word format shall be provided to the Court by e-mail (SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org), no later than noon the Friday prior to the start of the trial.
Electronically stored information must be produced in its ordinarily maintained form or another reasonably usable form.
Court's wording
If the records to be produced consist of electronically stored information, the records shall be produced in a form or forms in which they are ordinarily maintained or in a reasonably usable form or forms.
ESI production must be in native format, and requested structured data must be extracted using appropriate queries and returned in a responsive, readable form.
Court's wording
The parties agree that production will be made in native format, as the ESI exists on the producing party's computer system. Where structured data (e.g., data from a database) is requested, appropriate queries will be used to extract relevant data from any such database, which data shall match specified criteria, and returning specified fields, in a form and format that is verifiably responsive and readable by the use of commonly available tools.
Create and produce load files together with the associated static images.
Court's wording
Load files of the static images should be created and produced together with their associated static images to facilitate the use of the produced images by a document management or litigation support database system.
Convert specified physical documents and records to single-page TIFF files and produce them under the stated protocols or another agreement of the parties.
Court's wording
Documents or records which either were originally generated or instantiated as ESI but now only exist in physical hard-copy format, or documents or records that were originally generated in hard-copy format shall be converted to a single page .TIFF file and produced following the same protocols set forth herein or otherwise agreed to by the parties.
Unless the requesting party agrees otherwise in writing, produce ESI in native format with metadata; when native production is not possible or advisable, produce single-page TIFF images accompanied by searchable TXT text and metadata.
Court's wording
Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by a requesting party, ESI shall be produced in native data format, together with all associated metadata. In such cases where production in native format is not possible or advisable (e.g., redacted documents), native format files shall be converted to static images and each page thereof saved electronically as a single-page "TIFF" image that reflects how the source document would have appeared if printed out to a printer attached to a computer viewing the file. Accompanying this TIFF shall be a multipage text (.TXT) file containing searchable text from the native file, and the metadata as discussed later in this document.
Document Filing Requirements121 rules
Counsel for the Parties shall jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming they have met the requirements of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this order.
the producing party will prepare a summary privilege log containing the file, system and application metadata information set forth herein, for each document, record, etc. (except for full text), to the extent such information exists.
To be submitted with required Joint Pre-Trial Statement and Jury Instructions
All EVIDENTIARY hearings will be conducted in person without exception.
All emergency motions must be clearly marked in the title of the motion as an emergency and emailed to the court’s office at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org with a timestamp on it.
Any notice involving remote appearance must include the judicial Zoom credentials.
Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement by all parties or identifying any 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.
If you are scheduling a hearing on objections, the good faith conferral must be listed in the Notice of Hearing.
Proposed orders and motions must state the full address or email address where service occurred or will occur; a generic e-service statement or address-free cc listing is insufficient.
Court's wording
All proposed orders and motion MUST contain proper address certification – i.e. the FULL address or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the foregoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the address is insufficient.
Upon filing said motion the moving party shall send a copy to the Judicial Assistant for review. The copy of the motion sent to the Judicial Assistant shall be accompanied by a generic order granting/denying the motion.
Failure to include this certification will result in the motion and/or hearing being stricken from the docket.
Filings and proposed orders must certify full service addresses; generic e-service statements or a cc listing without an address are insufficient.
Court's wording
All filings and proposed orders MUST contain proper address certification, including full addresses or email addresses. Statements such as “served via e-service portal” are NOT sufficient. Listing a party as “cc:” without an address is also insufficient.
If you have reached an agreement/stipulation, a separate agreed order in WORD must be provided to the Court with language approving the agreement/stipulation.
The Court will not execute agreed orders, or stipulations without a written verification or cover letter stating the action requested, that a copy was provided to all counsel of record and pro se parties, and if there is a stipulation or an agreed order, that there are no objections to the entry of the order.
Unless excused by the court in advance, all CMC’s are mandatory for attorneys and self-represented litigants.
A motion must include the specified certificate of conferral at its end above the signature block, or the stated Rule 1.202 certification where applicable.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
At the end of the motion and above the signature block, the movant must include a certificateof conferral in substantially the following form: “I certify that prior to filing this motion, I discussed the relief requested in this motion by [method of communication and date] with the opposing party and [the opposing party (agrees or disagrees) on the resolution of all or part of the motion] OR [the opposing party did not respond (describing with particularity all of the efforts undertaken to accomplish dialogue with the opposing party prior to filing the motion)].”OR“I certify that conferral prior to filing is not required under rule 1.202.”
All notices must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
Should the parties desire the referral of a matter to the General Magistrate prior to referral by the Court, an Order of Referral to the Magistrate in substantial conformity with that attached hereto as Exhibit A shall be provided to the Court for review and signature.
A party withholding discoverable information as privileged must file an adequate privilege log with the listed document information and Bates-numbered pages.
Court's wording
A party withholding information otherwise discoverable by claiming it is privileged shall make the claim expressly by preparing and filing an adequate privilege log compliant with Rule 1.280(b)(6), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and the 2021 Florida Handbook on Civil Discovery Practice to “include at a minimum (for documents), sender, recipients, title or type, date and subject matter”1 and the pages of each document listed on the amended privilege log shall be bates numbered.
No argument or other information shall be included in the cover letter.
The notice itself shall also not contain argument.
A party requesting in camera review must file a notice identifying each requested document by reproducing the complete information from the objecting party’s privilege log.
Court's wording
The party requesting the in camera review of documents asserted to be privileged must file a Notice of Request for In Camera Review. The notice shall identify the documents requested for review by excerpting the complete information provided in the objecting party’s privilege log for each document.
Further amendments to privileges asserted for the documents at issue require a Motion to Amend the Privilege Log and a showing of good cause.
Court's wording
No further amendments to the privileges asserted as to the documents at issue in the Notice of Request for In Camera Inspection shall be made absent the filing of a Motion to Amend the Privilege Log and a showing of good cause for the amendment.
A non-dispositive motion must include the specified certificate of conferral at its end, above the signature block.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
At the end of the motion and above the signature block, the movant must include a certificate of conferral in substantially the following form: “I certify that prior to filing this motion, I discussed the relief requested in this motion by [method of communication and date] with the opposing party and [the opposing party (agrees or disagrees) on the resolution of all or part of the motion] OR [the opposing party did not respond (describing with particularity all of the efforts undertaken to accomplish dialogue with the opposing party prior to filing the motion)].”
If you are scheduling a hearing on objections, the good faith conferral must be listed in the Notice of Hearing.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
Every court filing and proposed order must certify the full mailing or email address where each party was or will be served; a generic e-service statement or an address-free cc listing is insufficient.
Court's wording
All court filings and proposed orders MUST contain proper address certification i.e. the FULL address of ALL parties or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the foregoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the address is insufficient.
The Notice of Hearing MUST indicate the type of appearance (i.e. In Person or Remote).
Motions and proposed orders must certify the full address or email address where service occurred or will occur; a generic e-service statement or an address-free cc listing is insufficient.
Court's wording
All proposed orders and motion MUST contain proper address certification – i.e. the FULL address or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the forgoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the address is insufficient.
Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement or identifying any 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.
The Court will not execute agreed orders, or stipulations without a written verification or cover letter stating the action requested, that a copy was provided to all counsel of record and pro se parties, and if there is a stipulation or an agreed order, that there are no objections to the entry of the order.
If you have reached an agreement/stipulation, a separate agreed order in WORD must be provided to the Court with language approving the agreement/stipulation.
All emergency motions must be clearly marked in the title of the motion as an emergency and emailed to the court’s office at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org with a timestamp on it.
Plaintiff’s counsel must present the Court with a trial notebook containing copies of pertinent filed pleadings five business days before trial.
Court's wording
Trial Notebook: Plaintiff’s counsel shall present to the Court, five (5) business days prior to trial, a trial notebook containing copies of pertinent pleadings filed in the case (i.e., Complaint, Answer and Affirmative Defenses, Counter-Claims, Pre-Trial Stipulation, etc.).
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
At least five business days before an evidentiary hearing, e-file and email the witness and exhibit lists to the Court and all parties.
At least five (5) business days prior to the evidentiary hearing, a witness list and an exhibit list should be e-filed and e-mailed to the Court and all parties.
Page 1 | Witness and Exhibit Lists
Proposed orders must be submitted to the Court by email at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org.
All proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court via email to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org.
Page 5 | D. SUBMISSION OF ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS
Agreed orders must be emailed to the Court at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org with a copy of the corresponding motion.
Agreed Orders shall be submitted to the Court via email to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org along with a copy of the corresponding motion.
Page 6 | D. SUBMISSION OF ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS
Witness and exhibit lists should be e-filed at least five business days before the evidentiary hearing.
At least five (5) business days prior to the evidentiary hearing, a witness list and an exhibit list should be e-filed and e-mailed to the Court and all parties.
Page 7 | G. EXHIBITS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING PROCEEDINGS
The E-Docket Call Form and required joint pre-trial statement must be submitted by email to the stated address.
AN E-DOCKET CALL FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH REQUIRED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT TO SLCJUDGE4@CIRCUIT19.ORG
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | 2026 E-DOCKET CALL DATES
Jury instructions must be e-filed by the event deadline and emailed with the E-Docket Call Form and Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation by noon on the first business day before the E-Docket call month, with specified identifying information.
Jury instructions must be e-filed no later than the date set forth in the event section above. A copy shall also be e-mailed to the Judicial Assistant along with the E-Docket Call Form, and the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation no later than the first business day before your E-Docket call month by 12:00 p.m.; the proposed agreed jury instructions should contain a jury instruction title for each proposed instruction, any citations, and information as to who requested the instruction.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Jury Instructions
The E-Docket Call Form and required joint pre-trial statement must be emailed to the stated address by 5:00 p.m. at least three business days before the posted E-Docket Call date.
AN E-DOCKET CALL FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH REQUIRED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT TO SLCJUDGE4@CIRCUIT19.ORG BY 5:00 P.M. AT LEAST 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE YOUR POSTED E-DOCKET CALL DATE
Civil cases
Page 1 | 2027 E-DOCKET CALL DATES
The Court will not accept or use links to shared cloud accounts.
Links to shared cloud accounts are not accepted and will not be used.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies
Do not email exhibits to the Court before an in-person hearing.
Exhibits should not be emailed to the Court in advance of an in-person hearing.
Page 7 | G. EXHIBITS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING PROCEEDINGS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A Report filed within 15 days of the meet and confer excuses further compliance action unless a party moves or the Court orders otherwise; if no Notice of Compliance is filed within that period, Plaintiff must schedule a 15-minute Case Management Conference.
If the Report is filed within 15 days of the meet and confer, counsel for the parties need take no further action to comply with this Order, absent further motion by the parties or order of this Court. If the Notice of Compliance is not filed within 15 days of the meet and confer, Plaintiff shall schedule a 15- minute Case Management Conference pursuant to l .200(a) to address specific issues that have resulted in the lack of compliance.
Civil cases
Page 3
The parties must present their respective proposed orders for the Court's consideration within 15 days of the meet and confer.
Stipulation or Agreed Order, the parties shall present their respective proposed orders to the Court for consideration within 15 days of the meet and confer.
Civil cases
Page 3
The E-Docket Call Form must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. at least three business days before the posted E-Docket Call date.
to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org by 5:00 p.m. at least 3 business days before your posted E-Docket Call date
Civil cases
Page 1 | E-DOCKET CALL FORM
For a cancelled hearing, file a Notice of Cancellation and email the Judicial Assistant with a copy to all parties by noon the day before the hearing.
If a hearing is cancelled, a Notice of Cancellation must be filed and the Judicial Assistant notified by email no later than noon the day before the hearing, with a copy to all parties.
Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings
Within five calendar days after scheduling, email the motion, Notice of Hearing, and, for a UMC hearing, proposed order to the Judicial Assistant.
A copy of the motion, notice of hearing (and proposed order if a UMC hearing) MUST be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org within five (5) calendar days of scheduling.
Page 1 | Submission Deadlines
Schedule the pretrial conference by the third week of the month before the e-docket date.
The pretrial conference must be scheduled no later than the third week of the month prior to the e-docket date.
Page 1 | Pre-Trial Conference
Failure to meet the submission deadline results in the matter being stricken and not rescheduled for the same date.
Failure to comply will result in the matter being stricken from the docket. If stricken, it will not be rescheduled on the same date.
Page 1 | Submission Deadlines
If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order shall be drafted and circulated to opposing counsel or pro se party within fourteen (14) business days of the hearing and must be submitted to the Court in WORD format and to all counsel and pro se parties within seven (7) days of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered at the hearing.
If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order shall be drafted and circulated to opposing counsel or pro se party within fourteen (14) business days of the hearing and must be submitted to the Court in WORD format and to all counsel and pro se parties within seven (7) days of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered at the hearing.
Page 1 | Proposed Orders
Email the required forms to the listed address by 5:00 p.m. three business days before the posted Docket Call date.
All forms are to be e-mailed to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org by 5:00 p.m. 3 business days before the posted Docket Call date.
Page 1 | E-Docket Call
Designated transcript portions must be delivered to the Court and all other parties at least 48 hours before the hearing.
The designated transcript portions must be delivered to the Court and all other parties at least 48 hours before the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO THE MAGISTRATE
Exceptions to the General Magistrate’s Report and Recommendation must be filed within 10 days after service.
Review of the Report and Recommendation made by the General Magistrate shall be by exceptions filed within 10 days after it is served, as provided in Rule 1.490(i), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO THE MAGISTRATE
A party may file cross-exceptions within 5 days after the exceptions are served.
Any party may file cross-exceptions within 5 days from the service of the exceptions.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO THE MAGISTRATE
A party who objects to the referral must file a written objection with the clerk before the hearing begins and provide a copy to the assigned circuit judge; otherwise, the party is deemed to consent.
If you do not want to have this matter heard by the magistrate, you must file a written objection to the referral with the clerk of court prior to commencement of the hearing. A copy of the written objection shall also be provided to the circuit judge assigned to the case. Failure to file a written objection is deemed to be consent to the referral.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO THE MAGISTRATE
Documents requested for in camera review must be provided to the Court within 7 business days for requests covering 25 or fewer documents, or within 10 days for requests covering more than 25 documents.
The documents appearing in the request for in camera review shall be provided to the Court within 7 business days of receipt of a Notice of Request for In Camera Review if review of 25 documents or less is requested, and within 10 days if review of more than 25 documents is requested.
Civil cases
Page 2 | In Camera Review
Within five calendar days after scheduling a hearing, email the Judicial Assistant the motion and notice of hearing, plus a proposed order for a UMC hearing.
A copy of the motion, notice of hearing, (and a proposed order if a UMC hearing) MUST also be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org within five (5) CALENDAR days of scheduling the hearing.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
File and serve a Notice of Hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order shall be drafted and circulated to opposing counsel or pro se party within fourteen (14) business days of the hearing and must be submitted to the Court in WORD format and to all counsel and pro se parties within seven (7) days of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered at the hearing.
If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order shall be drafted and circulated to opposing counsel or pro se party within fourteen (14) business days of the hearing and must be submitted to the Court in WORD format and to all counsel and pro se parties within seven (7) days of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered at the hearing.
Page 5 | D. SUBMISSION OF ORDERS AND JUDGMENTS
Witness and exhibit lists are due at least five business days before the evidentiary hearing.
At least five (5) business days prior to the evidentiary hearing, a witness list and an exhibit list should be e-filed and e-mailed to the Court and all parties.
Page 7 | G. EXHIBITS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING PROCEEDINGS
E-Docket Call Forms must be emailed by 5:00 p.m. three business days before the posted Docket Call date.
All forms are to be e-mailed to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org by 5:00 p.m. 3 business days before the posted Docket Call date.
Page 8 | I. TRIAL AND E-DOCKET PROCEDURES
The final jury-instruction draft is due by noon on the Friday before trial begins.
A final draft in Word format shall be provided to the Court by e-mail (SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org), no later than noon the Friday prior to the start of the trial.
Page 10 | I. Trial and E-Docket Procedures
The parties were directed to file their written discovery responses by the following day.
Consequently, I directed the parties to file, under seal, all their written responses to each other’s discovery requests by the following day.
Civil cases
Page 174 | Potentially obstructionist discovery responses
A party subjected to alleged obstructionist discovery conduct must promptly file a written report describing the specific abuse, whether or not it seeks sanctions.
Any party subjected to obstructionist conduct in discovery or depositions or conduct that the party reasonably believes to be intended to impede, delay, or frustrate the fair examination of deponents or the process of discovery shall promptly file a Report to the Court in writing, advising the Court of the specific nature of the alleged discovery abuse, regardless of whether or not the party intends to seek sanctions on its own motion.
Civil cases
Page 185 | D. AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO NOTIFY THE COURT OF ALLEGED DISCOVERY ABUSE
The joint statement must be filed with the clerk no later than 14 days before the conference.
which shall be filed with the clerk of the court no later than 14 days before the conference
Civil cases
Page 190 | RULE 1.201. COMPLEX LITIGATION – NEW
If the Notice of Compliance is not filed within 15 days after the meet and confer, Plaintiff must notice a Case Management Conference to address the issues causing noncompliance.
If the Notice of Compliance is not filed within 15 days of the meet and confer, Plaintiff shall notice a Case Management Conference pursuant to 1.200(a) for Uniform Motion Calendar to address the specific issues that have resulted in the lack of compliance.
Civil cases
Page 202 | Standing Order on Electronically Stored Information Discovery
A written request for an examination should be made no later than 70 days before the pretrial date.
If examinations under these rules are requested such written request should be made no later than 70 days before the pretrial date to allow time for objections, hearings on same and an opportunity to reset the examination.
Civil cases
Page 215 | APPENDIX 7-1 — GUIDELINES REGARDING COMPULSORY MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
Objections to an examination under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360(a)(1)(A) must be filed within 30 days of the written request if service of process occurred at least 15 days before the request was served.
Objections to “Examination of Persons” under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360(a)(1)(A) must be filed no later than 30 days from the written request assuming service of process has occurred at least 15 days prior to the request being served.
Civil cases
Page 215 | APPENDIX 7-1 — GUIDELINES REGARDING COMPULSORY MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
The E-Docket Call Form and required joint pre-trial statement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. at least three business days before the posted E-Docket Call Date.
AN E-DOCKET CALL FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH REQUIRED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT TO SLCJUDGE4@CIRCUIT19.ORG BY 5:00 P.M. AT LEAST 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE YOUR POSTED E-DOCKET CALL DATE
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | 2026 E-DOCKET CALL DATES
A motion to extend a deadline must be filed before the deadline expires.
Motions for extension must be filed prior to expiration of a deadline.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Circuit Civil Jury Division Ordered Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial
The E-Docket Call Form and required joint pre-trial statement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. at least three business days before the posted E-Docket Call date.
AN E-DOCKET CALL FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH REQUIRED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT TO SLCJUDGE4@CIRCUIT19.ORG BY 5:00 P.M. AT LEAST 3 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE YOUR POSTED E-DOCKET CALL DATE
Civil cases
Page 1 | 2027 E-DOCKET CALL DATES
Counsel are advised to file a response within 10 days of a motion to dismiss; the Court will not rule on it in Chambers within that period unless a response has been filed.
The best practice would be for counsel to file a Response within 10 days of the filing of a Motion to Dismiss. The Court will not rule on any Motion to Dismiss in Chambers within 10 days of filing unless a Response has also been filed.
Page 1 | Motion to Dismiss
A party providing less than a full transcript must promptly file a notice designating the portions to be transcribed, and the other parties must have reasonable time after service to arrange and designate additional portions.
If the party filing exceptions prepares less than a full transcript of the proceeding before the General Magistrate, that party must promptly file a notice designating the portions of the transcript that will be transcribed, and the other parties must be given reasonable time after service of the notice to arrange for the preparation and designation of other portions of the transcript for the Court to consider at the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO THE MAGISTRATE
The party seeking discovery may submit a memorandum addressing the asserted privileges within 10 days of the privilege-asserting party’s submission.
Within 10 days of any submission by the party asserting the privileges raised, the party seeking discovery may make a submission to the Court also in the form of a memorandum directed to the applicability of the privileges asserted.
Civil cases
Page 2 | In Camera Review
The party asserting privilege may submit a memorandum within 10 days after service of the notice, and any amendments to previously asserted privileges must be submitted within that same initial 10-day period.
Within 10 days of the party seeking discovery serving a “Notice of Request for In Camera Inspection,” the party asserting the privileges raised may make a submission in the form of a memorandum addressing the documents to be reviewed under the Notice of Request for In Camera review and the applicability of any of the privileges raised. Any amendments to the privileges previously asserted shall also be submitted within this initial 10-day submission period.
Civil cases
Page 2 | In Camera Review
The party asserting privilege may file a reply or rebuttal submission within 5 days after service of the discovery-seeking party’s submission.
The party asserting the privileges raised may then file a reply or rebuttal submission to the submission within 5 days of service of the discovery seeking party’s submission.
Civil cases
Page 2 | In Camera Review
The Court will not rule on a motion to dismiss in chambers within 10 days of filing unless a response has been filed.
The Court will not rule on any Motion to Dismiss in Chambers within 10 days of filing unless a Response has also been filed.
Page 11 | L. Other Division Procedures
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Plaintiff must serve the order on Defendant’s counsel within 20 days after counsel first appears.
Plaintiff shall serve this order upon counsel for Defendant within 20 days of the first appearance of counsel for Defendant
Civil cases
Page 1 | Civil Jury Division Standing Order on Electronically Stored Information Discovery
Exchange exhibits between the parties at least five business days before trial or an evidentiary hearing.
Exhibits shall also be exchanged between the parties at least five (5) business days prior to the day of trial or evidentiary hearing.
Page 1 | Witness and Exhibit Lists
The moving party must mail a copy to any party who lacks an e-service address.
If a party does not have an e-service address, the moving party must mail a copy.
Page 1 | Certificate of Service of All Court Filings and Proposed Orders
File and serve the Notice of Hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 1 | Notice of Hearing
Both sides must prepare and exchange jury instructions before the E-Docket Call in accordance with the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.
Jury instructions are to be prepared by both sides and exchanged prior to the E-Docket Call pursuant to the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.
Page 1 | Jury Instructions
A party who does not consent to a General Magistrate must file a written objection with the clerk, presiding judge, and opposing parties before the referred hearing begins; failure to object constitutes consent.
As referrals to a General Magistrate require the consent of the parties, should a party not consent to the use of a General Magistrate the party must file a written objection to the referral with the clerk of court, the presiding judge, and the opposing party(ies) prior to the commencement of the hearing on the issue(s) referred. Failure to file an objection shall constitute consent to the referred issue(s) being heard by the General Magistrate.
Civil cases
Page 1 | CIVIL MATTERS TO BE REFERRED TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever their email account registered for electronic service 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 2 | A. Communication 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. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
If a party has no e-service address, the moving party must mail that party a copy of the court filing or order.
If the party does not have an e-service address, then the moving party will be required to mail a copy of the court filing or order to that party.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
At least five (5) business days prior to the evidentiary hearing, a witness list and an exhibit list should be e-filed and e-mailed to the Court and all parties.
At least five (5) business days prior to the evidentiary hearing, a witness list and an exhibit list should be e-filed and e-mailed to the Court and all parties.
Page 7 | G. EXHIBITS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING PROCEEDINGS
The parties must exchange exhibits at least five business days before trial or an evidentiary hearing.
Exhibits shall also be exchanged between the parties at least five (5) business days prior to the day of trial or evidentiary hearing.
Page 7 | G. EXHIBITS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARING PROCEEDINGS
Both sides must prepare and exchange jury instructions before the E-Docket Call, as required by the trial-setting order.
Jury Instructions: Jury instructions are to be prepared by both sides and exchanged prior to the E-Docket Call pursuant to the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.
Page 10 | I. Trial and E-Docket Procedures
Privilege must be asserted by serving written notice on the recipient within ten days after actual discovery of the inadvertent disclosure.
The privilege must be asserted within ten days of actual discovery of the inadvertent disclosure by serving a prescribed written notice of the assertion of privilege on the party to whom the materials were disclosed.
Civil cases
Page 27
A response to requests for admission served with the initial process is due within 45 days of service.
If requests for admission are served with the initial process, the responding party has 45 days to respond.
Civil cases
Page 81 | Number and Scope of Requests for Admission
Responses to requests for admission not served with the initial process are due within 30 days of service.
Otherwise, responses are due within 30 days of service.
Civil cases
Page 81 | Number and Scope of Requests for Admission
A party must serve written notice asserting privilege on the recipient within ten days after discovering an inadvertent disclosure.
To preserve the privileges recognized by law, the party must serve written notice of the assertion of privilege on the party to whom the materials were disclosed, within ten days of actually discovering the inadvertent disclosure.
Civil cases
Page 148 | INADVERTENT DISCLOSURE
Objections to interrogatories must be served within 30 days after service of the interrogatories.
For instance, objections to interrogatories served under Rule 1.340 are preserved by serving any objections to the interrogatories within 30 days after service of the interrogatories.
Civil cases
Page 153 | OTHER FORMS OF DISCOVERY
A discovery order or process must be clear, unambiguous, properly issued, and properly served to support a claim or sanction for a discovery violation.
The underlying court order (compelling a discovery response) or process (e.g., a subpoena, whether issued by the court or an attorney “for the court”), must be clear and unambiguous, properly issued, and properly served, in order to be grounds for claiming or sanctioning a discovery violation.
Civil cases
Page 162
A written objection to subpoenaed production or inspection must be served before the earlier of the compliance deadline or 14 days after service of the subpoena.
The objection must be served before the earlier of the time specified for compliance or 14 days after the subpoena is served.
Civil cases
Page 197 | Rule 45(d)(2)(B)
A privilege challenge must be served within 20 days after service of the original notice, state its grounds, and is waived if notice is untimely.
Any party seeking to challenge the assertion of privilege shall do so by serving notice of its challenge on the party, person, or entity asserting the privilege. Notice of the challenge shall be served within 20 days of service of the original notice given by the disclosing party, person, or entity. The notice of the recipient’s challenge shall specify the grounds for the challenge. Failure to serve timely notice of challenge is a waiver of the right to challenge.
Civil cases
Page 199 | Right to Challenge Assertion of Privilege
Plaintiff must serve the order on defense counsel within 20 days of defense counsel’s first appearance and schedule a meet and confer within 60 days after service.
Plaintiff shall serve this Order upon counsel for Defendant within 20 days of the first appearance of counsel for Defendant, and shall schedule a meet and confer with counsel for Defendant within 60 days of such service.
Civil cases
Page 201 | Standing Order on Electronically Stored Information Discovery
Counsel must immediately serve the order on parties with physical addresses and file a certificate of service.
Counsel shall serve a copy of this order on the following parties immediately and file a certificate of service in this court file: (Include parties with physical addresses)
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Regarding Setting of Pretrial Conference
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update 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 whenever there is a change in the email account registered for electronic service.
Page 1 | E-Filing Portal Contact Information
If exceptions are filed, a copy must be submitted to the Magistrate at the same time.
After conclusion of the proceedings, if exceptions to the Magistrate’s Report are filed, a copy of same shall be contemporaneously submitted to the Magistrate.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO THE MAGISTRATE
The proceedings must be scheduled as soon as reasonably possible after referral, and each party must receive notice from the magistrate or one or more parties.
A time and place shall be assigned for the proceedings as soon as reasonably possible after this referral is made and notice shall be given to each of the parties either by the Magistrate or one or more of the parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER OF REFERRAL TO THE MAGISTRATE
A party seeking a production of evidence at trial which would be subject to a subpoena may compel such production by serving a notice to produce such evidence on an adverse party as provided in rule 1.080.
A party seeking a production of evidence at trial which would be subject to a subpoena may compel such production by serving a notice to produce such evidence on an adverse party as provided in rule 1.080.
Civil cases
Page 197
A recipient of a privilege assertion notice must promptly notify other recipients of the notice and its effect.
The party receiving the notice shall also promptly notify any other party, person, or entity to whom it has disclosed the materials of the fact that the notice has been served and of the effect of this rule.
Civil cases
Page 199 | Duty of the Party Receiving Notice of an Assertion of Privilege
After the court determines whether the materials are privileged or the privilege was waived, the recipient must promptly notify other recipients of that determination.
The recipient of the materials shall also give prompt notice of the court’s determination to any other party, person, or entity to whom it had disclosed the materials.
Civil cases
Page 200 | Effect of Determination that Privilege Applies
Experts should be subpoenaed for trial because the Court cannot compel an unsubpoenaed witness to appear.
All experts should be under subpoena for trial. The Court cannot force a witness to appear who is not under subpoena.
Civil cases
Page 226 | Subpoenas
Retained experts must be produced for discovery depositions without a subpoena.
Retained experts must be produced for discovery deposition without the necessity of a subpoena.
Civil cases
Page 226 | Subpoenas
A written privilege assertion notice must be served within 10 days after the inadvertent disclosure is actually discovered.
In order to assert the privilege, the party, person, or entity, shall, within 10 days of actually discovering the inadvertent disclosure, serve written notice of the assertion of privilege on the party to whom the materials were disclosed.
Civil cases
Page 199 | Assertion of Privilege as to Inadvertently Disclosed Materials
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Plaintiff’s counsel must provide the Court a trial notebook of pertinent filed pleadings five business days before trial.
Plaintiff’s counsel shall present to the Court, five (5) business days prior to trial, a trial notebook containing copies of pertinent pleadings filed in the case (i.e., Complaint, Answer and Affirmative Defenses, Counter-Claims, Pre-Trial Stipulation, etc.).
Page 1 | Trial Notebook
Submit any trial brief to Chambers at least five business days before trial and provide hard copies of cited cases with pertinent sections highlighted.
If a trial brief is to be filed with the Court it should be submitted to the Judge’s Chambers no later than five (5) business days before the trial is to commence. The Court requires hard copies of cases cited in the trial brief with appropriate highlighting of the pertinent sections.
Page 1 | Trial Briefs
When a party intends to rely on case law or other documents at a hearing, an advance electronic courtesy copy must be submitted to the Court and opposing party.
When counsel/ party intends to rely on case law or other documents in a hearing, a courtesy electronic copy submitted to the court and the opposing party in advance is required.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies
Submit courtesy copies of case law, legal memoranda, and hearing materials no later than five business days before the hearing.
Courtesy copies of case law, legal memoranda, and/ or hearing materials must be submitted no later than five (5) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies
A copy of the entire cover letter, without the enclosed records, must be provided contemporaneously to all parties’ counsel.
A courtesy copy of the entire cover letter (without the enclosed records) shall be provided contemporaneously to all parties’ counsel.
Civil cases
Page 2 | In Camera Review
Courtesy copies of case law, legal memoranda, and hearing materials must be submitted at least five business days before the hearing.
Courtesy copies of case law, legal memoranda, and/ or hearing materials must be submitted no later than five (5) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 6 | E. COURTESY COPIES OF CASE LAW AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
Anyone intending to rely on case law or other documents at a hearing must provide advance electronic courtesy copies to the Court and opposing party.
When counsel/ party intends to rely on case law or other documents in a hearing, a courtesy electronic copy submitted to the court and the opposing party in advance is required.
Page 6 | E. COURTESY COPIES OF CASE LAW AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
A trial brief, if filed, should be submitted to Judge’s Chambers at least five business days before trial.
Trial Briefs: If a trial brief is to be filed with the Court it should be submitted to the Judge’s Chambers no later than five (5) business days before the trial is to commence.
Page 9 | I. Trial and E-Docket Procedures
Do not send courtesy copies of documents already filed and docketed.
Please do NOT send courtesy copies of documents that have been filed and docketed in the court file.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies
Binders must not be mailed to the Judicial Assistant.
Do not mail binders to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 6 | E. COURTESY COPIES OF CASE LAW AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
Do not send courtesy copies of documents already filed and docketed in the court file.
Please do NOT send courtesy copies of documents that have been filed and docketed in the court file.
Page 6 | E. COURTESY COPIES OF CASE LAW AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The parties were directed to file all written discovery responses to each other under seal.
Consequently, I directed the parties to file, under seal, all their written responses to each other’s discovery requests by the following day.
Civil cases
Page 174 | Potentially obstructionist discovery responses
Materials provided to the Court will remain in camera through the conclusion of the case and may be filed under seal for appellate review.
The materials provided to the Court will be maintained in camera until the conclusion of this case and may be filed under seal for purposes of appellate review.
Civil cases
Page 3 | In Camera Review
If necessary, counsel should seek to seal private or sensitive information before it becomes publicly available in the court record.
If necessary, counsel should invoke the process of sealing private or sensitive information before the record becomes available as a public record.
Civil cases
Page 22 | PROTECTING CLIENT CONFIDENCES AND DATA
Filing Bundling Requirements
The E-Docket Call Form must be submitted together with the required joint pre-trial statement.
AN E-DOCKET CALL FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH REQUIRED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT
Civil cases
Page 1 | 2027 E-DOCKET CALL DATES
All documents must be submitted together in one email to the listed address.
Submit all documents in one (1) email to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org.
Page 1 | Submission Procedures
The Court prefers that the parties submit one proposed order when possible.
The Court prefers, if possible, a single proposed order in Microsoft Word format with "redline" or "blackline" annotations indicating to the Court the areas of disagreement within the proposed order between the parties and any alternative provisions proposed by the objecting party.
Civil cases
Page 3
The requesting party is encouraged to submit in camera review requests in manageable batches and need not request review of all documents in one grouping.
The party requesting the in camera review is encouraged to spread out the requests in batches for in camera review and otherwise make the work for the Court more manageable to the extent possible and need not request review of all documents in a single grouping.
Civil cases
Page 2 | In Camera Review
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Plaintiff must schedule a meet and confer with Defendant’s counsel within 60 days after serving the order.
shall schedule a meet and confer with counsel for Defendant within sixty (60) days of such service.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Civil Jury Division Standing Order on Electronically Stored Information Discovery
Counsel must be prepared to discuss and actually address the listed case-management and electronically stored information discovery topics at the meet and confer.
At the meet and confer, both counsel for Plaintiff and Defendant shall be prepared to discuss in detail, and will actually discuss: a. Whether this matter should be considered Complex Litigation pursuant to Rule 1.201, including the factors in Rule 1.201 (2) as to which there is mutual agreement; b. The identity, employment position and employment address of electronically stored information (ESI) custodians who exist for each of their respective clients; Page 1 of 3 ===== PAGE 2 ===== c. The structure of each of their client's respective computer systems and a descriptive identification of all relevant software, including the identity and number of servers, computers, electronic devices, and email accounts that may contain relevant information or information that would potentially lead to the discovery of admissible evidence in this matter; d. The existence and nature of ESI preservation policies, whether, when, and how a litigation hold was placed on ESI, the possibility of agreements regarding the extent to which ESI should be preserved, the form in which such evidence should be produced, and whether discovery of such information should be conducted in phases or limited to particular individuals, time periods, or sources; e. The need for an ESI disclosure clawback agreement beyond Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.285; f. The scope, estimated cost, and estimated time for completion of ESI discovery required for the claims/counterclaims alleged in accordance with Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.280; g. Whether any ESI issues may significantly protract this litigation, and if so, how such issues may be most efficiently mitigated; and h. Whether the parties can case manage their own electronical discovery by a written stipulation or an Agreed Court Order.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Civil Jury Division Standing Order on Electronically Stored Information Discovery
File a motion with the Clerk before scheduling it online or contacting the office for hearing time.
All motions must be filed with the Clerk before you set the motion on the online calendaring system or contact this office for hearing time.
Page 1 | Telephone
UMC hearings are non-evidentiary, limited to ten minutes per case with five minutes per side, and allow one motion per slot.
These hearings are non-evidentiary (no witnesses) and will not be permitted to exceed ten (10) minutes in length. This means that each side will have five (5) minutes to argue their position. Hearings are limited to ten (10) minutes per case and only one motion per “UMC” slot.
Page 1 | Uniform Motion Calendar (“UMC”) Procedures
If the Court finds an emergency exists, it will schedule the hearing unilaterally and all parties must be available absent exigent circumstances.
If the court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the court. All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.
Page 1 | Emergency Motions
Before filing a non-dispositive motion, the movant must confer in good faith with the opposing party to try to resolve the issues.
Before filing a non-dispositive motion, the movant must confer with the opposing party in a good-faith effort to resolve the issues raised in the motion.
Page 1 | Conferral Prior to Filing Motions
Obtain the Court’s permission before setting a motion for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial for hearing.
Do not set a Motion for Rehearing, Reconsideration, or New Trial for hearing without first receiving permission from the Court.
Page 1 | Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration, or New Trial
Before filing a non-dispositive motion, the movant must confer in good faith with the opposing party to try to resolve the issues.
Before filing a non-dispositive motion, the movant must confer with the opposing party in a good-faith effort to resolve the issues raised in the motion.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
direct that before moving for an order relating to discovery, the movant must request a conference with the court;
direct that before moving for an order relating to discovery, the movant must request a conference with the court;
Civil cases
Page 188 | RULE 16. PRETRIAL CONFERENCES; SCHEDULING; MANAGEMENT
A dispute over the requested ESI production format must be addressed at a meet-and-confer before referral to the court.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, a producing party shall not produce ESI in a format not requested or designated by the requesting party unless (i) the parties have met and conferred, and, having been unable to resolve such format production conflict at such meet and confer session, (ii) prior to referral to and resolution of such issue by the court.
Civil cases
Page 211 | B
Do not set motions to dismiss, continue, or for new trial or rehearing for hearing; they are considered in chambers on written motion and a hearing setting may be cancelled.
Do not set for hearing: motions to dismiss, motions to continue or motions for new trial/rehearing. All such motions are considered in chambers by written motion. If you set such motion for hearing, it may be unilaterally cancelled by the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Motions And Hearings
The parties must set the pre-trial conference on the Court’s special set calendar by the third week before the selected E-Docket date, after the required stipulation and jury instructions with verdict form have been e-filed.
A pre-trial conference MUST be coordinated and set by the parties/counsel on the Court’s special set calendar no later than the third week prior to the selected e-docket date and after the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation and Jury Instructions with Verdict Form have been e-filed by the deadline dates set forth in the events section above.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Pre-Trial Conference
If hearing coordination fails after three business days, the moving party may set the hearing unilaterally if the good-faith certificate records the attempts.
If after three (3) business days coordination fails, the hearing may be set unilaterally, provided the good faith certificate reflects the attempts made.
Page 1 | Coordinating Hearings and Unilaterally Setting Hearings
Cases are referred to the General Magistrate for a pretrial conference according to the Case Management Plan timeline.
All cases will be referred to the General Magistrate for a pretrial conference according to the timeline set out in the Case Management Plan.
Page 1 | Pre-Trial Conference
Discovery matters, attorney’s-fee motions, and all non-dispositive matters are referred to the General Magistrate.
This court refers discovery matters, attorney’s fees motions, and all non dispositive matters to the General Magistrate.
Page 1 | General Magistrate
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuing or rolling a case does not extend original case-management cutoff dates; a Court order by stipulation or hearing is required to extend them.
If your case is continued or rolled over to another date for trial and/or E-Docket Call this does not extend the cut-off dates set out in the original Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial. You must obtain a Court order either by stipulation or hearing to extend the cut-off dates as set forth in the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.
Page 1 | Continuance of E-Docket Call
The case will not be continued merely because both parties agree and record their agreement on the E-Docket Call Form.
Your case will not be continued because both parties agree and note same on the E-Docket Call Form.
Page 1 | E-Docket Call
Filing a motion to continue alone does not continue the case.
Simply filing a motion to continue will not suffice to continue the case.
Page 1 | E-Docket Call
A continuance or rollover of trial or E-Docket Call does not extend the original cutoff dates; extending them requires a Court order obtained by stipulation or hearing.
Continuance of E-Docket Call: If your case is continued or rolled over to another date for trial and/ or E-Docket Call this does not extend the cut-off dates set out in the original Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial. You must obtain a Court order either by stipulation or hearing to extend the cut-off dates as set forth in the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.
Page 9 | I. Trial and E-Docket Procedures
Filing a motion to continue alone does not continue the case, and party agreement recorded on the E-Docket Call Form does not continue it.
Simply filing a motion to continue will not suffice to continue the case. Your case will not be continued because both parties agree and note same on the E-Docket Call Form.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Motions To Continue
The Court will consider deadline changes only upon a showing of good cause based on an emergency or unforeseen issue.
The Court will consider a request to approve changes to these deadlines upon a showing of good cause by either party based on matters arising from an emergency nature or unforeseen issues.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Circuit Civil Jury Division Ordered Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial
Motions to extend deadlines or amend the plan must comply with Rule 1.200(e); a motion to modify the trial period must also comply with Rule 1.460, or it will be denied or not considered.
Any motion to extend a deadline, amend this case management plan order, or alter an ordered trial period must comply with Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.200(e). Motions for extension of time that do not comply with Rule 1.200(e)(1) will not be considered by the court. Additionally, any motion to modify the trial period set per this case management plan order must not only strictly comply with Rule 1.200(e) but also Rule 1.460. Failure to strictly comply with these rules will result in the motion being automatically denied.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Extensions Of Time; Modification Of Deadlines In This Case Management Plan Order
A motion to continue or the parties’ agreement on the E-Docket Call Form does not continue a case.
Counsel for each case is required to submit the E-Docket Call Form for the trial period during which your case is set. All counsel shall discuss and agree regarding trial dates to be selected, and one form is to be submitted for each case. Simply filing a motion to continue will not suffice to continue the case. Your case will not be continued because both parties agree and note same on the E-Docket Call Form. The form shall be signed by all counsel of record for that particular case. If you fail to submit the form as set forth above by the deadline, you will be set on the Trial Schedule at the will of the Court. All forms are to be e-mailed to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org by 5:00 p.m. 3 business days before the posted Docket Call date.
Page 8 | I. TRIAL AND E-DOCKET PROCEDURES
Chambers Communication Rules
Submit the form by email to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org by 5:00 p.m. at least three business days before the posted E-Docket Call date.
to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org by 5:00 p.m. at least 3 business days before your posted E-Docket Call date
Civil cases
Page 1 | E-DOCKET CALL FORM
The subject line for an emergency hearing request must state “Request for EMERGENCY Hearing.”
If you are requesting an Emergency Hearing, you MUST indicate “Request for EMERGENCY Hearing”
Page 1 | Method of Communication
All email correspondence must copy opposing counsel or the opposing self-represented party.
You must carbon copy the opposing counsel or party (if pro se) on all email correspondence.
Page 1 | Method of Communication
Emails must include all parties, including self-represented parties, and the case style or they will be discarded.
All emails must include all parties (even if pro se) and the style of the case, or they will be discarded.
Page 1 | Ex-Parte Communication
Parties and attorneys may not otherwise communicate directly with the judge.
No party or attorney shall otherwise communicate directly with the Judge.
Page 1 | Ex-Parte Communication
Request hearings longer than one hour by email and attach a copy of the motion.
Any hearings that require more than one hour must be requested by email to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org. A copy of the motion MUST be attached.
Page 1 | Scheduling Hearings of more than 1-hour
Communications with the judge must occur in open court with all parties present, in writing or email copied to the opposing side, or by filing with the Clerk and serving the opposing side.
All communication with the Judge shall be in open Court with all parties present, in writing/email copied to opposing counsel/party, and/or filed with the Clerk and served on the opposing party/counsel.
Page 1 | Ex-Parte Communication
Submit all required hearing documents to the General Magistrate’s office by email, not to the Judge’s office.
All required hearing documents shall be submitted to the General Magistrate’s office at Civil_Magistrate@circuit19.org, not the Judge’s office.
Civil cases
Page 1 | CIVIL MATTERS TO BE REFERRED TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE
Emails must include all parties, including self-represented parties, and the case style or they will be discarded.
All emails must include all parties (even if pro-se) and the style of the case, or they will be discarded.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
An email requesting an emergency hearing must say “Request for EMERGENCY Hearing” in the subject line.
If you are requesting an Emergency Hearing, you MUST indicate in the subject line “Request for EMERGENCY Hearing”
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
Communications with the judge must occur in open court with all parties present, in writing or email copied to the opposing side, or through a filing with the Clerk served on the opposing side.
All communication with the Judge shall be in open Court with all parties present, in writing/ email copied to opposing counsel/party, and/or filed with the Clerk and served on the opposing party/ counsel.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
All email correspondence must copy opposing counsel or the opposing party if self-represented.
You must carbon copy the opposing counsel or party (if pro se) on all email correspondence.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
Do not ask judicial staff to relay messages to the judge because that is prohibited ex parte communication.
Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant or other Court personnel to communicate any message to the Judge as this is prohibited ex-parte communication.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
Parties and attorneys may not otherwise communicate directly with the judge.
No party or attorney shall otherwise communicate directly with the Judge.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
Request hearings requiring more than one hour by email to the Judicial Assistant and attach a copy of the motion.
Please note any hearings that require more than one hour must be requested by email to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org. A copy of the motion MUST be attached.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Emergency motions must be emailed to the Court’s office at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org with a timestamp.
All emergency motions must be clearly marked in the title of the motion as an emergency and emailed to the court’s office at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org with a timestamp on it.
Page 6 | F. EMERGENCY AND OTHER MATTERS
After receiving an executed trial-setting order, the parties must immediately notify the Court’s Judicial Assistant by email if the case settles, including if it is later placed on the trial docket.
Settlement of Cases: If your case settles after you have received an executed Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial, please first immediately notify the Court’s Judicial Assistant by email advising of settlement. This also applies to cases that are subsequently placed on the trial docket.
Page 9 | I. Trial and E-Docket Procedures
The final jury-instruction draft must be emailed to the Court by noon on the Friday before trial begins.
A final draft in Word format shall be provided to the Court by e-mail (SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org), no later than noon the Friday prior to the start of the trial.
Page 10 | I. Trial and E-Docket Procedures
The motion and proposed orders must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, with copies to the other side.
The movant shall submit a copy of the motion and proposed order(s) shall be emailed to the Judicial Assistant (copies to other side) in WORD format.
Page 11 | L. Other Division Procedures
A copy shall also be e-mailed to the Judicial Assistant along with the E-Docket Call Form, and the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation no later than the first business day before your E-Docket call month by 12:00 p.m.; the proposed agreed jury instructions should contain a jury instruction title for each proposed instruction, any citations, and information as to who requested the instruction.
A copy shall also be e-mailed to the Judicial Assistant along with the E-Docket Call Form, and the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation no later than the first business day before your E-Docket call month by 12:00 p.m.; the proposed agreed jury instructions should contain a jury instruction title for each proposed instruction, any citations, and information as to who requested the instruction.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Jury Instructions
E-Docket forms must be emailed to the stated address by 5:00 p.m. three business days before the posted E-Docket Call date.
All forms are to be e-mailed to SLCJudge4@circuit19.org by 5:00 p.m. 3 business day before the posted E-Docket Call date.
Civil cases
Page 1 | E-Docket Form
When a case settles, counsel must promptly email the Judicial Assistant, copy all parties, and attach the already e-filed settlement notice, dismissal documents, and final disposition form; filing those documents alone is insufficient.
If your case settles immediately notify the Court’s Judicial Assistant via e-mail (showing copies provided to all parties), attaching an already e-filed notice of settlement, dismissal documents and final disposition form. Due to the volume of cases pending, counsel should not assume that filing documentation in the court file will satisfy this requirement. Counsel must also give notification by email.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Case Dispositions
If technical difficulties prevent remote video access, appear by phone and advise the Court.
[If you are experiencing technical difficulties, you should appear by phone by calling 1-646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 553 306 8943 to advise the Court]
Civil cases
Page 1 | Remote Access to St. Lucie County Civil Jury Division Hearings
Additional motions may not be added to a scheduled hearing without the Judicial Assistant’s permission.
Additional motions may not be “piggy-backed” without permission from the Judicial Assistant.
Page 1 | Scheduling Hearings of less than 1-hour
Do not leave voicemail messages; use email to communicate with the office.
Please do not leave a voicemail message; this office communicates best via email.
Page 1 | Telephone
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communication from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Page 1 | Unsolicited Communication
Emails to the court must include the case short style, case number, and purpose in the subject line.
Email sent to this office must contain the following in the subject line: Case Short Style Name (Jones v. Jones) Case Number (short case number is okay – example: 21CA234) Purpose of Email (Order, Notice of Cancellation of Hearing, Request for Hearing more than one hour, etc.)
Page 1 | Method of Communication
A request for a hearing longer than one hour must include a good-faith estimate of total time after consultation with the opposing party.
If a hearing over one (1) hour is requested, include a good faith estimate of total time needed after consultation with opposing counsel/party.
Page 1 | Method of Communication
Submit agreed orders by email to the Court with a copy of the corresponding motion.
Agreed Orders shall be submitted to the Court via email to SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org along with a copy of the corresponding motion.
Page 1 | Agreed Orders
Emails to the court must briefly describe their purpose in the body.
The body of the email must contain a brief description of the purpose of the email.
Page 1 | Method of Communication
Correspondence and emergency motions should be emailed to the court at the listed address.
Correspondence and/or emergency motions should be emailed to SLCJudge4@circuit19.org.
Page 1 | Method of Communication
Emails to the judicial office must briefly describe their purpose in the body.
The body of the email must contain a brief description of the purpose of the email.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communication from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office
A request for a hearing longer than one hour must include a good-faith estimate of the total hearing time after consultation with opposing counsel or the opposing party.
If a hearing date and time over one (1) hour is requested, then you must include a good faith estimate of time needed for the time for the entire hearing (after consultation with opposing counsel/party).
Page 2 | A. Communication with the Judicial Office