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Court Rules
Judge Lauren L. Brodie
Judge

Judge Lauren L. Brodie

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Brief
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Order

Pro Se filings

Recommended Order Exception

Notice of Compliance

Court-wide
  • Immediately Upon Filing
Filters:

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Memoranda or briefs considered for any hearing may not exceed ten pages and must satisfy the specified paper, lettering, and spacing requirements.

Brief
Up to 10 pages
Applies to
  • Memorandum

Court's wording

Memoranda or briefs to be considered by the Court for any hearing shall be limited to ten (10) pages in length on 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper, and shall also comply with the lettering and spacing requirements of Rule. 9.210(9)(2), Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Document Format Requirements10 rules

FormattingMandatory

Please have your pleadings either clipped together or spiral bound for the Court’s review.

Applies to
  • Pleadings

Formatting

  • Clip the pleadings together or use spiral binding
FrequentlyAskedQuestions · Feb 2025 · p. 2
|SectionFrequently Asked Questions
FormattingMandatory

No. Please do not submit binders.

Applies to
  • Pleadings

Formatting

  • Do not submit binders
FrequentlyAskedQuestions · Feb 2025 · p. 2
|SectionFrequently Asked Questions
FormattingMandatory

Must be submitted in Word Format, font size 12, Times New Roman.

File type
Word
Font
Times New Roman
Font size
12 points
Fl Twentieth:43530e10996279af410cdb1a · Jan 2025
|SectionIMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
FormattingMandatory

On the first day of the trial, the attorney for each party shall submit to the Court both an electronic version in Microsoft Word and a typed copy of the proposed jury instructions and verdict form(s).

Applies to
  • Jury instructions
  • Verdict forms

Formatting

  • Electronic version in Microsoft Word
  • Typed copy
BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 2
|SectionJury Instructions and Verdict Forms
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

Please forward proposed orders and judgments to the Judge’s Judicial Assistant AFTER the court proceeding, NOT before it. Please forward them through the e-portal in WORD format.

File type
Word
Applies to
  • Proposed order
JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 6
|SectionDOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE JUDGE REGARDING MOTIONS
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

Memoranda or briefs to be considered by the Court for any hearing shall be limited to ten (10) pages in length on 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper, and shall also comply with the lettering and spacing requirements of Rule. 9.210(9)(2), Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Paper size
Letter
Applies to
  • Memorandum
  • Brief
FormattingImportant

Do not include headnotes, footnotes or weird inserts like text boxes or pictures in your proposed orders.

Fl Twentieth:43530e10996279af410cdb1a · Jan 2025
|SectionIMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
FormattingImportant

Exhibits to be introduced which are larger than 8 1/2 x 11" may be used at trial, but if practicable, same shall be reduced to 8 1/2 x 11", and the reduced size copy shall be the exhibit retained by the Clerk in the court file. The oversized exhibits, if reduced, shall be returned to counsel at the close of the trial.

Paper size
Letter
Applies to
  • Exhibits
BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 3
|SectionPhotographs, Documents and Exhibits
FormattingImportant

All exhibits shall be pre-marked using numbers for Plaintiff’s Exhibits and Letters for Defendant’s Exhibits.

BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 3
|SectionPhotographs, Documents and Exhibits
FormattingImportant

To avoid the loss and disintegration of component parts of pages, all composite exhibits shall be satisfactorily marked and/or bound before presentation to the Court.

BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 3
|SectionPhotographs, Documents and Exhibits

Document Filing Requirements41 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryPro se cases

ANY MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE COURT REQUIRES THE FILING OF A WRITTEN MOTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH THE CLERK.

brodie proseprocedures · p. 1
|SectionPROCEDURES FOR PRO SE PARTIES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Please review Judge Brodie's Zoom Instructions and include the Meeting ID and Passcode in your Notice of Hearing.

Fl Twentieth:43530e10996279af410cdb1a · Jan 2025
|SectionPolicies and Procedures- Effective 1/2/25
Filing RequirementsMandatory

For all Petitions to Approve Attorney’s Fees and Costs in excess of $3000.00, please set them for an evidentiary hearing before the General Magistrate and submit an Order of Referral to the General Magistrate through the portal for Judge Brodie’s signature.

Fl Twentieth:43530e10996279af410cdb1a · Jan 2025
|SectionIMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A proposed order's cover letter must state whether all counsel reviewed it, whether they object to its form, and whether competing orders are being submitted.

Court's wording

When submitting proposed Orders for the Court’s consideration, a cover letter must be submitted. The cover letter must indicate that all counsel have reviewed the proposed submission and whether or not they have an objection to the form of the order and also indicate if there are competing orders being submitted.

Fl Twentieth:43530e10996279af410cdb1a · Jan 2025
|SectionIMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Must have the case number.

Must include

  • Case number
Fl Twentieth:43530e10996279af410cdb1a · Jan 2025
|SectionIMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Must include date of hearing if the Order is the result of a hearing.

Fl Twentieth:43530e10996279af410cdb1a · Jan 2025
|SectionIMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the motion is not stipulated, a party seeking to cancel a foreclosure sale shall file and serve on all parties a motion as contained in Form 1.996(b) of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

brodie cancellingsalerules · p. 1
|SectionProcedures to Cancel Foreclosure Sales
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Counsel and pro se parties must identify their intended trial witnesses from the approved Case Management Plan, if any, and concisely state the facts each witness will address.

Court's wording

Counsel and all pro-se parties shall list all witnesses they actually intend to call at trial from the approved Case Management Plan, if any, including a concise statement of the facts about which the witness will testify, by the ____ day of ________________, 20__, and will be limited thereby except for good cause.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Unless specifically directed by the Court to be filed at an earlier date, jury instructions and verdict forms shall be submitted at the beginning of the trial.

BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 2
|SectionJury Instructions and Verdict Forms
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The submitted instructions and verdict forms shall include any of the Florida Standard Jury Instructions and verdict forms with appropriate adaptations for the specifics of the case.

BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 2
|SectionJury Instructions and Verdict Forms
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The requesting party must provide the court a clean copy of the jury instructions without citations to authority before the case is submitted to jurors.

Court's wording

request that the Court provide a set of written jury instructions for the jury's consideration, pursuant to Rule 1.470(b), shall be responsible for providing a clean copy (i.e., without citations to authority) of the jury instructions and verdict form(s) to the Court for this purpose prior to the submission of the case to the jurors.

BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 3
|SectionJury Instructions and Verdict Forms
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Every notice of hearing must state the date and time, whether the hearing is evidentiary, the motion title, docket line number, filing date, and reserved hearing time.

Court's wording

All Notices of Hearing shall reflect the following in addition to the date and time of the Motion: • If the hearing is to be evidentiary, this MUST be reflected in the Notice of Hearing. • The title of the motion or motions to be addressed at the hearing along with their docket line number AND the date that they were filed. • The amount of time reserved for the hearing.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 4
|SectionSCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Such Motions must be submitted in writing and must be reviewed by the Judge before they may be scheduled for hearing. Such Motions should be filed with the Clerks’ Office.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 5
|SectionSPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A motion to compel discovery submitted without a hearing must state the nature and deadlines of the discovery, the complete failure to respond or object without requesting an extension, and compliance with the conferral requirement of Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.380(a)(2).

Court's wording

The Motion must include the following: - The nature of the discovery and the date upon which the discovery was propounded and due; - That there has been a complete failure to respond or object to discovery, and the non- moving party has failed to request an extension of time to respond to discovery; and - That the moving party has otherwise complied with Fla.R.Civ.P.1.380(a)(2), certifying that he/she has conferred, or attempted to confer, with the person or party failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure the information or material without court action.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 5
|SectionSPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the Motion is not stipulated, a party seeking to cancel a foreclosure sale shall file and serve on all parties a Motion as contained in Form 1.996(b) of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 5
|SectionSPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

You may not cancel a cross-noticed motion hearing without written consent of the parties/counsel.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 6
|SectionCANCELLATIONS OF MOTION HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Please forward all exhibits to the Judge’s Judicial Assistant via email 5 days prior to your court proceeding. All exhibits must be marked with an exhibit number or letter and you must provide an index. You must also provide paper copies to the Clerk’s Office 5 days prior to the court proceeding.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 6
|SectionEXHIBITS TO BE USED IN ZOOM HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If a hearing has been cross- noticed by self-represented parties or counsel, then they must agree to the cancellation of the subject hearing and file a Notice of Cancellation of Cross-Notice of Hearing.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 6
|SectionCANCELLATIONS OF MOTION HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If you cancel a hearing, you are required to file a Notice of Cancellation.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 6
|SectionCANCELLATIONS OF MOTION HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A Pre-Trial Conference Order must be submitted to the Court prior to the Pre-Trial Conference Date.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

All exhibits must be pre-marked for identification and shall include an index listing all proposed exhibits with the exhibit numbers or letters.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All factual allegations must be sworn to by the movant.

brodie emergencyhrg · p. 1
|SectionEMERGENCY HEARING PROCEDURE (JUDGE BRODIE)
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If you are asking for exparte relief, you must comply with Rule 1.610.

brodie emergencyhrg · p. 1
|SectionEMERGENCY HEARING PROCEDURE (JUDGE BRODIE)
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The relief requested should be limited to that required to address the emergency, indicating how much time is needed for the Court to hear the emergency matters, recognizing that the hearing time will be divided equally among the parties.

brodie emergencyhrg · p. 1
|SectionEMERGENCY HEARING PROCEDURE (JUDGE BRODIE)
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

An emergency-hearing motion must have the word “emergency” in its title.

Court's wording

Once you have filed your motion with the Clerk of Court (the title of the motion must contain the language “emergency”), the Clerk’s office will e-mail same to the judicial assistant who, in turn, will provide the judge with a copy for his/her review/determination.

brodie emergencyhrg · p. 1
|SectionEMERGENCY HEARING PROCEDURE (JUDGE BRODIE)
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The motion must state under oath the facts which the party believes constitutes the “emergency”, meaning the reasons the matter should be considered on an expedited basis rather than being scheduled in due course.

brodie emergencyhrg · p. 1
|SectionEMERGENCY HEARING PROCEDURE (JUDGE BRODIE)
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

DATE __________ SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY FOR PREVAILING PARTY __________

Placement
Signature block
Brodie FinalDispoForm1998 · p. 1
|SectionDATE AND ATTORNEY SIGNATURE
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

This form shall be filed by the prevailing party for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of reporting judicial workload data pursuant to Florida Statutes section 25.075.

Brodie FinalDispoForm1998 · p. 1
|SectionFORM 1.998. FINAL DISPOSITION FORM
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

an ex parte order compelling discovery may be entered only when the motion to compel alleges a complete failure to respond or object to discovery, and there has been no request for extension of time

brodie compeldiscovery · p. 1
|SectionIN RE: EX PARTE MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY IN CIVIL ACTIONS.
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The nature of the discovery and that date upon which the discovery was propounded and due;

brodie compeldiscovery · p. 1
|SectionIN RE: EX PARTE MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY IN CIVIL ACTIONS.
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

That there has been a complete failure to respond or object to discovery, and the non-moving party has failed to request an extension of time to respond to discovery; and

brodie compeldiscovery · p. 1
|SectionIN RE: EX PARTE MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY IN CIVIL ACTIONS.
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

That the moving party has otherwise complied with Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.380(a)(2), certifying that he has conferred, or attempted to confer, with the person or party failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure the information or material without court action.

Document
Motion to compel discovery

Include

  • Certificate of conference
brodie compeldiscovery · p. 1
|SectionIN RE: EX PARTE MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY IN CIVIL ACTIONS.
Filing RequirementsImportant

Please indicate time sensitive matters such as real estate closings and foreclosure sales in a cover letter accompanying your paperwork for the Court’s review.

FrequentlyAskedQuestions · Feb 2025 · p. 2
|SectionFrequently Asked Questions
Filing RequirementsImportant

Counsel and all pro-se parties shall meet prior to trial to agree upon the verdict form and as many standard instructions as possible.

BodieAgreedPretrialConferenceOrder · p. 2
|SectionJury Instructions and Verdict Forms
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

A filing that references a prior pleading, document, motion, or hearing must identify the referenced item specifically, including its filing date and docket line or number when accessible, and Judge Brodie filings must always include the referenced filing date.

Court's wording

When a party to a proceeding before the Courts of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, or counsel, files a pleading, document or notice of hearing, or submits a proposed order, which includes a reference to a previously filed pleading, document or to the motion being scheduled for hearing, the party or counsel shall, for ease of further reference: (1) identify with specificity the previously filed pleading or document referenced therein, or the motion being scheduled for hearing; (2) identify the previously filed pleading or document referenced therein, or the motion being scheduled for hearing, by the date it was filed with the Clerk of Court; AND (3) identify the previously filed pleading or document referenced therein or the motion being scheduled for hearing, by the docket line or docket number, as may be reflected on the Clerk’s online web portal, if accessible by the party or counsel. For Judge Brodie, always include the date of filing of the pleading, motion, order etc. to which you are referring.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 2
|SectionIDENTIFY COURT DOCUMENTS WITH SPECIFICITY
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

A transmittal letter or email is requested for submissions to chambers, containing six specified categories of information, copying all attorneys and self-represented parties, and remaining short unless concerns or requests are raised by motion.

Court's wording

Please send a transmittal letter or email when you submit documents to Judge Brodie’s office indicating: (1) Case number and caption; (2) what is being submitted if anything; (3) the reasons for such being submitted; (4) the date of the court proceeding to which they pertain; (5) a list of those copied with the letter and such submissions; AND (6) whether it is agreed. (ALL attorneys and self-represented parties should be copied on ANY communications with the Judge’s office!) HOWEVER, such communications should be short. If more than a few sentences are necessary, you should put your concerns or requests in a MOTION.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 2
|SectionTRANSMITTAL LETTERS OR EMAILS
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Parties must comply with the conferral and certification requirements in Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.202 and 1.460(d).

Must include

  • Certificate of conference
JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 4
|SectionSCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Your letter attaching said orders or judgments should indicate whether there are any disagreements as to the submitted documents.

JudgeBrodiePoliciesAndProcedures2025 · p. 6
|SectionDOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE JUDGE REGARDING MOTIONS
Filing RequirementsImportant

After the hearing, counsel/parties must work promptly to prepare a corrected index of exhibits which have been introduced in evidence marked in the manner designated by the Court or the Clerk at the hearing.

Document
Exhibits

Must include

  • Exhibit list
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

II. MEANS OF FINAL DISPOSITION (Place an "x" in one box for major category and one subcategory, if applicable, only)

Brodie FinalDispoForm1998 · p. 1
|SectionII. MEANS OF FINAL DISPOSITION
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

I. CASE STYLE (Name of Court) Plaintiff Case #: __________ Judge: vs. Defendant

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Pretrial conference orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal.

All Pre- Trial Conference Orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal.

Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions

Proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal.

All proposed Orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Portal.

Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions

Self-represented parties and new counsel must register an email address with the State E-Portal to receive notices, orders, and hearing notifications.

SELF REPRESENTED PARTIES AS WELL AS NEW COUNSEL ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REGISTERING AN E-MAIL WITH THE STATE E-PORTAL IN ORDER TO RECEIVE NOTICES, ORDERS AND E-MAIL NOTIFICATION WITH HEARING INFORMATION SUCH AS ZOOM LOG IN INFORMATION.

Page 2 | Pro Se Litigant Responsibilities and Procedures Following Withdrawal of Counsel

All of Judge Brodie's policies and procedures remain in effect. All paperwork for the Court's review and consideration needs to be mailed in or hand delivered.

All of Judge Brodie's policies and procedures remain in effect. All paperwork for the Court's review and consideration needs to be mailed in or hand delivered.

Page 1 | Policies and Procedures- Effective 1/2/25

All proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal with an accompanying cover letter.

ALL PROPOSED ORDERS, ACCOMPANIED BY A COVER LETTER must be submitted via Florida Courts E-Portal.

Page 1 | IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS

Proposed orders must be submitted through the E-Portal, except final judgments of foreclosure, which must be mailed to Judge Brodie with copies and stamped envelopes for the parties.

All proposed orders MUST be submitted to the E-Portal for Judge Brodie’s review and signature. Judge Brodie’s office does NOT accept paper orders, with the exception of Final Judgments of Foreclosure which must be mailed to Judge Brodie with copies and stamped envelopes for the parties.

Civil cases

Page 1 | GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The 30-day stay or abatement period ends early if the pro se party files a notice of intention to self-represent or new counsel files a notice of appearance or other pleading.

Said period shall expire early in the event the pro se party files a notice of intention to represent him/herself during the thirty (30) ===== PAGE 2 ===== day period or if a licensed attorney in good standing authorized to practice law in the State of Florida files a notice of appearance or other pleading on the party’s behalf.

Page 2 | Order Granting Plaintiff/Defendant’s Leave to Withdraw as Attorney of Record and Setting Status Conference

New counsel obtained by the party must file a notice of appearance within 30 days after the order.

If new counsel for Plaintiff/ Defendant is obtained, the new counsel must file a notice of appearance within 30 days of this Order

Page 2 | Order Granting Plaintiff/Defendant’s Leave to Withdraw as Attorney of Record and Setting Status Conference

A stipulated order to cancel a foreclosure sale must be submitted to the assigned judge at least 24 hours before the sale date.

You may submit a Stipulated Order to Cancel Foreclosure Sale (at least 24 hours before the sale date) to the judge assigned to the case.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Procedures to Cancel Foreclosure Sales

Every motion must be set and heard within 60 days after filing, failing which it will be deemed abandoned and denied.

All motions must be set for hearing and heard within 60 days from filing the motion or the motion will be deemed abandoned and denied.

Civil cases

Page 2 | MOTIONS

A stipulated order to cancel a foreclosure sale may be submitted to Judge Brodie at least 24 hours before the sale date, provided that the submission occurs on a business day.

You may submit a Stipulated Order to Cancel Foreclosure Sale (at least 24 hours before the sale date – on a business day) to Judge Brodie.

Civil cases

Page 5 | SPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES

After the nonmoving party fails to provide discovery or request an extension within seven days of service, the moving party may submit the order to the court.

In the event that the non-moving party fails to provide the requested discovery, or fails to request an extension of time to respond to the discovery within seven (7) days of service of the Motion, the moving party may submit an order to the Court.

Civil cases

Page 5 | SPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES

Written memoranda on lengthy or complex motions are optional, but any supplied memorandum must be filed at least seven business days before the hearing.

Written memoranda on lengthy or complex motions are not necessary but if supplied, they must be submitted at least seven (7) business days prior to the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 7 | MEMORANDA

At least five business days before a remote evidentiary hearing, each counsel or party must exchange with the other parties and file with the clerk all evidence and demonstrative aids sought to be introduced.

At least five (5) business days before an evidentiary hearing is to be conducted by remote means, each counsel/party shall exchange with each other, and shall file with the clerk, all evidence and demonstrative aids sought to be introduced.

Page 2 | 5

The Clerk's Office may take at least 48 hours to process filed documents.

NOTE: IT TAKES THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT LEAST 48 HOURS TO PROCESS ANY FILED DOCUMENTS.

Civil cases

Page 6 | CANCELLATIONS OF MOTION HEARINGS

After seven days from service, the moving party may submit an ex parte order if the non-moving party has neither produced the discovery nor requested an extension.

In the event that the non-moving party fails to provide the requested discovery, or fails to request an extension of time to respond to the discovery within seven (7) days of service of the motion, the moving party may submit an ex parte order to the court.

Civil cases

Page 1 | IN RE: EX PARTE MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY IN CIVIL ACTIONS.

The Clerk should be allowed 48 hours to process submitted paperwork, after which the attorneys of record receive copies of the orders by email.

Otherwise, please allow the Clerk 48 hours for processing and the attorneys of record will be e-mailed a copy of the Order(s) at the e-mail address on file with the Clerk.

Page 2 | Frequently Asked Questions

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Absent a written stipulation or agreement, motions and evidence may be heard only in open court with all parties notified.

IN THE ABSENCE OF A WRITTEN STIPULATION OR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, THE COURT CAN ONLY HEAR MOTIONS AND RECEIVE EVIDENCE IN OPEN COURT WITH ALL PARTIES NOTIFIED OF THE HEARING.

Pro se cases

Page 1 | PROCEDURES FOR PRO SE PARTIES

A party may not send a letter directly to the judge unless a copy is also sent to the opposing party or counsel.

DO NOT SEND LETTERS DIRECTLY TO THE JUDGE UNLESS COPIES OF SAME ARE SENT TO THE OPPOSING PARTY OR COUNSEL.

Pro se cases

Page 1 | PROCEDURES FOR PRO SE PARTIES

Copies of the written motion and notice of hearing must be provided to all parties and attorneys involved in the case.

ANY MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE COURT REQUIRES THE FILING OF A WRITTEN MOTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH THE CLERK. COPIES OF SAME ARE TO BE PROVIDED TO ALL PARTIES/ATTORNEYS INVOLVED IN THE CASE.

Pro se cases

Page 1 | PROCEDURES FOR PRO SE PARTIES

A motion to cancel a foreclosure sale must be noticed for hearing and served on all parties and the senior foreclosure judge at least five business days before the hearing.

The motion shall be noticed for hearing, with service on all parties, with the senior foreclosure judge, at least five (5) business days before the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Procedures to Cancel Foreclosure Sales

For hearings longer than one hour, a copy must be mailed to Judge Brodie's Office no later than seven days before the hearing.

Please also mail in a copy to Judge Brodie’s Office no later than 7 days prior to the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 4 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

A motion to compel discovery may be submitted without a hearing only if the motion is served on the opposing party at least seven days before submitting the proposed order.

The moving party must serve the Motion on the opposing party at least seven (7) days prior to submission of the Order to the Court.

Civil cases

Page 5 | SPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES

An unstipulated motion to cancel a foreclosure sale must be noticed for hearing and served on all parties at least five business days before the hearing.

The Motion shall be noticed for hearing, with service on all parties, at least five (5) business days BEFORE the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 5 | SPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES

Copies of materials sent to the judge and clerk's office must also be sent to opposing counsel and any self-represented parties.

You are required to forward to opposing counsel and any self-represented parties, copies of what is forwarded to the Judge and Clerk’s office.

Civil cases

Page 6 | EXHIBITS TO BE USED IN ZOOM HEARINGS

File the Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk's Office and provide copies to all parties, counsel of record, and the judge's office as soon as counsel learns of or receives reasonable notice of the cancellation.

The Notice of Cancellation should be filed with the Clerk’s Office, with copies being provided to all parties and counsel of record, as well as the Judge’s office, as soon as counsel becomes aware that a hearing is to be cancelled or is otherwise given reasonable notice of the cancellation.

Civil cases

Page 6 | CANCELLATIONS OF MOTION HEARINGS

An emergency-hearing motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court and, unless ex parte relief is requested, served on the opposing party or counsel.

Motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court, and unless the request is for exparte relief, the motion must be served on opposing party/counsel.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EMERGENCY HEARING PROCEDURE (JUDGE BRODIE)

If the Court grants emergency hearing time, the moving party must serve written notice of the hearing date and time on the opposing parties.

If the Court grants emergency hearing time, the moving party will be required to serve opposing part(ies) with written notice of the hearing date/time.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EMERGENCY HEARING PROCEDURE (JUDGE BRODIE)

The moving party must serve the motion on the opposing party at least seven days before submitting the proposed ex parte order.

The moving party must serve the motion on the opposing party at least seven (7) days prior to submission of the order to the Court.

Civil cases

Page 1 | IN RE: EX PARTE MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY IN CIVIL ACTIONS.

File a notice of email address with the Clerk to receive copies through electronic service.

Make sure you have filed your notice of email address with the Clerk so that you receive copies via electronic service.

Page 1 | IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS

All counsel of record receive copies through electronic service.

CC: All counsel of record via e-service.

Page 3

Copies sent via U.S Mail to:

Copies sent via U.S Mail to:

Page 3

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Copies of the final judgment and envelopes must be provided for pro se parties.

We need copies of the Final Judgment and Envelopes for Pro se Parties.

Page 2 | Frequently Asked Questions

Copies and envelopes for courtesy copies of orders are required in all foreclosure cases.

Yes, for all Foreclosure Cases.

Page 2 | Frequently Asked Questions

A copy of an exception to the Magistrate's recommended order must be provided to Judge Brodie's office.

If an Exception to the Magistrate's Recommended Order is filed, please provide a copy to Judge Brodie's office.

Civil cases

Page 3 | EXCEPTIONS TO THE MAGISTRATE’S RECOMMENDED ORDERS

Filing Bundling Requirements

Subsequent motions may not be piggybacked or cross-noticed onto a scheduled motion's reserved time without prior approval from both the court and the original scheduling attorney.

Once a motion is scheduled, subsequent motions may not be “piggybacked” or “cross-noticed” onto the time reserved for the first Motion, absent prior approval of the Court AND the original scheduling attorney.

Civil cases

Page 4 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

Counsel and parties should file exhibits jointly where possible.

Where possible, counsel/parties should file exhibits jointly.

Page 2 | 5

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Motions to withdraw in civil cases must be scheduled before Judge Brodie in a five-minute JACS calendar slot.

All Motions to Withdraw in Civil cases must be set before Judge Brodie in a 5 minute time slot on her JACS calendar.

Page 1 | IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS

The moving party must confer in good faith with the opposing party to try to resolve the motion's issues, in person, by phone, or by video conference.

The moving party must confer with the opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised in the motion. Such conferral must be between the attorneys in-person, by phone or by video-conference.

Civil cases

Page 4 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Continuances are disfavored and will rarely be granted; the moving party must show good cause.

This Court strictly adheres to Fla.R.Jud.Admin. 2.545(e) and Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.460. As such, continuances are disfavored, shall rarely be granted and only upon a showing of good cause.

Civil cases

Page 6 | SPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES

Chambers Communication Rules

CourtCall is permitted only for hearings scheduled for 15 minutes or less and must be scheduled at least seven business days in advance.

CourtCall Apperances are permitted if the hearing is scheduled for 15 minutes or less. See: Fla.R.Jud. Admin. 2.530 (c). If the hearing is scheduled for more than 15 minutes, no telephone appearances are permitted. All telephone appearances must be scheduled through CourtCall at least seven (7) business days in advance of the scheduled hearing.

Page 1 | COURTCALL TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES (JUDGE BRODIE)

A hearing may be requested by emailing the Court a letter describing the situation and attempts to contact opposing counsel; the Court will then schedule the hearing unilaterally.

E-mail a letter outlining the situation and the attempts you have made to contact opposing counsel and the Court will unilaterally schedule the hearing.

Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions

A request for a civil hearing expected to last 30 minutes or more must be made by cover letter emailed to the Judicial Assistant for Judge Brodie’s review.

By cover letter e-mailed to the Judicial Assistant which Judge Brodie then will review.

Page 1 | Frequently Asked Questions

The Court prohibits telephone and email inquiries about the status of submitted paperwork.

Can I call or e-mail to check on the status of paperwork submitted?

Page 2 | Frequently Asked Questions

Do not call to request an update on the status of an order.

Please do not call to follow up on the status of an Order.

Page 1 | Policies and Procedures- Effective 1/2/25

Do not call the Judge's office to confirm whether a case is still set; check the Court Docket online instead.

Due to extremely high call volume, please do not call the Judge's office to verify if your case is still set. Please confirm by checking Judge Brodie's Court Docket on the 20th Judicial Website.

Page 1 | Policies and Procedures- Effective 1/2/25

Longer hearings may be scheduled through request to Judge Brodie’s Judicial Assistant via email address including all parties on the email.

Longer hearings may be scheduled through request to Judge Brodie’s Judicial Assistant via email address including all parties on the email.

Civil cases

Page 3 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

The Judicial Assistant should not be copied on communications between attorneys except when notifying chambers of the agreed date and time.

DO NOT INCLUDE US ON THE EMAILS between attorneys, EXCEPT to let us know which date and time you would like for your motion.

Civil cases

Page 4 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

Judge Brodie’s office may be contacted by telephone at (239) 252-8909 during office hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Telephone: (239) 252-8909 Office hours for contacting the Judge’s office are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Civil cases

Page 1 | GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Judge Brodie’s office may be contacted by email at AGrover@ca.cjis20.org.

You may contact Judge Brodie’s Office via email at AGrover@ca.cjis20.org.

Civil cases

Page 1 | GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Voice messages and emails to Judge Brodie’s office should include the sender’s name, attorney’s name when applicable, case number, and a brief message.

Therefore, when calling and leaving voice mail or sending an email, please indicate: your name; the name of the attorney if contacting us for an attorney; case number; and a brief message.

Civil cases

Page 1 | GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

If a JACS time slot cannot be found within a reasonable period, the Judicial Assistant may be contacted by email.

If you can’t find a time slot on JACS within a reasonable period of time, you may contact Judge Brodie’s Judicial Assistant via her email address.

Civil cases

Page 3 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

For a hearing up to one hour, no letter to the judge is required; an email to the Judicial Assistant and all parties is sufficient.

You do NOT need to send a letter to the Judge for a hearing of up to 1 hour. Just email Judge Brodie’s Judicial Assistant and all parties.

Civil cases

Page 4 | SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

After filing the motion, the filer may email a copy to the judge's judicial assistant to help ensure that it reaches the judge.

However, if you want to ensure that it does reach the Judge, you may email it to the Judge’s Judicial Assistant after you have filed it in the Court file.

Civil cases

Page 5 | SPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 221 rules apply across Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 59
  • Applies to
    Case management plan

    A court-ordered case management plan must specify the projected trial date, state that its deadlines will be strictly enforced, and state that the presiding judge will order a final trial period no later than 45 days before the projected trial period.

  • Applies to
    Trial period reset order

    If the court-ordered trial period does not reach trial, the court must enter an order setting a new trial period as soon as practicable based on the case’s needs and court resources.

  • Applies to
    Trial period reset order

    An order resetting the trial period must state what further activity will or will not be permitted.

Service

All 43
  • Plaintiffs must serve their actions promptly, and service issues must be addressed promptly and diligently.

  • Applies to
    Court ordered case management plan

    If service has not been effected by the date of the court-ordered case management plan, the plaintiff must serve each defendant a copy of the plan with the summons and complaint.

  • Applies to
    Complaint

    Service of the complaint is due 120 days after the complaint is filed.

Filing Timing

All 40
  • Expert-witness disclosure is due 160 days before trial.

  • The plaintiff must make the initial discovery disclosure within 60 days after service of the complaint or joinder.

  • Mediation must be completed 30 days before the pretrial conference.

Formatting

All 25
  • Composite exhibits must be satisfactorily marked and securely bound before presentation to the court.

  • Oversized exhibits may be used, but if practicable they must be reduced to 8½-by-11 inches, with the reduced copy retained by the clerk in the court file.

  • Format
    DOCX

    At docket sounding, counsel or parties must submit both a Microsoft Word electronic version and a printed copy of the jury instructions and verdict form.

About Judge Lauren L. Brodie
  • Position: Circuit Judge
  • Education: Graduated with a BA from Brandeis University, cum laude, and received her JD from the University of Miami School of Law
  • Appointment: Appointment to the Circuit Court bench by Governor Jeb Bush in October, 2001
  • Prior judicial service: Served as a Senior Judge throughout the Twentieth Judicial Circuit from 1999 until her appointment to the Circuit Court bench
  • Prior judicial service: Served as a Circuit Court Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit from 1995-1998 and as a County Court Judge in Miami-Dade County from 1991-1994
  • Prior position: Served as the Assistant City Attorney of the City of North Miami Beach from 1983-1990
  • Judicial education: Has served as a faculty member of the Florida Judicial College teaching all new judges in the State of Florida from 1992-1998 and again from 2006-2011
  • Appellate service: Has served as an Associate Judge of the Second District Court of Appeal
  • Awards: Named the 2022 William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award winner; in 2007 awarded the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice's Judicial Distinguished Service Award for her work in the juvenile Justice area
  • Recognition: Recognized by the Collier County Women's Bar Association as Woman Lawyer of the Year in 2015; selected by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers as one of six Extraordinary Women Leaders in the State of Florida in May 2015
  • Community role: First President of Drug Free Collier from 2005-2009
  • Position: Circuit Judge
  • Division: Collier County
  • Case assignment: General Civil (including foreclosure) (33.3%)
  • Case assignment: Guardianship (33.3%)
  • Judicial Assistant: Alexandra
  • Phone: (239) 252-8909
  • Email: agrover@ca.cjis20.org
  • Mailing address: Collier County Government Complex, 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 203, Naples, FL 34112
Common questions about Judge Lauren L. Brodie's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for orders. Copies and envelopes for courtesy copies of orders are required in all foreclosure cases.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Frequently Asked Questions

Does Judge Lauren L. Brodie require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Motions to withdraw in civil cases must be scheduled before Judge Brodie in a five-minute JACS calendar slot.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

Judge Lauren L. Brodie's rule states these limits: 10 pages. Memoranda or briefs considered for any hearing may not exceed ten pages and must satisfy the specified paper, lettering, and spacing requirements.

View ruleSource: page 7, section MEMORANDA

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

Judge Lauren L. Brodie's formatting rule includes times new roman font, 12 point type and file format docx. Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format using 12-point Times New Roman.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS

What must be included with written motion filings before Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

Anyone seeking court consideration of any matter must file a written motion and notice of hearing with the clerk.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PROCEDURES FOR PRO SE PARTIES

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

An order resulting from a hearing must include the hearing date.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR PROPOSED ORDERS

How may parties contact Judge Lauren L. Brodie's chambers?

CourtCall is permitted only for hearings scheduled for 15 minutes or less and must be scheduled at least seven business days in advance.

View ruleSource: page 1, section COURTCALL TELEPHONIC APPEARANCES (JUDGE BRODIE)

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

Continuances are disfavored and will rarely be granted; the moving party must show good cause.

View ruleSource: page 6, section SPECIFIC MOTION PROCEDURES

Does Judge Lauren L. Brodie require motion papers to be bundled?

Subsequent motions may not be piggybacked or cross-noticed onto a scheduled motion's reserved time without prior approval from both the court and the original scheduling attorney.

View ruleSource: page 4, section SCHEDULING HEARINGS BEFORE JUDGE BRODIE

Is electronic filing required before Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Frequently Asked Questions

What filing deadlines does Judge Lauren L. Brodie set?

New counsel obtained by the party must file a notice of appearance within 30 days after the order.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Order Granting Plaintiff/Defendant’s Leave to Withdraw as Attorney of Record and Setting Status Conference

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge Lauren L. Brodie?

Details: recipient: the opposing party. A party may not send a letter directly to the judge unless a copy is also sent to the opposing party or counsel.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PROCEDURES FOR PRO SE PARTIES
Complete rules summary for Judge Lauren L. Brodie

A party may not send a letter directly to the judge unless a copy is also sent to the opposing party or counsel.

Anyone seeking court consideration of any matter must file a written motion and notice of hearing with the clerk.

Copies of the written motion and notice of hearing must be provided to all parties and attorneys involved in the case.

Absent a written stipulation or agreement, motions and evidence may be heard only in open court with all parties notified.

Copies and envelopes for courtesy copies of orders are required in all foreclosure cases.

Proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal.

Pretrial conference orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal.

Copies of the final judgment and envelopes must be provided for pro se parties.

A cover letter accompanying submitted paperwork should identify time-sensitive matters, including real estate closings and foreclosure sales.

A hearing may be requested by emailing the Court a letter describing the situation and attempts to contact opposing counsel; the Court will then schedule the hearing unilaterally.

Pleadings submitted for Court review must be clipped together or spiral bound.

A request for a civil hearing expected to last 30 minutes or more must be made by cover letter emailed to the Judicial Assistant for Judge Brodie’s review.

The Court does not accept binders.

The Clerk should be allowed 48 hours to process submitted paperwork, after which the attorneys of record receive copies of the orders by email.

The Court prohibits telephone and email inquiries about the status of submitted paperwork.

Self-represented parties and new counsel must register an email address with the State E-Portal to receive notices, orders, and hearing notifications.

New counsel obtained by the party must file a notice of appearance within 30 days after the order.

The 30-day stay or abatement period ends early if the pro se party files a notice of intention to self-represent or new counsel files a notice of appearance or other pleading.

All counsel of record receive copies through electronic service.

Copies sent via U.S Mail to:

An order resulting from a hearing must include the hearing date.

All proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida Courts E-Portal with an accompanying cover letter.

A proposed order's cover letter must state whether all counsel reviewed it, whether they object to its form, and whether competing orders are being submitted.

Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format using 12-point Times New Roman.

Proposed orders must include the case number.

Proposed orders must not contain headnotes, footnotes, text boxes, or pictures.

File a notice of email address with the Clerk to receive copies through electronic service.

Motions to withdraw in civil cases must be scheduled before Judge Brodie in a five-minute JACS calendar slot.

Petitions to approve attorney fees and costs exceeding $3,000 must be set for an evidentiary hearing before the General Magistrate, and an order of referral must be submitted through the portal for Judge Brodie's signature.

Notices of hearing must include the Zoom Meeting ID and passcode.

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