Florida 18 Judicial Circuit (Brevard, Seminole)
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Amended Notice Of Hearing, Cross Notice Of Hearing
Motion
- Within 10 Days After Service
Notice Of Hearing
Objection To Order Of Referral To General Magistrate
- 1 copy • Email
Adjournments
- Attorneys may cancel or reschedule only hearings they set.
- Continuance requests must strictly comply with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e), or they may be summarily denied.
- A stipulated continuance is not guaranteed to be granted.
- +6 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Chambers
Document Format Requirements21 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All exhibits shall be pre-marked with exhibit stickers. The exhibit stickers shall specify the party offering the evidence, the date of the hearing, and the case number.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Each exhibit shall be marked sequentially with a letter identifying that exhibit.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A hard copy of all exhibits you intend on offering into evidence must be brought with you to court at the time of your in-person hearing.
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If the hearing/trial is going to be conducted virtually, a hard copy of all exhibits must be hand delivered or mailed to the General Magistrates’ Chambers at the Seminole County Civil Courthouse 301 N Park Ave, Sanford, FL 32771.
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All E-mails shall have the exhibits clearly marked and attached in PDF format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Proposed orders must use the specified DJMCA date and signature code pairs, while CCCC is used alone for the service list; electronic signatures replace the corresponding codes with dates and signature images.
DJMCA signature and date codes are used in pairs: 1) DDDD = Judge Signature Date/ JJJJ = Judge Signature When a Judge electronically signs the order, the DDDD will be replaced with the current date and a digital copy of their signature will be inserted in place of the JJJJ. 2) MMMM = Mailing Date/ AAAA = Judicial Assistant Signature When a JA electronically signs the order, the MMMM will be replaced with the current date and a digital copy of their signature will be inserted in place of the AAAA. 3) RRRR = Recommended and Ordered date/ GGGG = GM signature When a General Magistrate electronically signs the order, the RRRR will be replaced with the current date and a digital copy of their signature will be inserted in place of the GGGG. 4) CCCC = Service List (standalone – is not paired with a corresponding date code) CCCC is replaced with contact information of the parties selected for service.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
When directed by the General Magistrate to prepare a Recommended Order at the conclusion of your hearing or trial, submit the proposed Recommended Order via email to the Magistrate’s Assistant in Word format for electronic signature.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word, with 1” margins all the way around, and in the .docx format (all lower-case letters, file name, no other punctuation, and .docx file extension).
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Video and audio exhibits must be submitted on a USB drive in an envelope clearly marked with an exhibit label.
If an exhibit consists of a video or audio recording, it shall be submitted to the Court on a USB drive; all such media shall be placed in an envelope clearly marked with an exhibit label as described below.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Each party shall provide the Court with hard-copy, printed exhibits.
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Exhibit labels must be placed at the lower right when possible and use a standard Petitioner or Respondent exhibit sticker with a black border; the Clerk may reject exhibits without standard labels.
A label shall appear in the lower right-hand corner (or as close thereto as is possible without interfering with the text or substance of the document). The Clerk may not accept exhibits that do not have Standard Labels. For example, printing or writing the exhibit number and information required below is NOT sufficient. It must be on a Petitioner or Respondent label (i.e., Exhibit sticker) with a black border.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Proposed orders must use JJJJ for the Judge’s signature without a signature line or printed name or position, and the code must appear alone on its own line and not at the end of a row.
For the Judge’s signature, please use the code “JJJJ”. The program will insert a properly formatted signature during the signing process. Do NOT include a signature line, the Judge’s printed name or position. Please make sure that this code appears on a line separate from any other text and is not preceded or followed by any other characters (including blank spaces). Do NOT place “JJJJ” at the end of a row, as this will cause the Judge’s signature to improperly display.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Do not include unnecessary formatting such as tables, columns, text boxes, macros, headers, footers, etc. These may cause the order to be rejected.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Proposed orders should be uploaded in .docx (i.e., the latest Microsoft Word format).
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Stipulations and cover letters should be uploaded in .pdf (Adobe) format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Please note that quotation marks accompanying the codes above should NOT be included.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Note
As a courtesy, please minimize unnecessary line spacing or page breaks since the clerk charges on a per-page basis.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
a. You must use the date and signature codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature) b. Signature codes (JJJJ, GGGG, AAAA) must be on their own line. There can be no characters of any sort (including spaces or tabs) on the same line before or after the signature codes. Do not change document margins or add indentations to position the codes. Signature codes may only be positioned using the align-left, center, or align-right features in Word. c. The codes must be all capital letters with all four letters for each field. d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work.
Summary: DJMCA date and signature codes must be used in pairs, placed alone on a line without spaces or tabs, aligned using Word’s alignment features, written in four uppercase letters, and used only once per line.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The code “CCCC” will insert a properly formatted service list during the signing process. Do NOT include a printed list of party recipients.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
For the Judicial Assistant’s signature, please use the code “AAAA.” As with the Judge’s signature, do NOT include signature lines, printed names, or titles. Please make sure that this code appears on a line separate from any other text and is not preceded or followed by any other characters.
Summary: Use AAAA for the Judicial Assistant’s signature, without signature lines, printed names, or titles, and place the code alone on its own line.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
All codes should appear on a separate line. Two codes per line confuses the supercomputers.
Document Filing Requirements90 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Probable-cause arrest affidavits for probation or community-control violations must include the specified supervision and case information; unsupported database assertions are insufficient.
Probable cause arrest affidavits charging violation of probation or community control must contain sufficient information to establish (1) the defendant is actually on probation or community control; (2) identify the county in which the defendant was sentenced; (3) identify the crime for which the defendant is being supervised; and (4) whenever possible, the criminal case number. Bare assertions in an arrest affidavit that the CAFÉ system or other law enforcement database shows the defendant to be on probation or community control is insufficient to establish probable cause.
DocumentProbable Cause Arrest Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A finding that probable cause does or does not exist must be in writing, signed by the first appearance judge, and filed, together with the evidence upon which the finding was
DocumentProbable Cause Finding
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
For a person charged with a dangerous crime to be released into a pretrial release service on non-monetary conditions, the service must certify to the court that it investigated or verified the specified information.
Rule 3.131(b)(4) prohibits release of a person into a pretrial release service on non-monetary conditions if the person is charged with a dangerous crime, as defined by F. S. 907.041(4)(a), unless the service certifies to the court that it has investigated or otherwise verified: 1) The circumstances of the accused’s family, employment, financial resources, character, mental condition, and length of residence in the community; 2) The accused’s record of convictions, of appearances at court proceedings, of flight to avoid prosecution, or of failure to appear at court proceedings; and 3) Other facts necessary to assist the court in its determination of the indigency of the accused and whether she or he should be released under the supervision of the service.
DocumentPretrial Release Service Certification
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The waiver must be in writing, executed before the first appearance judge or any other judge. The waiver must state the person consents to return to the demanding state.
DocumentExtradition Waiver
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The arrest affidavit must set forth facts, under oath, that are sufficient to establish probable cause for the arrest.
DocumentArrest Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The arrest affidavit must state the name of the court and county in which the defendant is being supervised, if the arrest is for violation of probation or community control.
DocumentArrest Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The court file must include the complaint or arrest report and attachments, pretrial release interview sheet, appointed-counsel application or affidavit, and criminal history print-outs.
The court file shall contain the following documents: 1. The complaint or arrest report, including attachments. 2. The pretrial release interview sheet. 3. The application/affidavit for court appointed counsel. 4. Criminal history print-outs.
DocumentCourt File
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
(After taking the plea, renew offer of counsel prior to imposing sentence.)
DocumentPlea Hearing Record
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
SWORN TO, SIGNED AND FILED IN OPEN COURT, IN MY PRESENCE AND PROVISIONALLY ACCEPTED BY ME THIS ____ DAY OF 20_.
DocumentPlea Agreement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The defense attorney’s certificate must certify discussion of the specified case and plea topics and state whether the attorney is aware of potentially exonerating DNA testing.
I hereby certify that I have fully discussed this case and this plea agreement with the defendant including the nature of the charges, their elements, the evidence of which I am aware, any possible defenses, the maximum and minimum penalties which may be imposed, the probable guideline range and the defendant's right to appeal. I am not aware of any DNA testing that may exonerate the defendant.
DocumentCertificate Of Defense Attorney
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Unless stated otherwise herein, any proposed order must be accompanied by a cover letter which describes the pleading/motion to be resolved and contains a certification that opposing counsel has been consulted and has no objection to the entry of the proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
For all cases in which child support is involved, the parties must have filed a child support guidelines worksheet pursuant to Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285(k).
DocumentChild Support Guidelines Worksheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Submit the proposed final judgment with a UDOM checklist that references the docket numbers of the listed documents, and submit the checklist with the cover letter.
The proposed final judgment shall be submitted to the Court accompanied by a UDOM checklist (the checklist is appended hereto for the parties’ convenience) which references the docket numbers of the documents described in the checklist. The checklist shall be submitted with the cover letter.
DocumentProposed Final Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking restoration of a prior legal name must file an affidavit stating the requested name, its proper spelling, and the specified purpose and property-rights assertions.
A party seeking the restoration of a prior legal name shall file an affidavit stating: that the request is for the restoration of a prior legal name, the proper spelling of the name to be restored, and that the request is for no ulterior or illegal purpose and granting it will not in any manner invade the property rights of others, whether partnership, patent, good will, privacy, trademark, or otherwise.
DocumentName Restoration Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If a party is seeking the entry of an order based upon a stipulation, then the signed stipulation shall be submitted with the cover letter.
DocumentStipulation Based Order Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
When the specified disclosure, discovery-response, or extension-and-hearing requirements have not been timely met, the Court will grant an ex parte motion to compel without a hearing.
Ex Parte Motions to Compel: where a party has not: timely complied with the mandatory disclosure provisions of Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285, filed a timely response or objection to a discovery request, or filed a timely request for extension and notice of hearing, the Court will enter an order granting a motion to compel without a hearing.
DocumentEx Parte Motion To Compel
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain a statement that the moving party has consulted with the opposing party/counsel and made a good faith effort to resolve the matter at issue before seeking Court intervention. The notice must recite that the date, time, and length of hearing has been coordinated.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Parties must submit a joint equitable distribution worksheet identifying marital and nonmarital assets and liabilities, each party’s valuations, and the requested recipient for each item.
c. Equitable Distribution worksheet – parties shall submit a joint equitable distribution worksheet which identifies all nonmarital and marital assets and liabilities. The worksheet should express each party’s opinion as to the value of each item on the date of filing and any other proposed distribution date. The worksheet should indicate to whom a party is seeking distribution of an item.
DocumentJoint Equitable Distribution Worksheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Parties must submit a joint personal property exhibit containing the information required for the equitable distribution worksheet.
d. Personal property – to avoid confusion about the identity of an item and to expedite the resolution of the distribution of personal property, the parties shall submit a joint personal property exhibit. The exhibit shall contain the same information described above for the joint equitable distribution worksheet.
DocumentJoint Personal Property Exhibit
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The uncontested dissolution checklist identifies the documents to be provided, allows a conforming joint verified waiver in lieu of the financial affidavits, and lists additional items if there are children.
UNCONTESTED DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE CHECKLIST ______ PROPOSED FINAL JUDGMENT ______ FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT FOR PETITIONER ______ FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT FOR RESPONDENT ______ (In lieu of Financial Affidavits, the Court will accept a Joint Verified Waiver of Financial Affidavits that strictly Conforms to Fla. Fam. L.R.P. 12.285 ©(2)(A) ______ SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ______ ANSWER & WAIVER BY RESPONDENT ______ AFFIDAVIT OF CORROBORATING WITNESS RE: RESIDENCY OR BRING A WITNESS OR DRIVER’S LICENSE ISSUSED MORE THAN 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO FILING ______ PARTY RESTORES TO PRIOR NAME ______ ATTESTATION CERTIFICATE FOR PETITIONER ______ ATTESTATION CERTIFICATE FOR RESPONDENT ______ NOTICE OF SOCIAL SECURITY FOR RESPONDENT (per Fla. Stat. s.61.052 (7)) ______ NOTICE OF RELATED CASES IF CHILDREN: ______ COPE CLASS CERTIFICATE FOR PETITIONER ______ COPE CLASS CERTIFICATE FOR RESPONDENT ______ AFFIDAVIT OF UCCJEA/DEPENDENCY ACTION
DocumentUncontested Dissolution
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
ATTACHMENT #1 (include docket #s)
DocumentAttachment 1
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES CALCULATIONS (per s.61.13(1)(d)(1) include the full name and date of birth of children)
DocumentChild Support Guidelines Calculations
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
For a remote proceeding, the notice must include the assigned General Magistrate’s Virtual Courtroom Information, including its link and QR code.
If the proceeding is being conducted remotely, the notice shall include the specific Virtual Courtroom Information for the General Magistrate with whom the hearing is being held. The Virtual Courtroom Information includes a link and a QR code for the parties to access the virtual courtroom.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A Notice of Hearing must specifically state the matter(s) to be heard. A Notice of Hearing that states “All Pending Motions” is a nullity.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
NOTE: YOU MAY NOT CROSS-NOTICE ANY MATTER THAT HAS NOT BEEN REFERRED TO THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE.
DocumentCross Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All exhibits/evidence shall be clearly marked for identification (A, B, C, etc.…) or have a title page at the beginning of their evidence indicating "Exhibit A, etc." and the name of the document.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The parties are required to furnish electronic copies of all intended Exhibits to Meagan.Rodriguez@flcourts18.org no later than 48-business hours prior to the proceeding via e-mail.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
You must attach a separate cover letter stating whether the opposing party has reviewed the proposed Recommended Order and if they agree or object to the content and form.
DocumentCover Letter
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Proposed Recommended Orders must conform to DJMCA Format. Submissions that do not include DJMCA codes will not be accepted.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
**THERE MUST BE A MOTION ALREADY FILED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE INDICATING HOW AND WHEN THE MOTION WAS SERVED/PROVIDED TO THE OTHER PARTY**
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The plaintiff is required to file the Civil Case Management Track Designation Form at the time of the initial filing of the action, along with the complaint, summons, and Civil Cover sheet, to classify the case as Streamline, General, or Complex.
DocumentInitial Civil Action Filing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If withdrawal will leave a party self-represented, the signed consent and proposed order must include the party’s current mailing address, email address, phone number, and any next court date.
If a party will now be pro se after the withdrawal is granted, the following information MUST be included in the signed consent AND proposed order: a. The party’s current mailing address b. The party’s current email address c. The party’s current phone number d. Information concerning the next court date, if any.
DocumentSigned Consent And Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All motions must have the client’s signature and specific reason(s) for the withdrawal/substitution and meet all requirements of Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration Rule 2.505(f)(1).
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
When submitting a proposed Final Judgment, parties must complete the Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage (UDOM) Checklist (see Attachment 1).
DocumentProposed Final Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Any withholding order submitted to the court shall include a copy of the underlying support order.
DocumentIncome Withholding Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Before submitting the proposed Final Judgment, the following items must be viewable in the court file: a. A Collaborative Memorandum of Understanding b. If there are any minor children, a Certificate of Completion of a State-Approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course for each party.
DocumentProposed Final Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
For an evidentiary hearing of two hours or more, the initial email to the judicial assistant must include the motion, the parties’ total requested time, and a written settlement-conference certification, with any refusal to communicate disclosed.
To obtain a hearing time of two hours or more, email the following to the judicial assistant: a. A copy of the motion. b. The total amount of time requested by all parties. The parties must coordinate with opposing counsel to determine the total amount of time needed prior to the initial email to the judicial assistant. c. WRITTEN CERTIFICATION THAT THE MOVING PARTY HAS CONFERRED WITH THE OPPOSING PARTY AND HAS MADE A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO REACH A SETTLEMENT OF THE ISSUE(S) RAISED IN THE MOTION. IF THE OPPOSING PARTY REFUSES TO COMMUNICATE, SUCH SHALL BE STATED IN THE EMAIL TO THE JUDICIAL ASSISTANT.
DocumentEmail To Judicial Assistant
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
After three good-faith unsuccessful attempts to reach opposing counsel, the Certificate of Compliance must state the dates and times of those attempts; the hearing notice must include the certificate stating whether the conference occurred and, if it did, its date, participants, and specific results.
If counsel who notices the hearing is unable to reach opposing counsel to conduct the conference after three (3) good faith attempts, counsel who notices the hearing must identify in the Certificate of Compliance the dates and times of the efforts made to contact opposing counsel. Counsel shall include in the Notice of Hearing the Certificate of Compliance certifying that the meet and confer occurred (or did not occur and setting out the good faith attempts to schedule the conference) and identifying the date of the conference, the names of the participating attorneys, and the specific results obtained.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
THE NOTICE OF HEARING MUST CONTAIN A CERTIFICATION THAT PARTIES HAVE CONFERRED IN GOOD FAITH TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE(S) RAISED IN THE MOTION (FAILURE TO INCLUDE THIS CERTIFICATION MAY RESULT IN THE MATTER BEING CANCELLED BY THE COURT).
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
When parties set a final hearing through JACS or with the judicial assistant, the party filing the Notice of Hearing must also include a completed UDOM checklist, or the final hearing may be cancelled by the Court.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Exhibits must be Bates-stamped, and the index must identify each exhibit by its letter and Bates-stamped number series.
All of the exhibits shall be Bates-stamped for easier identification. The index shall identify the exhibit, with the corresponding exhibit letter and the Bates-stamped number series for each such exhibit. (Example: Exhibit A – Petitioner’s Financial Affidavit – 1 – 13).
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All submissions shall include an index of the exhibits (see Attachment 5).
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
After three good-faith attempts on separate dates fail to reach opposing counsel, the Certificate of Compliance must list the dates and times of those attempts.
If counsel of the party who notices the trial is unable to reach opposing counsel to conduct the conference after three (3) good faith attempts, on separate dates, counsel of the party who noticed the trial must identify in the Certificate of Compliance the dates and times of the efforts made to contact opposing counsel.
DocumentCertificate
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The Certificate of Compliance must state whether the meet and confer occurred and identify its date, participating attorneys, and results, or describe the good-faith attempts to schedule it.
Counsel shall include in the filed Certificate of Compliance certification that the meet and confer occurred (or did not occur and setting out the good faith attempts to schedule the conference), and identifying the date(s) of the conference, the names of the participating attorneys, and the specific results obtained, including any narrowing of the issues or other resolution because of the conference.
DocumentCertificate
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If the meet and confer was not completed, the certificate must report good-faith contact attempts, their dates and times, their purpose, and the inability to speak with opposing counsel.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a lawyer in my firm with full authority to resolve this matter attempted in good faith to contact opposing counsel in person, by telephone or by email on: 1. [DATE] at [TIME] ; 2. [DATE] at [TIME] ; 3. [DATE] at [TIME] . to discuss resolution of this trial or narrowing of the issues, and the lawyer in my firm was unable to speak with opposing counsel.
DocumentCertificate Of Compliance
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All such proposed orders shall be submitted for review to the opposing party before being submitted to the Court.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Every proposed order must have a cover letter stating whether it is agreed or opposed; if the opposing party does not respond despite reasonable efforts, the letter must give the communication-attempt dates and state there was no reply.
The Court will reject any order that is not accompanied by a cover letter certifying that the order is agreed or opposed. Any cover letter stating that the opposing party is invited to agree or oppose the order, or which simply states the opposing party has been provided a copy of the order, will result in the summary rejection of the proposed order. If a party has made reasonable efforts to obtain the agreement or opposition of the opposing party but received no response, then the cover letter shall state the dates that such communication was attempted and that the opposing party has not replied.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A request for continuance must be signed by the requesting party (i.e., not counsel).
DocumentContinuance Request
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If an indigent defendant desires to waive counsel, a full Faretta inquiry may be conducted and a waiver of counsel must be placed on the record by the defendant.
DocumentWaiver Of Counsel
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A Notice of Hearing must be e-filed and an emailed courtesy copy must be sent to the Magistrate’s Assistant.
You must e-file the Notice of Hearing in the court file and provide a courtesy copy by email to the Magistrate’s Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III.F. Notice of Hearing
All documents must be filed with the Clerk of Court; self-represented litigants are directed to register and file through the Florida E-filing Portal.
Please note that all documents must be filed with the Clerk of Court. If you are self-represented you should register and file documents in your case through the Florida E-filing Portal https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 9 | V. Self-Represented Litigants (Pro Se)
Agreed proposed orders may be submitted through the E-Portal with a cover letter certifying all parties agree, and the E-Portal may be used only for unopposed orders.
If the parties agree to the language of an order, the order may be submitted to the Court through the E-Portal with a cover letter certifying that all parties agree to the entry of the order as proposed. The ePortal may only be used for unopposed orders.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 14 | PERTAINING TO ALL MATTERS
If the parties cannot agree on an order’s language, each party may email the judicial assistant a proposed order in Microsoft Word format with a certification that attempts to agree were made.
If the parties cannot agree to the language of the order, each party may submit a proposed order in Microsoft Word format via email to the appropriate judicial assistant for the Court’s consideration, along with a certification that attempts were made to agree upon the language of the order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 14 | PERTAINING TO ALL MATTERS
All motions must be electronically filed and docketed before a hearing is set.
All motions must be e-filed and docketed prior to setting a hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 17 | PROCEDURES FOR SCHEDULING HEARINGS ON JACS
Do not submit an opposed proposed order through the e-portal; follow the procedure for opposed proposed orders in the Uniform Procedures.
If a proposed order is opposed, please do NOT submit via the e-portal. Follow the procedure listed in the Uniform Procedures for opposed proposed orders.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 20 | EPORTAL CODES
For the stated cases, a Motion for Trial and proposed order may be electronically filed through the e-portal.
Pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.440, for any case not subject to Rule 1.200 or 1.201, or if either party determines that the case is ready to be tried before the Projected or Actual trial date, a Motion for Trial and proposed order may be electronically filed via the e-portal with a copy served on the presiding judge.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Motions for Trial
Proposed orders for the matters addressed in this section may be submitted through the e-portal.
The following matters do not require a hearing, and proposed orders may be submitted via the e- portal:
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | SETTING HEARINGS
Contested orders must be sent to the Court by email, U.S. Mail, or hand delivery.
Any order that is contested must be sent to the Court via email/US Mail/hand delivery.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | MATTERS NOT REQUIRING A HEARING/SUBMITTING ORDERS TO THE COURT
The e-portal is the primary means to transmit proposed judgments and orders for matters that can be finalized without a hearing, but only uncontested matters may be submitted through it.
The primary means to transmit such to the Court shall be the e-portal. However, only matters that are uncontested may be submitted through the e-portal.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | MATTERS NOT REQUIRING A HEARING/SUBMITTING ORDERS TO THE COURT
An Amended Notice of Hearing must be prepared and e-filed in the court file.
An Amended Notice of Hearing must be prepared and e-filed in the Court file.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — C. CONTINUANCES ON CASES SET BEFORE THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE
The Court will not accept exhibits in digital or electronic format or by email.
The Court will no longer accept exhibits in digital or electronic format or sent via e-mail.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | FORMAT OF EXHIBITS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
During the normal work week, the deadline to add a person to the first appearance docket is 7:00 a.m.
During the normal work week, the cut-off time for a person to be added to the first appearance docket shall be 7:00 a.m.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 24 | IV. Duty of the Clerk of the Court — A. Preparation of the First Appearance File
On weekends and holidays, the deadline to add a person to the first appearance docket is 2:00 a.m.
On weekends and holidays, the cutoff time for adding any person to the first appearance docket shall be 2:00 a.m.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 24 | IV. Duty of the Clerk of the Court — A. Preparation of the First Appearance File
A person booked into jail after the applicable cutoff must be placed on the next day’s first appearance docket.
Any person booked into the jail after that time shall be placed on the first appearance docket for the next day.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 24 | IV. Duty of the Clerk of the Court — A. Preparation of the First Appearance File
A party seeking a remote proceeding must file a written motion under Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.530 and provide a courtesy copy to the judicial assistant within ten days after service of the motion.
Parties seeking remote proceedings must request the same through the filing of a written motion pursuant to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.530, with a courtesy copy to the judicial assistant, within ten (10) days after service of the motion to ensure the availability of counsel, parties, witnesses, and exhibits.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | REMOTE HEARINGS
The final pretrial-detention hearing must be scheduled before the assigned trial judge within five days after the motion is filed.
The final hearing must be scheduled before the assigned trial judge within five days from the filing of the motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 18
Exhibits for a virtual hearing or trial must be personally delivered or received at least 48 business hours before the hearing.
Please note that all exhibits must be personally delivered and/or received at least 48 business hours prior to the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | IV.D. Submitting Exhibits for Evidentiary Hearings and Trials Before the General Magistrates
The Clerk of Court will not accept a filing unless it includes the completed Civil Case Management Track Designation Form.
The Clerk of Court will not accept filings without the completed Civil Case Management Track Designation Form.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Case Track Designation
For remote proceedings, exhibits must be delivered to the Court at least two business days before the proceeding begins.
For remote proceedings only, Exhibits shall be delivered to the Court at least two (2) business days before the scheduled commencement date of a remote proceeding.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 9 | EXHIBITS
The Certificate of Compliance must be filed at least ten business days before the first day of trial.
The following are templates to be included with your Certificate of Compliance filed at least ten (10) business days prior to the first day of the
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 12 | MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A release for failure to meet specified time periods requires a judge’s order and notice to the state; at daily first appearance hearings, receipt of the docket copy by the state attorney satisfies notice.
Any release occasioned by a failure to comply with the specified time periods shall be by order of the judge either (1) on written application filed by the defendant with notice to the state, or (2) by a judge without written application but with notice to the state.5 The notice requirements under the rule shall be satisfied when the state attorney receives a copy of the first appearance docket, provided the release is ordered at the daily first appearance hearings.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 11 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
A party scheduling a hearing must notify the other parties, including parties defaulted by the Court.
Any party scheduling a hearing MUST provide notice to the other parties, even if defaulted by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III.F. Notice of Hearing
Send the proposed Recommended Order and cover letter to the General Magistrate’s Assistant by email as directed, with copies to the opposing party.
The proposed Recommended Order and Cover Letter shall be sent to the General Magistrate’s Assistant via email as directed with copies provided to the opposing party.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | VI. Recommended Order of the General Magistrate
The order is served on the listed attorneys and interested parties through ePortal notices and, as applicable, by U.S. Mail or email.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been served on this day to all attorney(s)/interested parties identified on the ePortal Electronic Service List, via transmission of Notices of Electronic Filing generated by the ePortal System and furnished by U.S. Mail and/or e-mail (as applicable) to the parties at each of their last known addresses on MMMM.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 13 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
A copy of the Motion for Trial and proposed order must be served on the presiding judge in the stated circumstances.
Pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.440, for any case not subject to Rule 1.200 or 1.201, or if either party determines that the case is ready to be tried before the Projected or Actual trial date, a Motion for Trial and proposed order may be electronically filed via the e-portal with a copy served on the presiding judge.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Motions for Trial
Other motions to withdraw must be set for hearing, and the client must be notified by U.S. Mail unless the client has filed a Designation of Email Address form with the clerk.
All other Motions to Withdraw must be set for a hearing, with notice given to the client via US Mail, unless the client has previously filed a Designation of Email Address form with the clerk.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Uncontested Motions to Withdraw and Motions for Substitution of Counsel
The parties must exchange exhibits and confer about each exhibit’s admissibility at least three business days before the hearing.
The parties must exchange exhibits AND confer about the admissibility of each exhibit at least three (3) business days before the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 9 | EXHIBITS
A hearing may be canceled if an appointed Guardian ad Litem has not received notice, pending proper notice.
If a Guardian ad Litem appointed in the case is not given notice of a hearing, the hearing may be subject to cancellation by the Court pending proper notice to the Guardian ad Litem.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III.F. Notice of Hearing
For remote hearings, exhibits must be exchanged at least three business days before the hearing.
For all remote hearings, exhibits shall be exchanged no less than three (3) business days before the date of the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 5 | EXHIBITS: Exchange of Exhibits
After no callback by the end of the second business day, a hearing may be set unilaterally with at least 10 days’ notice to the self-represented litigant.
If at the end of the second business day you do not receive a call back, then you may request to set a hearing unilaterally giving at least ten (10) days-notice of the hearing to the self-represented litigant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — B. COORDINATING
If the court file lists no phone number or email address, a hearing may be set unilaterally with at least 15 days’ notice to the self-represented litigant.
If no phone number or email address is listed in the Court file, you may request to set a hearing unilaterally giving at least fifteen (15) days-notice of the hearing to the self-represented litigant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — B. COORDINATING
If a self-represented opposing party does not call back by the end of the second business day, a hearing may be set unilaterally with at least 10 days’ notice.
If at the end of the second business day you do not receive a call back, then you may request to set a hearing unilaterally giving at least ten (10) days-notice of the hearing to the self-represented litigant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | IV.C. Trial
If the Court file lists no phone number or email address for the self-represented litigant, a hearing may be set unilaterally with at least 15 days’ notice.
If no phone number or email address is listed in the Court file, you may request to set a hearing unilaterally giving at least fifteen (15) days-notice of the hearing to the self-represented litigant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | IV.C. Trial
Copy all parties associated with the case on the exhibit email, but do not copy the magistrate.
All parties associated with the case shall be copied on the e-mail. DO NOT COPY THE MAGISTRATE ON THE E-MAIL.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | IV. Trials Before the General Magistrates
Booking officers must provide one copy of the arrest report and related documents to the arrested person at first appearance and deliver another copy to the clerk with the original.
Booking officers shall make two copies of the arrest report and related documents. One copy shall be delivered to the arrested person at first appearance. The other copy shall be delivered to the first appearance clerk with the original.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 23 | III. Duty of Arresting Officers, Booking Officers and First Appearance Correctional Officers
Before first appearance, the clerk must provide the state attorney and the public defender or present private counsel copies of the complaint or arrest report and documents the judge used to set bail.
The first appearance clerk shall supply copies of the complaint or arrest report, along with any documents used by the first appearance judge to set bail, to the state attorney and the public defender (or private counsel who are present) prior to first appearance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 24 | IV. Duty of the Clerk of the Court — B. Delivery of Copies of the Complaint and Related Documents
Pretrial release forms, appointment-of-counsel affidavits, and related documents must be delivered to the first appearance clerk.
Pretrial release forms, appointment of counsel affidavits, and related documents shall be delivered to the first appearance clerk who prepares the first appearance docket.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Criminal cases
Page 24 | III. Duty of Arresting Officers, Booking Officers and First Appearance Correctional Officers
Correctional officers must give each defendant scheduled for first appearance copies of the complaint, related documents, and the clerk’s minutes setting the next court date.
It is the responsibility of the first appearance correctional officers to distribute a copy of the complaint and related documents as well as a copy of the clerk’s minutes setting the next court date to each defendant who is scheduled at first appearance.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 24 | III. Duty of Arresting Officers, Booking Officers and First Appearance Correctional Officers
The Court encourages parties to exchange exhibits before in-person hearings.
The Court encourages parties to exchange exhibits prior to any in-person hearings.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 5 | EXHIBITS: Exchange of Exhibits
Filing Fees and Waivers
A public defender applicant must be advised to pay the application fee to the clerk within seven days; an unpaid fee will be assessed at the end of the case and may be imposed as a condition of probation or community control.
Public defender defendants must be advised that an application fee must be paid to the clerk within seven days from the date of the application. If the fee is not paid, it will be assessed at the end of the case and may be made a condition of probation or community control.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 8 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
A separate fee may be assessed at the end of the case, may be made a condition of probation or community control, and becomes a lien against property the defendant owns or later acquires.
Additionally, a separate fee may be assessed at the end of the case and may be made payable as a condition of probation or community control. The fee shall also become a lien against any property the defendant owns or later acquires.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 8 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
The clerk charges for proposed orders on a per-page basis.
As a courtesy, please minimize unnecessary line spacing or page breaks since the clerk charges on a per-page basis.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | VI. Recommended Order of the General Magistrate
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Email a courtesy copy of an objection to the referral to the Magistrate’s Assistant to request cancellation if a hearing is scheduled.
A courtesy copy of the Objection to the Order of Referral to General Magistrate should be emailed to the Magistrate’s Assistant to request cancellation of a hearing if one has already been scheduled.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | II. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE’S DIVISION — B. OBJECTIONS TO A REFERRAL TO THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE
Amended notices and cross-notices must be filed with the Clerk and emailed to the Magistrate’s Assistant, and a cross-notice may not cover a matter not referred to the General Magistrate.
Please make sure that Amended Notices and/or Cross-Notices of Hearing are filed with the Clerk and a courtesy copy emailed to the Magistrate’s Assistant. NOTE: YOU MAY NOT CROSS-NOTICE ANY MATTER THAT HAS NOT BEEN REFERRED TO THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. Hearings
A courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing must be emailed to the Magistrate’s Assistant.
You must e-file the Notice of Hearing in the court file and provide a courtesy copy by email to the Magistrate’s Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III.F. Notice of Hearing
A party seeking a remote proceeding must provide a courtesy copy of the motion to the judicial assistant within ten days after service of the motion.
Parties seeking remote proceedings must request the same through the filing of a written motion pursuant to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.530, with a courtesy copy to the judicial assistant, within ten (10) days after service of the motion to ensure the availability of counsel, parties, witnesses, and exhibits.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | REMOTE HEARINGS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before scheduling a hearing on a motion, the parties must complete the meet-and-confer process, except for contested motions to withdraw and motions for substitution of counsel.
A mandatory meet and confer process is hereby established, as set forth below, for all motions to be set for hearing and to occur before scheduling the hearing, except for Contested Motions to Withdraw and Motions for Substitution of Counsel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | NOTICES OF HEARING AND MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT
Except for specified child-related emergencies, parties seeking temporary relief must first complete mediation or mutually consent to referral to the General Magistrate, and must satisfy the stated mediation and notice prerequisites before setting a hearing.
Except in the event of an emergency (imminent risk of harm to a child; imminent risk of improper removal of a child from the jurisdiction of the Court), all parties seeking temporary relief must FIRST complete mediation OR mutually consent to the referral of the request for temporary relief to the General Magistrate. If the parties cannot reach a resolution following the completion of mediation, any hearing seeking temporary relief shall be set as an evidentiary hearing. Parties shall NOT request a hearing from the Judicial Assistant nor set a Temporary Relief Hearing on JACS until the mediation has been set, the notice of mediation is filed, and the notice is viewable in the electronic court file. The date of the Temporary Relief Hearing will be set for a date after the completed mediation. If the mediation does not occur or is set to occur after the date of the Temporary Relief Hearing, then the Temporary Relief Hearing will be cancelled.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | TEMPORARY RELIEF HEARINGS
Motions for Default are referred to the General Magistrate; if default is denied or an objection is filed, the case is set for the next available pre-trial conference and then trial.
All Motions for Default will be referred to the General Magistrate. In the event that a default is not granted, or an objection to the General Magistrate is filed, the case shall subsequently be set for the next available pre-trial conference and then for trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | MOTIONS FOR DEFAULT FINAL JUDGMENT
Counsel with full settlement authority must confer before scheduling a motion hearing to resolve or narrow the issues, and the hearing-noticing counsel must arrange the conference and include a Certificate of Compliance in the filed notice.
Counsel with full authority to resolve the matter shall confer before scheduling the hearing on the motion to attempt to resolve or otherwise narrow the issues raised in the motion and include a Certificate of Compliance (see below) that the conference has occurred in the Notice of Hearing filed with the court. It shall be the responsibility of counsel who schedules the hearing to arrange the conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | NOTICES OF HEARING AND MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT
Counsel who notices the hearing must inform the Court and judicial assistant of any narrowing or resolution, and noncompliance with the meet-and-confer requirement results in cancellation of the scheduled hearing.
Counsel who notices the hearing shall ensure that the court and the court's judicial assistant are aware of any narrowing of the issues or other resolution because of the conference. Failure to comply with the “meet and confer” requirement will result in the Court cancelling the scheduled hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | NOTICES OF HEARING AND MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT
A conference must be a substantive, good-faith in-person, telephone, or video conversation; exchanges of ultimatums by fax, email, or letter do not qualify, and counsel must promptly respond to scheduling communications.
The term "confer" requires a substantive conversation in person or by telephone or video conference in a good faith effort to resolve the motion without the need to schedule a hearing and does not envision an exchange of ultimatums by fax, e-mail, or letter. Counsel who merely attempt to confer have not conferred. Counsel must respond promptly to inquiries and communications from opposing counsel who notices the hearing and is attempting to schedule the conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | NOTICES OF HEARING AND MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
First appearance schedules may be changed only for emergencies and with approval from the Chief Judge or the Administrative Judge, not for personnel convenience.
These times may be changed only in emergencies, such as hurricanes or tornados, and with the approval of the Chief Judge or the Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court Criminal Division. First appearance schedules shall not be changed for the convenience of court personnel or law enforcement.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 4 | I. FIRST APPEARANCE HEARINGS (RULE 3.130 - 3.133)
The State attorney must be allowed 48 hours to establish probable cause, and the hearing must be continued to the next first appearance hearing if probable cause is not established initially.
The first appearance judge must allow the State attorney 48 hours to establish probable cause. The first appearance must be continued to the next first appearance hearing if probable cause cannot be established at the initial first appearance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 8 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
A defendant is not entitled to a continuance solely because the defendant wishes to represent themself.
-Do you understand that you will not be entitled to a continuance simply because you wish to represent yourself?
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 47 | Dangers and Disadvantages Section
Continuance requests must strictly comply with Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e), or they may be summarily denied.
CONTINUANCES: all requests for continuance MUST comply with Fla. R. Gen. Pract. and Jud. Admin. 2.545(e). Any request that does not strictly comply may be subject to summary denial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | CONTINUANCES
A continuance requires a filed Motion for Continuance stating the opposing party’s position.
No continuance will be granted unless a Motion for Continuance is filed. Please ensure that the motion contains the opposing party’s position on the continuance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — C. CONTINUANCES ON CASES SET BEFORE THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE
A continuance is allowed only for good cause and must not disrupt the trial schedule unless the Court approves it.
Continuances are allowed only for good cause and must not disrupt the trial schedule unless approved by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Adherence to Deadlines
Deadlines are strictly enforced and may be changed only by court order or by agreement that does not affect other deadlines or trial dates.
Deadlines are strictly enforced and can only be changed by court order or agreement that does not impact other deadlines or trial dates.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Issuance of Case Management Order
A party seeking a continuance must certify in writing that it conferred with the opposing counsel or party and state whether the opposing side agrees or objects.
In addition to complying with the applicable rules of procedure, including Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration Rule 2.545(e), a party seeking a continuance shall certify in writing that the party has conferred with opposing counsel/party concerning the request and that the opposing party/counsel agrees or objects.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 14 | MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES
If the complaint or affidavit is not attached to the warrant or capias, the first appearance hearing should be continued for 24 hours so the state attorney can obtain a copy.
If the complaint (or affidavit) is not attached to the warrant or capias, the first appearance hearing should be continued for 24 hours to allow the state attorney to obtain a copy.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 7 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
A defendant who wants to hire counsel must be allowed a reasonable time to obtain counsel, and the hearing may be postponed for that purpose.
If the defendant desires to hire counsel, a reasonable time must be allowed for the defendant to send for counsel. The first appearance hearing may be postponed for that purpose.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 7 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
The judge may grant a continuance of up to 24 hours beyond the initial 48 hours upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances and may grant a second 24-hour continuance if those circumstances persist.
A continuance of up to 24 hours beyond the initial 48 hours may be granted by the first appearance judge upon a showing that extraordinary circumstances exist. A second continuance of up to 24 hours may be granted if the extraordinary circumstances still exist
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 8 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
Attorneys may cancel or reschedule only hearings they set.
Attorneys can only cancel or reschedule hearings that they set.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | Cancelling/Rescheduling a Hearing
A stipulated continuance is not guaranteed to be granted.
Due to the Court’s limited hearing time, parties should not assume that a stipulated continuance will be granted.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | CONTINUANCES
Further continuances will be granted only for emergencies or unavailability of subpoenaed witnesses.
Counsel understands that the Court expects pretrial motions to be heard and disposed of and discovery to be completed by docket sounding and that further continuances will be granted only for emergencies and unavailability of witnesses who have been served with a subpoena.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | MOTION FOR FIRST CONTINUANCE, WAIVER OF APPEARANCE AT DOCKET SOUNDING, WAIVER OF SPEEDY TRIAL AND NOTICE FOR TRIAL
Failure to comply with this requirement is deemed adequate absent a showing of extraordinary good cause.
Absent a showing of extraordinary good cause, failure to comply with this requirement shall be deemed adequate
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 14 | MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES
If probable cause is not established after up to two 24-hour continuances, the defendant is entitled to release on recognizance.
The defendant is entitled to release on his or her recognizance if the arrest affidavit does not state probable cause and the state does not establish probable cause for up to two 24-hour continuances.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 11 | II. Procedure at First Appearance
For an agreed continuance, the moving party must obtain new dates and coordinate them with the opposing party.
If all parties agree to the continuance, the moving party must obtain new dates, and re-coordinate with the opposing party.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — C. CONTINUANCES ON CASES SET BEFORE THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE
Chambers Communication Rules
To schedule a hearing or trial on a referred matter, email the General Magistrate’s Assistant for available dates and times.
To schedule hearings/trials on matters that have been specifically referred to the General Magistrates, you must email the General Magistrate’s Assistant for available hearing dates and times.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | III. HEARINGS — A. SCHEDULING
Communications to the Magistrate’s Assistant must copy the opposing party or their attorney.
You must copy the opposing party (or their attorney if they have one) when sending emails or written correspondence to the Magistrate’s Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
When a hearing is continued or cancelled, the scheduling attorney or party must immediately notify the Magistrate’s Assistant so the hearing can be removed from the docket.
If a hearing is continued or cancelled, it is the responsibility of the scheduling attorney/party to immediately advise the Magistrate’s Assistant that the scheduled hearing is continued or cancelled so that it is removed from the court’s docket.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — D. CANCELLING
For a cancellation less than 24 hours before the hearing, the scheduling party or attorney’s office must email or call the Magistrate’s Assistant.
Should a hearing be cancelled less than 24 hours prior to the hearing, the scheduling party and/or attorney’s office must email and/or call the Magistrate’s Assistant to advise the court of the cancellation.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — D. CANCELLING
On each of the two coordination days, leave an email or phone message requesting a response by that business day’s end.
A message must be left by email or phone on both days requesting a response by the end of that business day to coordinate the hearing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — B. COORDINATING
When the opposing self-represented litigant has a phone number or email listed on a pleading, attempt hearing coordination on two different days.
If the opposing party is a self-represented litigant and a telephone number or email address is listed on any of their pleadings, you must make attempts on two different days to coordinate the hearing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — B. COORDINATING
Email is the most effective way to communicate with the Court, but emails to a Judicial Assistant must not include legal argument or substantive discussion of case facts.
Judicial Assistants: Email is the most effective way to communicate with the Court. Please note that it is never appropriate to include legal argument or substantive discussion regarding facts of any case in emails to a Judicial Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | INTRODUCTION
Emails to the General Magistrate’s Assistant must not include legal argument or substantive discussion of case facts.
Please note that it is never appropriate to include legal argument or substantive discussion regarding facts of any case in emails to the General Magistrate’s Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | CONTACT
Ex parte communications received by the General Magistrate’s Office will not be reviewed and will be filed and distributed to all parties.
Ex parte communication received by the General Magistrate’s Office will not be reviewed by the Magistrate and will be filed into the court file with copies distributed to all parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Make reasonable attempts to coordinate a hearing date with opposing counsel before confirming it; several attempts on one day are insufficient.
Reasonable attempts need to be made to clear a date with opposing counsel before confirming a hearing date/time. Several attempts on the same day is insufficient.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — B. COORDINATING
Send the Magistrate’s Assistant a copy of the Notice of Cancellation.
Please send a copy of the Notice of Cancellation to the Magistrate’s Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — D. CANCELLING
When additional hearing time is needed, obtain new dates by emailing the Magistrate’s Assistant or arrange for the original scheduling party to cancel and reschedule.
If you need additional time, you may either obtain new dates by emailing the Magistrate’s Assistant or have the party who set the original hearing cancel theirs and reschedule for a timeslot with
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — E. CROSS-NOTICING
Attorneys must determine what constitutes a reasonable coordination attempt without asking the Magistrate’s Assistant.
Do not contact the Magistrate’s Assistant to determine what a reasonable attempt is. This must be determined by the attorney.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — B. COORDINATING
Contact the Magistrate’s Assistant by email for available trial dates and times.
Please contact the Magistrate’s Assistant (Meagan.Rodriguez@flcourts18.org) for available trial dates and times.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | IV.C. Trial
After referral, a Pre-Trial Conference must be scheduled by emailing the Magistrate’s Assistant.
To schedule a Pre-Trial Conference after the case has been referred, you must email the Magistrate’s Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | IV.A. Pre-Trial Conference
Email is the preferred way to communicate with the Court, but emails to a Judicial Assistant must not include legal argument or substantive discussion of case facts.
Email is the most effective way to communicate with the Court. Please note that it is never appropriate to include legal argument or substantive discussion regarding facts of any case in emails to a Judicial Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | JUDICIAL ASSISTANTS
For evidentiary hearings of at least two hours, the parties must use a separate email thread without the judicial assistant to agree on a hearing date and time; if they cannot agree, the moving party must notify the Court and may request additional dates.
For evidentiary hearings two hours or more in length, the Court will provide available dates and times for the hearing. The moving party will confer with the opposing party on a separate email thread that does not include the judicial assistant to agree on a date and time for the hearing. If the parties are unable to agree on a date and time, the moving party shall so notify the Court and may request additional dates.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
For additional information or assistance, contact the judicial assistant by email.
For additional information or assistance, please email the judicial assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | INTRODUCTION
Email is the most effective way to communicate with the Court.
CONTACT – Email is the most effective way to communicate with the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | CONTACT
Email the General Magistrates Assistant for additional information or assistance.
For additional information or assistance, please email the General Magistrates Assistant Asia Martinez at seminolefamilygmdept@flcourts18.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | I. VIRTUAL COURTROOMS
A party canceling a hearing must email the Court a copy of the Notice of Cancellation at the same time it is filed.
If a party cancels a hearing, that party shall email a copy of the Notice of Cancellation to the Court at the same time it is filed.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | SETTING HEARINGS
Court approval is required to set a hearing over two hours, and pre-approval is required for a temporary relief hearing over one hour if mediation is incomplete; the request should be emailed to the Court with the motion and requested hearing duration.
A request to set a hearing with a duration of more than two (2) hours must be approved by the Court; temporary relief hearings of more than one (1) hour, where the parties have not completed mediation, must be pre-approved. A copy of the motion and a request setting forth the amount of time requested should be emailed to the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | SETTING HEARINGS
Ex parte communication with the General Magistrate is strictly prohibited.
Ex parte communication (any communication to the General Magistrate without the other party’s presence or knowledge) is strictly prohibited.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | D. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Only the party who scheduled a hearing may cancel it.
Only the party who scheduled a hearing may cancel the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — D. CANCELLING
To add a motion to a hearing without needing more time, contact the scheduling party and obtain permission to share the hearing time.
If you wish to add a motion to a previously set hearing and you do not need more time, you must contact the party who scheduled the hearing and obtain permission to share their time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — E. CROSS-NOTICING
Parties in a collaborative divorce must email the assigned division’s Judicial Assistant a Word copy of the proposed final judgment.
Instead, the parties shall send an email to the Judicial Assistant for the division to which the case is assigned with a Word copy of the proposed Final Judgment.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Collaborative Divorce
If opposing counsel fails or refuses to coordinate a hearing, the matter may be raised with the Court by email copied to opposing counsel.
If opposing counsel fails or refuses to participate in the coordination of a hearing, such may be brought to the attention of the Court via an email copied to opposing counsel.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | SETTING HEARINGS
Scheduling emails must not contain information or argument about the substantive matters at issue.
SCHEDULING EMAILS SHALL NOT CONTAIN ANY INFORMATION OR ARGUMENT ABOUT THE SUBSTANTIVE MATTERS AT ISSUE.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | SETTING HEARINGS
The backup phone line may be used for emergencies only.
For emergency purposes only, the backup phone number is +1 386-310-1754, Conference ID: 132 377 884#
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | I. VIRTUAL COURTROOMS
The backup telephone line may be used for emergencies only.
For emergency purposes only, the backup telephone line is +1 386-310-1754, Conference ID: 810 943 829#
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | I. VIRTUAL COURTROOMS
For an un-referred matter, contact the GM Assistant or the Division Circuit Judge’s Judicial Assistant to request an Order of Referral.
If you wish to schedule a hearing on a matter that has not been referred, you can contact the GM Assistant or the Judicial Assistant of the Division Circuit Judge to request an Order of Referral.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 5 | III. HEARINGS — A. SCHEDULING
Scheduling emails should include the case style and motion title, preferably in the subject line.
Please include the case style and title of the motion in your email, preferably in the subject line.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | III. HEARINGS — A. SCHEDULING
Contact the General Magistrate’s Assistant to coordinate a hearing time for a Motion for Continuance.
Please contact the General Magistrate’s Assistant to coordinate a time for your Motion to be heard.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | III. HEARINGS — C. CONTINUANCES ON CASES SET BEFORE THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE
If a stipulated order cannot be uploaded for approval, email the signed order to the judicial assistant using the normal certificate of service and omitting the codes.
Due to these requirements, it may not be possible to upload a stipulated order for the Court’s approval (i.e., an order separate from the stipulation may need to be uploaded). In that case, please forward the signed stipulated order to the Court’s judicial assistant via email using the “normal” certificate of service, WITHOUT the codes.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 19 | EPORTAL CODES
Email Amanda Joseph for matters before Judge Sprysenski.
Amanda Joseph (Judge Sprysenski) at amanda.joseph@flcourts18.org
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | JUDICIAL ASSISTANTS
Email Christine Hutchison for matters before Judge Herr.
Christine Hutchison (Judge Herr) at christine.hutchison@flcourts18.org
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | JUDICIAL ASSISTANTS
Email the judicial assistant for additional information or assistance about a virtual hearing.
For additional information or assistance, please email the judicial assistant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | VIRTUAL COURTROOMS