Judge Kristin R. Kanner
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Certificate
- 1 copy • Email • Contemporaneously With Motion
Courtesy copies
- 1 copy • With Filing
- Not required
Exhibit List, Exhibits
- 1 copy • At Least 3 Business Days Prior To Hearing
Pleadings
- 1 copy • Prior To Hearing
Adjournments
- Motions to continue a scheduled trial must be set on UMC at least five business days before trial and include the client's consent, absent exigent circumstances.
Communication
Chambers
Intake Unit
Phone
Intake Unit
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Document Format Requirements2 rules
Competing orders are not accepted; disagreements must be resolved by one redlined Word-format proposed order in a single e-mail, with disputed language redlined by the non-moving party (red-lined orders are not accepted as agreed orders).
Division 37 does not accept competing orders, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. If the parties do not agree to the language of the proposed order, pursuant to the court's oral pronouncement, the parties may submit one redlined proposed order in Word document format in one e-mail to Div37@17th.flcourts.org. Where the parties do not agree on proposed language, that language shall be redlined by the non-moving party.
DOCX
Where parties disagree on proposed order language, one redlined order in Word format must be submitted in a single e-mail to the Judicial Assistant.
If the parties do not agree to the language in a proposed order, please submit one redlined order in Word document format in ONE e-mail to the Judicial Assistant.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements28 rules
Physical evidence must be presented as hard copies or on a USB drive at the hearing; displaying devices or emailing/uploading materials does not constitute entry of evidence.
Parties/counsel are required to present physical evidence, such as photographs and/or videos, as hard copies or on a USB drive at the time of the hearing. Showing the contents of a phone, laptop, or tablet, will not constitute the entry of evidence. Please be advised that e-mailing materials to the Judicial Assistant, uploading them to the docket or CMS, or filing them with the Clerk of the Courts is insufficient for purposes of entering evidence.
Document Type
Physical Evidence
A certificate of conferral with specified language is required before setting a hearing on any properly filed motion; in Division 37 conferral means oral communication (in-person, video, or telephone), not just e-mail.
As of October 31, 2025, in accordance with Local Rule 10A and in compliance with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.202, the parties are required to include a certificate of conferral stating the following prior to setting a hearing on a properly filed motion: "I certify that prior to filing this motion, I discussed the relief requested in this motion by [method of communication and date] with the opposing counsel/party and [the opposing counsel/party (agrees or disagrees) on the resolution of all or part of the motion] OR [the opposing counsel/party did not respond (describing with particularity the efforts undertaken to accomplish dialogue with the opposing counsel/party prior to filing the motion)]."
Document Type
Certificate Of Conferral
Notices of hearing must state the date, time, and location (including Zoom instructions for Zoom hearings) and be filed with the Clerk.
All notices of hearing shall set forth the date and time of the hearing and the hearing location instructions and shall be filed with the Clerk of the Courts. If your hearing is by Zoom, you must include the Zoom instructions in your Notice of Hearing.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A hearing may be set unilaterally if no response is received within two full business days or after three good-faith attempts, and the Notice of Hearing must state 'Set Unilaterally Pursuant to Judge Kanner's Procedures.'
If, after making a good-faith effort to confer regarding a mutually agreeable hearing date and time, you do not receive a response from opposing counsel or the self-represented party within two (2) full business days of your communication, or you have made at least three (3) good-faith attempts to coordinate the hearing without successfully obtaining a mutually agreeable date and time, you may set the hearing unilaterally. The Notice of Hearing must state: "Set Unilaterally Pursuant to Judge Kanner's Procedures."
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Each party in cases involving child support, alimony, or equitable distribution must file a financial affidavit.
Each party involved in a family law case where child support, alimony, or equitable distribution is at issue must file a financial affidavit. This includes cases involving dissolution of marriage, paternity, or support.
Document Type
Financial Affidavit
No hearing will be set without a certificate of conferral.
NO HEARINGS WILL BE SET WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE OF CONFERRAL.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Remote appearances require a properly filed motion set on UMC in advance; parties may not stipulate among themselves to appear via Zoom.
Parties, counsel, and witnesses, however, are required to appear in-person when mandated by Division Procedures or when ordered by the Court. The parties may not stipulate or otherwise agree among themselves to appear via Zoom. If remote appearance is requested for any party, counsel, or witness, a motion must be properly filed and set on UMC pursuant to Local Rule 10(a) in advance of the hearing or trial.
Document Type
Motion For Remote Appearance
Emergency motions must include a certification by counsel or the pro se party that the motion meets the emergency definitions and is brought in good faith.
All emergency motions MUST include a certification by counsel or the party pro se that the motion qualifies under one of the above definitions AND is brought in good faith.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
The Notice of Readiness for Trial must include estimated trial length, witness and expert counts, remaining disputed issues, and confirmation that affidavits and mandatory disclosure certificates are filed.
In the Notice of Readiness for Trial, please include the following: The approximate length of trial; The approximate number of witnesses to be called at trial; The approximate number of expert witnesses to be called at trial; The remaining disputed issues; and All necessary affidavits and certificates of compliance with mandatory disclosure have been filed.
Document Type
Notice Of Readiness For Trial
Agreed proposed orders must include verification of the opposing party's review and agreement (in the body or as a supporting document) or they will be rejected.
All AGREED proposed orders must include a verification that the proposed agreed order has been reviewed by the opposing counsel/party and the opposing counsel/party agrees with the proposed order or the proposed order shall be rejected. The verification may be in the body of the proposed order or attached through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (e.g., cover letter, e-mail, other correspondence indicating agreement). Failure to include such verification will result in a rejection of the proposed agreed order.
Document Type
Agreed Proposed Order
Proposed final judgments must include the date of the final hearing or they will be rejected.
The proposed final judgment must include the date of the final hearing or it will be rejected.
Document Type
Proposed Final Judgment
Proposed final judgments in cases with minor children must include a parenting plan conforming to Form 12.995(a) and, where applicable, child support guidelines worksheets and calculations.
In all cases involving minor children, any proposed final judgment shall also include a proposed parenting plan in substantial conformity with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.995(a), and, where applicable, child support guidelines worksheets and calculations pursuant to Florida law.
Document Type
Proposed Final Judgment
Proposed orders must contain hearing date(s), motion title(s), motion filing date, other pertinent dates, clearly identified exhibits, and filed transcripts for any referenced depositions/hearings, or they may be rejected.
ALL proposed orders must contain the hearing date(s), the title of the motion(s) heard, the date such motion was filed, and any other pertinent date. Each exhibit referenced must be clearly identified for the Court. If a deposition, hearing, or trial transcript is referenced, a complete copy of the transcript must be filed in the Court record. Failure to include such information may result in this Court rejecting the proposed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Proposed orders must include all applicable statutory factors and the Court's specific findings or they may be rejected.
All proposed orders must include all relevant factors the Court must evaluate pursuant to Florida Statutes and the specific findings made by the Court. Failure to include the statutory factors may result in this Court rejecting the proposed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Non-English documents or exhibits must include a certified complete English translation or they will not be considered and may not be admitted into evidence.
Any document or exhibit written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation prepared and certified by a qualified translator. Foreign-language documents submitted without a certified English translation will not be considered by the Court and may not be admitted into evidence.
Document Type
Foreign Language Document Or Exhibit
RUCD requests require uploading the petition/counter-petition, answer or waiver, any default order, marital settlement agreement/parenting plan with worksheets, UCCJEA affidavits if children, financial affidavits, valid photo ID, and a signed and notarized Supplemental Sworn Affidavit via CMS supporting documents.
Prior to requesting dissolution by affidavit the following documents must be submitted to the Court through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
Document Type
Rucd Final Judgment Submission
The RUCD proposed order must be titled FINAL JUDGMENT OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE BY AFFIDAVIT or it will be rejected.
The proposed order must contain the order title of: FINAL JUDGMENT OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE BY AFFIDAVIT or it will be rejected.
Document Type
Proposed Final Judgment Rucd
Each party to a family law case must provide mandatory disclosure documentation to the other party under Rule 12.285.
The Mandatory Disclosure Rule of the Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285, requires that each party to a family law case provide certain documentation to the other party so that each will be fully informed about the financial circumstances of the other party.
Document Type
Mandatory Disclosure
Exhibits uploaded to CMS supporting documents must include a descriptive name.
Exhibits uploaded to CMS under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS must include a descriptive name (i.e., Petitioner's Exhibit A: Affidavit of Boo Radley).
Document Type
Exhibits
Trial and hearing exhibits must be pre-marked using letter format (e.g., Petitioner's Exhibit A).
Please pre-mark your trial/hearing exhibits using letter format (i.e., Petitioner's Exhibit A for identification XXX).
Document Type
Exhibits
Temporary custody petitioners must prove Florida residency, all relevant parties must provide valid ID before a final hearing, and the moving party must file the child's birth certificate with the petition.
The Petitioner(s) must provide proof that they are a Florida resident, either a valid Florida's driver's license or a corroborating witness affidavit. All relevant parties must provide a copy of a valid form of identification in advance of a final hearing. The moving party must file a copy of the minor child(ren)'s birth certificate with the petition.
Document Type
Temporary Custody Petition
Proposed orders appointing Guardians Ad Litem must include the GAL's input before submission.
Proposed Orders appointing Guardians Ad Litem must include input from the Guardian Ad Litem before submission, not just from the parties and their counsel.
Document Type
Proposed Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem
In paternity actions with full agreement, a proposed final judgment may be submitted through CMS without a hearing, with proof of the agreement and any child support worksheets attached.
In Paternity actions, if the parties have come to a full agreement, a proposed final judgment may be submitted through CMS without a hearing. Please include proof of the agreement as an attachment through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, and, where applicable, child support guidelines worksheets and calculations pursuant to Florida law.
Document Type
Proposed Final Judgment Paternity
After the final hearing, the proposed final judgment must be submitted through CMS with the Driver's License attached as a supporting document.
Once the hearing is concluded, please submit the proposed final judgment through CMS and include the Driver's License as an attachment through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
Document Type
Proposed Final Judgment
Court mediation requests require the Standard Mediation Form Order plus the parties' financial affidavits as supporting documents; cases with a default entered will not be referred to court mediation.
If you are requesting an order for Court Mediation, please upload the Standard Mediation Form Order to the CMS Workbench. The parties' Financial Affidavits must be uploaded through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS for the Order of Referral to be issued by this Court. Please Note: The Court will not refer cases to Court Mediation if a default has been entered.
Document Type
Order Of Referral To Mediation
Consented withdrawal orders must include the client's name and current contact information, advise the client about retaining counsel or proceeding pro se and updating contact info, with the client's verification of consent uploaded as a supporting document.
The proposed order granting withdrawal must include: (1) the client's name; (2) the client's most recent physical and mailing addresses, e-mail address, and phone number; (3) advise the client they may retain new counsel at any time or proceed pro se; and advise the client they have a continuing obligation to keep their contact information up-to-date with the Clerk of the Courts. The client's verification of consent must be uploaded through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
Document Type
Proposed Order Withdrawal Of Counsel
Substitution of counsel orders must name the incoming counsel, the party, and the withdrawing counsel, with the stipulation uploaded as a CMS supporting document.
The proposed order must include: (1) the name of the law firm and/or attorney that is to be substituted as counsel of record, (2) the name of the party (Plaintiff/Defendant), and (3) the name of the law firm and/or attorney that is to be withdrawn as counsel and shall bear no further responsibility in the matter. The stipulation of counsel must be uploaded through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
Document Type
Proposed Order Substitution Of Counsel
Parties earning less than $50,000 per year use the Short Form financial affidavit; those earning more use the Long Form.
Short Form (if you make less than $50,000 per year) can be found on the Florida Supreme Court website: Short Form. Long Form (if you make more than $50,000 per year) can be found on the Florida Supreme Court website: Long Form.
Document Type
Financial Affidavit
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Only petitions and motions properly e-filed and accepted by the Clerk's Office will be acted upon by the Court.
The Court acts on petitions and motions which have been properly e-filed and accepted by the Clerk's Office.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
Emergency motions must be e-filed and accepted by the Clerk before submission to the Judge, who receives a copy from the Clerk for review.
All emergency motions must be e-filed and accepted by the Clerk's Office prior to submitting to Judge Kanner's office. Once e-filed and accepted, the Clerk's Office will present a copy to the Judge for review.
Page 9 | VII. HEARINGS - E. EMERGENCY HEARINGS (ER)
DVCE case orders may not be uploaded through the CMS portal without leave of Court.
DVCE cases/orders are not allowed to be uploaded through the CMS portal without leave of Court.
Page 14 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - B. AGREED ORDERS
Competing orders will not be accepted through the CMS portal and must be e-mailed to the division e-mail (as written: Div40@17th.flcourts.org) unless otherwise directed.
Unless otherwise directed by the Court, competing orders will NOT be accepted through the CMS Portal and must be e-mailed to the division e-mail at Div40@17th.flcourts.org.
Page 15 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - A. GENERALLY
Motions for rehearing/reconsideration/clarification must be e-filed and accepted by the Clerk within the time prescribed by Rules, Statute, or Law.
Any motion for rehearing/reconsideration/clarification must be e-filed and accepted by the Clerk's Office within the time prescribed by Rules, Statute, or Law.
Page 19 | XIV. REQUESTS FOR REHEARING/RECONSIDERATION/CLARIFICATION
Only attorneys registered with the Court's CMS using Florida Bar credentials may schedule UMC hearings through the online scheduling system.
Only attorneys may schedule hearings on the Court's Uniform Motion Calendar through the Court's online scheduling system. Attorneys must be registered with the Court's CMS using their Florida Bar credentials to access online scheduling.
Page 6 | VII. HEARINGS - B. UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR (UMC)
Ex parte orders on motions to compel discovery may be submitted via the CMS portal only if the motion is uploaded under supporting documents.
Properly filed Ex Parte Orders on Motions to Compel Discovery may be submitted through the CMS portal, however, the motion must be uploaded through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
Page 14 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - A. GENERALLY - SPECIFIC MOTIONS
IDO/IWO/QDRO proposed orders should be submitted by e-mail because CMS uploads can distort them; distorted orders are rejected and must be resubmitted by e-mail.
Income Deduction Orders (IDO)/Income Withholding Orders (IWO)/Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO) should be submitted by e-mail as those orders can become distorted and illegible when uploaded through the CMS portal. If the formatting is distorted, the proposed order will be rejected and will have to be resubmitted via e-mail.
Page 14 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - A. GENERALLY - SPECIFIC MOTIONS
Agreed Orders may be submitted through the CMS Portal; all other proposed orders may be submitted to the CMS Workbench only when the Court directs.
Division 37 accepts Agreed Orders through online submission on the CMS Portal. All other proposed orders may only be submitted to the CMS Workbench when directed by the Court.
Page 14 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - B. AGREED ORDERS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Proposed orders from domestic violence hearings must be submitted within seven days of the hearing.
Proposed orders reflecting the Court's oral pronouncements issued at the domestic violence hearing, including orders affecting any related family case, shall be submitted within seven (7) days of the hearing.
Page 8 | VII. HEARINGS - D. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEARINGS (DV)
Witness lists, exhibit lists, and exhibit copies must be filed with the Court and exchanged with the opposing party at least five business days before evidentiary hearings (except DV), or witnesses/exhibits may be struck.
Except for hearings in the Court's Domestic Violence Division, for all evidentiary hearings requiring witness testimony or exhibits, the parties shall file with the Court and exchange with the opposing counsel/party their witness lists, exhibit lists, and copies of all exhibits no less than five (5) business days prior to the hearing. Failure to comply may result in the Court striking any witness or exhibit not timely filed with the Court and exchanged with the opposing counsel/party.
Page 11 | VII. HEARINGS - G. EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
For temporary support and time-sharing hearings, a copy of the notice of mediation must be provided and mediation completed at least five days before the hearing.
When requesting a hearing for temporary support and temporary time-sharing matters, the parties must provide the Court with a copy of the notice of mediation and mediation must be completed at least five (5) days prior to the hearing.
Page 11 | VII. HEARINGS - H. TEMPORARY RELIEF HEARINGS
A Settlement Agreement or Notice of Impasse must be filed and e-mailed to the division no later than three days before a temporary relief hearing.
The parties are required to file a Settlement Agreement or Notice of Impasse no later than three (3) days prior to the scheduled hearing and must send the notice to the Division's e-mail address.
Page 11 | VII. HEARINGS - H. TEMPORARY RELIEF HEARINGS
All parties must file a Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation within five business days before trial or the trial will be cancelled; unilateral stipulations are not accepted.
In accordance with the Uniform Trial Order, all parties, whether represented by counsel or appearing pro se, are REQUIRED to file a Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation within five (5) business days prior to the scheduled trial date. Failure to file a Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation in a timely manner will result in a CANCELLATION of the trial. Unilateral Pre-trial "Stipulations" will not be accepted by the Court.
Page 12 | VII. HEARINGS - K. TRIALS
Proposed orders after emergency hearings must be uploaded to the CMS Workbench no later than two days after the hearing.
Proposed orders following emergency hearings must be uploaded to the Court's CMS Workbench (after conferring with the opposing counsel/party) as soon as possible but no later than two (2) days from the date of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 15 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - D. DEADLINES FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
Proposed orders after Special Set hearings or trials must be submitted within two weeks of the hearing.
Proposed orders following Special Set Hearings or Trials must be submitted to the Court (after conferring with the opposing counsel/party) within two (2) weeks from the date of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 15 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - D. DEADLINES FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
Proposed orders after UMC or CMC hearings must be uploaded to the CMS Workbench within two business days of the hearing (unilaterally if the non-moving party does not agree or respond).
Proposed orders following UMC or CMC hearings must be uploaded to the Court's CMS Workbench (after conferring with the opposing counsel/party) within two (2) business days from the date of the hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 15 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - D. DEADLINES FOR PROPOSED ORDERS
Proposed final orders/judgments may only be submitted after the final hearing concludes and the Court directs submission; earlier uploads will be rejected.
If you have a final hearing set before the Court, please do not submit the proposed order/judgment until after the hearing has concluded and the Court has directed the parties to submit said Final Orders. PROPOSED FINAL ORDERS/JUDGMENTS UPLOADED PRIOR TO THE HEARING WILL BE REJECTED.
Page 16 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - F. PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENTS
The Court will not enter agreed withdrawal orders on the eve of a scheduled hearing; such motions must be set for hearing with counsel and party appearing.
Please Note: The Court will not enter agreed orders of withdrawal on the eve of a scheduled hearing. Any such motion must be set for hearing pursuant to Division Procedures and counsel and the party shall appear.
Page 17 | X. SUBSTITUTION OR WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL - C. CONSENT OF WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Withdrawing attorneys must register the client's e-mail with the State's e-Portal for e-service within two days of the order being signed.
The withdrawing attorney must register the client's e-mail with the State's e-Portal in order to receive notices, orders, and e-mail notifications and be included on the e-Service List within two (2) days of the Order being signed.
Page 17 | X. SUBSTITUTION OR WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
A party may request a case management conference thirty days after a petition or complaint is filed.
A case management conference may be requested by a party thirty (30) days after a petition or complaint.
Page 7 | VII. HEARINGS - C. CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES (CMC)
Attorneys in DV cases must file a Notice of Appearance immediately upon being retained.
Attorneys must file a Notice of Appearance immediately upon being retained.
Page 8 | VII. HEARINGS - D. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEARINGS (DV)
The Notice of Hearing for a special set matter may only be filed after the Judicial Assistant has confirmed the agreed date/time on the docket.
Once the parties agree on a date and time, and confirm the date/time with the Judicial Assistant, the movant shall file a Notice of Hearing. The Notice of Hearing should not be filed until the Judicial Assistant has confirmed the agreed date/time is confirmed on the docket.
Page 10 | VII. HEARINGS - F. SPECIAL SET HEARINGS (SS)
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Any pleading provided to the Court as a courtesy must be certified as simultaneously provided to the opposing party or counsel of record.
You must certify that any pleading provided to the Court as a courtesy was also simultaneously provided to the opposing party or counsel of record.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
In non-consented withdrawals, the client must be noticed on the Notice of Hearing and provided a copy of the motion to withdraw.
If the attorney has not obtained written consent from the client pursuant to Fla. R. Jud. Adm. 2.505, the client should be noticed on the Notice of Hearing and provided a copy of the motion to withdraw.
Page 18 | X. SUBSTITUTION OR WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL - D. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Proposed orders of referral uploaded to the CMS Workbench must include the GM/HO on the service list.
When uploading proposed Orders of Referral to the CMS Workbench, you must include the GM/HO as a recipient on the service list.
Page 18 | XI. REFERRALS TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE OR HEARING OFFICER
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A courtesy copy of any petition or motion seeking relief must be sent to the Court while filing with the Clerk and copying the opposing party.
Should you seek relief, please file the appropriate petition or motion with the Clerk of the Courts, copy the opposing counsel/party, and send a courtesy copy to the Court.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
The written certificate of conferral must be filed with the Clerk with a courtesy copy e-mailed to the division contemporaneously with the motion before setting a hearing.
The written certificate of conferral shall be filed with the Clerk of the Courts, with a courtesy copy provided contemporaneously with the motion to the Division e-mail prior to setting a hearing.
Page 5 | VII. HEARINGS - A. GENERALLY - CERTIFICATE OF CONFERRAL
After a matter is set, any pleadings the party wants the Judge to review must be uploaded via CMS supporting documents, e-mailed, or delivered to chambers before the hearing.
Once a matter has been set on the Court's docket, any and all pleadings you would like for Judge Kanner to review should be either uploaded through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, provided by e-mail, or delivered to chambers prior to the hearing.
Page 6 | VII. HEARINGS - A. GENERALLY - COURTESY COPIES
Exhibit lists and pre-marked exhibits must be submitted to the Court as courtesy copies at least three business days before the hearing via CMS, or in hard copy for in-person hearings.
Courtesy Copies: the parties' exhibit lists and pre-marked exhibits shall be submitted to the Court at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing through the CMS portal under SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, unless it is an in-person hearing and the parties may bring hard copies for the Court.
Page 11 | VII. HEARINGS - G. EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Chambers does not require a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing unless otherwise ordered.
This office does not require a copy of the Notice of Hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 5 | VII. HEARINGS - A. GENERALLY - CERTIFICATE OF CONFERRAL
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
All UMC hearings must be coordinated with the opposing counsel/party before the hearing is set.
All UMC hearings must be coordinated with the opposing counsel/party before setting the hearing.
Page 6 | VII. HEARINGS - B. UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR (UMC)
Discovery motions may no longer be heard on UMC; they must be specially set, heard in-person with all parties attending, and limited to 5-minute increments.
As of October 31, 2025, discovery motions will no longer be heard on UMC and must be specially set pursuant to Division Procedures. Going forward, all discovery hearings shall be held IN-PERSON and all parties shall be in attendance. Motions shall be limited to 5-minute increments.
Page 6 | VII. HEARINGS - B. UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR (UMC)
No temporary relief hearing may be set unless the parties have first attended mediation and an impasse has been reported; failure to attend or provide notice of impasse results in cancellation.
"No temporary relief hearing shall be set unless the parties have first submitted to mediation and an impasse has been reported." Admin. Order No. 2026-06-UFC.
Page 11 | VII. HEARINGS - H. TEMPORARY RELIEF HEARINGS
No case may be set for trial until a mediation impasse report is filed with the Clerk's Office.
No case shall be set for trial unless and until a mediation impasse report is filed with the Clerk's Office.
Page 12 | VII. HEARINGS - K. TRIALS
A mandatory in-person Pre-Trial Conference is held on UMC approximately two weeks before trial, with attendance required for all parties and counsel.
Pre-Trial Conference: The Court will schedule a Pre-Trial Conference approximately two weeks prior to the trial date on the Court's Uniform Motion Calendar (UMC). Please see the Uniform Trial Order for the notice of hearing. The Pre-Trial Conference will be held in-person and attendance is mandatory for all parties and counsel.
Page 12 | VII. HEARINGS - K. TRIALS
UMC is limited to five-minute, non-testimony matters such as uncontested finals, defaults, adoption, name-change, and non-evidentiary matters; rehearing, motions to vacate R&R, and expedited-hearing requests are not appropriate for UMC.
UMC hearings are limited to matters which can be heard in five (5) minutes and do not require any testimony. UMC is appropriate for uncontested final hearings, default final hearings, adoption hearings and final hearings, name-change hearings, and non-evidentiary matters. UMC is not appropriate for motions for rehearing/clarification/reconsideration, motions to vacate reports and recommendations, or motions to set expedited hearings.
Page 6 | VII. HEARINGS - B. UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR (UMC)
Hearings over five minutes or requiring evidence must be Special Set; motions to vacate GM/HO R&R are limited to 30 minutes, temporary relief to 1 hour, and temporary relocation to 3 hours.
Any hearing requiring more than five (5) minutes or requiring evidence must be Special Set by the Court. Hearings on motions filed to vacate the GM/HO's Report and Recommendation are limited to THIRTY (30) minutes. Hearings on temporary relief are limited to ONE (1) hour pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2026-06-UFC. Hearings on temporary relocation are limited to THREE (3) hours.
Page 10 | VII. HEARINGS - F. SPECIAL SET HEARINGS (SS)
Temporary relocation hearings are limited to one hour and final relocation hearings to a one-day trial.
Hearings on Petitions for TEMPORARY Relocation are limited to one (1) hour. Final Hearings on Petitions for Relocation are limited to a one (1) day trial.
Page 11 | VII. HEARINGS - I. RELOCATION HEARINGS
Hearings on motions for rehearing/reconsideration/clarification, if any, are limited to thirty minutes.
Hearings, if any, are limited to THIRTY (30) minutes.
Page 19 | XIV. REQUESTS FOR REHEARING/RECONSIDERATION/CLARIFICATION
Motions for rehearing/reconsideration/clarification may not be set for hearing unless explicitly authorized by the Court.
Except where explicitly authorized by the Court, no motions for rehearing or reconsideration or clarification shall be set for hearing.
Page 19 | XIV. REQUESTS FOR REHEARING/RECONSIDERATION/CLARIFICATION
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Court-scheduled CMCs may not be cancelled without prior Court Order; continuances require an agreed order via CMS or, absent agreement, a motion to continue set on UMC or sent to the Judge with a blank order in Word format.
A case management conference scheduled by the Court may not be cancelled or rescheduled without prior Court Order. If the parties agree to continue a case management conference, please upload the agreed order to the Court's CMS Workbench and e-mail a copy of the signed order to the Judicial Assistant in order to cancel the hearing. If there is no agreement, a motion to continue must be set on UMC or sent to the Judge along with a blank order in Word format.
Page 7 | VII. HEARINGS - C. CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES (CMC)
DV continuances must be properly filed; ore tenus continuances are not entertained, agreement alone will not grant them, and DVCE motions to continue may not be heard on UMC but must be specially set on DV days.
Motions to continue must be properly filed pursuant to the Rules of Procedure and this Court's Division Procedures. This Court will not entertain ore tenus motions to continue in Domestic Violence matters. Continuances will not be granted by agreement between the parties. Motions to continue in DVCE cases may not be heard on UMC and must be specially set pursuant to Division Procedures on Domestic Violence days only.
Page 8 | VII. HEARINGS - D. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEARINGS (DV) - MOTIONS TO CONTINUE
Emergency hearings set by Court Order cannot be cancelled, continued, rescheduled, or expanded except by further Court Order; unavailable counsel must secure substitute or coverage counsel.
Hearings on emergency motions are specially set by Court Order and may not be cancelled, continued, rescheduled, or expanded to include additional matters except by further Order of the Court. If counsel of record is unavailable to appear, counsel is responsible for securing substitute or coverage counsel, absent prior authorization from the Court.
Page 9 | VII. HEARINGS - E. EMERGENCY HEARINGS (ER)
Motions to continue a scheduled trial must be set on UMC at least five business days before trial and include the client's consent, absent exigent circumstances.
Any motion to continue a scheduled trial, must be set on UMC at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled trial date and must include the client's consent. This time frame may be waived by exigent circumstances.
Page 12 | VII. HEARINGS - K. TRIALS / VIII. CANCELLATIONS-CONTINUANCES
Special set hearings may be cancelled only by the Court, by agreement with proposed order, by joint motion, or by good cause/exigent circumstances shown in a motion heard on UMC; a Notice of Cancellation must be e-mailed to the division.
Special Set hearings may only be cancelled by a) the Court; b) by agreement of the parties and submission of a proposed order; c) by agreement of the parties in a joint motion for continuance; or d) a showing of good cause or exigent circumstances in a properly filed motion for continuance to be heard on UMC. If your special set is cancelled, please e-mail a Notice of Cancellation to Div37@17th.flcourts.org.
Page 13 | VIII. CANCELLATIONS/CONTINUANCES OF HEARINGS
Counsel withdrawal or substitution does not stay proceedings, delay the case, support a continuance or rescheduling, or extend deadlines or pending motions.
The withdrawal or substitution of counsel shall not operate as a stay of the proceedings and will not delay the case. The withdrawal or substitution of counsel shall not serve as a basis for a continuance or rescheduling of any trial, hearing, or other matter, nor shall it extend any deadlines or pending motions in the case.
Page 17 | X. SUBSTITUTION OR WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL - A. GENERALLY
UMC hearings must be cancelled through CMS by the setting attorney, who must notify all parties and the Court.
UMC hearings must be cancelled through CMS by the attorney who set the hearing. Counsel must ensure all parties are notified of the cancellation, including the Court.
Page 13 | VIII. CANCELLATIONS/CONTINUANCES OF HEARINGS
Chambers Communication Rules
The Court will not act on letters, e-mails, or notes; legal arguments and requests for relief must be submitted as properly filed pleadings.
DO NOT SEND LETTERS, E-MAILS, OR NOTES TO THE COURT. The Court acts on petitions and motions which have been properly e-filed and accepted by the Clerk's Office. The Court cannot act on letters, e-mails, or notes sent to the Court. In other words, the Court will not accept or address legal arguments, requests for relief, or other remarks submitted by e-mail.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
Ex parte or one-sided communications to the Judge's office are prohibited and will be returned; staff may not be asked to relay messages to the Judge.
Judge Kanner's office MUST NOT be the recipient of any ex parte or one-sided communications. If Judge Kanner's office receives an ex parte communication or is inappropriately or improperly copied on communications, the correspondence or document will be returned. Please do not ask any of the Court's staff to communicate any message to Judge Kanner.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
After filing an emergency motion with the Clerk, a copy must be e-mailed to the division with the case number, party names, and EMERGENCY in the subject line.
All emergency motions must be properly filed with the Clerk's office. Once it has been filed, you must e-mail a copy of the emergency motion to the Court to the division's e-mail. The e-mail must include the case number, party names, and EMERGENCY in the subject line.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
All correspondence with the Court must be in writing via Div37@17th.flcourts.org; chambers may not be called to schedule hearings.
ALL correspondence with the Court shall be done in writing via the division e-mail: Div37@17th.flcourts.org. Please do not call the Court's chambers to schedule a hearing as you will be directed to make your request via e-mail.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
A copy of every e-filed emergency motion must be e-mailed to the division with the case number, party names, and EMERGENCY in the subject line.
If electronically filed, a copy of the motion MUST be e-mailed to the division at Div37@17th.flcourts.org. Any e-mail to the Division must include the case number, party names, and EMERGENCY in the subject line.
Page 9 | VII. HEARINGS - E. EMERGENCY HEARINGS (ER)
Special set hearing request e-mails must include the motion and filing date, total time requested (divided equally between the parties), time-sensitivity, evidence of conferral, and correct e-mail addresses for all parties.
After the parties have conferred and a Motion has been filed, please e-mail your hearing request to the Judicial Assistant at Div37@17th.flcourts.org with the following information: A copy of the Motion to be special set and the DATE IT WAS FILED WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURTS. The total amount of hearing time requested shall include the time required by both sides and will be divided equally between the parties unless otherwise ordered by the Court. The parties are responsible for monitoring and managing their allotted time to ensure that all arguments and presentations are completed within the scheduled hearing time; Whether the Motion is time-sensitive or entitled to statutory preference; Evidence of the parties conferral; and Correct e-mail address for all parties.
Page 10 | VII. HEARINGS - F. SPECIAL SET HEARINGS (SS)
Copies of filed Petitions for Relocation must be immediately e-mailed to the division with case number, party names, and RELOCATION in the subject line, or setting may be delayed.
As such, in order to comply with § 61.1003(10), Florida Statutes, a copy of all properly filed Petitions for Relocation must be IMMEDIATELY provided to the Court through the division e-mail. Failure to provide a copy and comply with this requirement may result in a delay in setting the petition for hearing. The e-mail must include the case number, party names, and RELOCATION in the subject line.
Page 11 | VII. HEARINGS - I. RELOCATION HEARINGS
Filing a notice of cancellation does not cancel a hearing; the Court must be notified directly through the Judicial Assistant.
Filing a notice of cancellation does not automatically cancel the hearing. PLEASE ENSURE YOU NOTIFY THE COURT BY CONTACTING THE JUDICIAL ASSISTANT.
Page 13 | VIII. CANCELLATIONS/CONTINUANCES OF HEARINGS
Expedited hearing requests must be made in the original scheduling e-mail thread, copy all parties, include a certificate of conferral, and state the motion name, attached motion, current date/time, reserved time, format, and any proposed reduced time.
Any request for an expedited hearing must be made by responding within the same e-mail thread that was originally used to set the hearing/trial. The e-mail must include all parties and/or counsel of record and a certificate of conferral. The request e-mail must clearly include all of the following: The name of the motion; A copy of the motion attached; The currently scheduled hearing date and time; The amount of time reserved for the hearing; Whether the hearing was set to be conducted via Zoom or in-person; and A statement as to whether the requesting party believes the hearing time can be reduced, and if so, the proposed reduced time.
Page 13 | VII. HEARINGS - L. REQUESTS FOR EXPEDITED HEARINGS/TRIALS
Parties may not contact the Judicial Assistant to inquire whether an order has been signed.
Please do not contact the Judicial Assistant to see if your order has been signed, the Court will review, enter, and conform orders as promptly as possible.
Page 14 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - A. GENERALLY
After the Clerk accepts a rehearing-type motion, a copy must be e-mailed to Judge Kanner with the case number, party names, and REHEARING/RECONSIDERATION/CLARIFICATION in the subject line.
Once the Clerk of the Courts has accepted the motion, a copy of the motion must be sent to Judge Kanner by e-mail for consideration. The e-mail must include the case number, party names, and REHEARING/RECONSIDERATION/CLARIFICATION in the subject line. The Clerk's Office does not serve a copy of the motion to Judge Kanner or her chambers.
Page 19 | XIV. REQUESTS FOR REHEARING/RECONSIDERATION/CLARIFICATION
Every e-mail to the division e-mail must include the case number and case style in the subject line.
All e-mails to the division e-mail must have the CASE NUMBER and CASE STYLE in the SUBJECT LINE.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
Hearing request e-mails must include the time needed and a copy of the relevant date-stamped motion.
When requesting a hearing, the e-mail should include the amount of time needed and a copy of the relevant motion date-stamped by the Clerk's Office.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
The Court may not be copied on e-mails unrelated to scheduling, including e-mails where the parties are litigating with each other.
Please do not copy the Court with any e-mails that are not related to scheduling. These include, but are not limited to, e-mails where counsel/parties are litigating with each other or disagreeing on dates/times.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
Do not send multiple e-mails about the same case and respond within the existing e-mail thread; duplicates may delay responses.
DO NOT send multiple e-mails regarding the same case to the Court and please respond to the e-mails within the same existing e-mail thread. Multiple e-mail requests in the same case may result in a delayed response to your requests.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
All parties and counsel of record must be copied on any e-mail communications with the Court.
Please ensure all parties and counsel of record are included in any e-mail communications with the Court.
Page 3 | II. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COURT
Pro se litigants must include the opposing counsel/party in all correspondence with the Court.
When e-mailing this office, you must include the opposing counsel/party in all correspondence.
Page 4 | III. PRO SE LITIGANTS (SELF-REPRESENTED PARTIES)
Pro se litigants may not contact the Judicial Assistant and must direct questions to the Case Management Unit by e-mail or phone.
If you are a pro se litigant please do not contact the Judicial Assistant. Instead, all self-represented parties may seek assistance by contacting our Case Management Unit via e-mail at ufchelp@17th.flcourts.org or by phone at 954-831-8532 for all questions and guidance regarding your case.
Page 4 | III. PRO SE LITIGANTS (SELF-REPRESENTED PARTIES)
Settlements must be reported to the Court immediately so related hearings can be cancelled.
If a settlement is reached, please notify the Court IMMEDIATELY so hearings in all related matters may be cancelled.
Page 5 | VII. HEARINGS - A. GENERALLY - CERTIFICATE OF CONFERRAL
Guardians Ad Litem may appear by Zoom without a motion but must give advance notice to the Judicial Assistant.
Guardians Ad Litem may appear via Zoom without the need to file a motion but must provide advance notice to the Judicial Assistant, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 6 | VII. HEARINGS - A. GENERALLY - ZOOM APPEARANCES
All motions in domestic violence cases must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant.
All motions in domestic violence cases must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant.
Page 8 | VII. HEARINGS - D. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEARINGS (DV) - SPECIAL SET REQUESTS
Notices of voluntary dismissal in DVCE cases must be set for hearing on the DV Docket, with a copy sent to the Judicial Assistant to request a date and time.
If a Petitioner files a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal in a domestic violence case (DVCE), the Notice must be set for a hearing on the Court's DV Docket. Please send a copy of the notice to the Judicial Assistant and request a hearing date and time.
Page 8 | VII. HEARINGS - D. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEARINGS (DV) - NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY DISMISSALS
The division may not be included in party-to-party scheduling e-mails and duplicate e-mails about the same hearing are prohibited, as both cause delays.
DO NOT INCLUDE THE DIVISION IN E-MAILS BETWEEN THE PARTIES DISCUSSING SCHEDULING. This will result in delay in setting the hearing. DO NOT SEND MULTIPLE e-mailS REGARDING THE SAME HEARING. This will result in delay in setting the hearing.
Page 10 | VII. HEARINGS - F. SPECIAL SET HEARINGS (SS)
Using UMC to seek earlier dates, sending multiple or duplicative e-mails to the Judicial Assistant, and starting new e-mail threads to expedite hearings are all prohibited.
The following practices are not permitted: Setting motions on the Court's Uniform Motion Calendar to seek an earlier hearing date from the Court. Sending multiple, disorganized, or duplicative e-mails to the Judicial Assistant. Initiating a new e-mail thread for a request to expedite a hearing.
Page 13 | VII. HEARINGS - L. REQUESTS FOR EXPEDITED HEARINGS/TRIALS
Agreed Orders must not be mailed or e-mailed to the Court (they are submitted via CMS).
Do not mail or e-mail copies of Agreed Orders to the Court.
Page 14 | VIX. PROPOSED ORDERS - B. AGREED ORDERS
Timely objections to General Magistrate referral must be submitted to the Court via the division e-mail with the filed motion and hearing request.
If a party timely objects to referral to the General Magistrate, a copy of the Objection, along with the filed motion, and hearing request, shall be submitted to the Court via the division e-mail.
Page 18 | XI. REFERRALS TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE OR HEARING OFFICER
Interpreter needs in DV cases must be e-mailed to the Judicial Assistant at least seven days before the hearing.
For Domestic Violence cases, please notify the Judicial Assistant by e-mail that you require the services of an interpreter at least seven (7) days prior to your hearing.
Page 19 | XIII. INTERPRETERS/TRANSLATORS
Technical questions about the CMS Online Scheduling System or e-order submission should be e-mailed to the JIS Department at calendar@17th.flcourts.org.
If you have technical questions or need assistance with the CMS Online Scheduling System or with the submission of e-orders, please e-mail the JIS Department at: calendar@17th.flcourts.org
Page 21 | XVI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION