Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
Emergency Motion
Notice of Hearing
- Email • Immediately After Confirmation
Adjournments
- A continuance is disfavored and requires good cause; before filing, the moving party must contact opposing counsel, indicate any objection in the motion, file and e-file the motion at least seven days before the court date, and obtain the requesting party’s signature unless good cause is shown.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Document Format Requirements6 rules
If you intend to present any evidence or documents to the court at your hearing, you must pre-mark all items with a letter for identification (ex. Plaintiff’s A,B,C, etc.) and serve a copy to all parties no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Microsoft Word format
Courtesy copies of case law must be emailed as a PDF attachment to the judicial assistant.
- File type
- Case law
A physical copy of all pre-marked exhibits, along with an Index of Exhibits from each side, shall be received by the Court via mail or by hand delivery at the county courthouse of the respective case no less than 7 days prior to the hearing date.
You may provide via e-mail only proposed orders which must be submitted in PDF format.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •When provided by email, proposed orders must be in PDF format
Leave the 2-by-3.5-inch box blank and do not add the lines shown to depict its size.
Court's wording
Per the Clerk of Court, this 2” x 3.5” box shall be left blank. You DO NOT need to add the vertical and horizontal lines that constitute this box. These lines were only added to portray the size of the box on this document.
Document Filing Requirements10 rules
Requests for CMC or SC must articulate the reason(s) for the necessity of the conference.
A motion to appoint a special process server should name one or two individuals, not a business, and must include the required certification or proof of certification in another circuit.
Court's wording
All motions to appoint special process servers: Should name at least one individual, but not more than two Should not name a business or company as a process server Must contain a certification that the named individuals have been certified by the Florida Association of Professional Process Servers, or some similar association, or provide proof that the individuals are certified in another circuit.
A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why emergency relief is necessary, and the time needed for each party’s presentation.
Court's wording
If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed including: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation, and a courtesy copy of the motion along with a hearing request including all pertinent information must be e-mailed to the judicial assistant.
A motion requesting remote appearance for a hearing longer than 30 minutes due to extenuating circumstances must include a proposed order.
- Document
- Motion to appear remotely
Include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
If a party wishes to request remote appearance for a hearing that is longer than 30 minutes due to extenuating circumstances, they may do so by filing a Motion to Appear Remotely and submitting a proposed order granting same via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal no less than 7 days prior to the hearing.
Orders will not be entered appointing special process servers outside the jurisdiction of the Court.
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter which identifies the corresponding motion(s) and date the motion(s) was heard and either (1) certifies that all parties agree to the order or (2) contains a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
Please confer with all parties prior to the hearing to determine whether there are any stipulations as to the admissibility of evidence. Any pre-marked evidence which is stipulated should be so noted. All other pre-marked evidence will be considered opposed.
A notice of hearing should be filed, served, and a courtesy copy emailed to the judicial assistant immediately after the judicial assistant confirms calendaring of the hearing.
If there are parties who have not consented to use of e-mail service, stamped envelopes should be mailed or hand delivered to the Judicial Assistant, Anita Simoneaux. Please clip the envelopes together, along with a sticky note that indicates the case name and case number. PLEASE DO NOT ADDRESS THE ENVELOPES; LEAVE THE ENVELOPES BLANK BUT BE SURE TO ADD THE PROPER POSTAGE.
Evidence should not be filed with the Clerk.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
For a hearing longer than 30 minutes, a party may request remote appearance due to extenuating circumstances by filing a motion and proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at least seven days before the hearing.
If a party wishes to request remote appearance for a hearing that is longer than 30 minutes due to extenuating circumstances, they may do so by filing a Motion to Appear Remotely and submitting a proposed order granting same via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal no less than 7 days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Remote Appearance — Requirements
All proposed orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/) using the “Submit Proposed Order(s) to Judiciary (Court)” option on the efiling map page. Do not send proposed orders by United States Mail.
All proposed orders must be submitted via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/) using the “Submit Proposed Order(s) to Judiciary (Court)” option on the efiling map page. Do not send proposed orders by United States Mail.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Submission Method
You may provide via e-mail only proposed orders which must be submitted in PDF format.
You may provide via e-mail only proposed orders which must be submitted in PDF format.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Submission Method
For a motion believed not to require a hearing, e-file the corresponding proposed order after the motion is docketed.
If you have filed a motion that you believe does not need a hearing, please e-file a corresponding proposed order once the motion is docketed.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Format for Proposed Orders
After the motion to appoint a special process server is filed and docketed, a corresponding proposed order may be provided through the e-filing portal.
Once the motion is filed and docketed, a corresponding proposed order may be provided via the e-filing portal.
Page 1 | Process Server Procedures
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
If a party wishes to request remote appearance for a hearing that is longer than 30 minutes due to extenuating circumstances, they may do so by filing a Motion to Appear Remotely and submitting a proposed order granting same via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal no less than 7 days prior to the hearing.
If a party wishes to request remote appearance for a hearing that is longer than 30 minutes due to extenuating circumstances, they may do so by filing a Motion to Appear Remotely and submitting a proposed order granting same via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal no less than 7 days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Remote Appearance — Requirements
Courtesy copies must be emailed to the judicial assistant at least seven days before the hearing at which they will be relied upon.
Courtesy copies must be emailed to SimoneauxA@circuit8.org no less than seven days before the hearing in which they are to be relied upon.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents — Deadline for Submissions
All materials for a hearing must be received by the court at least seven business days before the hearing.
The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than seven business days before the hearing.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Submission Deadlines
Physical copies of each side’s pre-marked exhibits and exhibit index must be received by the court at the county courthouse at least seven days before the hearing or evidentiary proceeding.
A physical copy of all pre-marked exhibits, along with an Index of Exhibits from each side, shall be received by the Court via mail or by hand delivery at the county courthouse of the respective case no less than 7 days prior to the hearing date. This copy will be used by the Court to stamp the official evidence as it is entered at the hearing/trial. ... All exhibits must be received in chambers 7 days before the evidentiary proceeding.
Page 1 | Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings — Submission Method and Deadline for Submissions
Please ensure the corresponding motion/petition is docketed into the case prior to providing a proposed order on same otherwise the proposed order may be rejected without review. Please do not provide proposed orders prior to the day of hearing for any motion/petition.
Please ensure the corresponding motion/petition is docketed into the case prior to providing a proposed order on same otherwise the proposed order may be rejected without review. Please do not provide proposed orders prior to the day of hearing for any motion/petition.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Submission Method
Proposed orders must be submitted within ten days after a hearing unless the judge orders otherwise.
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing, unless ordered otherwise by the judge.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Deadline for Submissions
Before requesting hearing time, confirm that the motion has been filed, served on all parties, and docketed; no hearing time will be provided for a motion that is not filed and docketed.
Please confirm that your motion has been filed, served on all parties, and docketed prior to requesting hearing time. No hearing time will be given for motions that are not filed and docketed.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Scheduling Hearings
If the parties settle, file a notice of settlement within ten days after acceptance of the proposal of settlement.
In the event parties settle the case, please file a notice of settlement within 10 days of acceptance of proposal of settlement.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Notice of Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal
For Motions to Approve Settlement all relevant documents should be provided for the Court’s review no less than 7 days prior to the hearing.
For Motions to Approve Settlement all relevant documents should be provided for the Court’s review no less than 7 days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Submission Deadlines
A Notice of Voluntary Dismissal should be filed within thirty days after settlement.
Notices of Voluntary Dismissal should be filed within 30 days of settlement.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Notice of Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal
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 when that address changes, unless excused.
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 Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office — E-Filing Portal Contact Information
If you intend to present any evidence or documents to the court at your hearing, you must pre-mark all items with a letter for identification (ex. Plaintiff’s A,B,C, etc.) and serve a copy to all parties no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
If you intend to present any evidence or documents to the court at your hearing, you must pre-mark all items with a letter for identification (ex. Plaintiff’s A,B,C, etc.) and serve a copy to all parties no less than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings — Format
If a case includes a pro se party, serve that party a copy of the pre-marked evidence by U.S. Mail no later than ten days before the hearing.
If there are any pro se parties involved in your case, a copy of the pre-marked evidence shall be served on them, via US Mail, no later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings — Format
A notice of hearing should be served after calendaring is confirmed.
A notice of hearing should be filed, served, and a courtesy copy emailed to the judicial assistant immediately after the judicial assistant confirms calendaring of the hearing.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Notice of Hearing
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of case law must be emailed to the judicial assistant as PDF attachments.
Courtesy copies of case law must be emailed as a PDF attachment to the judicial assistant.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents — When Required
A courtesy copy of the emergency motion and a hearing request with all pertinent information must be emailed to the judicial assistant.
If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed including: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation, and a courtesy copy of the motion along with a hearing request including all pertinent information must be e-mailed to the judicial assistant.
Page 1 | Emergency and Other Urgent Matters — Requirements
A courtesy copy of the notice of hearing should be emailed to the judicial assistant immediately after calendaring is confirmed.
A notice of hearing should be filed, served, and a courtesy copy emailed to the judicial assistant immediately after the judicial assistant confirms calendaring of the hearing.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Notice of Hearing
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Same-day requests to cancel or continue a hearing will not be considered except in an emergency.
No requests for cancellation/continuance submitted the day of hearing will be considered except in cases of emergency.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Scheduling Hearings
A continuance is disfavored and requires good cause; before filing, the moving party must contact opposing counsel, indicate any objection in the motion, file and e-file the motion at least seven days before the court date, and obtain the requesting party’s signature unless good cause is shown.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. The moving party must contact opposing counsel to determine if they have an objection prior to filing a Motion for Continuance. The Motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court and must indicate if opposing counsel objects to the continuance. Any request for continuance must be efiled at least seven days prior to the scheduled court date. Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Continuance Procedure
Chambers Communication Rules
If the court finds an emergency, it will schedule the hearing unilaterally, and all parties must be available unless exigent circumstances prevent it.
If the Court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the Court. All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.
Page 1 | Emergency and Other Urgent Matters — Scheduling
Communications to the judicial office must be emailed to the listed address with the specified case information in the subject line.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to SimoneauxA@circuit8.org. The subject line must contain the case number INCLUDING the county code, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 01-2023-CA-001234 – Doe v. Doe – 2-Hour Hearing Requested on X Motion.).
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office — Method of Communication
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3, and all parties must be copied on emails unless an ex parte communication is 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. All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office — Ex Parte Communications
Hearing requests must be submitted using the hearing request page’s form to email them to the judicial assistant.
Please fill out the form on our hearing request page to email all hearing requests to SimoneauxA@circuit8.org.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Scheduling Hearings
Suggested hearing dates are not held, and a hearing is not scheduled until the judicial assistant confirms it has been added to the court calendar.
Our office does not hold suggested dates for hearings, and a hearing is not scheduled on the Court’s calendar unless you receive confirmation from the judicial assistant that it has been added.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Scheduling Hearings
When a case is ready for trial, any party may file a Motion to Set Matter for Trial and email a copy to the judicial assistant.
If a case is ready to be set for trial any party may file a Motion to Set Matter for Trial and provide a copy of same to the judicial assistant via email.
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences — Setting Case for Trial
If the parties filed the notice of hearing, they may cancel by filing a Notice of Cancellation of Hearing, which should be emailed to the judicial assistant upon filing; for a court-set hearing, email the judicial assistant to request cancellation or rescheduling.
If the parties were responsible for filing the Notice of Hearing it may be cancelled via filing a Notice of Cancellation of Hearing which should be emailed to the judicial assistant upon filing. If the hearing was set by the Court, please email the judicial assistant to request cancellation/rescheduling.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Cancelling Hearings
If the judicial assistant’s out-of-office response provides instructions, follow them.
If an out-of-office response is received upon attempt to contact the judicial assistant, please note the instructions contained therein and proceed accordingly.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office — Response to Inquiries
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.
Page 1 | Communications with the Judicial Office — Unsolicited Communications
If the court agrees that a CMC or SC is required, the moving party may request hearing times from the judicial assistant and coordinate with the opposing party under the stated scheduling procedures.
If the Court agrees that a CMC or SC is required, the moving party may request hearing times from the judicial assistant and coordinate with the opposing party following the courts scheduling procedures outlined above.
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences — Scheduling
If extenuating circumstances prevent dismissal within the stated period, the parties must notify the judicial assistant by email.
If extenuating circumstances exist which prevent dismissal in that time frame parties are to notify the judicial assistant via email.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments — Notice of Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal
The court may set an emergency hearing without coordinating with counsel or the parties.
Please note that emergency hearings may be set by the Court without being coordinated with counsel and/or parties.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures — Scheduling Hearings
Contact the ADA Coordinator at least 7 days before the court appearance, or immediately upon receiving the notice if fewer than 7 days remain.
Please contact the ADA Coordinator at (352)337-6237 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days.
Page 1 | Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodation Notice
People who are hearing or voice impaired should call the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770.
If you are hearing or voice impaired, call 1-800-955-8770 via Florida Relay Service.
Page 1 | Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodation Notice
Do not call the Court to speak with a judge about a case.
Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.
Page 1 | Judge George M. Wright
If you have a comment to make, please mail it to the Clerk’s Office in the appropriate county.
If you have a comment to make, please mail it to the Clerk’s Office in the appropriate county.
Page 1 | Judge George M. Wright
The Court considers only arguments made in court and documents filed by parties, not other opinions or arguments about the case.
Please keep in mind that the Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in court and documents filed by actual parties to the case. They cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case,
Page 1 | Judge George M. Wright