Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Hillsborough County
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Extraordinary Writ Petition
- Immediately Upon Filing
Financial Affidavit, Exhibits
Guardian Ad Litem Report
- At Least 48 Hours Before Hearing
Motion
Adjournments
- An attorney seeking a continuance must make a good-faith application stating justification and arrange an immediate hearing unless all parties agree and the court approves the continuance.
- A self-represented party seeking a continuance must file a good-faith application stating the justification.
- Consideration to be heard should occur promptly after learning a continuance is needed, unless all parties agree to it and obtain court approval.
- +18 more
Request must include
- Failure to complete discovery will not constitute cause for a continuance unless such failure is brought to the attention of the comt at least five working days in advance of any
- If a hearing on the motion to defer cannot be set before the mediation conference, the moving party must take steps more than 48 hours before the originally scheduled conference to reschedule it, provide notice to all parties, the Program, and the mediator, and may face monetary sanctions for noncompliance.
- The parties or counsel must give the Program at least 48 hours' notice of a mediation rescheduling, with weekends and court holidays excluded from the notice period.
- Petitioner or petitioner's counsel must notify the Program in writing of a settlement- or dismissal-based mediation cancellation occurring more than 48 hours before the conference.
- More than 48 hours before a mediation conference, the petitioner or petitioner's counsel must give written notice to the Program if the conference will be canceled because settlement was reached or the case was dismissed.
- The parties or counsel must notify the Program of a mediation rescheduling no later than 48 hours before the conference, excluding weekends and legal holidays from that period.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits3 rules
Supporting memoranda may not exceed 25 pages, oppositions may not exceed 25 pages, and replies may not exceed 5 pages.
- Memorandum in opposition
- Up to 25 pages
- Page limit
- Up to 5 pages
- Memorandum in support
- Reply brief
Court's wording
All substantive motions must be accompaniedby a memorandumof law, which must not exceed 25 pages in length. A memorandumin opposition may be filed within 10 days thereafter and must not exceed 25 pages in length. A reply memorandti'mmay be filed within S days following the fiJing of a memorandumin opposition,which must not exceed 5 pages in length and must address only those matters raised in the memoranda.inopposition.
Documents must not exceed 10 pages and they may be e-mailed to the judicial assistant.
- Documents
- Up to 10 pages
Only documents that are 10 pages or less may be e-mailed to the judicial assistant. Documents that are more than 10 pages must be delivered to the court via mail or hand delivery.
- Documents
- Up to 10 pages
Document Format Requirements33 rules
Eve1y page of a filed document will be consecutively numbered and indicate the total number of pages of the document at the bottom of each page. For example, "Page l of 4," "Page 2 of 4," etc.
A self-represented party or attorney excused from e-mail service must submit sufficient hard copies of a proposed order and stamped, addressed envelopes to the presiding judge.
Formatting
- •Include stamped, addressed envelopes
Court's wording
If any party is self-represented or represented by an attorney who has been excused from e-mail service under Rule 2.516, the party or attorney who is directed to submit a proposed order will do so by submitting to the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order along with stamped, addressed envelopes.
Each page, except for the first page, must contain a page number.
Portal submissions must use PDF or PDF/A unless the court specifically directs otherwise for findings of fact or conclusions of law.
Court's wording
All proposed orders and judgments submitted through the Portal must be in in Portable Document Format (PDF) or PDF/A (Portable Document Format for Archiving) unless specifically directed otherwise by the court so that the court may make specific findings of fact or conclusions of law.
If the chief arbitrator does not electronically file the arbitrators' decision, then the chief arbitrator must file a hard copy of the decision with the clerk by submitting it in a separate sealed manila envelope labeled "Nonbinding Arbitration Decision."
- Arbitration decision
Formatting
- •Label the envelope "Nonbinding Arbitration Decision."
If an interested person is self-represented or a party's attorney is excused from email service, the requested proposed order must be submitted as sufficient hard copies with stamped, addressed envelopes.
Formatting
- •Submit sufficient hard copies
- •Include stamped, addressed envelopes
Court's wording
If any interested person is self-represented or if any party is represented by an attorney who has been excused from e-mail service under Rule 2.516, the interested person or attorney who is requested to submit a proposed order must do so by submitting to the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order along with stamped, addressed envelopes.
A Portal-submitted proposed order must be in searchable PDF or PDF/A format.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Searchable PDF or PDF/A format
Court's wording
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, if all parties are represented by attorneys, none of whom have been excused from e- mail service under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516, the movant's attorneys must submit to the court a proposed order through the Portal in searchable PDF or PDF/ A format.
All documents filed must be in searchable PDF.
- File type
Formatting
- •Searchable PDF
The page bearing the court's signature must also contain substantive text; a signature-only orphan page is prohibited.
Court's wording
No proposed order or final judgment may contain an "orphan" signature page, in other words, the page containing the court's signature must also contain substantive language of the proposed order or final judgment so that a proposed order or final judgment does not contain a signature page consisting only of the court's signature.
Proposed orders and final judgments submitted through the Portal must be in PDF or PDF/A unless the court directs otherwise for findings of fact or conclusions of law.
- File type
- Proposed order
- Final judgment
Formatting
- •PDF/A is also permitted
- •Scanned exhibits or attachments are permitted
Court's wording
All proposed orders and final judgments submitted through the Portal must be in in Portable Document Format (PDF) or PDF/ A (Portable Document Format for Archiving) unless specifically directed otherwise by the court so that the court may make specific findings of fact or conclusions of law.
Each numbered and marked exhibit must include an Exhibit Cover Sheet and be electronically stored in an individual PDF or PDF/ A file.
- File type
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Each file must have a unique identification name and number
Additional copies of the exhibits, either stapled or in binders or folders must be provided for use by witnesses, opposing counsel or party, and unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, the presiding judge.
A USB flash drive or CD file containing the Exhibit List and the electronically stored exhibits must be delivered to the courtroom clerk before the start of the trial or evidentiary hearing.
At the commencement of an evidentiary hearing or trial, each party must deliver to the courtroom clerk the original and one copy of the Exhibit List and all exhibits to be introduced into evidence in paper format.
- File type
- Paper
- Exhibits
A party examining a witness must provide paper copies of the exhibits to the witness, opposing counsel or party, and ordinarily the presiding judge when questioning begins.
Court's wording
However, a party using exhibits during the examination of a witness must, at the commencement of the party's questioning of the witness, provide paper copies of the exhibits to be used during the examination of the witness to the witness, opposing counsel or party, and unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, the presiding judge.
Counsel must attach Exhibit Cover Sheets to both the original physical exhibit and the photograph or reduced copy of the exhibit (substitutes), identifying the exhibits and corresponding substitutes with the same exhibit number.
Paper documents larger than 8 ½ x 11 inches must be listed on the Exhibit List and accompanied by a reduced 8½ x 11-inch copy and an Exhibit Cover Sheet.
Items other than paper documents to be introduced into evidence must be photographed, accompanied by an Exhibit Cover Sheet, and listed on the Exhibit List.
Unsigned proposed orders for all bail bond related pleadings are not permitted to be filed along with the bail bond motion/application
All notices of hearing must be on a document separate from the pleading or motion for which the hearing is scheduled. All notices of hearing will clearly state if a court reporter will be provided.
The requesting party will be responsible for scheduling the hearing time and submitting a completed uniform order to the presiding judge.
Formatting
- •Must be a completed uniform order
- •Must be submitted to the presiding judge
The signature page must contain substantive order or judgment language, and every page after the first page must be numbered.
- Proposed order
- Judgment
Formatting
- •A signature page consisting only of the court's signature is prohibited
Court's wording
In all proposed orders or judgments, the page containing the court's signature must also contain substantive language of the proposed order or judgment so that a proposed order or judgment does not contain a signature page consisting only of the court's signature. Each page, except for the first page, must contain a page number.
Requested special jury instructions must be identified, consecutively numbered, limited to one instruction per page, concise and non-argumentative, confined to one subject, nonduplicative, and supported by citations unless they are standard instructions.
Formatting
- •Title each requested special instruction and distinctly identify the submitting party
- •Number instructions consecutively
- •Each instruction must be understandable, brief, non-argumentative, and limited to one subject
- •Do not repeat a stated principle in subsequent requests
Court's wording
Requested special instructions will be titled and distinctly indicate the party submitting the instructions. The instructions will be numbered consecutively and contain no more than one instruction per page. Each requested special instruction will be understandable, brief, non-argumentative, will embrace only one subject, and the principle stated in the request will not be repeated in subsequent requests. Except for standard jury instructions, all requested instructions will be accompanied by a citation of authorities supporting the proposition of law stated in such instructions.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, all proposed orders and judgments must be submitted through the Portal for electronic signature in Portable Document Format (PDF) or Portable Document Format for Archiving (PDF/ A).
Proposed orders and judgments should be created directly as PDF or PDF/A rather than scanned, although paper exhibits or attachments may be scanned.
Court's wording
PDF or PDF/A proposed orders and judgments should be created directly from the computer, using "save as" PDF or PDF/ A or printing to PDF or PDF/ A, not by printing the proposed order or judgment on paper and then scanning it. Exhibits or attachments to the proposed order or judgment, however, may be scanned from paper documents.
Decision " followed by the style of the case and case number. The face of the envelope must indicate that the contents are exempt from public access in accordance with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure l .820(g)(3
In all proposed orders, the page containing the court's signature must also contain substantive language of the proposed order so that a proposed order does not contain a signature page consisting only of the court's signature. Each page, except for the first page, must contain a page number.
Each page, except for the first page, must contain a page number.
Original exhibits must not be stapled or permanently bound.
Proposed bond orders must use the title format 'Bond Order for Review - [description].'
Court's wording
To ensure proper routing to the clerk's bond department for processing and to avoid delay, proposed orders must be titled: Bond Order for Review - [description] (e.g., Bond Order for Review - Order Setting Aside Bond Forfeiture and Reinstating Bond).
Proposed remission orders must be titled 'Bond Order for Review' followed by a description to ensure proper routing to the clerk's bond department.
Court's wording
To ensure proper routing to the clerk' s bond department for processing and to avoid delay, proposed orders must be titled: Bond Order for Review- [description] (e.g., Bond Order for Review - Order Granting Application for Remission of Forfeiture).
The Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum must use the court’s uniform form available at the stated website.
- Temporary relief hearing memorandum
Formatting
- •Use the uniform Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum available at http://www.fljud l3.org/Forms.aspx.
Court's wording
At least seventy-two hours prior to the scheduled temporary relief hearing, the parties will exchange exhibits and each will file and serve a copy of a Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum using the uniform Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum that may be accessed at http://www.fljud l3.org/Forms.aspx.
Phrasing such as "order granting . . ." or "order denying. . . " is preferred over "order on . .. "
Document Filing Requirements259 rules
If a defendant is entitled to a jury trial but elects to have a non- jury trial, the defendant must personally sign and file with the court a Waiver of Jury Trial form.
- Document
- Waiver of jury trial
Must include
- •Waiver of Jury Trial form
A petitioner must complete and file a Notice of Related Cases form, using Form 12.900(h), when related cases are pending and known or reasonably ascertainable, except in the Domestic Relations I Family Law Divisions.
Court's wording
In accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545( d), petitioners in all Unified Family Court Divisions, except the Domestic Relations I Family Law Divisions, must complete and file a Notice of Related Cases form in conformity with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h) if any related cases are pending and known or reasonably ascertainable.
Petitioners in the Domestic Relations I Family Law Divisions must complete and file a Notice of Related Cases form in conformity with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h) even if there are no related cases.
Contemporaneous with the filing of any post-judgment family law matter, the party filing the matter must file and serve on all parties either (1) a Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, or (2) an Objection to Referral to General Magistrate.
Any objection to a referral, in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.490(b), must be in writing and filed within 10 days of the date of service of the order of referral.
- Document
- Objection to referral
Must include
- •In writing
The general magistrate must submit a recommended order to the court that includes findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.490(e).
The Notice of Collaborative Law Participation Agreement will operate both as an application for stay of the proceeding and as a notice of appearance if either attorney has not previously filed a notice of appearance in the pending action.
The Notice of Collaborative Law Participation Agreement must be a joint notice conforming substantially to Florida Family Law Rules Form 12.985(c) and signed by both collaborative attorneys.
Court's wording
Because the collaborative law process requires each party to be represented by an attorney as set forth in section 61.56(4), Florida Statutes, the Notice of Collaborative Law Participation Agreement will be a joint notice, in substantial conformity with Florida Family Law Rules Form 12.985(c), and must be signed by both individual collaborative attorneys.
the notice must not identify the party serving the notice that the collaborative law process is concluded
Counsel must promptly file a written notice with the court when any specified event concludes the collaborative law process.
Court's wording
When a proceeding in a collaborative matter is pending before a court, counsel must promptly file a written notice with the court, consistent with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.745(b)(2), upon the occurrence of any of the following events concluding the collaborative law process:
An attorney who stops representing a party must promptly notify the court and identify the date the discharge or withdrawal notice was provided to the parties.
Court's wording
The attorney who is no longer representing a party must promptly provide notice to the court, which notice must identify the date that the notice of discharge or withdrawal of the collaborative attorney required by Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.745(b)(2)(D), was provided to the parties;
A motion seeking approval of court-appointed attorney fees above the statutory and General Appropriations Act limits must include the intended billing, supporting affidavits, required commission documentation and objection letter, witness information, a factual and legal complexity description, and the anticipated trial length.
Court's wording
All motions for an order approving payment of court-appointed attorney's fees in excess of the limits prescribed in section 27.5304, Florida Statutes, and the General Appropriations Act must include a copy of the intended billing, together with supporting affidavits and all other necessary documentation that was supplied to the Justice Administrative Commission along with the commission's letter stating its objection. The motion must also specify the number of witnesses interviewed or deposed or both, describe the complexity of the factual and legal issues, and specify the length of trial.
After the 30-day posting period expires, the clerk must file an affidavit confirming that the eligible-cases listing was publicly posted.
Court's wording
Upon expiration of the 30-day posting period described in section 1 of this administrative order, the clerk will file an affidavit stating the listing of civil court records and exhibits eligible for destruction has been publicly posted as required by this administrative order.
The public destruction listing must notify the public that objections to destruction must be filed in writing with the clerk.
Court's wording
The listing must contain notice to the public that any person seeking to object to the destruction of any civil court record or exhibit described in the listing must file such objection with the clerk in writing.
If no objections are filed, the clerk will state in the affidavit that no objections have been filed.
Upon the expiration of the 10-day ===== PAGE 2 ===== posting for the notice of hearing, the clerk will file an affidavit stating the notice of hearing has been publicly posted as described in this section.
A motion to extend a deadline or amend a case management order must include a certification of the good-faith conference and state whether the parties agree on the resolution.
- Document
- Motion to extend deadline or amend case management order
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
The motion must include a statement certifying that the moving party or moving party's counsel has conferred with the opposing party or opposing party's counsel - either in person, by telephone, or by video conferencing device - and stating whether the party or counsel agree on the resolution of the motion.
All motions to set case for trial will contain a certificate by the party or attorney filing such motion that the party or attorney has discussed the subject matter of the motion with all other parties or attorneys and has been unable to reach agreement concerning the setting of the case for trial or that the opposing parties or attorneys have failed to respond.
A party intending to introduce high-potency narcotics must file a notice of intent to proffer the evidence.
Court's wording
If any party intends to introduce high-potency narcotics in any court proceeding, the party intending to introduce the evidence must file a notice of intent to proffer high-potency narcotics at least 5 days prior to the pretrial conference in a trial case and at least 10 days prior to a hearing in a violation of probation case.
Every complaint or statement of claim must state the exact amount claimed or the value of the property involved, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney's fees, or include one of the listed jurisdictional-range statements.
Court's wording
Every complaint or statement of claim will state either the exact total amount claimed or the value of the property involved, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney' s fees OR one of the six following statements: (1) this claim does not exceed $99.99, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney's fees; (2) this claim exceeds $99.99, but does not exceed $500, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney's fees; (3) this claim exceeds $500, but does not exceed $2,500, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney' s fees; (4) this claim exceeds $2,500, but does not exceed $8,000, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney's fees; (5) this claim exceeds $8,000, but does not exceed $15,000, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney's fees; (6) this claim exceeds $15,000, but does not exceed $30,000, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney' s fees; or (7) this claim exceeds $30,000, but does not exceed $50,000, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney's fees.
After the assignment of a case to a division, all subsequent documents filed in the case must contain in the caption of the case the case number and letter of the assigned division.
- Document
- Subsequent case documents
- Placement
- Caption
Must include
- •Case number
Proposed registry-disbursement orders must place the phrase “less clerk fees” immediately after the total requested disbursement amount.
Court's wording
All proposed orders submitted to the court for disbursement from the court registry must contain the phrase "less clerk fees" immediately after the total requested disbursement amount (for example, Total: $12,000, less clerk fees).
After consolidation, each pleading, document or order filed must show in the caption, the style and case number of all of the reassigned cases which have been consolidated.
- Document
- Pleading document or order
- Placement
- Caption
Must include
- •Case number
A motion to compel discovery must certify that the movant attempted in good faith to confer with the person who failed to provide discovery.
- Document
- Discovery motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.380(a)(2) requires that a motion to compel discovery "must include a certification that the movant, in good faith, has conferred or attempted to confer with the person or patty failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure the information or material without court action."
Every notice of hearing will state the length of time reserved on the judge's calendar for the hearing and specify which matters are to be heard.
The movant's attorney must submit to the court a proposed order
Must include
- •Proposed order
All final judgments will state in the title whether it is entered against the plaintiff or defendant. Any final judgment which is not against all plaintiffs or all defendants named in the action will state the name of each party against whom judgment is rendered in the title.
An order must not be submitted to a judge unless the order contains one of the following: (1) a statement of the hearing date during which the subject matter of the
All orders of arrest will contain the following statement:
The objecting attorney or party must submit an alternative proposed order within five days of communicating the objection.
All proposed orders based on a stipulation must be submitted as a separate document apart from the stipulation.
Proposed orders dismissing the petition must be provided to the magistrate's office by the petitioner's attorney.
Any Notice of Voluntary Dismissal must state with specificity the reason for dismissal and whether the petitioner stipulates to paying the costs of the examining committee and the court appointed attorney.
All notices of hearing must state the length of the time reserved on the judge' calendar for the hearing and specify the matters to be heard.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Law enforcement agency attorneys must submit the probable-cause application by email to the County Criminal Division C judicial assistant for filing in the Clerk's Administrative File.
Law enforcement agency attorneys will submit their application via e-mail to the judicial assistant of County Criminal Division "C" who will forward the application to the clerk for assignment of a Clerk's Administrative File number.
Criminal cases
Page 6 | 4. Initial Probable Cause Determination under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act — B. Process
The law enforcement agency attorney must submit the proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal using the assigned Clerk's Administrative File number.
The law enforcement agency attorney will then submit a proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Portal) using the Clerk's Administrative File number.
Criminal cases
Page 6 | 4. Initial Probable Cause Determination under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act — B. Process
Except for Motions for Discharge and Motions for Speedy Trial, an attorney must e-file a motion for hearing simultaneously with a Notice of Hearing after coordinating the hearing time with the opposing attorney or party.
All motions, other than a Motion for Discharge or Motion for Speedy Trial, that are intended to be scheduled for hearing must be e-filed simultaneously with a Notice of Hearing after coordinating the hearing time with the opposing attorney or party.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | 6. Motions — A. Setting Motion for Hearing
Only Motions for Discharge, Motions for Speedy Trial, and Notices of Expiration of Time for Speedy Trial may be submitted without a Notice of Hearing.
Motions for Discharge, Motions for Speedy Trial, and Notices of Expiration of Time for Speedy Trial are the only motions and notices accepted by the clerk without a Notice of Hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | 6. Motions — E. Speedy Trial
If the court has not entered its own order, counsel must prepare and submit through the Portal an Order Setting Case for Trial and Pretrial using the court's firm trial date.
If the court has not, on its own, entered an Order Setting Case for Trial and Pretrial in accordance with section 5.C. of this administrative order, counsel will be directed to prepare and submit to the court through the Portal an Order Setting Case for Trial and Pretrial using the firm trial date established by the court.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Order Setting Case for Trial and Pretrial Conference
If any represented party's attorney is excused from e-mail service, the movant's attorney must submit sufficient stamped and addressed hard copies of the proposed order to the presiding judge.
If any party is represented by an attorney who has been excused from e- mail service by the court under Rule 2.516, the movant's attorney must submit to the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order along with stamped, addressed envelopes.
Civil cases
Page 11 | B. Proposed Order
When all represented parties remain subject to e-mail service, the movant's attorney must submit a proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal unless the presiding judge directs otherwise.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, if all parties are represented by attorneys, none of whom have been excused from e-mail service under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516, the movant' s attorney must submit to the court a proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Portal).
Civil cases
Page 11 | B. Proposed Order
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, the movant's attorney must submit a proposed order through the Portal when all parties are attorney-represented and none has been excused from email service.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, if all parties are represented by attorneys, none of whom have been excused from e-mail service under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516, the movant's attorney must submit to the court a proposed order through the Portal.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 24.C Submission of Proposed Orders and Judgments
If any party has an attorney excused from e-mail service under Rule 2.516, the movant’s attorney must give the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order and stamped, addressed envelopes.
If any party is represented by an attorney who has been excused from e-mail service by the court under Rule 2.516, the movant' s attorney must submit to the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order along with stamped, addressed envelopes.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 24.C Submission of Proposed Orders and Judgments
For a self-represented party or an attorney excused from e-service, the proposed order must be submitted as sufficient hard copies with stamped, addressed envelopes.
If any party is self-represented or represented by an attorney who has been excused from e-mail service under Rule 2.516, the movant or movant's attorney must submit to the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order along with stamped, addressed envelopes.
Page 7 | D. Motions to Compel - Order Without Hearing
When all represented parties remain subject to e-service, the movant’s attorneys must submit the proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in searchable PDF or PDF/A format.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, if all parties are represented by attorneys, none of whom have been excused from e-mail service under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516, the movant's attorneys must submit to the court a proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Po1tal ("Portal") in searchable PDF or PDF/A format.
Page 7 | D. Motions to Compel - Order Without Hearing
When all represented parties remain subject to e-service, the attorney directed to submit a proposed order must use the Portal in searchable PDF or PDF/A format.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, if all parties are represented by attorneys, none of whom have been excused from e-mail service under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516, an attorney who is directed to submit a proposed order must do so through the Portal in searchable PDF or PDF/A format.
Page 8 | 15. Orders C. Submission of Proposed Orders
Attorneys requested to submit proposed orders or judgments must submit them through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal for electronic signature unless the presiding judge directs otherwise.
An attorney who is requested to submit a proposed order or judgment must do so through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal ("Portal") . Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, all proposed orders and judgments must be submitted through the Portal for electronic signature in Portable Document Format (PDF) or Portable Document Format for Archiving (PDF/ A).
Criminal cases
Page 14 | 18.A. Submission of Proposed Orders and Judgments
A plaintiff filing a mandatory Business Court case must complete and electronically file the Business Court cover sheet and addendum with the complaint.
A plaintiff filing a mandatory case must completeand electronicallyfile, along with the complaint, the form entitled "Civil:CoverSheet and Addendumfor Business Court Case" locatedat :http:/Jwww.fljudl3.org/Forms.aspx.
Civil cases
Page 1 | 3.4. Filing
When all parties are represented by attorneys who have not been excused from email service, a requested proposed order must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in searchable PDF or PDF/A unless the presiding judge directs otherwise.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, if all parties are represented by attorneys, none of whom have been excused from e- mail service under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516, an attorney who is requested to submit a proposed order must do so through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Portal) in searchable PDF or PDF/ A.
Page 7 | Submission of Proposed Orders
Unless the judge directs otherwise, attorneys must submit a searchable PDF or PDF/A proposed order through the Portal when all represented parties remain subject to e-mail service.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, if all parties are represented by attorneys, none of whom have been excused from e- mail service under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516, the movant's attorneys must submit to the court a proposed order through the Portal in searchable PDF or PDF/ A format.
Page 9 | D. Motions to Compel - Order Without Hearing
When an interested person is self-represented or an attorney is excused from e-mail service, sufficient hard copies of the proposed order and stamped, addressed envelopes must be submitted to the presiding judge.
If any interested person is self-represented or if any party is represented by an attorney who has been excused from e- mail service under Rule 2.516, the movant or movant's attorney must submit to the presiding judge sufficient hard copies of the proposed order along with stamped, addressed envelopes.
Page 9 | D. Motions to Compel - Order Without Hearing
Attorneys must associate themselves with pending circuit-court appeals in JAWS.
Attorneys appearing in appeals pending in the circuit court are required to associate themselves with the appeal on the Judicial Automated Workflow System (JAWS) so that as motions and briefs are filed and orders are entered all parties are served electronically.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Judicial Automated Workflow System (JAWS)
Briefs must be filed and served under the cited rules, with only an original required and no paper copy.
All briefs must be filed and served according to the provisions of Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9 .210 and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516, except that parties are only required to file an original without a paper copy.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Briefs
After a firm trial date is established, counsel must prepare and submit a Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pretrial through the court Portal.
Once a firm trial date is established, counsel will be directed to prepare and submit to the court through the Portal a Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pretrial.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 9. Order Setting Case for Trial and Pretrial Conference
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, an attorney requested to submit a proposed order or judgment must submit it through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, an attorney who is requested to submit a proposed order or judgment will do so through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal ("Portal").
Criminal cases
Page 9 | C. Submission of Proposed Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
All motions and notices of hearing must be filed by noon on the business day before the hearing.
All motions and notices of hearing must be filed by at least 12:00 p.m. on the business day before the scheduled hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | 6. Motions — B. Deadline
An attorney of record may not withdraw unless a motion to withdraw is filed, heard, and granted at least 30 days before trial.
No attorney of record will be permitted to withdraw unless a motion to withdraw is filed, heard and granted at least 30 days prior to trial.
Criminal cases
Page 11
An objection to referral must be filed within 10 days of service of the order of referral.
Any objection to a referral, in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.490(b), must be in writing and filed within 10 days of the date of service of the order of referral.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Objection to Referral
When an attorney's or self-represented litigant's contact information changes, the filer must promptly submit a separate current-contact form for each associated case.
If an attorney or self-represented litigant experiences a change in mailing address, telephone number, or e-mail address, or any combination of these, the attorney or self-represented litigant must promptly file with the clerk and serve all parties a separate Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address form for each case associated with the attorney or self-represented litigant.
Page 1 | Duty of Attorneys and Self-Represented Litigants
In a criminal trial case, the notice of intent must be filed at least five days before the pretrial conference.
If any party intends to introduce high-potency narcotics in any court proceeding, the party intending to introduce the evidence must file a notice of intent to proffer high-potency narcotics at least 5 days prior to the pretrial conference in a trial case and at least 10 days prior to a hearing in a violation of probation case.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Notice of Intent to Proffer High-Potency Narcotics
If the disbursement amount is not disputed, the motion must confirm that amount and request entry of an order without a hearing unless another party serves a written objection within five days after service.
If the party seeking disbursement does not object to the amount listed in the clerk' s Statement of Available Registry Funds, the motion must confirm the stated amount is the proper amount of disbursement and request the entry of an order, without a hearing, if no other party files and serves a written objection within five days after service of the motion.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 7.B. Motion for Disbursement of Registry Funds
A copy of the notice of hearing must be sent to the judicial assistant within seven days after the hearing time is reserved with the judge's office.
Additionally, a copy of the notice of hearing will be sent to the judge' s judicial assistant within seven days from the date the hearing time is reserved with the judge's office.
Civil cases
Page 10 | 15. Motions — C. Notice of Hearing
A copy of the notice of trial must be sent to the judge's judicial assistant within seven days after the trial time is reserved.
A copy of the notice of trial will be sent to the judge's judicial assistant within seven days from the time the trial time is reserved with the judge' s office.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 18.C. Notice of Trial
A copy of all requested instructions must be submitted to the court at least seven days before trial or by another period the court requires.
A copy of all requested instructions will be submitted to the court at least seven days prior to trial, or such other period as the court may require.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 19. Jury Instructions
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, the person preparing a post-hearing proposed order must consult with the opponent within five days after the decision and make a genuine effort to agree on its language.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, prior to submitting a proposed order for the court' s consideration after a hearing, the counsel or party submitting the proposed order must consult with opposing counsel or the opposing party within five days after the court's decision and make a genuine effort to agree on the language of the proposed order.
Civil cases
Page 13 | 24.A Consultation with Opposing Counsel or Party
All proposed orders and judgments must be submitted by the attorney or party directed to prepare them within ten days after the court's decision.
All proposed orders or judgments must be submitted to the court by the attorney or party directed to prepare the order within ten days after the court's decision.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 24.B Timely Submission
Speedy-trial time limits in criminal and juvenile proceedings are suspended for the stated period.
All time limits involving the speedy trial procedure, in criminal and juvenile court proceedings, are suspended from the close of business on Monday, October 7, 2024, until the close of business on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
In Hillsborough County, court-proceeding time limits are extended for the stated period.
In Hillsborough County all time limits prescribed or allowed by rule of procedure, court order, statutes applicable to court proceedings, or otherwise pertaining to court proceedings are extended from the close of business on Monday, October 7, 2024, until the close of business on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
The attorney or self-represented interested person setting a hearing must notify the judicial assistant and opposing party as soon as possible if the hearing is canceled or rescheduled.
If any hearing i cancelled or re cheduled, the attorney or elf-repre ented interested per on etting the hearing i re ponsible for notifying the judge's judicial assi tant and the oppo ing counsel or oppo ing interested person a oon as possible.
Page 5 | 10. Setting of Hearings — C. Cancellation or Re cheduling
Any document subject to a scheduled hearing or conference must be filed with the clerk at least five days before the matter is considered.
Any petition, pleading, motion, or other document that is the subject of a hearing or a conference set before the court must be filed with the Clerk no later than five days before the matter is to be considered.
Page 6 | 11. Hearings
Emergency-relief applications processed by 4:59 p.m. on a non-holiday weekday are handled by a division judge, and vulnerable-adult protection injunction petitions are classified as emergency-relief applications.
Applications for emergency relief processed by the clerk on or before 4:59 p.m. on a non-holiday weekday will be handled by one of the judges assigned to the Probate, Guardianship, Mental Health & Trust Divisions. All petitions for injunctions for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult are considered applications for emergency relief.
Page 6 | 13. Emergencies
Emergency-relief applications processed on a holiday, weekend, or after 4:59 p.m. on a non-holiday weekday are presented to the duty judge.
All applications for emergency relief processed by the Clerk on a holiday, weekend, or after 4:59 p.m. on a non-holiday weekday will be presented to the duty judge
Page 6 | 13. Emergencies
Before submitting a post-hearing proposed order, submitting counsel must consult opposing counsel or the self-represented party within five days after the decision and genuinely attempt agreement.
Unless the presiding judge directs otherwise, prior to submitting a proposed order for the court's consideration after a hearing, the counsel submitting the proposed order must consult with opposing counsel or self-represented party within five days after the court's decision and make a genuine effort to agree on the language of the proposed order.
Page 8 | 15. Orders A. Consultation with Opposing Counsel or Party
The attorney directed to prepare a proposed order must submit it within ten days after the court’s decision.
All proposed orders must be submitted to the court by the attorney directed to prepare the order within ten days after the court's decision.
Page 8 | 15. Orders B. Timely Submission
Initial reports must be filed within sixty days after the guardianship letters are signed.
Initial reports must be filed within sixty days of the date the letters of guardianship are signed
Page 12 | E. Timeliness
A report may not be filed before the applicable reporting period ends.
Reports must not be filed prior to the end of the applicable reporting period.
Page 12 | E. Timeliness
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A party using case law in support of or opposition to a filed motion must provide an electronic copy of the case law, the notice of hearing, and the motion to the presiding judge's office and opposing counsel or party at least two business days before the hearing.
Any party wishing to use case law for arguing in support of or in opposition to a filed motion must provide an electronic copy of the case law along with a copy of the notice of hearing and motion to the presiding judge's office and to opposing counsel or opposing party at least two business days prior to the motion hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | 6. Motions — C. Case Law
The clerk must email motions filed by self-represented defendants to the presiding judge and judicial assistant.
The clerk will e-mail all motions filed by self-represented defendants to the presidingjudge andjudicial assistant.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | 6. Motions — F. Motions filed by Self-Represented Parties
The petitioner must serve the Notice on all other parties in each related case, the respective presiding division judges, and the Unified Family Court administrative judge.
The petitioner must serve the Notice on: (a) all other parties in each of the related cases; (b) the respective presiding division judges; and (c) the administrative judge of the Unified Family Court.
Page 3 | Unified Family Court Cases
A motion to disqualify the general magistrate or hearing officer must be filed with the clerk and served on the other party and presiding officer, who must promptly bring it to the presiding judge's attention.
If a party files with the clerk and serves on the other party and on the presiding general magistrate or child support enforcement hearing officer a motion to disqualify the general magistrate or hearing officer, the general magistrate or hearing officer must immediately arrange for the motion to be brought to the attention of the presiding judge.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Disqualification of General Magistrate or Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer — Motion for Disqualification
A Notice of Recusal must be served on all parties, filed with the clerk, and brought to the presiding judge's attention.
If a general magistrate or child support enforcement hearing officer determines it is necessary to disqualify himself or herself from a proceeding, the general magistrate or hearing officer will serve a Notice of Recusal on all parties, have the Notice filed with the clerk, and arrange to have the Notice brought to the attention of the presiding judge.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Disqualification of General Magistrate or Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer — Notice of Recusal
The current-contact form must be served on all parties for each associated case.
the attorney or self-represented litigant must promptly file with the clerk and serve all parties a separate Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address form for each case associated with the attorney or self-represented litigant.
Page 1 | Duty of Attorneys and Self-Represented Litigants
A self-represented litigant who elects e-mail service must continue using it unless the presiding judge orders otherwise.
If a self-represented litigant decides to serve and receive documents by e mail, the litigant must continue using e-mail service unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge.
Page 2 | Duty of Attorneys and Self-Represented Litigants
Plaintiffs must serve the DCM Order on the defendants with the summons and complaint, using the same manner and timing as service of the complaint.
Because DCM Orders will be automatically generated upon the filing of the complaint, plaintiffs must serve the DCM Order on the defendant(s) along with the summons and complaint. The service of the DCM Order must be made in the same manner and at the same time as the complaint itself is served.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Service of DCM Order
For county or municipal ordinance violations set for arraignment or hearing, the clerk must serve the notice of the event on the respondent under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516.
When a county ordinance violation or a municipal ordinance violation is set for an arraignment or hearing, the clerk will serve the notice of the event to the respondent in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.516.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Divisions
A motion for disbursement of registry funds must include the clerk’s statement of available funds, be filed, and be served on all parties and the clerk’s legal counsel.
The party must attach a copy of the clerk' s Statement of Available Registry Funds to the motion for disbursement of funds, file and serve the motion on all parties and legal counsel for the clerk.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 7.B. Motion for Disbursement of Registry Funds
Each attorney or entity entitled to electronic service must register its email address in JAWS for each individual case.
The JAWS requires e-mail addresses to be registered on its software for each individual case and for each individual attorney or entity entitled to e-service.
Civil cases
Page 9 | 14. Case Maintenance (Odyssey) and Case Management — B. JAWS
The judge must arrange and approve motion hearings through the judicial assistant, and the hearing must be coordinated with all other parties before the notice of hearing is served.
All motion hearings will be arranged and approved by the judge through the judge' s judicial assistant and be coordinated with all other parties prior to a notice of hearing being served.
Civil cases
Page 10 | 15. Motions — B. Setting Motion for Hearing
A self-represented party must file the motion with the clerk, then email the judicial assistant and copy all associated parties or counsel to request that the motion be set for hearing.
Self-represented parties will file the motion with the clerk and then e-mail the respective judicial assistant at the court's divisional e-mail address accessed via the judicial directory posted on the court' s webpage and copying all associated parties or their counsel on the e-mail in order to have the motion set for hearing.
Civil cases
Page 10 | 15. Motions — B. Setting Motion for Hearing
A post-judgment order of contempt must be personally served on the subject person before any order of arrest is signed.
However, all post-judgment orders of contempt will be served on the subject person personally before any orders of arrest are signed.
Civil cases
Page 15 | 25. Post-Judgment Motions, Orders of Contempt and Orders of Arrest
For notice to a person with a developmental disability, filing proof of service on the person’s counsel may satisfy the notice requirement when counsel has waived notice for the client.
The notice required to a person with a developmental disability who is the subject of a petition filed under Florida Statutes section 393.12 may be satisfied by filing proof of service on counsel for the person with a developmental ilisability and that such counsel has waived notice on behalf of his or her client.
Page 2 | 2. Applicability — A. Guardian Advocacy
Counsel and self-represented interested persons seeking constructive service must complete and file an affidavit of diligent search and inquiry substantially similar to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure Form 1.924.
To obtain constructive service in a guardianship case, all counsel and interested persons (if self-represented) must complete and file an affidavit of diligent search and inquiry substantially similar to the affidavit designated as Florida Rule of Civil Procedure Form 1.924.
Page 4 | 6. Constructive Service - Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry
The filing party must provide a copy of the notice of hearing to the presiding judge's judicial assistant.
The party filing a notice of hearing must provide a copy of the notice to the presiding judge's judicial a sistant.
Page 5 | 10. Setting of Hearings — B. Notice of Hearing
An emergency hearing ordinarily requires at least 48 hours of actual prior notice to an opposing interested person unless all interested persons agree.
Matters scheduled for hearing as an emergency may not be heard with less than forty-eight hours' actual prior notice to an opposing interested person unless all interested persons agree.
Page 6 | 13. Emergencies
When the cover letter and proposed order are submitted, copies must simultaneously be sent to all parties, interested persons, or their counsel.
At the time the cover letter and proposed order are submitted to the court, a copy must simultaneously be sent to all parties and interested persons or their counsel.
Page 8 | 15. Orders C. Submission of Proposed Orders
Sworn law enforcement officers may serve the petition, notice of hearing, and applicable risk protection orders, but must follow the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office’s service and verification procedures.
In accordance with Florida Statutes section 790.401(5), any sworn law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County may effect service of the petition, notice of hearing, and temporary ex parte risk protection order or risk protection order, as applicable. A law enforcement agency effecting service must use service and ===== PAGE 2 ===== verification procedures consistent with those of the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Service
Filing Fees and Waivers
Three consecutive visitation cancellations by the same party without good cause may result in a minimum fine of $20 or another amount set by the assigned judge or general master.
T hree (3) consecutive visitation cancellations by the same party, absent a showing of good cause, as determined by the assigned judge or general master, shall result in the imposition of a fine in the minimum amount of $20.00, or an amount to be determined by the assigned judge or gener al master, upon the canceling party.
Page 1 | VISITATIONS
A party who fails to appear without 24 hours' notice and a good-cause determination may be fined $20 or another amount set by the assigned judge or general master.
The failure to appear for a scheduled visitation, absent twenty-four (24) hours notice to the Children' s Advocacy Center and good cause as determined by the assigned judge or general master, shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of $20.00, or in an amount to be determined by the assigned judge or general master, upon the canceling party.
Page 1 | VISITATIONS
Visitation fees must be paid at the Children's Advocacy Center at intake by cashier's check, money order, or personal check.
Such fees shall be collected at the time of intake at the Children' s Advocacy Center by personnel of the Children' s Advocacy Center in the form of a cashier check, money order or personal check.
Page 1 | VISITATIONS
Before a visitation, a $20 standard fee, or another amount set by the assigned judge or general master, must be paid by one or both parties as that official determines.
Prior to visitation, a standard fee in the amount of $20.00, or as determined by the assigned judge or general master, will be paid by both or one of the parties to the visitation, as determined by the assigned judge or general master.
Page 1 | VISITATIONS
The clerk may accept only the amount specified on the Invoice for Payment, and every payment to the clerk must include that invoice.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court (hereinafter "clerk" ) shall accept payment, on behalf of the Children' s Advocacy Center, of the amount due from the parties; however, the clerk shall accept payment only in the amount specified on the Invoice for Payment. All payments made to the clerk shall be accompanied by the Invoice for Payment.
Page 2 | GENERAL PROVISIONS
The Children's Advocacy Center must generate an Invoice for Payment showing each party's allocated share of visitation or deposition costs.
The Children' s Advocacy Center shall be responsible for generating an Invoice for Payment outlining each party' s portion of the costs of visitation or deposition.
Page 2 | GENERAL PROVISIONS
Counsel for discovery depositions subject to mandatory audio and video recording at the Children's Advocacy Center must pay $60 per case, including an immediate video copy.
Counsel upon whom audio and video taping of discovery depositions are mandatorily imposed at the Children' s Advocacy Center facilities shall be charged a fee of $60.00 per case. This fee will include an immediate copy of the video recording.
Page 2 | DISCOVERY DEPOSITIONS
A person depositing money into the court registry must pay the registry fee in addition to the deposit, but the clerk may deduct an unpaid fee from the deposit.
In accordance with Florida law, the clerk is entitled to be paid a registry fee when the clerk accepts money for deposit into the registry of the court. When a person is required by law or court order to deposit a specified sum of money into the registry of the court, the person making the deposit must pay the amount of the registry fee to the clerk in addition to the amount of the deposit. If the registry fee is not paid at the time of the deposit, the clerk will deduct the amount of the registry fee from the deposit.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 6. Court Registry Fee
A guardianship estate may not be charged a guardian's or attorney's fee for seeking court authorization for a simplified annual accounting.
No guardian or attorney's fees may be charged to a guardianship estate for seeking a court order authorizing the filing of a simplified annual accounting.
Page 12 | G. Simplified Guardianship Reporting Procedures
Audit fees must be paid to the clerk under Florida Statutes sections 744.365 and 744.3678.
Audit fees must be paid to the clerk in accordance with Florida Statutes sections 744.365 and 744.3678.
Page 12 | F. Audit Fees
Applicants for certified process server designation must submit the prescribed application form to the AOC and pay the required fee.
Individuals seeking certified process server designation must submit an application to the AOC on a prescribed form and pay the required fee.
Page 2 | Application
The clerk must enroll an individual unable to pay court-related fees, service charges, costs, or fines in a periodic payment program with payments based on ability to pay.
Any individual seeking to defer payment of court-related fees, service charges, costs, or fines shall be enrolled by the clerk in a payment program, with periodic payment amounts corresponding to the individual’s ability to pay, if the clerk makes an initial determination that such individual is unable to make full payment.
Page 1 | ORDERED
When the clerk cannot make a partial payment determination, the assigned judge must make that determination and order enrollment in the clerk’s periodic payment program.
If the clerk cannot make a partial payment determination, such partial payment ===== PAGE 2 ===== determination will be made by the judge assigned to the division in which the individual’s case is pending or was last heard. Any judge making a partial payment determination shall order the individual to enroll in the clerk’s periodic payment program pursuant to section 28.246, Florida Statutes (2003), as amended by section 21 of chapter 2004-265, Laws of Florida.
Page 2 | ORDERED
Court-ordered mediation fees must be assessed under section 44.108, Florida Statutes, and the statutory fee in section 44.108(2)(a) applies when proof of income is not provided.
Fees for court-ordered mediation conference sessions will be assessed and collected in accordance with section 44.108, Florida Statutes. If proof of income is not provided, the fee will be as provided for in section 44.108(2)(a).
Page 5 | Fees — Mediation Conference Fees
A mediation session will not proceed if owed fees remain unpaid by the scheduled session time.
If payment of any owed fees is not made by the time of the scheduled mediation session, the mediation session will not take place.
Page 5 | Fees — Mediation Conference Fees
A plaintiff owing an additional filing fee must pay it before the judicial sale, or the clerk will cancel the sale.
If any difference between the estimated amount in controversy of the claim and the actual value of the claim causes there to be an additional filing fee owed by the plaintiff under section 28.241 (1) (a) , Florida Statutes, the plaintiff must pay the additional fee prior to the judicial sale. If any additional filing fee owed is not paid prior to the judicial sale, the clerk will cancel the judicial sale.
Civil cases
Page 29 | e. Upon Plaintiffs Failure to Pay Clerk Fees — (1) Additional Filing Fee
The plaintiff must pay the clerk's judicial sale fee by 8:00 a.m. on the scheduled sale day, or the clerk will cancel the sale.
If the plaintiff fails to pay the clerk's judicial sale fee in accordance with sections 45.035(1) and 45.035(3), Florida Statutes, no later than 8:00 a.m. on the day of the schedule sale, the clerk will cancel the judicial sale.
Civil cases
Page 29 | e. Upon Plaintiffs Failure to Pay Clerk Fees — (2) Judicial Sales Fee
Setting aside a final forfeiture judgment requires payment of applicable statutory assessments and costs to the state, sheriff, and clerk.
The setting aside of any Final Judgment of Forfeiture will be subject to the payment of costs which may include any state and local assessments authorized by Florida Statutes sections 938.01(1) and 943.25 and any costs to the state, sheriff, and clerk in accordance with chapter 903.
Criminal cases
Page 17 | Surrender or Recommitment
A mediation conference will not proceed if an owed fee remains unpaid by the scheduled conference time.
If payment of any fee owed is not made by the time of the scheduled mediation conference, the mediation conference will not take place.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Fees
Fees for court-ordered mediation must be assessed and collected under section 44.108 of the Florida Statutes.
Fees for court-ordered mediations will be assessed and collected in accordance with section 44.108, Florida Statutes.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Fees
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of all case law, statutes, and other authority relied upon at a hearing must be provided to the judge at the hearing.
Courtesy copies of any case law, statutes, or other authority relied upon for the hearing must be provided to the judge at the hearing.
Page 6 | 11. Hearings
Courtesy copies of all case law, statutes, or other authority relied upon at a hearing must be provided to the judge at the hearing.
Courtesy copies of any case law, statutes, or other authority relied upon for the hearing must be provided to the judge at the hearing.
Page 5 | Hearings
Immediately after filing an extraordinary writ petition, the petitioner must provide one copy to the assigned judge by hand delivery, mail, or email.
In addition to filing with the clerk through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Portal) , the petitioner must immediately hand deliver, mail or e-mail a copy of the extraordinary writ petition to the judge of the assigned division.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Extraordinary Writ Petitions
The party filing any subsequent written submission must immediately provide one courtesy copy to the assigned judge by hand delivery or mail.
A courtesy copy of all subsequent written submissions must be immediately hand delivered or mailed to the judge of the assigned division by the party filing the original subsequent written submission with the clerk.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Extraordinary Writ Petitions
The moving party must mail or hand deliver (no e-mail) to the judicial assistant a courtesy copy of the notice of hearing and motion(s), response(s), and any other documentation to be considered by the court. These documents must be received at least three business days prior to the hearing unless otherwise directed by the court.
The moving party must mail or hand deliver (no e-mail) to the judicial assistant a courtesy copy of the notice of hearing and motion(s), response(s), and any other documentation to be considered by the court. These documents must be received at least three business days prior to the hearing unless otherwise directed by the court.
Civil cases
Page 11 | v. Courtesy Copy of Documents Delivered to the Court
Sufficient copies of all financial affidavits and other exhibits must be brought to the hearing or trial for use by the court and parties.
Sufficient copies of all financial affidavits and other exhibits must be brought to the hearing or trial for use by the court and parties.
Page 9 | 10.B. Financial Affidavits
When a guardian ad litem report is required based on the settlement amount, one courtesy copy must be provided to the court at least 48 hours before the hearing.
If a guardian ad litem report is required based on the amount of the settlement, a courtesy copy must be provided to the court at least forty-eight hours prior to the hearing.
Page 10 | 18. Approval of Settlement of Minor and Incompetent Claims
Counsel and self-represented moving parties must check the individual judge's webpage to determine whether an advance courtesy copy of the motion is required for the scheduled hearing.
Counsel or a self-represented moving party must review each individual judge's webpage to determine whether the division judge requires a courtesy copy of the motion to be delivered to the judge in advance of a scheduled hearing.
Page 11 | 13.A. Generally
A courtesy copy of every pleading and other document should be brought to the court for the court's and opposing party's use.
A courtesy copy of all pleadings and other documents should be brought to the court for use by the court and the opposing party.
Page 9 | 10.A. Pleadings
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
If sealing any portion of the application or sworn affidavit is requested, the agency must email a separate Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records to the County Criminal Division C judicial assistant simultaneously with the application.
If the law enforcement agency wishes the court to seal any portion of the application or sworn affidavit, it must e-mail to the judicial assistant of County Criminal Division "C" a separate Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records simultaneously with the application.
Criminal cases
Page 6 | 4. Initial Probable Cause Determination under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act — C. Confidentiality
A party may not file documents under seal without first obtaining a court order authorizing sealing based on a particularized showing of need under Florida law.
A party-must not file documentsunder seal withouthaving first obtained an order granting leave·of court to file documentsunderseal based upon a showing of particularizedneed·in accordance with Floridalaw.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 3.19. Confidentiality Agreements
The arbitrators' decision must be filed under seal so that it is not disclosed to the presiding judge.
Arbitrators are required to file their decision under seal so that the decision is not made known to the presiding judge.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Arbitration Decision
The arbitration decision remains under seal if a timely request for trial de novo is filed.
If a request for trial de novo is timely filed , the clerk will continue to maintain the arbitrators' decision under seal.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Arbitration Decision
The court file must be sealed unless the court orders otherwise.
As provided by Rule 8 .835(b), the court file must be sealed unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Page 3 | 7. Confidentiality
Attached documentation must be redacted as applicable, including removal of banking or credit card account numbers from proof of payment.
Any attached documentation must be redacted as applicable (e.g., removal of banking or credit card account numbers on proof of payment).
Criminal cases
Page 3 | 4. Motions and Applications for Relief
Confidential patient treatment records generally may not be filed in the court file.
Patient treatment records are deemed confidential as provided by Florida law and generally must not be filed in the court file.
Criminal cases
Page 9 | 10. Confidential Records
The court may seal portions of the court file concerning contingent-fee approval or authorization of a fee division exceeding 25%.
The court may seal any portion of the court file pertaining to the request for approval of a fee contract or for authorization for a fee division in excess of 25%.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDERED
Filing Bundling Requirements
When an order or final judgment requires alimony or child support by income withholding, the income withholding order must be submitted at the same time.
If an order or final judgment provides for payment of alimony or child support by income withholding order, the income withholding order must be submitted contemporaneously with the order or final judgment.
Page 20 | G. Income Withholding Order
Multiple exhibits may be submitted together when each has a cover sheet and the single submission is no larger than 50 megabytes.
Parties may file multiple exhibits in one electronic submission as long as each exhibit includes a cover sheet and the single submission does not exceed 50 megabytes.
Civil cases
Page 20 | 16. Exhibits, C. Electronically-Stored Exhibits, i. Submission
Parties relying on local ordinances, regulations, or policies are encouraged to provide copies electronically as a brief appendix or by hard copy.
Parties and counsel are encouraged to provide the court with copies of ordinances, regulations, and policies when relying on such local authority. These authorities may be provided electronically as an appendix to the brief or by hard copy.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Briefs
Cross-noticing or piggy-backing motions onto hearing time is prohibited unless the docket can accommodate the additional matters, the original scheduling party agrees after being contacted, or the court has already approved the addition.
There will be no cross-noticing or "piggy-backing'' of motions on hearing time unless the opposing counsel or opposing party contacts the judge's office and determines if the docket will accommodate hearing additional matters at the same time. Cross-noticing or piggy- backing is also not permitted unless the original scheduling party has been contacted and has agreed to the add-on or the court has already approved.
Civil cases
Page 12 | E. No Cross-Noticing or "Piggy-Backing"
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a motion to extend a deadline or amend a case management order, the moving party or counsel must confer in good faith with the opposing party or counsel.
Prior to the filing of any motion to extend a deadline or amend a case management order, the party or counsel must confer with the opposing party or opposing counsel in a good faith effort to resolve the issue(s) raised by the motion.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Modification of Deadlines
Before filing a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, counsel must give written notice, identify the alleged reasons, and stipulate to an amended complaint if requested.
Prior-to filtng a motion to dismiss-for failure to state a cause of action, counsel must notify opposingcounsel in writing ofthe intention to file a motion to dismissand must identify the reason(s) counsel will allege that the complaint fails to state a c~use of action.If requested, counsel will stipulate to the filii1$.of an amendedcomplaint.in lieu of filing the motion.
Civil cases
Page 2 | 3.7. Motions - Certificate of Good Faith Conference
Before filing any motion, the moving party must confer in person or by telephone with opposing counsel in a good-faith effort to resolve the motion's issues, subject to the stated exceptions.
Before filing any motion, the r;novingparty must cop.ferin person or telephonicallywith counselfor the opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised by the motion and must file with the motion a statement certifyingthat the movingparty has conferred with opposing counsel and that counsel have been unable to agree on the resolution of the motion._Coun·sel must respond promptly to efforts by opposingcounselwho Wishto confer to resolve motions prior their filing;
Civil cases
Page 2 | 3.7. Motions - Certificate of Good Faith Conference
Before an emergency matter may be set and heard, the petitioner must obtain leave of court and attempt to obtain consent from the clerk's legal counsel and, when appropriate, the state.
Emergency matters may be set and heard provided that: (I) leave of court is first obtained, (2) the petitioner attempts to speak with the clerk's legal counsel, and the state when appropriate, to obtain their consent to the relief sought or the setting of the emergency hearing
Criminal cases
Page 4 | 8. Emergency Matters
Opposing counsel must respond promptly to efforts to confer and resolve a motion before it is filed.
Coun·sel must respond promptly to efforts by opposingcounselwho Wishto confer to resolve motions prior their filing;
Civil cases
Page 2 | 3.7. Motions - Certificate of Good Faith Conference
Before filing a nonexempt motion, the moving party or counsel should confer with the opposing party or counsel in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised.
Except for a motion (i) for injunctive relief; (ii) for judgment on the pleadings; (iii) for summary judgment; (iv) to dismiss or to permit maintenance of a class action; (v) to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted; or (vi) to involuntarily dismiss an action, before the moving party or moving party's counsel files any other motion, the party or counsel should confer with the opposing party or opposing counsel in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised by the motion.
Civil cases
Page 7 | 11.A. Conference prior to Filing Motion
Counsel are encouraged to consult opposing counsel about the hearing date and time before filing a motion and scheduling a hearing.
Prior to filing any motion and scheduling a hearing, counsel should consult with opposing counsel as to the date and the time required for such hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | 6. Petitions and Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance requested after the pretrial conference is governed by Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.190(f) and requires a written motion and court order.
Any continuance granted after the pretrial conference will be governed by Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.190(f) and will be granted only upon written motion and order.
Criminal cases
Page 9 | 8. Jury Pretrial Conference — F. Continuance
A self-represented party seeking a continuance must file a good-faith application stating the justification.
Self-represented parties seeking a continuance of a scheduled trial or hearing will file a good faith application stating the justification for a continuance.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 21. Continuances
An attorney seeking a continuance must make a good-faith application stating justification and arrange an immediate hearing unless all parties agree and the court approves the continuance.
Attorneys seeking a continuance of a scheduled trial or hearing will make a good faith application stating the justification for a continuance and will arrange to have the request heard immediately upon learning that a continuance is needed, unless all parties have agreed to the continuance and secured the approval of the court.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 21. Continuances
A motion for extension of time must be filed within the applicable report deadline when a report cannot be timely filed.
If the reports cannot be filed in the time required by law, a motion for extension of time must be filed within the respective time period.
Page 12 | E. Timeliness
A trial, hearing, or other proceeding may not be continued based solely on counsel's stipulation.
No trial, hearing, or other proceeding will be continued upon stipulation of counsel alone.
Criminal cases
Page 17 | B. No Continuances Based Solely on Stipulations
A continuance based on an unserved witness will not be granted without good cause unless service was attempted at least five working days before the subpoena's return date.
Except for good cause shown, no continuance will be granted because a witness has not been served with a subpoena, unless the moving party has attempted service at least five working days before the return date.
Criminal cases
Page 17 | D. Failure to Complete Discovery
Counsel seeking a continuance must file a uniform continuance motion and notice of hearing and appear for the motion hearing.
Counsel seeking a continuance must file a uniform motion for continuance and notice of hearing and must be present for hearing on the motion.
Criminal cases
Page 17 | Continuances
Failure to complete discovery supports a continuance only if raised at least five working days before the scheduled trial or hearing and was not caused by lack of diligence.
Failure to complete discovery will not constitute cause for a continuance unless such failure is brought to the attention of the court at least five working days in advance of any scheduled trial or hearing date and is not the result of lack of diligence in pursuing such discovery.
Criminal cases
Page 17 | D. Failure to Complete Discovery
A motion to extend the discovery period must be filed before the discovery period expires, must show good cause, and will be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Motions seeking im exten$j()n- of.the discoveryperiod must be presentedprior to the expiration of the time within which discoveryis required to be completed.S.uch motions must-set forth good causejustifying the additionaltime or additional disc(}yeryand will only be granted upon a showing of goodcause.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 3.18. Discovery-Extension of Time or Request for Additional Discovery
A hearing may be canceled only with every party's consent, court approval, and notice to the clerk.
No hearing may be canceled without the consent of all parties, approval of the court, and notice to the clerk.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 14. Cancellation of Hearings
Every continuance motion must explain its effect on the progress of the case.
All motions for continuance will explain what effect the motion will have on the progress of the case.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 15. Continuances
Failure to complete discovery will not constitute cause for a continuance unless such failure is brought to the attention of the comt at least five working days in advance of any
Failure to complete discovery will not constitute cause for a continuance unless such failure is brought to the attention of the comt at least five working days in advance of any
Civil cases
Page 8 | 15. Continuances
A hearing or proceeding may not be continued solely by counsel's stipulation.
No hearing or other proceeding will be continued upon stipulation of counsel alone.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 15. Continuances
Counsel seeking a continuance must file the appropriate motion and notice of hearing and appear at the motion hearing.
Counsel seeking a continuance will file an appropriate motion and notice of hearing and will be present for hearing on the motion.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 15. Continuances
Every motion to continue a hearing must be filed and heard before the scheduled hearing date.
All motions for continuance of a hearing will be filed and heard prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 15. Continuances
A continuance will not be granted for an unserved witness absent good cause unless the moving party attempted service at least five working days before the return date.
Except for good cause shown, no continuance will be granted because a witness has not been served with a subpoena, unless the moving party has attempted service at least five working days before the return date.
Civil cases
Page 9
After a case is set for trial, only the assigned judge or hearing officer may grant a continuance, and only upon a written motion showing good cause.
A continuance after a case is set for trial may be granted only by the judge or hearing officer to whom the case is assigned and only upon good cause being shown upon written motion.
Page 3 | 6. Continuances
The parties or counsel must give the Program at least 48 hours' notice of a mediation rescheduling, with weekends and court holidays excluded from the notice period.
The parties or their counsel must notify the Program of any rescheduling no later than 48 hours, excluding weekends and court holidays, before the scheduled mediation conference.
Page 5 | Rescheduling or Cancellation Prior to Mediation
Petitioner or petitioner's counsel must notify the Program in writing of a settlement- or dismissal-based mediation cancellation occurring more than 48 hours before the conference.
Petitioner, or if petitioner is represented by counsel, petitioner's counsel, must notify the Program in writing if the mediation must be cancelled because a settlement has been reached or the case has been dismissed more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled conference.
Page 5 | Rescheduling or Cancellation Prior to Mediation
A continuance cannot be granted solely on counsel's stipulation, and failure to complete discovery qualifies only if raised at least five working days before the hearing and was not caused by lack of diligence.
No hearing or other proceeding will be continued upon stipulation of counsel alone. Failure to complete discovery will not constitute cause for a continuance unless such failure is brought to the attention of the court at least five working days in advance of any scheduled hearing date and the failure is not the result of lack of diligence in pursuing discovery.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | 9. Continuances
Chambers Communication Rules
An objection submitted by email must be sent to the judge's office immediately, with the opposing attorney or party copied.
Any attorney or party who objects to the entry of a proposed order which has been submitted to the presiding judge must immediately notify the judge' s office via telephone or e-mail. If the objection notification is made by e-mail, the opposing attorney or party must be copied on the e-mail message.
Civil cases
Page 15 | F. Objections
An attorney or party objecting to a submitted proposed order must immediately notify the judge's office by telephone or email.
Any attorney or party who objects to the entry of a proposed order which has been submitted to the presiding judge must immediately notify the judge' s office via telephone or e-mail.
Civil cases
Page 15 | F. Objections
An attorney or party objecting to a submitted proposed order must immediately notify the judge's office by telephone or email.
Any attorney or party who objects to the entry of a proposed order which has been submitted to the presiding judge must immediately notify the judge's office via telephone or e-mail.
Criminal cases
Page 15 | D. Objections
When an objection is sent by email, the opposing attorney or party must be copied on the message.
If the objection notification is made by e-mail, the opposing attorney or party must be copied on the e-mail message.
Criminal cases
Page 15 | D. Objections
If the assigned judge or judicial assistant cannot be reached immediately, the clerk must contact the duty judge handling the matter.
If the judicial assistant or assigned judge cannot be immediately contacted, the clerk will contact the duty judge who will handle the matter.
Page 2 | Clerk to Contact Assigned Judge
The clerk must immediately contact the assigned judge by telephone or another communication method through the judge's judicial assistant.
The clerk will immediately contact the assigned judge by telephoning or otherwise communicating with the assigned judge's judicial assistant.
Page 2 | Clerk to Contact Assigned Judge
The person setting a hearing must promptly notify the judge's judicial assistant and the opposing party of any cancellation or rescheduling, and attorneys must also cancel a JAWS hearing through JAWS.
If any hearing is cancelled or rescheduled, the attorney or self-represented interested person setting the hearing is responsible for notifying the judge's judicial assistant and the opposing counsel or opposing interested person as soon as possible of the cancellation. Attorneys must also cancel the hearing through JAWS if the hearing was scheduled on JAWS.
Page 5 | Cancellation or Rescheduling
An emergency matter generally requires at least 48 hours of actual prior notice to an opposing interested person unless all interested persons agree to shorter notice.
Matters scheduled for hearing as an emergency may not be heard with less than 48 hours' actual prior notice to an opposing interested person unless all interested persons agree.
Page 6 | Emergencies — General
An attorney or party objecting to entry of a submitted proposed order must immediately notify the judge's office by telephone or email.
Any attorney or party who objects to the entry of a proposed order which has been submitted to the presiding judge must immediately notify the judge's office via telephone or e-mail.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | F. Objections
When an objection is sent by email, the opposing attorney or party must be copied on the message.
If the objection notification is made by e-mail, the opposing attorney or party must be copied on the e-mail message.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | F. Objections
The presiding judge must notify Jury Services of the requested jury-panel size at least eight weeks before jury selection.
However, the presiding judge must notify Jury Services of the size of the requested jury panel no less than eight weeks prior to jury selection.
Page 3 | 6. Jury Panel Sizes
A hearing canceled within 24 hours must be reported to the judicial assistant by email with a copy of the Notice of Cancellation.
If cancelling a hearing within 24 hours of the scheduled hearing, it is imperative to notify the judicial assistant by e-mailing a copy of the Notice of Cancellation.
Civil cases
Page 12 | F. Cancellation, i. Cancelling within 24 Hours of the Hearing
A party or counsel must email documentation of settlement to the judicial assistant so the case can be removed from the trial or pretrial conference docket.
If the case has settled, one of the parties or counsel must contact the judicial assistant by e-mail with documentation so that the case can be removed from the trial or pretrial conference docket.
Civil cases
Page 19 | G. Settlement Notification
After filing an emergency motion, the moving party must email the judicial assistant with specified case and hearing information.
After the motion is filed, the moving party must e-mail the judicial assistant, advising of the filing of the emergency motion. The e-mail must include the style of the case, case number, title of the motion, the date it was filed and the length of time requested for a hearing.
Civil cases
Page 23 | B. Emergency Matters in an Assigned Case
An unsigned proposed order must be emailed to the clerk's legal department for review before the petitioner submits it to the court for signature.
Unsigned proposed orders must be emailed to the clerk's legal department at legalbai lbonds@hi llsclerk. com for review prior to petitioner' s submission of the order to the court for signature.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | 9. Orders
An unsigned proposed order seeking exoneration relief must be emailed to the clerk's legal department for review before submission to the court for signature.
Unsigned proposed orders seeking relief under Florida Statutes sections 903.21 (1 ), (2), or (3) must be emailed to the clerk's legal department at legalba ilbonds@hillsclerk.com for review prior to the petitioner's submission of the order to the court for signature and will be handled in the same manner set forth in section nine of this administrative order.
Criminal cases
Page 6 | 14. Surrender Prior to Forfeiture Exoneration Under Florida Statutes Section 903.21
Unsigned proposed orders for recalling the capias, setting aside forfeiture, and reinstating the bond must be emailed to the clerk's legal department for review before submission to the court for signature.
Unsigned proposed orders seeking to recall the capias, set aside the forfeiture and reinstate the bond must be emailed to the clerk' s legal department at legalbail bonds@hillsclerk.com for review prior to the petitioner' s submission of the order to the court for signature and will be handled in the same manner set forth in section nine of this administrative order.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | A. Defendant's Motion to Recall Capias, Set Aside Forfeiture and Reinstate Bond on Procedural or Due Process Grounds
Unsigned proposed bond orders must be emailed to the clerk's legal department for review before submission to the court for signature.
Unsigned proposed orders seeking to recall the capias, set aside the forfeiture and reinstate the bond must be emailed to the clerk's legal department at legalbailbonds@hillsclerk.com for review prior to the petitioner' s submission of the order to the court for signature
Criminal cases
Page 9 | B. Defendant's Motion to Recall Capias, Set Aside Forfeiture and Reinstate Bond on Non-Procedural or Non-Due Process Grounds
An unsigned proposed order seeking relief under sections 903.26(5)(a) or (b) must be emailed to the clerk's legal department for review before submission to the court for signature.
Unsigned proposed orders seeking relief under Florida Statutes sections 903.26(5)(a) or (b) must be emailed to the clerk' s legal department at legalbailbonds@hillsclerk. com for review prior to the petitioner' s submission of the order to the court for signature and will be handled in the same manner set forth in section nine of this administrative order.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | Bond Matters
An unsigned proposed order seeking relief under section 903.26(5)(c) must be emailed to the clerk's legal department for review before submission to the court for signature.
Unsigned proposed orders seeking relief under section Florida Statutes section 903.26(5)( c) must be emailed to the clerk's legal department at legalbailbonds@hillsclerk.co m for review prior to the petitioner' s submission of the order to the court for signature and will be handled in the same manner set forth in section nine of this administrative order.
Criminal cases
Page 12 | 17. Bond Forfeiture Discharge - Court Discharge Under Florida Statutes Section 903.26(5)(c)