Judge Kathryn Speicher
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
Amended Notice Of Hearing, Cross Notice Of Hearing
Court-wideMotion
Court-wide- Within 10 Days After Service
Notice Of Hearing
Court-wide
Adjournments
- Continuance requests for VOP hearings should be filed at least two days before the hearing.
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Chambers
Document Filing Requirements38 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The form contains a defense counsel certificate addressing the counsel’s discussions with the defendant and the defendant’s understanding and voluntariness.
CERTIFICATE OF DEFENSE COUNSEL I, Defendant’s Counsel of Record, certify that I have discussed this case with the defendant, including his/her rights, the nature of the violation(s), the evidence against him/her of which I am aware, the possible defenses he/she has, the maximum penalty for the charge(s) for which he/she is on probation/community control, the sentencing guidelines, and his/her right to appeal. No promises have been made to the defendant other that as set forth in this form or on the record. I believe he/she fully understands this written admission, the consequence of entering it, and that the defendant does so of his/her own free will.
DocumentAdmission Of Violation Of Probation Community Control
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The defense counsel certificate states that counsel discussed the listed matters with the defendant and believes the defendant understands the admission and is entering it voluntarily.
I, Defendant’s Counsel of Record, certify that I have discussed this case with the defendant, including his/her rights, the nature of the violation(s), the evidence against him/her of which I am aware, the possible defenses he/she has, the maximum penalty for the charge(s) for which he/she is on probation/community control, the sentencing guidelines, and his/her right to appeal. No promises have been made to the defendant other that as set forth in this form or on the record. I believe he/she fully understands this written admission, the consequence of entering it, and that the defendant does so of his/her own free will.
DocumentAdmission Of Violation Of Probation Community Control
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The subject line of any e-mail to the judicial office must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 CF 001234 – State v. John Doe – 2-Hour Hearing Requested).
DocumentEmail To Judicial Office
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing must include the full name of the motion, the docket number of the motion, and the length of time reserved for the motion. If the docket number of the motion is not yet available, the notice of hearing must include the date the motion was filed and the length of time reserved.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judge’s Virtual Courtroom credentials.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Opposed requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion.
DocumentRemote Appearance Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Every proposed order must be accompanied by a cover letter certifying that all parties agree or identifying any disagreement about the order.
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Attorneys who are unable to attend a Docket Sounding date may file an unopposed motion (i.e. to continue, set for trial, or set for plea) that indicates the State’s position, and submit a proposed order that includes the actual next date they are seeking to set the case. If submitting to the e-portal, please include a copy of the motion to continue.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Cases should not be set for a VOP hearing unless each side can certify to the Court that they have all the evidence required for the hearing and are ready for the hearing.
DocumentVop Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If the Motion for Early Termination is unopposed, the party requesting early termination must provide a proposed order for the Court to enter terminating supervision.
DocumentMotion For Early Termination
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If the State and Defense cannot agree upon an amount of credit for time served, both the State and the Defense shall write on the plea form the amount of credit for time served they are seeking.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If a defendant will enter a plea to a lesser included or amended offense, the name and statute of the lesser included or amended offense must be on the plea form.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Written plea forms are required for all pleas, except for pleas entered at Early Resolution.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If a defendant’s sentence after a plea will include drug offender conditions, or the defendant will be placed on drug offender probation, the defendant must read, initial and sign a “Drug Conditions” form and attach that form to the plea agreement.
DocumentPlea Agreement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If a defendant’s sentence will include an amount of incarceration (past or future), the plea form shall state with specificity the number of days of credit for time served that the State and Defense agree upon.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If a defendant’s sentence after a plea will include community control conditions, the defendant must read, initial and sign a “Community Control Conditions” form and attach that form to the plea agreement.
DocumentPlea Agreement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The State is required to submit a Restitution Order if restitution is ordered in a case, either by negotiated resolution or open plea / trial.
DocumentRestitution Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If a defendant has filed a JAC Motion, the attorney must submit the JAC response to the motion and a proposed order that complies with the JAC’s response.
DocumentJAC Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
At a hearing on a Motion to Recall Bench Warrant, the Court must be presented with either a sworn affidavit from the bondsman that they agree to go back on the bond OR counsel’s representations that they have spoken with the bondsman and the bondsman has agreed to go back on the bond to remain out of custody.
DocumentMotion To Recall Bench Warrant
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The plea agreement includes defense counsel’s certification that the specified matters were discussed with the defendant, followed by counsel’s signature.
CERTIFICATE OF DEFENSE ATTORNEY I 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, including physical evidence for which DNA testing may DEFENDANT exonerate the defendant, any possible defenses, the maximum and minimum penalties which may be imposed, Date of Birth: ___________ Age: _________ the probable guideline range and the defendant’s right to appeal. ______________________________________ COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT
DocumentPlea Agreement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The State accepts the terms of this agreement.
DocumentPlea Agreement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Signing or serving a document represents that the signer read it, has good grounds for it, is not using it for delay, and accurately cites existing legal authorities; sanctions may be imposed for noncompliance.
Every document signed or served by an attorney, party, or self- represented party represents that the signer has read the document; to the best of the signer’s knowledge, information, and belief, there are good grounds to support the document; the document is not interposed for delay, and the legal authorities identified exist and are accurately cited, pursuant to Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admins 2.515. Sanctions may be imposed, consistent with Rule 2.515, if the Rule has not been followed.
DocumentDocument Signed Or Served
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
For a fully negotiated plea set during a short-matters period, the State and Defense must be ready to proceed at the docket’s start with the scoresheet or plea paperwork signed and turned in to the clerk, or the plea may be reset.
The Court will reserve one 5 to 10 minute slot each “short matters” period for a fully negotiated plea. However, both the State and Defense need to be prepared to proceed on the plea at the start of the “Short Matters” docket, including having the scoresheet or plea paperwork signed and turned into the clerk, or the plea may get reset to the previously set date.
DocumentPlea Paperwork
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Defense Attorneys should provide an additional copy of the plea form to the clerk at the same time the original plea form is given to the clerk, PRIOR to the Court addressing the plea.
DocumentPlea Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
The proposed order should also include a cover letter or email indicating whether the State does or does not have an objection to the requested expert being appointed.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If competency issues are suspected, attorneys should forward a copy of the Motion to Determine Competency to the appropriate judicial assistant and include a proposed order appointing a competency expert.
DocumentMotion To Determine Competency
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
CERTIFICATE OF PROSECUTOR I consent to the conditions admitted above I confirm the promises in 3(b) have been made.
DocumentAdmission Of Violation Of Probation Community Control
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
SWORN TO AND FILED in Open Court in the presence of defense counsel and the Judge this ______ day of ________________, 20____.
DocumentAdmission Of Violation Of Probation Community Control
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
I consent to the conditions admitted above I confirm the promises in 3(b) have been made.
DocumentAdmission Of Violation Of Probation Community Control
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Machine summary and details
DocumentEmail To Judicial Office
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
If there is no objection, the Defense shall provide an agreed-upon proposed order for the Court to sign.
Machine summary and details
DocumentMotion For ROR
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
CERTIFICATE OF PROSECUTION The State accepts the terms of this agreement. _______________________________________ ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY
Machine summary and details
DocumentPlea Agreement
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
SWORN TO BY THE DEFENDANT, SIGNED AND FILED IN OPEN COURT, IN MY PRESENCE, THIS ______ DAY OF ______________, 20_____. CIRCUIT JUDGE
Machine summary and details
Summary: The plea agreement provides for the defendant to swear to and sign it in open court in the circuit judge’s presence, with the judge’s signature and date.
DocumentPlea Agreement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
SWORN TO BY THE DEFENDANT, SIGNED AND FILED IN OPEN COURT, IN MY PRESENCE, THIS ______ DAY OF ______________, 20_____.
DocumentPlea Agreement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
I 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, including physical evidence for which DNA testing may exonerate the defendant, any possible defenses, the maximum and minimum penalties which may be imposed, the probable guideline range and the defendant's right to appeal.
Summary: The defense attorney’s certificate in the plea agreement must certify that counsel discussed the listed case matters with the defendant.
DocumentPlea Agreement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
A copy of the motion.
DocumentHearing Time Request
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The Court will allow the Office of the Public Defender, Regional Conflict Counsel, or Registry Counsel to submit a motion with a proposed order to the judicial assistant if the basis of the motion is a certified conflict based on prior or current representation of co-defendants or witnesses.
DocumentMotion To Withdraw
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format by email to the assigned Judicial Assistant or uploaded to the e-portal with e-portal codes if unopposed.
All proposed orders must be either submitted in Word format by email to the assigned Judicial Assistant or uploaded to the e- portal with e-portal codes (unopposed orders only).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Do not submit proposed orders through the e-portal when the JAC objects.
Do not send proposed orders through the e-portal if the JAC objects.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 15 | JAC Motions
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved, and a copy must be emailed to the judicial assistant.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time with a copy emailed to the Judicial Assistant.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | Notice of Hearing
An objection to using communication technology for a hearing or trial must be filed no later than ten days beforehand.
If there is an objection to the use of communication technology for a hearing or trial, the objection must be filed no later than 10 days prior to the hearing or trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | C. Remote Appearance
A notice of cancellation must be filed immediately when canceling a hearing.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel, self-represented litigant, and the judicial assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | Cancelling Hearings
Proposed orders must be submitted within 7 days after a hearing unless the Court orders otherwise.
Proposed orders must be submitted no later than 7 days after any hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Unless the Court directs otherwise, inmate transport must be requested before 2 p.m. on the court day before the requested date.
Transportation cut-off time: Unless otherwise directed by the Court, all inmates shall be ordered prior to 2pm the court day prior to when the inmate is requested. For example, if the inmate is requested for a VOP arraignment on Monday morning, the request to order an inmate must be sent to the judicial assistant and Court Deputy by no later than 2pm on Friday.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | F. Docket Sounding and Inmate Transport
Motions to suppress, motions to dismiss, and other substantive motions must be filed and have a hearing time secured seven days before Calendar Call.
All Motions to Suppress, Motions to Dismiss, or other substantive motions must be filed and a hearing time secured seven (7) days prior to Calendar Call.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 11 | H. Calendar Call and Trial Periods
Motions to dismiss a charging document, including Stand Your Ground motions, and motions to suppress evidence or statements are due within 180 days after filing of the charging document in felony cases and within 90 days in misdemeanor cases.
Pursuant to Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.190(c), (g)(4), effective July 13, 2026, and 18 th Judicial Circuit Administrative Order 26-33; all Motions to Dismiss a charging document, including Stand Your Ground motions, and Motions to Suppress evidence or statements must be filed no later than 180 days after the charging document is filed for felony cases and 90 days after the charging document is filed for misdemeanor cases.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 15 | Motions to Suppress and Motions to Dismiss
An order for accounting must be submitted as soon as possible after resolution of a case in which JAC funds were used.
An order for accounting must be submitted to the Court as soon as possible after the resolution of a case where JAC funds were utilized.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 15 | JAC Motions
The Court will dismiss an untimely motion to dismiss or suppress unless a court order modifies the deadline, the defendant demonstrates good cause, or the State does not object.
The Court will dismiss any motion to dismiss or motion to suppress that is not filed before the above-referenced deadline unless otherwise modified by court order in a particular case, or unless a defendant demonstrates good cause for the delay or the State of Florida does not object.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 15 | Motions to Suppress and Motions to Dismiss
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by email, generally through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by e-mail, which is generally through the Florida Courts E- Filing Portal, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A notice of cancellation must be served immediately on opposing counsel, any self-represented litigant, and the judicial assistant.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel, self-represented litigant, and the judicial assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | Cancelling Hearings
A notice of hearing must be served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time with a copy emailed to the Judicial Assistant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | Notice of Hearing
Courtesy Copy Requirements
If courtesy paper copies are provided, include a copy for opposing counsel.
However, if providing courtesy paper copies please include a copy for opposing counsel.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
The Court does not require courtesy copies to be submitted.
The court does not require the submission of courtesy copies.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
When multiple cases will be argued, counsel is encouraged to send the case law digitally to the judicial assistant and opposing counsel before the hearing.
Counsel is encouraged to forward case law in digital form to the judicial assistant and opposing counsel prior to hearings if multiple cases will be argued.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before setting a hearing on a motion for early termination, the motion must be provided to the State Attorney to obtain the positions of the State and Probation.
All Motions for Early Termination must first be provided to the Office of the State Attorney to obtain the position of the State and Probation. A hearing on the motion must not be set until this has been done.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 11 | G. Violations of Probation and Motions for Early Termination
A hearing must be set if the JAC objects to a motion for costs.
If the JAC objects to a motion for costs, a hearing must be set.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 15 | JAC Motions
The defendant must be present at a hearing on a motion to withdraw.
A defendant must be present for a Motion to Withdraw hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 15 | Motions to Withdraw
If the State seeks an extension or the motion is otherwise opposed, the motion should be set for a hearing; if both sides agree to the extension, a proposed order should be provided for the Court to sign.
If the State is seeking an extension pursuant to Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.134(b), or there is otherwise an objection to the motion, the motion should be set for a hearing, unless both sides agree to the extension, whereupon a proposed order shall be provided for the Court to sign.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 16 | Motions for ROR of out-of-custody defendants pursuant to Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.134(b)
Before further action, motions to return property and motions to suppress search warrants that request an evidentiary hearing must be submitted to the judicial assistant with a request for the Court to determine whether a State response is required, a hearing should be set, or the motion should be summarily denied.
All Motions to Return Property and Motions to Suppress Search Warrants requesting an evidentiary hearing shall be first submitted to the Judicial Assistant with a request to the Court to determine whether the Court requires the State to respond, if a hearing shall be set, or if the motion shall be summarily denied.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 16 | Motions to Return Property and Motions to Suppress Search Warrants requesting an evidentiary hearing
If the defendant appears on the day a bench warrant is issued, the Court may recall the warrant and reinstate the case bonds.
The day the warrant is issued. If the defendant presents himself or herself on the day the warrant is issued, the Court can recall the warrant and reinstate the bonds for the case.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 16 | Motion to Recall Bench Warrant
A motion for ROR under Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.134(b) should first be submitted to the State to determine whether it objects.
Motions for ROR pursuant to Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.134(b) should first be submitted to the State to see if they have any objection.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 16 | Motions for ROR of out-of-custody defendants pursuant to Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.134(b)
A hearing must be set when a motion to withdraw is based on a reason other than the specified certified conflict.
However, if there is another reason for the withdrawal (such as irreconcilable differences), a hearing must be set.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 15 | Motions to Withdraw
Without the required showing of the bondsman’s agreement to resume the bond, the defendant will be remanded into custody to repost the original bonds even if the Court recalls the warrant.
If not, even if the court recalls the bench warrant, the Defendant will still be remanded into custody to repost the original bonds.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 16 | Motion to Recall Bench Warrant
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Written motions for continuance are generally unnecessary at Docket Sounding, generally required at Calendar Call and trial absent good cause, and required at the Mini Calendar Call before trial or on the first trial day.
Written motions for continuance at Docket Sounding are generally not required; however, written motions for continuance at Calendar Call and trial are generally required, absent good cause. Written motions for continuance at the “Mini Calendar Call” prior to trial or on the first day of trial are required.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | Continuance Procedure
Continuance requests for VOP hearings should be filed at least two days before the hearing.
All requests for continuances should be filed at least 2 days prior to the VOP hearing date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 11 | G. Violations of Probation and Motions for Early Termination
A written motion to continue trial must be filed before Calendar Call and will be addressed that day unless the Court allows an exception.
Written Motions to Continue Trial need to be filed prior to Calendar Call and will be addressed on the day of Calendar Call, unless the Court allows an exception.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 11 | H. Calendar Call and Trial Periods
Written motions to continue are not required at Docket Sounding, but attorneys must provide good cause for a continuance.
The Court will not require written motions to continue at Docket Sounding. However, attorneys will still need to provide good cause for the continuance request.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 9 | F. Docket Sounding and Inmate Transport
Opposed motions to continue will be addressed at Docket Sounding.
Any opposed motions to continue will be addressed at Docket Sounding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 9 | F. Docket Sounding and Inmate Transport
Chambers Communication Rules
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3, including its restrictions on ex parte communications and communications outside the parties’ presence unless authorized by law.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Hearings longer than two hours must be scheduled by emailing the judicial assistant and copying opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Hearings of more than 2 hours must be scheduled by e-mailing the judicial assistant and copying opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant. To obtain hearing time from the judicial assistant, please email the following to the judicial assistant:
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
For hearings longer than two hours, the moving party must confer with the opposing party on a separate email thread without the judicial assistant and notify the Court if they cannot agree on a date and time.
For hearings of more than 2 hours, 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 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Cancel a hearing by immediately notifying the judicial assistant and immediately filing and serving a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel, any self-represented litigant, and the judicial assistant.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel, self-represented litigant, and the judicial assistant.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | Cancelling Hearings
The judicial office does not accept text messages.
The judicial office does not accept text messages.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
If a case is resolved while a hearing remains calendared, the party who set the hearing must immediately email the judicial assistant to confirm the time can be released.
If a case gets resolved (i.e. the defendant enters a plea or the State enters a nolle prosse) and hearing time is still calendared, the party who initially set the hearing time shall notify the judicial assistant immediately via email to confirm that time can be released.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | Cancelling Hearings
Attorneys and unrepresented parties may call the Judicial Assistant, although email is preferred and quicker.
Attorneys and unrepresented parties may contact the Judicial Assistant by telephone; however, e-mail is the preferred and quickest method of communication with the court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Email is the preferred method for communicating with the judicial office and may be sent to the judicial assistant at the listed address.
E-MAIL IS THE PREFERRED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT. All communications to the judicial office may be submitted by e-mail to the judicial assistant, Lisa Baumhover, at Lisa.Baumhover@flcourts18.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
When the judicial assistant is out of the office, messages are acknowledged with an expected response time and an alternate contact for immediate assistance.
When the judicial assistant is out of the office, your message will be acknowledged as received with an indication of when to expect a substantive response and an alternate contact for immediate assistance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The judicial assistant strives to substantively answer inquiries within one business day and otherwise acknowledges receipt with an expected response time and an alternate contact for immediate assistance.
The judicial assistant strives to substantively respond to all inquiries within one business day. If the judicial assistant is unable to substantively respond within one business day, your message will be acknowledged as received with an indication of when to expect a substantive response and alternate contact for immediate assistance.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Emails sent to or from the judicial office may be public records subject to disclosure.
Any e-mail sent to or from the judicial office may be a public record subject to disclosure.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The parties must coordinate the total hearing time with opposing counsel before the initial scheduling email, and disputes about allotted time go to the judge.
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. Any disputes regarding the length of time allotted shall be submitted to the judge for a determination of how long the Court will allow for the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
For hearings other than Docket Sounding and VOP arraignment, attorneys must request permission to appear remotely by emailing the Court at least 48 hours before the hearing.
For any other hearing other than docket sounding and VOP arraignment, attorneys must request permission (to appear remotely) from the Court via email at least 48 hours prior to a hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | C. Remote Appearance
Parties may contact the judicial office only under these procedures, and the court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures. Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys should be prepared to provide the Court, upon request, a phone number for a remotely appearing witness if problems arise.
Attorneys should also be able, upon request, to provide the Court with a phone number for any witness appearing remotely, should problems arise.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | C. Remote Appearance
An attorney appearing remotely must provide a phone number where the Court can reach the attorney if communication technology problems arise.
For all court hearings where an attorney is appearing remotely, the attorney must provide a phone number for the Court to directly reach the attorney if problems arise with the use of the communication technology.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | C. Remote Appearance
For court dates not automatically covered, counsel must request inmate transport by emailing the judicial assistant and BCSO Court Deputy Gary Boyer.
For all other court dates, it is counsel’s responsibility to request that the inmate be transported for the requested date. For example, on VOP Arraignment, VOP Calendar Call, Calendar Call or Mini Calendar Call, inmates will not be automatically ordered due to the number of inmates generally being over the maximum allowable in the court’s holding cell area. Inmates may be ordered by emailing the judicial assistant and BCSO Court Deputy Gary Boyer (gary.boyer@bcso.us) and making a request to have the inmate transported.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | F. Docket Sounding and Inmate Transport
For additional information or assistance with the virtual hearing, email the judicial assistant.
For additional information or assistance, please email the judicial assistant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance