Judge Sylvia Grunor
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Notice Of Hearing
Amended Notice Of Hearing, Cross Notice Of Hearing
Court-wideMotion
Court-wide- Within 10 Days After Service
Objection To Order Of Referral To General Magistrate
Court-wide- 1 copy • Email
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Document Format Requirements11 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All Orders must be in MS Word (.docx) format; PDF documents will be rejected.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All Orders must be submitted in MS Word (.docx) format; PDF documents will be rejected.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
3. 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).
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
The specified proposed-order codes must be uppercase, unhighlighted, and not bold, and must be aligned without tabs or spaces before them.
(The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature), and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not highlighted, and not be in bold. Do not use margins/justifications from the Done and Ordered down. Do not use tabs or spaces before the JJJJ, CCCC, or AAAA coding, or the coding won’t work. Use the align button instead)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
4. Please see judges' Policies and Procedures for cover page requirements. (Cover page format must be .pdf, and there must only be 1 period in the file name)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Proposed-order coding must follow the stated alignment, spacing, line-break, pairing, capitalization, and code-use instructions.
5. Do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding in the bottom of the order; use the align button instead, or the coding does not work. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work. 6. DJMCA FORMAT: DJMCA is how ICMS knows where to place the signature and signature dates. a. You must use the two codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature) b. The codes must be all capital letters. c. You must add all 4 letters for each field. d. These codes should only be used once per line. Two codes per line will not work. DJMCA Codes in pairs: 1) DDDD = Judge Signature Date/ JJJJ = Judge Signature 2) MMMM = Mailing Date/ AAAA = Judicial Assistant Signature 3) RRRR = Reported and Recommended date /GGGG = GM or JHO signature 4) CCCC = Service List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Do not highlight the coding (DDDD, JJJJ, MMMM, CCCC, AAAA) in the order you submit.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Note
Note: This process supports Microsoft Office documents, pictures, and PDFs.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The “DDDD” (signature date), “JJJJ” (Judge signature), “MMMM” (mailing date), “AAAA” (JA signature), and “CCCC” (cc list), must be in all capital letters, not highlighted, and not be in bold. Do not use margins/justifications from the Done and Ordered down. Do not use tabs or spaces before the JJJJ, CCCC, or AAAA coding, or the coding won’t work. Use the align button instead
Summary: Use all-capital, unhighlighted, non-bold coding and follow the stated alignment and margin restrictions for the Order footer.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The only viable option is to use option #2. A PDF, created from a MS Word document, can be reverted back to its Microsoft Word format. The version of Microsoft Word must be 2007 or greater.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
1. Appendix must be a .pdf file
Document Filing Requirements26 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain the 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 that states "All Pending Motions" is invalid and cause for cancellation, as the Judge pre-reviews the Motions. Include email addresses for all parties in your NOH. Submit the Hearing Notice via electronic filing to the Clerk with copies to all parties involved.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All evidence is to be brought in physical form the day of the hearing. The Court or the Clerk will not print anything for you.
DocumentEvidence
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If you are Pro Se and are submitting a Default/Final Judgment, you must make sure your paperwork is filled out completely before submitting, and self-addressed stamped envelopes/copies for all parties are included, or they may be returned unsigned.
DocumentDefault Final Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
When submitting a Motion to Continue CM PTC, include the new date in your Proposed Order (contact the Civil Case Manager for the next available CM PTC date to put in the Proposed Order).
DocumentMotion To Continue Cm Ptc
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If you do not receive a signed Order Granting Continuance before the PTC, you are required to attend the CM PTC.
DocumentOrder Granting Continuance
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All Orders must use the specified closing wording and coding layout, without indentation, extra spaces or tabs around the coding, page or column breaks at the bottom, or putting CCCC and AAAA on the same line.
******* The bottom of all Orders must be worded as follows (do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding, use the align button instead. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work. DONE AND ORDERED in Sanford, Seminole County, this DDDD. JJJJ
DocumentOrder
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Orders on Stipulations need to include the date the Stipulation was signed or the date it was filed with the Clerk of Court.
DocumentOrder
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If the other party is pro se, a copy of the proposed Order is to be sent to the pro se party with a cover letter stating that the pro se party must voice any objections in writing to the Court within 10 business days.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If the Order requires a date or dollar amount from the Clerk of Court, please obtain and insert it in the Order prior to uploading it; otherwise, it will be rejected.
DocumentOrder
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All Orders must use the specified closing and Certificate of Service wording and layout.
******* The bottom of all Orders must be worded as follows (do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding, use the align button instead. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work. DONE AND ORDERED in Sanford, Seminole County, this DDDD. JJJJ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that copies have been furnished via e-service only MMMM. The moving party is responsible for the service of all non-registered pro-se parties. CCCC AAAA
DocumentOrder
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A motion to compel better discovery responses must detail the specific request and the opposing party’s response.
When filing a Motion to Compel Better Answers to Interrogatories or Better Responses to a Request to Produce or Better Answers to a Request for Admissions, the Court requires the Motion to detail the specific request sought and then the opposing party’s response.
DocumentMotion To Compel
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A Notice for Trial stating that the cause is at issue must be filed with the Clerk's office.
DocumentNotice Of Trial
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The Notice for Trial shall include a time estimate for the Trial; jury or non-jury Trial requested; the date on which Mediation was held; and whether the Trial is on the original action or a subsequent proceeding.
DocumentNotice Of Trial
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Within 20 days after filing the motion, the moving party’s counsel must provide the opposing party and file a detailed fee-hours breakdown with the listed task, time, person, and rate information.
Within twenty (20) days on which the Motion is filed, counsel for the moving party shall make available to the opposing party and file with the Court a detailed breakdown of all hours expended by said counsel in the representation of his or her client(s) for which counsel is seeking an attorney’s fee to be awarded by the Court. This breakdown must include the following: a) Individual date entries which detail the tasks performed. b) For each task performed, the time spent on each such task. c) For each task performed, the name of the individual who completed said task. d) The hourly rate being sought for each task performed (rates may vary based upon the experience of the attorneys involved, paralegal time, etc.).
DocumentAttorney Fee Hours Breakdown
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The non-moving party must file a written, entry-by-entry response within 20 days of receiving the fee documents, stating its positions and the specified supporting details.
Within twenty (20) days of receiving the documents as set forth in Paragraph Three hereinabove, the non-moving party shall respond in writing to each individual entry for attorney’s fees being sought. This response shall state whether the non-moving party agrees or objects as to each of the entries as claimed by the moving party, with the basis for each objection, the amount of time which the non-moving party believes to have been reasonable and necessary, the hourly rate which the non-moving party believes to be applicable, and cited supporting authority, if applicable. For each entry to which there is an objection, if the non- moving party also engaged in that same activity (for example, a Deposition or a Hearing), the non-moving party must set forth the amount of time for which the non-moving party’s attorney billed for work performed. This shall also be filed with the Court.
DocumentAttorney Fee Response
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
b. Also make sure it reads: Appendix for [the name of the order it should follow]
DocumentOrder Appendix
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
DO NOT submit Orders with blank spaces; submit the Order with the wording you want. This includes Orders to Show Good Cause. The Court can make changes if needed.
DocumentOrder
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If a Motion to Continue PTC and a Proposed Order, or an Agreed Order to Waive PTC are filed and you receive the signed Order Granting a Continuance or Waiving the PTC back before the PTC, you are excused.
DocumentMotion To Continue Ptc
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If you are Pro Se and are submitting a Default/Final Judgment, you must make sure your paperwork is filled out completely before submitting, and self-addressed stamped envelopes/copies for all parties are included, or they may be returned unsigned.
DocumentDefault Final Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If you are submitting an Order to Continue a SC PTC, include whether you need a one or two-docket continuance in your Proposed Order.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If you are submitting an Order to Continue a PIP PTC, include if you need a one or two-docket continuance in your Proposed Order.
DocumentProposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If the Order has NOT been signed, counsel is required to be present.
DocumentOrder
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
******* The bottom of all Orders must be worded as follows (do not use indentations, spaces, or tabs before or after the coding, use the align button instead. Do not use page breaks or column breaks at the bottom of the Order, and do not put the CCCC and AAAA on the same line, or the coding does not work): DONE AND ORDERED in Sanford, Seminole County, this DDDD.
Summary: All orders must include the specified concluding language at the bottom and follow the stated formatting instructions for that coding.
DocumentOrder
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
a. Make sure the Case Number is prominently displayed.
DocumentOrder Appendix
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If it is an agreed Order, please state this in the opening paragraph or heading of the Order.
DocumentOrder
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Submit the Hearing Notice to the Clerk by electronic filing and provide copies to all involved parties.
Submit the Hearing Notice via electronic filing to the Clerk with copies to all parties involved.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3
The Notice of Hearing must be e-filed with the Clerk of Court, with copies provided to participating parties.
You must e-file the Notice of Hearing with the Clerk of Court, with copies to participating parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | JACS Confirmation
The listed matters may be submitted by e-filing without a hearing; state that opposing counsel agrees when all parties have agreed to the Proposed Order and that there is no objection to the requested relief.
The following does not require a Hearing; simply submit them via e-filing. Please state that opposing counsel agrees (if the proposed Order is agreed upon by all parties), and there is no objection to the Court entering the relief requested.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | MATTERS NOT REQUIRING A HEARING
Proposed Orders must be uploaded to the Clerk’s E-portal.
Proposed Orders are to be uploaded to the Clerk’s E-portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | MOTIONS/ORDERS
File Motions for Rehearing or Reconsideration with the Clerk, submit Orders through the E-portal, and do not schedule a hearing on JACS.
All Motions for Rehearing/Reconsideration are to be filed with the Clerk. Submit Orders via the E-portal; the Judge will determine whether a Hearing is warranted. Do not schedule on JACS; if done so, the JA will cancel the hearing without notice.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | Motions for Rehearing/Reconsideration
A small-claims pretrial conference may be attended virtually only if a motion is e-filed and an order granting virtual appearance is signed at least two business days before the pretrial date.
Virtual appearances for SMALL CLAIM PTCs are NOT PERMITTED unless a motion is e-filed, and an Order granting virtual appearance is signed at least 2 business days before the Pre-Trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | TUESDAY - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIALS CONFERENCE – Courtroom “F”
All documents must be filed through the E-portal; separate delivery to Judge Grunor is unnecessary.
All documents must be filed using the E-portal, eliminating the need to send anything to Judge Grunor.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | E-FILING INFORMATION
Select “Order Appendix” as the document type in the portal.
3. Select “Order Appendix” (see image below) for the document type.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 23
If counsel obtains the client’s signed consent, the proposed Order may be e-filed through the Clerk’s portal for the Judge’s electronic signature.
If the attorney can obtain a signed consent from their client, then the proposed Order may be e-filed through the Clerk’s portal for the Judge’s electronic signature.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | Motion to Withdraw as Counsel
Submit Landlord/Tenant paperwork through the Clerk of the Courts E-portal.
Paperwork is to be submitted via the Clerk of the Courts E-portal.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | LANDLORD/TENANT
After rescheduling, e-file an Amended Notice of Hearing with the Clerk and provide copies to all participants; a courtesy copy may be sent to the JA.
Prepare an Amended Notice of Hearing, e-file to the Clerk with copies to all participants. You may send a copy to the JA as a courtesy.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Rescheduling
Proposed orders are submitted through the e-Portal by selecting Proposed Orders and Seminole County.
1. From the e-Portal, main filing page, select “Proposed Orders” (see map, red circle) 2. Click the arrow, and select “Seminole” for the county (see map, blue circle)
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 21 | Procedure for Submitting Proposed Orders in Seminole County
The Notice of Appearance may be filed with the Clerk by hand delivery or facsimile for filing.
The aforementioned Notice of Appearance shall be deemed timely filed when it is hand delivered or provided by facsimile for filing to the Clerk of the Seminole County Court, Small Claims Pre-trial Division (fax number 407-330-7193) and served by hand delivery or facsimile to the Plaintiff’s counsel, no later than 4:00 p.m., two business days prior to the date of the Pre-trial Conference/Mediation.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 26 | IN RE: COUNTY COURT - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES IN PIP CASES
The motion and order for virtual appearance at a Court-Ordered Pre-Trial Conference must be e-filed at least 10 business days before the conference.
A Motion and Order must be submitted via e- file a minimum of ten business (10) days prior to the Court-Ordered PTC.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 28 | JUDGE GRUNOR’S VIRTUAL COURTROOM
Hearing materials may be mailed, placed in the drop-box outside Chambers, or uploaded through the Clerk’s website.
You can mail them or drop them off in the drop-box outside of Chambers on the 3rd floor of the North building. You may also choose to upload hearing materials through the Clerk’s website (please see the very last section of this document).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | HEARING MATERIAL SUBMISSION RULES
Bring proposed orders to the hearing with enough copies for all parties and stamped, self-addressed envelopes, or submit them through the e-filing portal after the hearing.
Instead, bring proposed Orders with you to the Hearing along with sufficient copies for all parties, as well as self-addressed, stamped envelopes for distribution, OR submit the Proposed Order through the e-filing portal after the hearing for the Judge to sign electronically.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 12 | Guidelines for submitting Orders
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A signed Case Management Plan must be filed and accepted by the Clerk before the Case Management Order is submitted for review.
A signed Case Management Plan must be filed and accepted by the Clerk before submitting the Case Management Order for review.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
Hearing materials already in the court file need not be resubmitted; submitted materials should be hard copies and must reach the Court at least five business days before the hearing.
Submitting Hearing Materials is not necessary if it is already in the court file. If you are submitting hearing materials, hard copies are preferred and must be provided to the Court at least 5 business days prior to the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | HEARING MATERIAL SUBMISSION RULES
Wait until the Clerk accepts the Motion or pleading before e-filing its Proposed Order.
You must wait until your Motion/pleading is accepted by the Clerk before e-filing the Proposed Order, to avoid rejection.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | Proposed Orders
The order granting virtual appearance at a small-claims pretrial conference must be signed at least two business days before the pretrial date.
Virtual appearances for SMALL CLAIM PTCs are NOT PERMITTED unless a motion is e-filed, and an Order granting virtual appearance is signed at least 2 business days before the Pre-Trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | TUESDAY - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIALS CONFERENCE – Courtroom “F”
If appropriate, do not submit a Final Judgment for Possession until after the Clerk’s Default has been entered.
Please do not submit a Final Judgment for Possession until after a Clerk’s Default is entered, if appropriate.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | Guidelines for submitting Orders
Orders submitted before a hearing will be rejected.
Please do not submit Orders prior to a Hearing; they will be rejected.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | Guidelines for submitting Orders
The moving party’s counsel must make the detailed fee breakdown available to the opposing party and file it within 20 days after the motion is filed.
Within twenty (20) days on which the Motion is filed, counsel for the moving party shall make available to the opposing party and file with the Court a detailed breakdown of all hours expended by said counsel in the representation of his or her client(s) for which counsel is seeking an attorney’s fee to be awarded by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 14 | JUDGE BUIE’S ORDER ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS
The non-moving party must respond in writing to each fee entry within 20 days of receiving the fee documents.
Within twenty (20) days of receiving the documents as set forth in Paragraph Three hereinabove, the non-moving party shall respond in writing to each individual entry for attorney’s fees being sought.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 14 | JUDGE BUIE’S ORDER ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS
The Notice of Appearance is timely if filed with the Clerk and served on Plaintiff’s counsel by hand delivery or facsimile no later than 4:00 p.m. two business days before the conference or mediation.
The aforementioned Notice of Appearance shall be deemed timely filed when it is hand delivered or provided by facsimile for filing to the Clerk of the Seminole County Court, Small Claims Pre-trial Division (fax number 407-330-7193) and served by hand delivery or facsimile to the Plaintiff’s counsel, no later than 4:00 p.m., two business days prior to the date of the Pre-trial Conference/Mediation.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 26 | IN RE: COUNTY COURT - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES IN PIP CASES
A pretrial conference can be cancelled if a joint stipulation and agreed waiver order are signed in the file at least two business days beforehand.
If a Joint Stipulation to Waive PTC and an Agreed Order to Waive PTC are signed in the file at least two (2) business days in advance of the PTC, the PTC can be cancelled.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | TUESDAY - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIALS CONFERENCE – Courtroom “F”
A notice of hearing must be filed immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Before a Lack of Prosecution Hearing, file a Motion for Good Cause and a fully completed Proposed Order without blank spaces.
Motions for Good Cause and a Proposed Order (do not submit with blank spaces; the order must be filled out completely) must be filed prior to the Hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | LACK OF PROSECUTION HEARINGS
The motion and order must be submitted at least 10 business days before the Court-Ordered Pre-Trial Conference.
A Motion and Order must be submitted via e- file a minimum of ten business (10) days prior to the Court-Ordered PTC.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 28 | JUDGE GRUNOR’S VIRTUAL COURTROOM
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders and update their contact information on Form 2.603 whenever the registered email account changes, unless excused from providing an address.
All attorneys and self- represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516. It is the responsibility of attorneys and self- represented litigants to update their contact information using ===== PAGE 2 ===== Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
When canceling a hearing, a notice of cancellation must be filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must also file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The moving attorney must serve signed Orders on non-registered pro se parties and mail each self-represented party a copy within five days after e-service.
**Moving party (attorney) is responsible for service of signed orders to all non- registered pro-se parties. Within five (5) days from the date of e-service of the signed Order, the moving party (attorney) shall furnish a copy of the signed Order to each self-represented party by U.S. Mail.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | MOTIONS/ORDERS
Mail a copy of the Notice for Trial to the Judge with stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all counsel of record or pro se parties; without the envelopes, the Court will take no action.
A copy of the Notice for Trial must be mailed to the Judge, accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelopes, to all counsel of record or Pro Se parties. If envelopes do not accompany the Notice for Trial, the Court will take no action.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 11 | TRIALS
The attorney moving party must serve signed orders on non-registered pro se parties and mail each self-represented party a copy within five days after e-service.
**Moving party (attorney) is responsible for service of signed orders to all non- registered pro-se parties. Within five (5) days from the date of e-service of the signed Order, the moving party (attorney) shall furnish a copy of the signed Order to each self-represented party by U.S. Mail.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | Guidelines for submitting Orders
The moving party is responsible for serving all non-registered pro se parties.
The moving party is responsible for the service of all non-registered pro-se parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 13 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The certificate states that copies were furnished via e-service only.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that copies have been furnished via e-service only MMMM.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 13 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Provide copies of the filed Hearing Notice to all involved parties.
Submit the Hearing Notice via electronic filing to the Clerk with copies to all parties involved.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3
When the opposing party is pro se, mail the copies from your office upon receipt.
If the opposing party is Pro Se, the copies must be mailed from your office upon receipt.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | LANDLORD/TENANT
Provide copies of the e-filed Notice of Hearing to participating parties.
You must e-file the Notice of Hearing with the Clerk of Court, with copies to participating parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | JACS Confirmation
Provide copies of the Amended Notice of Hearing to all participants.
Prepare an Amended Notice of Hearing, e-file to the Clerk with copies to all participants.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | Rescheduling
When a case has a pro se litigant, you are responsible for distributing copies to that litigant.
If there is a Pro Se litigant, then you are responsible for distributing copies to them.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 12 | E-FILING INFORMATION
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.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Courtesy Copy Requirements
After JACS confirmation, you may send the JA a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing; you must e-file the notice with the Clerk and provide copies to participating parties.
JACS Confirmation - A confirmation email will be sent for your use only. You may send a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the JA, as a courtesy. You must e-file the Notice of Hearing with the Clerk of Court, with copies to participating parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | JACS Confirmation
Filing Bundling Requirements
Submit Count II damages separately and do not include them with the final possession paperwork.
When submitting the Final Possession paperwork through the E-portal, do not include damages. Count II Damages must be submitted separately.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | LANDLORD/TENANT
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A meet and confer with three attempts is required before setting a motion hearing, except for motions for summary judgment.
Meet and Confer MUST be held on all Motions before they are set for a Hearing. There must be 3 attempts before setting a hearing. Motions for Summary Judgment do not require a Meet & Confer.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3
A Motion for Judicial Default will not be signed without a hearing, and a hearing must be set if a Clerk’s Default cannot be obtained.
Motions for Judicial Default will not be signed without a Hearing. If you are unable to obtain a Clerk’s Default, then a Hearing must be set.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | Motions for Judicial Default (Other Than Landlord/Tenant)
Before requesting hearing time on a discovery issue, counsel must consult the current County Court Rules and Procedures and make a good-faith effort to resolve or narrow the issue.
Prior to requesting hearing time on discovery issues, counsel shall refer to the most current version of the County Court Rules and Procedures. Prior to requesting a hearing time on a discovery issue, counsel shall conduct a good-faith effort to resolve or narrow the discovery issues.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 26 | IN RE: COUNTY COURT - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES IN PIP CASES
For a pro se defendant with a listed phone number or email, make a good-faith coordination attempt; if there is no response, a hearing may be set unilaterally at least 30 days from the current date without contacting the JA.
If a telephone number or email address is listed for a Defendant, a good faith attempt must be made to coordinate; if you receive no response from the Defendant, then a Hearing may be set at least thirty (30) days from the current date unilaterally. In this case, do not contact the JA.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Pro Se Litigants
If counsel cannot obtain the client’s signed consent, the Motion may be set on JACS with at least 10 days’ notice to the parties.
If a signed consent is unable to be obtained, then the Motion may be set on JACS with at least 10 days' notice to the parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | Motion to Withdraw as Counsel
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Filing a continuance motion does not excuse attendance; attendance is excused only if the signed continuance order is received before the PTC or hearing.
If a Motion to Continue PTC/Hearing and a Proposed Order (properly coded) are filed and you receive the signed Order Granting a Continuance back before the PTC/Hearing, you are excused. If you do not receive a signed Order Granting the Continuance back before the PTC/Hearing, you are required to come to the PTC/Hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | Motion to Continue PTC/Hearing
If you file a Motion to Continue PTC and Proposed Order, you are excused from the PTC only if you receive the signed continuance order before it; otherwise, you must attend and may not email the JA for status or signature.
If a Motion to Continue PTC and a Proposed Order are filed and you receive the signed Order Granting a Continuance back before the PTC, you are excused. If you do not receive a signed Order Granting the Continuance back before the PTC, you are required to attend the PTC. Do not email the JA and ask for the status and/or for the Order to be signed.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 11 | PIP PRE-TRIALS
A party is excused from the PTC only if the signed order granting a continuance is received before the PTC; otherwise, attendance is required.
If a Motion to Continue PTC and a Proposed Order are filed and you receive the signed Order Granting a Continuance back before the PTC, you are excused. If you do not receive a signed Order Granting the Continuance back before the PTC, you are required to attend the PTC.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 11 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
Chambers Communication Rules
Emails to the judicial office must copy all parties unless the communication is legally authorized to be ex parte.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Questions and issues about the listed orders and case management, including discovery compliance, must be directed by email only to the Civil Case Manager, not the JA.
All questions or issues regarding the Case Management Order, Failure to Comply Order, Order to Compel Case Status, Order on Notice of Intent to Dismiss, or Order to Advance Cause in your case, or regarding case management in your case, including issues regarding discovery compliance, MUST be addressed via email only to the Civil Case Manager at DivisionFCM@flcourts18.org, not the JA.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | ISSUES REGARDING CASE MANAGEMENT ORDERS
Contact the presiding judge’s Judicial Assistant for hearing-scheduling needs.
Contact the presiding judge’s Judicial Assistant for your scheduling needs.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Scheduling Hearings
When the Judicial Assistant is out of the office, an email will be provided for emergency communications only.
If the Judicial Assistant is out of the office, an email will be provided for emergencies only.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Make reasonable attempts to coordinate a date with opposing counsel; if coordination fails, email the JA with the case information, attorney contact details, issues, and coordination attempts.
Reasonable attempts must be made to clear a date with opposing counsel. If, after these attempts, you are unable to coordinate, email the JA and include in the email: (1) Case number and style; (2) Names and emails of all attorneys involved; (3) The issue(s) that need to be addressed; and (4) The dates and methods of attempt to coordinate thus far.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3
Contact the Judicial Assistant to cancel a hearing.
To cancel a hearing, contact the Judicial Assistant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | CANCELING A HEARING
Contact the Civil Case Manager by email about a PTC order, cancellation of a PTC after an appropriate filing, or case management questions.
The Civil Case Manager schedules the Case Management Pre-Trial Conferences. Contact the Civil Case Manager regarding your PTC Order, to cancel a PTC (if an appropriate filing has been filed with the Clerk of Court), or case management questions via email, at DivisionFCM@flcourts18.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
Do not contact the judicial assistant by phone or email to ask how long you will have to wait.
Do not call or email the JA and ask how long you will have to wait.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 9 | C. Remote Appearance
Landlord/tenant trials are set by the judicial assistant except Count II trials, which attorneys set in JACS; email the judicial assistant for available dates and times.
Landlord/Tenant Trials are set by the JA, except for Count II Trials, which are set in JACS by the Attorney. Contact JA via email for available dates and times.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | LANDLORD/TENANT
Eviction hearings for parties represented by counsel may be set on JACS without contacting the JA.
Eviction Hearings that are represented by counsel may be set on JACS without contacting the JA: see Landlord Tenant Section.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4
Attorney-represented Landlord/Tenant hearings may be scheduled on JACS, while trials are set by the JA.
All Landlord/Tenant Hearings that are attorney-represented may be scheduled on JACS. Trials are set by the JA.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | LANDLORD/TENANT
To confirm that a case has been removed from the docket, call the Clerk of Court’s County Civil Division, not the judicial assistant.
If you wish to confirm the case has been removed from the docket, please call the Clerk of Court - County Civil Division, NOT the JA.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 10 | TUESDAY - SMALL CLAIMS PRE-TRIALS CONFERENCE – Courtroom “F”
The judicial assistant’s email is Kim.Ort@flcourts18.org, and email is preferred.
Judicial Assistant’s email address: Kim.Ort@flcourts18.org (email is preferred)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 13 | CONTACT INFORMATION
All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant and include the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
Method of Communication: All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to Kim.Ort@flcourts18.org. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 SC 001234 SC – Doe v. Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested)
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties may contact the judicial office only as permitted by these procedures.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Self-represented litigants must file their motion and wait until it appears in the case before emailing the Judicial Assistant to obtain a hearing time.
File your motion in your case. Once it is reflected in the case, you may then email the Judicial Assistant to obtain a hearing time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | PRO-SE LITIGANTS WHO NEED TO SET A HEARING
Before contacting the JA to set a hearing unilaterally, the scheduling party must wait 10 business days for a response; opposing counsel must provide an alternative date if the proposed dates do not work.
Scheduling party shall wait 10 business days for a response before reaching out to JA to unilaterally set a hearing. If the dates do not work for opposing counsel’s office, an alternative date must be provided in your response, or the hearing may still be unilaterally set.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | SETTING UNILATERAL HEARINGS
If JACS displays “NO TIMES AVAILABLE” or “RECORDS NOT FOUND,” treat the docket as full and do not call or email for additional dates.
If the JACS displays NO TIMES AVAILABLE or RECORDS NOT FOUND, then the Docket is FULL. Please do not call/email for additional dates; the calendar updates daily, automatically.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3
For hearings longer than 10 minutes, reserve the needed 10-minute slots in the same block and enter information for each slot; requests for more than one hour require an email to the JA explaining the reason and obtaining approval.
If more than 10-minutes is required, find timeslots within the same block, and take however many you need. You must input your information for each 10- minute slot. If your Hearing requires more than 1-hour, contact the JA via email with the reason more time is needed for approval. No attorney’s fee. Hearings will be scheduled for more than 1-hour.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3
Do not email the JA to ask about the status of the continuance order or request that it be signed.
Do not email the JA and ask for the status and/or for the Order to be signed.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | CASE MANAGEMENT PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES
To confirm that a Lack of Prosecution Hearing has been removed from the Clerk’s docket, call the Clerk of Court rather than the JA.
If you wish to confirm it has been removed from the Clerk’s docket, please call the Clerk of Court, not the JA.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | LACK OF PROSECUTION HEARINGS
Attorneys’ fees hearings, trials, or motions to tax costs need to be set with the judicial assistant only when more than one hour is requested.
These Hearings only need to be set with the JA if more than one hour is being requested.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9
Call the Clerk of Court, County Civil Division—not the judicial assistant—to confirm a case has been removed from the docket.
If you wish to confirm the case has been removed from the docket, please call the Clerk of Court, County Civil Division, NOT the JA.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 11 | PIP PRE-TRIALS