Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Palm Beach County
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
E Filed Document
Joint Pretrial Statement
Motion, Notice Of Hearing
Adjournments
- A scheduled non-jury trial may be cancelled upon a motion properly noticed for disposition on the Uniform Motion Calendar and filed in conformity with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Before jury service begins, the jury manager may grant no more than two postponements totaling no more than six months; longer postponements must be submitted to the chief judge or designee.
- On the day of jury service, the jury manager may reset service for up to 21 calendar days in emergency situations, and excused jurors must sign for their next service date before release.
- +8 more
Request must include
- If the case resolves before mediation, the plaintiff must deliver notice of cancellation to ADR at least seven business days in advance to avoid costs.
- If the case resolves before mediation, the plaintiff must notify ADR of the cancellation at least seven working days in advance.
Communication
Clerk
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Duty Judge
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Memoranda of law must comply with the Florida Court Technology Standards' technical size limits and any page limit set by the divisional judge.
Memoranda of law shall not exceed the technical size limitations as set forth by the Florida Court Technology Standards and shall not exceed any page limitation as set forth by the divisional judge.
Brief
Document Format Requirements46 rules
Exhibits must be bound using staples, Acco-type fasteners, or a similar binding method.
Exhibits MUST be bound; i.e. Stapled, Acco-type fasteners, etc.
Clips and rubber bands are not permitted for binding exhibits.
Binders. Clips and Rubber Bands ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Each exhibit must bear a numbered sticker in its upper-right front corner that clearly identifies the plaintiff or defendant.
Place a numbered sticker on the top right hand corner of the front of each exhibit clearly identifying Plaintiff or Defendant.
Every exhibit intended for admission into evidence must be premarked with the exhibit tag or template.
All exhibits that will be entered into evidence must be pre-marked using the Tag/Template
Photographs must be individually marked and mounted.
Photos MUST be individually marked and mounted.
Exhibit lists may not use the broad terms “all,” “any,” or “any and all.”
Exhibit lists which state “all”, “any” and “any and all” are not accepted.
Depositions and pleadings ordinarily are not exhibit-marked, but a document or pleading for which judicial notice is sought or that is published to the jury must be marked for identification using the tag or template.
Deposition(s) and Pleading(s) are NOT marked as exhibits, EXCEPT, When any document or pleading that the party would like the court to take judicial notice of, or is published to the jury. These exhibits must be marked for ID by using the Tag/Template.
The exhibit list must use sequential numbering.
The exhibit list must be numbered sequentially.
Loose photographs are not accepted for submission as exhibits.
Loose photographs are NOT accepted.
Each exhibit tab must be completed fully and legibly.
The exhibit tab must be filled out completely and legibly.
The back of each exhibit must have an exhibit tag, applied either by taping copies to the exhibit or by using adhered Avery 5164 labels or another permitted labeled medium.
On the back of each exhibit, place an Exhibit Tag/Template (see attached tag/template form) Either i. Make copies of the exhibit tag(s) and tape one tag on the back of each exhibit, or ii. Use Avery labels 5164 which can then be placed adhered to the page (Template can be scanned onto Avery Labels or any colored paper)
The Parenting Plan must be typed or printed in black ink, and inapplicable terms or paragraphs must be deleted or struck through.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. Please either delete or strike-through terms or paragraphs that are inappropriate or inapplicable to your agreement.
Notices of court proceedings, related proceedings, and process compelling appearance must contain the specified ADA language in boldface using 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font.
All notices of court proceedings, proceedings before general magistrates, child support hearing officers and mediation proceedings, whether an order issued by a judge or a notice filed by an attorney or party and all process compelling appearance, including but not limited to a summons, shall include the following language which shall, be in bold face, 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font:
An email and its attachments may not exceed 5 megabytes; oversized service must be split into sequentially labeled emails, each no larger than 5 megabytes.
The e-mail and attachments together may not exceed 5 megabytes in size; e-mails that exceed the size requirement must be divided into separate e-mails (no one of which may exceed 5 megabytes) and labeled sequentially in the subject line.
The document served by email must be attached in PDF format.
E-mail service is made by attaching a copy of the document to be served in PDF format to an e-mail.
A party seeking to cancel and reschedule a foreclosure sale must file a written motion using the format of Exhibit A.
Any party seeking to cancel and reschedule a foreclosure sale shall file a written motion in the same format Exhibit "A" which is attached hereto.
A motion that reopens the case must be accompanied by a proposed order using the format of Exhibit B.
be accompanied by a proposed order that is in the same format as the Order on the Motion to Cancel and Reschedule Foreclosure Sale form that is attached hereto as Exhibit "B."
Each page of a proposed order or judgment must include the case style, case number, and page number in its header.
1. Each page of the proposed order judgment shall contain a header reflecting the style of the case, the case number as well as the page number.
An order or judgment may not have a signature page that omits all text from the order or judgment.
2. No order or judgment shall contain a signature page that does not include a portion of the text of the order or judgment.
Closing documents must reserve a 3-by-3-inch space in the upper-right corner, use one-inch margins on all sides, and have consecutively numbered pages.
All orders for dismissal, final judgments (summary, default or consent), amended final judgments, notices of voluntary dismissals, orders vacating final judgments, orders granting motion to amend final judgment, and any other closing documents must be in compliance with Supreme Court Order no. SC13-2384 amendments to Florida rule of judicial administration 2.520 requiring a 3 x 3 inch available space in the right upper hand corner; one inch margin on all sides of documents; and pages must be consecutively numbered.
Closing documents must reserve a 3-by-3-inch space in the upper-right corner, use one-inch margins on all sides, and have consecutively numbered pages.
All orders for dismissal, final judgments (summary, default or consent), amended final judgments, notices of voluntary dismissals, orders vacating final judgments, orders granting motion to amend final judgment, and any other closing documents must be in compliance with Supreme Court Order no. SC13-2384 amendments to Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.520 requiring a 3 x 3 inch available space in the right upper hand corner; one inch margin on all sides of documents; and pages must be consecutively numbered.
Every proposed order must include a signature line with the judge's name typed below it.
All proposed orders shall contain a signature line with the judge's name typewritten below.
Every proposed order must include a signature line with the judge's name typed below it.
5. All proposed orders shall contain a signature line with the judge's name typewritten below.
The orders and writs listed in this section require 3-inch recording space and a notice of filing.
DOCUMENTS THAT NEED 3" RECORDING SPACE OR NOTICE OF FILING **
Loose photographs are not accepted; photographs must be individually marked and mounted without clips or rubber bands.
Loose photographs shall NOT be accepted. Photos MUST be individually marked and mounted. No clips or rubber bands.
All exhibits must be clearly marked before the trial or hearing begins, using a numbered sticker on the top right-hand corner of the front that identifies the case number and offering party.
All exhibits must be clearly marked before the trial or hearing is set to begin. Exhibits shall be marked by a numbered sticker on the top right-hand corner of the front of each exhibit clearly identifying the case number and party who is offering the exhibit, e.g., Plaintiff or Defendant; Petitioner or Respondent.
Exhibits must be bound using staples, binders, acco-type fasteners, or similar binding methods.
Exhibits MUST BE bound: i.e., staples, binders, acco-type fasteners, etc.
Each large demonstrative board must be accompanied by a smaller version, which will be substituted for the large board in the evidence vault after the case or hearing.
Large demonstrative boards MUST be accompanied by a smaller version. The large boards will be returned at the end of the case/hearing and the smaller versions substituted to be placed in the evidence vault.
Custody petitions must use the caption “In the Interest of ..., a minor child(ren).”
☐ A. Petitions for custody are styled "In the Interest of ..., a minor child(ren)."
The proposed order's signature page must contain at least four lines of text and display the case number.
The signature page of the proposed order contains at least four (4) lines of text and has the case number on it.
Electronically filed documents must be accurate, properly formatted, legible, compliant with applicable Portal and Florida rules, and rotated to the proper orientation.
Filers must ensure that documents e-filed are accurate, properly formatted, legible, and meet applicable Portal standards and are in compliance with the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. Documents must also be rotated in the proper orientation to allow images to be viewed as intended.
An exhibit with multiple sections should be designated using numbers and letters, such as 1a, 1b, and 1c.
Any exhibit(s) with multiple sections should be designated by number and letter; i.e. 1a, 1b, 1c, etc.
The emailed electronic copy of the State's response must be in Microsoft Word format or an editable PDF.
When a State's response is required, the State Attorney's Office shall also email an electronic copy of the response to pcmotions@pbcgov.org in Microsoft Word format or in an editable PDF.
DOCX
The cover sheet must be typed or printed in black ink.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.
Document Filing Requirements385 rules
An updated, legible, and specific exhibit list must be provided to the trial clerk on the first day of trial.
An updated, legible and specific exhibit list MUST be provided to the trial clerk on the first day of trial.
Document Type
Exhibit List
A large demonstrative board intended for admission into evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version.
Large demonstrative boards that you want placed into evidence must be accompanied by a smaller version.
Document Type
Demonstrative Board
The Date of Birth Form must be completed and filed with the Clerk's Office in all new and reopened Unified Family Court cases.
Pursuant to Administrative Order 5.109, this form is to be completed and filed with the Clerk's Office in all new and reopened Unified Family Court ("UFC") cases.
Document Type
Date Of Birth Form
Only one of the Federal Estate Non-Tax Certificate or Final Certificate must be filed.
Only one of the two following Documents (Items P or Q) need be filed.
Document Type
Federal Estate Non Tax Certificate Or Final Certificate
The petitioner or petitioner's attorney must file a Live Birth Certificate copy for each minor child when initiating the case.
The Petitioner or Petitioner's attorney shall file a copy of the Live Birth Certificate for any minor child(ren) involved in these cases at the time of initiating the case.
Document Type
Live Birth Certificate
When the mother is the respondent in a paternity-determination petition, the mother or her attorney must file the minor child's Live Birth Certificate copy when the answer is filed.
In a Petition to Determine Paternity, wherein the Mother is the Respondent, the Mother or Mother's attorney shall file a copy of the Live Birth Certificate for the minor child(ren) involved in the case upon filing of an Answer.
Document Type
Live Birth Certificate
A Live Birth Certificate copy must be filed for every minor child involved in a name change, extended-family temporary custody, concurrent custody, or paternity-determination petition.
In the interest of the judicial economy and to increase the efficiency in processing time of these cases, the Court is mandating the filing of a Live Birth Certificate for any minor child(ren) involved in any Petition for Change of Name for a Minor, Petition for Temporary Custody by Extended Family Members, Petition for Concurrent Custody and Petition to Determine Paternity.
Document Type
Live Birth Certificate
A motion or notice of hearing on a motion to compel discovery must include a good-faith certification that the moving counsel or moving pro se party contacted the opposing party and attempted to resolve the dispute without a hearing.
No motions to compel discovery will be heard unless the motion or notice of hearing contains a "good-faith" certification by the moving counsel or moving pro se party to the effect that he or she has already contacted opposing counsel or the opposing party, if that party is unrepresented, and attempted to resolve the discovery dispute without a hearing, but that the matter could not be resolved.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
The moving party must submit a proposed order and a copy of the motion to compel directly to the court with addressed, stamped envelopes.
The moving part shall submit a proposed order along with a copy of the motion to compel directly to the court along addressed, stamped envelopes for the court's consideration.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
For an ex parte motion to compel alleging complete nonresponse and no timely extension request, the court may enter an order requiring compliance with the original discovery demand within 10 days after signing.
When a motion to compel discovery alleges a complete failure to respond or object to discovery and affirmatively states that no timely request for extension of time has been served, an ex parte order on the motion may be entered by the court which requires compliance with the original discovery demand within 10 days of the signing of the order.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
A court reporter must complete and file the Court Reporter Appearance form with the clerk before the civil trial or hearing begins.
The court reporter must complete the attached "Court Reporter Appearance" form and file it with the clerk prior to the commencement of the proceeding.
Document Type
Court Reporter Appearance
The filer must certify the manner and date of delivery of a copy of the designation form and check all applicable delivery methods.
I certify that a copy of this document was {check all used}: ( ) e-mailed ( ) mailed ( ) faxed ( ) hand-delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} .
Document Type
Notice Of Designation Of Email Address For E Service
If a nonlawyer assisted a self-represented litigant in completing the form, the nonlawyer must complete all blanks in the assistance section.
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: [fill in all blanks]
Document Type
Notice Of Designation Of Email Address For E Service
A pleading or order caption must include only its underlying case number and must not reference any companion-case number.
The caption of any pleading or order shall only bear the underlying case number with no reference to the companion case number.
Document Type
Pleading Or Order
Motions must be filed under the case's assigned case number and in its assigned division, regardless of the managing judge's division.
Motions shall be filed under the assigned case number and in the division to which the case is assigned irrespective of the managing judge's division.
Document Type
Motion
The petitioner must file the cover sheet with the first pleading or motion that opens or reopens a domestic or juvenile case.
The petitioner must file this cover sheet with the first pleading or motion filed to open or reopen a case in all domestic and juvenile cases.
Document Type
Cover Sheet
The cover sheet must be signed, identify the signer legibly, include a Florida Bar number for attorneys, and include the signing date.
ATTORNEY OR PARTY SIGNATURE. Sign the Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases. Print legibly the name of the person signing the Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases. Attorneys must include a Florida Bar number. Insert the date the Cover Sheet for Family Court Cases is signed.
Document Type
Cover Sheet
The filing attorney or self-represented litigant must file Family Law Form 12.900(h) with the initial pleading or petition to notify the court of related cases.
IV. Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) requires that a Notice of Related Cases Form, Family Law Form 12.900(h), be filed with the initial pleading/petition by the filing attorney or self‐ represented litigant in order to notify the court of related cases.
Document Type
Initial Pleading Or Petition
The attorney or party signing the family-court cover sheet must certify that its information is accurate to the best of their knowledge and belief.
I CERTIFY that the information I have provided in this cover sheet is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Document Type
Cover Sheet
The petitioner's witness list must be attached to the joint pretrial statement.
Attach Petitioner’s Witness List
Document Type
Witness List
The respondent's exhibit list must be attached, and all respondent's exhibits must be pre-marked for trial.
Attach Respondent’s Exhibit List (all exhibits must be pre-marked for trial)
Document Type
Exhibit List
If support arrearages exist, the joint pretrial statement must state the arrearage amount, the next payment due date and amount, and the date and docket entry number of the order establishing the support.
If yes, state the amount of the arrearage, the date and amount of the next payment due, and the date and docket entry number for the court order establishing the support that is in arrears.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Statement
The respondent's witness list must be attached to the joint pretrial statement.
Attach Respondent’s Witness List
Document Type
Witness List
The petitioner's exhibit list must be attached, and all petitioner's exhibits must be pre-marked for trial.
Attach Petitioner’s Exhibit List (all exhibits must be pre-marked for trial)
Document Type
Exhibit List
A fully completed child support calculation worksheet must be attached when child support is an issue.
If Child Support an issue? Yes/No If yes, attach a fully completed child support calculation worksheet (Florida Family Rule Form 12.902(e).
Requirement
Document requirement
When the parties have reached an agreement, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk.
If an agreement has been reached, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk.
Document Type
Parenting Plan
A litigant using email service must designate the email address using Form 12.915 and provide that address on each signed form.
To serve and receive documents by e-mail, you must designate your e-mail addresses by using the Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, and you must provide your e-mail address on each form on which your signature appears.
Document Type
Designation Of Current Mailing And Email Address
The Parenting Plan must describe the parties' child-rearing responsibilities, time-sharing schedule, responsibility for health care and school matters, and parent-child communication methods in adequate detail.
At a minimum, the Parenting Plan must describe in adequate detail: How the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child(ren), The time-sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time that the minor child(ren) will spend with each parent, A designation of who will be responsible for any and all forms of health care, school-related matters, including the address to be used for school-boundary determination and registration, other activities, and The methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child(ren).
Document Type
Parenting Plan
A nonlawyer assisting with the forms must place their name, address, and telephone number at the bottom of the last page of every form they help complete.
A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.
Document Type
Form
A nonlawyer assisting with the forms must provide a copy of Form 12.900(a), Disclosure from Nonlawyer, before providing assistance.
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900 (a), before he or she helps you.
Document Type
Form Completion Assistance
The petitioner or parent must sign the parenting plan and make the quoted certification.
I certify that I have been open and honest in entering into this Parenting Plan. I am satisfied with this Plan and intend to be bound by it.
Document Type
Parenting Plan
If a nonlawyer helped complete the form, the nonlawyer must fill in all blanks identifying whether the form was prepared for the petitioner or respondent and providing the nonlawyer's contact information.
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} _____ Petitioner _____ Respondent This form was completed with the assistance of: {name of individual} ________________________________________________________________, {name of business} _________________________________________________________________, {address} _________________________________________________________________________, {city} _________________, {state} ______, {zip code} _________, {telephone number} ____________.
Document Type
Parenting Plan
The required ADA notice language must also be provided in Spanish and Creole.
The required language must also be provided in Spanish and Creole.
Document Type
Notice Of Court Proceedings
The objection letter or memo must indicate that an objection exists.
a. there is an objection;
Document Type
Objection Letter Or Memo
All pleadings and notices filed in the criminal division must include the assigned division's letter designation in the caption.
The caption of all pleadings and notices filed in the criminal division shall include the letter designation of the division to which the case is assigned.
Document Type
Pleadings And Notices
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All petitions, pleadings, and documents must be filed electronically except in specified circumstances.
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
For a new civil case subject to Differentiated Case Management, the Court automatically generates, files, and serves a Uniform DCMO and Order Setting Trial through the e-portal on the initiating party.
Immediately upon the filing of a new civil case that is subject to Differentiated Case Management, a Uniform Differentiated Case Management Order and Order Setting Trial (“DCMO”) as described in Part 2(b) shall be automatically generated by the Court, filed, and served through the e-portal upon the party initiating the action.
Page 2 | 2. Assigning Tracks, Pre-Trial Schedules and Calendar Call Through Automated Differentiated Case Management Orders (DCMO), a. Entry and Service
A self-represented litigant who elects electronic filing must comply with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525 and the procedures of the judicial circuit where the filing is made.
If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
All petitions, pleadings, and documents generally must be filed electronically, subject to specified exceptions.
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
When the petitioning party is represented by counsel at case initiation, a copy of the Administrative Order must be electronically filed when the petition is filed.
15. In cases where the petitioning party is represented by counsel at the time of case initiation, a copy of this Administrative Order shall be electronically filed
Page 4 | Distribution of the Administrative Order in Cases Involving Self-Represented Parties
All petitions, pleadings, and documents generally must be filed electronically unless a specified exception applies.
The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all petitions, pleadings, and documents be filed electronically except in certain circumstances.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
A self-represented litigant choosing electronic filing must comply with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525 and the filing circuit's procedures.
If you choose to file your pleadings or other documents electronically, you must do so in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525, and you must follow the procedures of the judicial circuit in which you file.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-FILING
All proposed orders must be uploaded to the online system for entry; hard copies and emailed attached proposed orders cannot be entered, and ink signatures are no longer used.
ALL PROPOSED ORDERS MUST BE UPLOADED TO THE ONLINE SYSTEM FOR ENTRY. NO orders are entered with an ink signature any longer. Please do not mail in hard copies or Email an attached proposed order. They cannot be entered.
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Post-judgment rehearing and relief motions may not be set for hearing online; the original must be filed with the clerk and a copy with supporting authority mailed to the judicial assistant for the judge.
Post-judgment rehearing or relief motions, including motions for reconsideration, motions for clarification, and motions for new trial, may not be set for hearing online. File the original with the Clerk and provide a copy with supporting authority to the judicial assistant via U.S. mail for review by the judge.
Page 1 | Other Division Procedures
For a compliant ex parte motion to compel discovery, the moving attorney must submit the proposed order and a copy of the motion through the Online Scheduling System.
The moving attorney must submit the Order for signature by the Judge and a copy of the motion as an attachment via the Online Scheduling System.
Page 1 | Other Division Procedures
Orders dismissing cases must be submitted through the Online Scheduling System.
Submit Orders of Dismissal of Cases on the Online Scheduling System.
Page 1 | Other Division Procedures
The completed checklist must be filed electronically with the Petition to Determine Homestead.
This checklist shall be completed and e-filed with your Petition.
Page 1 | CHECKLIST FOR PETITION TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD - FORMAL PETITION
All documents filed in any court must be filed by electronic transmission.
Florida Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.520 requires all documents filed in any court to be filed by electronic transmission in accordance with Florida Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.525.
Page 1 | IN RE: ELECTRONIC FILING OF DOCUMENTS
The Clerk must reject a filing containing multiple returns of service in one submission.
2. The Clerk is also directed to reject a filing if multiple returns of service are submitted in one filing.
Page 1 | A. RETURNS OF SERVICE
Copies of returns of service must be filed electronically.
1. Copies of returns of service shall be e-filed.
Page 1 | A. RETURNS OF SERVICE
Verified pleadings, papers, and documents must be filed electronically, with no paper copy filed absent a court order or the trial judge's divisional instructions.
1. Complaints and other pleadings, papers, or documents which are verified by an attorney, party, or person, are to be electronically filed and a paper copy shall not be filed with the Clerk except upon order of court or as required by the trial judge's divisional instructions.
Page 1 | B. VERIFIED DOCUMENTS
A document filed electronically must not be provided to the Clerk in paper unless a rule, statute, or court order requires it.
1. If a document is electronically filed, the filer shall not provide the Clerk with a paper copy unless otherwise required by rule, statute, or court order.
Page 2 | E. PAPER AND ELECTRONIC COPIES
The Notice of Confidential Information must be a separate document electronically uploaded and filed in the same transaction as the pleading or paper containing the confidential information.
The Notice of Confidential Information, as required by Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420 or 2.423, must be a document separate from the pleading or paper containing the confidential information and must be uploaded and e-filed in the same transaction.
Page 3 | I. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
A filer must flag every electronically filed emergency motion or emergency document as an emergency using the Portal's emergency box.
When an Emergency Motion or emergency document is e-filed, the filer shall flag the motion or document as an emergency by clicking on the emergency box in the Portal.
Page 3 | J. EMERGENCY MOTIONS AND DOCUMENTS TREATED AS EMERGENCIES
A document filed in multiple cases must be submitted through a separate electronic transaction for each case, and a multi-case transaction will be docketed only under the Portal-referenced case number.
If a single document is to be filed in two or more cases, the document must be submitted in a separate e-filing transaction for each case. If a document is e-filed with multiple case numbers, the Clerk will only docket the pleading under the case number referenced in the Portal.
Page 3 | H. MULTIPLE CASES
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The Court Reporter Appearance form must be filed before the proceeding commences.
The court reporter must complete the attached "Court Reporter Appearance" form and file it with the clerk prior to the commencement of the proceeding.
Page 1 | IN RE: COURT REPORTER'S APPOINTMENT, APPEARANCE FORMS AND TRANSCRIPTS IN CIVIL CASES
The parties must upload the appropriate proposed form of order with attachments through OLS at least 24 hours before the scheduled UMC hearing or conference.
The parties are required to upload the appropriate proposed form of order with attachments by OLS 24 hours prior to the same.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
The parties must schedule a CMC/status hearing on the UMC docket for a pretrial conference or calendar call 30 days before trial.
The parties are ordered to set a CMC/Status hearing on UMC for a Pre-Trial conference/Calendar Call 30 days before trial.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
The parties must file the mediation report within 48 hours after mediation.
(iv) The parties have 48 hours of the mediation to file the report;
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
Failure to comply with the order's stated deadlines may result in dismissal of the case or other sanctions.
Failure to comply with this order in the time frames indicated will result in the dismissal of your case or other sanctions.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
All answers, counter-petitions, responses, and replies must be filed within the number of days stated in the order.
All Answers, Counter-Petitions, Responses and Replies will be filed within ____ days of this order.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
The identified outstanding filing must be submitted within 10 days after the order.
However, the Petitioner/Respondent’s _________ is outstanding and will be filed within 10 days of this order.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
The parties must upload a proposed final judgment through OLS at least 24 hours before the final hearing and provide it to the opposing party.
The parties will upload by OLS a proposed final judgement 24 hours prior to the final hearing and provide the same to the opposing party.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
Within five days after mediation, the parties must set either an uncontested final hearing or a status conference on the UMC docket to request a trial date.
(v) The parties within 5 days of the date of mediation to set on the UMC docket either an uncontested final hearing or status conference to request a trial date.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
At least 24 hours before the pretrial CMC/status hearing, the parties must upload a proposed order identifying outstanding issues or a stipulated order confirming the joint pretrial stipulation was filed and no issues remain.
The parties will upload a proposed form of order 24 hours prior to the same indicating any outstanding issues the Court needs to address or a stipulated order that the parties filed the joint pretrial stipulation and the parties have no outstanding issues prior to trial.
Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT/STATUS ORDER
The original form, Reports, and Memorandums must be issued or filed no later than five days after the parenting co-ordination session concludes.
18. Filing Date: The Parenting Co-ordinator is required to issue and/or file certain documents as hereinabove enumerated more particularly in this form including but not limited to the original of this form, as well as Reports and Memorandums. The Parenting Co-ordinator shall file same no later than five (5) days after the conclusion of the parenting co-ordination session.
Page 6 | 18. Filing Date
At least five business days before the hearing, the party opposing a summary-judgment motion must respond to each allegedly undisputed fact by admitting it or citing the record with the required particularity, with a copy simultaneously submitted to the court.
It is further ORDERED that at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing, the party opposing the motion for summary judgment shall file a response to each fact alleged not be in controversy, and either admit that such fact is not in controversy or set forth citation of the record with the particularity described above where the fact is controverted, A COPY OF WHICH SHALL BE SIMULTANEOUSLY SUBMITTED TO THE COURT.
Page 1 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS
At least 45 days before the evidentiary hearing on attorneys’ fees and costs, the moving party must provide the opposing party with its fee expert’s contact information and copies of billing timesheets, cost invoices, and other supporting evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is ORDERED that the moving party shall submit to the opposing party the name, address, and telephone number of the attorneys’ fee expert, and submit copies of all billing timesheets, invoices for costs, and any other documentary evidence relating to attorneys’ fees and/or court costs, then no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled evidentiary hearing as to the amount of attorneys’ fees and costs sought on a motion for attorneys’ fees and costs.
Page 1 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS
A party seeking a judgment taxing costs, attorneys’ fees, or both must serve the motion within 30 days after the dispositive judgment or notice of voluntary dismissal.
Rule 1.525, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, governs costs and attorneys’ fees, and provides that any party seeking a judgment taxing costs, attorneys’ fees, or both shall serve a motion no later than 30 days after filing of the judgment, including a judgment of dismissal, or the service of a notice of voluntary dismissal, which judgment or notice concludes the action as to the party,
Page 1 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS
At least 30 days before the evidentiary hearing, the opposing party must identify its specific objections by line item and fee element, notify the moving party, and simultaneously submit a copy to the court.
The opposing party shall then notify the moving party no later than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled evidentiary hearing of its specific objections to all costs, and all cost invoicing, and all attorneys’ fees by identifying each line item and each element of the attorneys’ fees to which the opposing party objects, A COPY OF WHICH SHALL BE SIMULTANEOUSLY SUBMITTED TO THE COURT.
Page 1 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS
No later than 15 days before the evidentiary hearing, the opposing party must identify any rebuttal expert’s contact information, and the parties and their experts must meet to discuss the specific objections.
It is further ORDERED that the opposing party shall also identify the name, address, and telephone number of any expert it intends to use in rebuttal to the attorneys’ fees and costs claimed by the moving party, no later than Fifteen (15) days prior to the evidentiary hearing, and both parties and their respective experts shall meet to discuss the specific objections to the attorneys’ fees and costs being claimed no later than Fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | IN RE: STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS
Documents must be filed before service or immediately afterward and are deemed filed when filed with the clerk.
The Rules of General Practice & Judicial Administration require that all documents be filed with the court either before service on the opposing party or immediately thereafter. Documents are deemed filed when they are filed with the clerk of court.
Page 3 | E-SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF REPRESENTED PARTIES
A motion to extend a deadline or obtain an amended DCMO must be submitted as soon as the circumstances prompting the amendment become known and resolved early in the case.
Motions to extend a deadline or for an Amended DCMO must be resolved early in the case and must be submitted as soon as circumstances giving rise to the amendment become known.
Page 5 | Extending Pretrial Deadlines
The Proof of Publication must be submitted at least three business days before the online sale date.
Foreclosure Plaintiffs shall submit the Proof of Publication at least three (3) business days before the online sale date.
Page 1 | A. ONLINE FORECLOSURE SALES
A proposed order must not be uploaded until after the hearing has occurred.
DO NOT UPLOAD A PROPOSED ORDER UNTIL AFTER THE HEARING HAS OCCURRED
Page 1 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A petition for rehearing or motion for reconsideration must be filed with the clerk, and a copy must be furnished to the assigned judge with a copy of the original order.
The petition or motion shall be filed with the clerk and a copy shall be furnished to the assigned judge along with a copy of the original order.
Page 1 | IN RE: PETITIONS FOR REHEARING
A lawyer must timely serve all pleadings on the opposing party to prevent prejudice or delay.
2.4 A lawyer must timely serve all pleadings to prevent prejudice or delay to the opposing party. (See R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-3.2).
Page 5 | 2. Honest and Effective Communication
The moving party must timely provide opposing counsel, or the opposing party if unrepresented, a copy of all materials submitted to the court under the rule.
A copy of all materials provided to the court in accordance with this rule shall be timely provided by the moving party to opposing counsel or the opposing party, if that party is unrepresented.
Page 1 | Ex Parte Motion to Compel
A lawyer must timely serve required pleading documents to prevent prejudice or delay to the opposing party.
2.4 A lawyer must timely serve all pleadingsdocuments required to be served to prevent prejudice or delay to the opposing party. (See R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-3.2).
Page 6 | 2. Honest and Effective Communication
When a State response is required, the State Attorney's Office must email an electronic copy to pcmotions@pbcgov.org.
When a State's response is required, the State Attorney's Office shall also email an electronic copy of the response to pcmotions@pbcgov.org in Microsoft Word format or in an editable PDF.
Page 1 | IN RE: FILING OF POSTCONVICTION MOTIONS
In civil matters, counsel must notice opposing counsel under the applicable civil procedure rules and provide reasonable notice rather than arranging the matter through the judicial assistant.
Except in the criminal division, counsel shall not make appointments with the Court's judicial assistant but shall notice opposing counsel pursuant to the applicable rules of civil procedure. Opposing counsel shall ===== PAGE 2 ===== be given reasonable notice.
Page 1 | SCHEDULING
In default and final judgment matters, the notice of hearing and motion must be delivered to the clerk with the specified marking at least four business days before the hearing.
In default and final judgment matters only, a copy of the notice of hearing and a copy of the motion shall be delivered to the clerk, marked "Attention, Uniform Motion Calendar," at least four business days before the hearing.
Page 2 | SCHEDULING
By completing the form, a self-represented litigant authorizes the Court, Clerk, and opposing party to serve orders, notices, communications, and pleadings by the designated email address rather than regular U.S. Mail.
By completing this form I am authorizing the Court, the Clerk of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida and the opposing party to send copies of orders/judgment, notices or other written communications or pleadings to me through my designated e-mail and NOT through regular U.S. Mail.
Page 1 | NOTICE OF DESIGNATION OF EMAIL ADDRESS FOR E-SERVICE
After initial process service by the Sheriff or a certified process server, documents required or permitted to be served on the other party generally must be served by email, subject to stated exceptions.
After the initial service of process of the petition or supplemental petition by the Sheriff or certified process server, the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration now require that all documents required or permitted to be served on the other party must be served by electronic mail (e-mail) except in certain circumstances.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION
A self-represented litigant who elects email service must follow the applicable procedures after making the initial election.
If a self-represented litigant elects to serve and receive documents by e-mail, the procedures must always be followed once the initial election is made.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING E-SERVICE ELECTION
After a crossover case is identified, the appropriate party must notify the listed entities that the case exists and include the information specified in Exhibit A.
Once a crossover case is identified, notification will be provided to the Court, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Statewide Office of the Guardian Ad Litem Program, Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, the Office of the State Attorney, the Office of the Public Defender, and court appointed conflict attorneys that a crossover case exists. Notice will include the information set forth in the attached Exhibit "A" and be made by the appropriate party.
Page 1 | IN RE: CROSSOVER CASE NOTIFICATION
Copies of the notice or motion must be served on the opposing side, the presiding judge or magistrate, and, when appropriate, the attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem, and any attorney who has noticed a charging lien.
with copies served on the opposing side, the presiding Circuit Judge or General Magistrate, and if appropriate, the attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem and any attorney who has noticed a charging lien in the action to be scheduled for non-jury trial.
Page 1 | IN RE: TRIAL SCHEDULING IN UNIFIED FAMILY COURT – FAMILY DIVISION
Attorneys and self-represented parties must serve and accept court filings by email unless exempted by a procedural rule or court order.
Pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.516, all attorneys and self-represented parties who have not been exempted by a rule of procedure or by an order of the court, must serve and accept court filings by e-mail.
Page 1 | IN RE: SERVICE BY EMAIL
A self-represented party must designate and serve a primary email address unless excused under the specified rule.
A party not represented by an attorney must serve a designation of a primary e-mail address, unless excused by Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516(b)(1)(D).
Page 2 | 2. Self-Represented Litigants
If unsuccessful email service is discovered, the sender must immediately resend by email or use another authorized service method.
If the sender learns that the e- mail did not reach the address of the person to be served, the sender must immediately send another copy by e-mail, or serve by a means authorized by subdivision (b)(2) of the Rules of General Practice & Judicial Administration.
Page 3 | E-SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF REPRESENTED PARTIES
Email service is complete when sent, while delivery service is complete upon delivery.
Service by e-mail is deemed complete on the date it is sent. Service by delivery is deemed complete on the date of delivery.
Page 3 | E-SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF REPRESENTED PARTIES
Unless excused under the cited rule, self-represented parties must serve court documents on the opposing party or that party's attorney by email.
Self-represented parties must serve court documents by e-mail unless excused pursuant to Florida Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.516(b)(1)(D).
Page 3 | E-SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF REPRESENTED PARTIES
A self-represented party must designate a primary email address and may designate no more than two secondary addresses for service.
Self-represented parties must serve a designation of primary e-mail address and may also designate no more than two secondary e-mail addresses to which service may be directed.
Page 3 | E-SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF REPRESENTED PARTIES
A self-represented party must keep the clerk and opposing parties informed of current email addresses, and communications will be served at the addresses recorded with the clerk.
I understand that I must keep the clerk’s office and the opposing party or parties notified of my current e-mail address(es) and that all copies of notices, orders, judgments, motions, pleadings, or other written communications in this case will be served at the e-mail address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.
Page 4 | DESIGNATION OF E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR A PARTY NOT REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY
Responses by the State Attorney's Office in post-conviction motions must also be emailed.
Post Conviction Motions: Responses by the State Attorney's Office must also be emailed. Email address can be found in Administrative Order 7.301.
Page 1 | Post Conviction Motions
Filing Fees and Waivers
The Clerk will not issue the Certificate of Title until the $70.00 clerk sale fee and all other fees are paid.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller shall not issue the Certificate of Title until the $70.00 clerk sale fee, and all other fees, are paid.
Page 1 | A. ONLINE FORECLOSURE SALES
Foreclosure plaintiffs must submit the $70.00 Clerk Sale Fee before the sale date.
Foreclosure Plaintiffs shall submit the $70.00 Clerk Sale Fee prior to the sale date.
Page 1 | A. ONLINE FORECLOSURE SALES
A motion to cancel a foreclosure sale that results in reopening the case must include payment of the $50 reopen fee.
All motions to cancel foreclosure sales that result in the case being reopened shall include payment of the $50 reopen fee
Page 2 | B. CANCELATION OF FORECLOSURE SALES, 4. Motion to Cancel Sale and Reschedule Sale
Petitions for Modification must be filed with the clerk, accompanied by any applicable filing fee, and served on the opposing party.
Petitions for Modification must be filed with the clerk along with the appropriate filing fee, if applicable, and served on the opposing party.
Page 1 | IN RE: PETITIONS FOR MODIFICATION
A Petition for Declaratory Statement is subject to the same filing fee as a Petition for Adoption, with no additional fee when a TPR filing fee has already been paid.
2. The Clerk shall charge the same filing fee as is charged for the filing of a Petition for Adoption. No additional filing fee shall be assessed for the filing of the Petition for Declaratory Statement if a filing fee has been paid for the TPR.
Page 3 | C. PETITION FOR DECLARATORY STATEMENT
A transcript or digital recording may be produced at public expense only when a court order is obtained.
Transcript and/or digital recording requests to the CRS Department must not be produced at public expense without a court order.
Page 3 | 9. Transcript and digital recording requests
Publicly funded transcript or digital recording copy production for an indigent criminal defendant's postconviction motion requires a court order under section 27.52(5)(f), Florida Statutes.
See, e.g. Roesch v. State, 633 So. 2d 1, 2 (Fla. 1993), absent a court order under 27.52(5)(f) FSS.
Page 3 | 8. Indigent criminal defendants and transcripts
A transcript or digital recording copy cannot be released until full payment is received or a court order authorizes release.
The CRS Department will not release a transcript or digital recording copy until full payment or a court order is received.
Page 3 | 7. Fees, payment, and transcript release
The tenant must pay the clerk the rent amount owed and must continue paying the clerk each time rent becomes due until the case ends.
Peye grefye tribunal la lajan lwaye ou dwe yo. Ou DWE peye grefye tribunal la lajan lwaye a chak fwa ou dwe jiskaske pwosè a fini.
Page 9 | FÒM 1.923(a). KONVOKASYON DEGÈPISMAN — REZIDANSYÈL
Parties must pay mediation fees within ten days of the order and present the receipt to the ADR office at mediation.
Parties MUST pay the mediation fees within ten (10) days of the date of this order, and the receipt shall be presented to the ADR office at the mediation session.
Page 1 | 2. FEES
A party who has not paid the required mediation fee will not receive a family mediation session unless the party is indigent or has been excused from payment.
No family mediation session will be held for any party who fails to make the required payment unless the party has been found indigent or excused from payment.
Page 2 | 2. FEES
A party that fails to appear must pay the applicable $60.00 or $120.00 fee to the Clerk within 15 days after the mediator's report is filed, and both parties must pay if both fail to appear.
The party who failed to appear shall pay the required fee of $60.00 or $120.00 to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days of the filing of the mediator’s report. If both parties fail to appear, each shall pay the $60.00 or $120.00 to the Clerk of the Court within 15 days of the filing of the mediators report.
Page 2 | 6. Cancellation of Mediation
Both parties must remit the assessed fee to the evaluator within seven days after service of the order.
Both parties must, within SEVEN (7) days of service of this Order, remit the fee, indicated above (if any), made payable to the evaluator.
Page 1 | ORDER GRANTING SOCIAL INVESTIGATION
The court assesses a $2,000 fee for a comprehensive study, a $1,000 fee for a limited evaluation, and $75 per hour for an updated custody evaluation completed more than six months before trial.
Pursuant to Section 61.20, Florida Statutes, the court may assess a fee for this study unless the parties are indigent. The fee assessed in this case is $2,000 for a comprehensive study and $1,000 for a limited evaluation and $75.00 per hour for a custody evaluation updated (for evaluations completed more than 6 (six) months prior to trial date).
Page 1 | ORDER GRANTING SOCIAL INVESTIGATION
An applicant determined to be indigent after completing an Affidavit of Indigency is not assessed a mediation fee.
☐ D. The Applicant has completed an Affidavit of Indigency and has been determined to be indigent (no mediation fee assessed)
Page 1 | Disclosure for Family Mediation Fees
For combined annual income below $50,000, the mediation fee is $60 per person per session.
☐ C. The parties' combined income is less than $50,000 ($60 per person per session)
Page 1 | Disclosure for Family Mediation Fees
For combined annual income over $50,000 but under $100,000, the mediation fee is $120 per person per session.
☐ B. The parties' combined income is greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000 per year ($120 per person per session)
Page 1 | Disclosure for Family Mediation Fees
Mediation fees are paid to the Circuit Court Clerk based on the parties' combined income.
Pursuant to FS 44.108(2)(a) & (b), mediation fees are to be paid to the Clerk of the Circuit Court based on the combined income of the parties.
Page 1 | Disclosure for Family Mediation Fees
Civil indigent status does not entitle a party in civil, family, or civil traffic infraction cases to publicly funded transcripts or digital recording copies.
A determination of civil indigent status under 57.082 FSS does not entitle an indigent party to a civil, family, and civil traffic infraction case to creation and production of transcripts and/or digital recording copies at the public expense.
Page 3 | 8. Civil indigent status and transcripts
Effective July 1, 2022, the fee schedule governs transcript and digital recording copy production, except designated offices are billed under the Circuit's Statement of Services.
Effective July 1, 2022, transcript and digital recording copy production shall be in accordance with the fee schedule, except that the Office of the Public Defender, the Office of the State Attorney, and the Office of Regional Conflict Counsel shall be billed as set forth in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court Reporting Statement of Services.
Page 3 | 7. Fees, payment, and transcript release
Courtesy Copy Requirements
All parties must provide chambers with copies of every document, pleading, and authority they want the court to consider.
Also, all parties shall furnish the Court with copies of all documents, pleadings and case authority which they wish the Court to consider.
Page 1 | IN RE: UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR
The moving party must provide the court with copies of the motion to be heard and the notice of hearing, unless it makes special arrangements with the clerk's office.
Unless the moving party makes special arrangements with the clerk's office, the court file will not be present in the hearing room during the uniform motion calendar. Therefore, the moving party must furnish the court a copy of the motion to be heard together with a copy of the notice of hearing.
Page 1 | IN RE: UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR
A copy of the notice of hearing and motion or other pertinent pleadings must be sent to chambers before the hearing by regular mail, express mail, or courier.
A copy of the Notice of Hearing and the Motion or other pertinent pleadings must be sent to chambers in advance, via regular mail, express mail or courier.
Page 1 | Scheduling Procedures
Counsel for the Petitioner must file the pretrial stipulation at least 20 days before trial and provide a courtesy copy to the judge's office.
Counsel for the Petitioner must file the stipulation with the clerk no later than 20 days before the trial date AND PROVIDE A COURTESY COPY TO THE JUDGE'S OFFICE.
Page 1 | PRETRIAL STIPULATION MUST BE FILED
Electronic courtesy copies must not be sent to judicial offices except as provided in the judicial officer's divisional instructions.
3. Electronic courtesy copies shall not be sent to the judicial offices except as provided for in the judicial officer's divisional instructions.
Page 2 | E. PAPER AND ELECTRONIC COPIES
Courtesy copies of memoranda of law must be sent separately to the judge as directed by the judge's divisional instructions.
Courtesy Copies must be separately sent to the judge in accordance with the judge's divisional instructions.
Page 2 | D. MEMORANDA OF LAW
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must not email courtesy copies of e-filed documents to the judge or court staff unless the assigned judge or magistrate instructs or permits it.
Unless otherwise instructed or permitted by the assigned divisional judge or magistrate, attorneys and self-represented litigants are not to e-mail courtesy copies of e-filed documents to the judge or court staff.
Page 2 | 4. Service on the Court
A courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Statement must be provided to the presiding judge.
A courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Statement shall be provided to the presiding judge.
Page 1 | ORDER IMPOSING UNIFORM PRETRIAL PROCEDURES OF THE FAMILY DIVISION-FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Counsel preparing a proposed order or judgment must furnish the court with sufficient copies and stamped, addressed envelopes for service on opposing parties.
Counsel preparing the proposed order or judgment shall furnish the court with sufficient copies and stamped, addressed envelopes for service on the opposing parties.
Page 1 | Preparation of Judgments and Orders
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Every Live Birth Certificate filed for a minor child must be treated as confidential.
Pursuant to Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 2.425 any filed Live Birth Certificate for the minor child(ren) shall be deemed confidential.
Page 1 | IN RE: FILING OF CERTIFICATES OF LIVE BIRTH IN FAMILY LAW CASES
The Clerk of Court must maintain the 23 categories of documents identified by Rule 2.420(d)(1) as confidential.
Rule 2.420(d)(1) sets forth the 23 categories of documents that the Clerk of Court must maintain as confidential.
Page 1 | Confidentiality of Court Records Under Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420
Documents covered by Rule 2.420(c) are confidential and exempt from public viewing.
Rule 2.420(c) sets forth the types of documents that are confidential and exempt from public view.
Page 1 | Confidentiality of Court Records Under Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420
The news media must be afforded an opportunity to be heard before the court rules on closing a courtroom.
The Florida Supreme Court has stated that the news media has been the public surrogate on the issue of courtroom closure and must be given an opportunity to be heard prior to a court’s ruling on closure.
Page 1 | Confidentiality of Court Records Under Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420
Rule 2.420 must be followed before making a court record confidential or sealed.
Florida Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420 is the rule of procedure governing the confidentiality of court records and must be followed prior to making a record confidential and thus inaccessible by the public (i.e. sealed).
Page 1 | Confidentiality of Court Records Under Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420
The second page containing the parties' Social Security numbers must be kept confidential from public disclosure.
PURSUANT TO S.61.13(10), F.S., THE SECOND PAGE OF THIS DOCUMENT, CONTAINING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS OF THE PARTIES, SHALL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.
Page 1 | SUPPORT INFORMATION SHEET
The clerk must keep the personal-information page separate from the file and confidential.
******CLERK: PLEASE KEEP THIS PAGE SEPARATE FROM FILE AND KEEP CONFIDENTIAL******
Page 2 | PERSONAL INFORMATION
The Clerk will redact specified sensitive information so it does not appear in documents accessible to the general public.
Sensitive Information (month and day of birth/names of minors) will be redacted by the Clerk and will not appear in a document accessible by the general public.
Page 1 | Instructions
A filer may file a Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records to seek treatment as confidential for information outside the 23 categories identified in Rule 2.420(d)(1).
Rule 2.420(d)(3) sets forth the ability of a filer of a document to file a “Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records” when the filer seeks to have information not contained within the 23 categories of documents treated as confidential and exempt from public view.
Page 2 | Confidentiality of Court Records Under Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420
Filing Bundling Requirements
Companion-case files must remain separate, and pleadings may not be consolidated into a single pleading file.
When such a consolidation is ordered, the case files shall remain separate and pleadings shall continue to be filed in their appropriate file. Companion cases shall not be consolidated into one pleading file.
Page 1 | A. COMPANION CASES
Motions and orders concerning companion cases must be filed separately in each case.
Motions and Orders must be filed separately in each case.
Page 1 | A. COMPANION CASES
Papers filed in a termination of parental rights case must be submitted as separate documents and may not be bundled under one Notice of Filing.
All pleadings, motions or other papers filed in the TPR shall be presented to the Clerk for filing as separate documents and multiple pleadings, motions or other papers shall not be filed under one Notice of Filing.
Page 2 | A. PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS
Papers filed in a petition for adoption case must be submitted as separate documents and may not be bundled under one Notice of Filing.
All pleadings, motions or other papers filed in the Petition for Adoption shall be presented to the Clerk for filing as separate documents and multiple pleadings, motions or other papers shall not be filed under one Notice of Filing.
Page 2 | B. PETITION FOR ADOPTION
All information required to support the Petition must have been filed previously or concurrently with the Petition.
The Petitioner ☐/Attorney ☐ further certifies that all the required information was previously filed or filed concurrently with the Petition.
Page 2 | CERTIFICATION A
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing any motion involving electronically stored information, the parties must inquire of the relevant data custodians and consider using a special magistrate or e-discovery mediation to resolve the dispute.
Before bringing any Motion before this Court involving ESI, the Parties (i) shall make inquiry of the relevant data custodian(s) by any discovery method(s) they deem appropriate, and (ii) shall consider the use of a special magistrate and/or e-discovery mediation to resolve the dispute.
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER ON ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY
Before a matter is placed on the uniform motion calendar, the noticing party or attorney must attempt to resolve it and certify that the attempt was made in good faith.
(2) Prior to setting a matter on the motion calendar, the party or attorney noticing the motion shall attempt to resolve the matter and shall certify the good faith attempt to resolve.
Page 1 | IN RE: UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR
A hearing on a subsequent temporary-relief application requires authorization from the assigned judge.
Hearings on subsequent applications for temporary relief shall be set with authorization of the assigned judge.
Page 1 | IN RE: TEMPORARY RELIEF IN FAMILY DIVISION
A temporary-relief hearing may not be set unless the parties first complete mediation and report an impasse.
No temporary relief hearing shall be set unless the parties have first submitted to mediation and an impasse has been reported.
Page 1 | IN RE: TEMPORARY RELIEF IN FAMILY DIVISION
All temporary-relief issues must be scheduled on the court's evidentiary motion calendar.
All temporary relief issues, including but not limited to support, time-sharing, equitable distribution, residence, fees, and costs shall be scheduled on the court's evidentiary motion calendar.
Page 1 | IN RE: TEMPORARY RELIEF IN FAMILY DIVISION
Competing temporary-relief applications must ordinarily be heard together unless the court finds that impracticable.
Should both parties file temporary relief applications, the matters shall be heard at the same time unless the Court deems it impracticable.
Page 1 | IN RE: TEMPORARY RELIEF IN FAMILY DIVISION
Before filing and serving a notice of hearing for a Uniform Motion Calendar or specially set hearing, the noticing attorney must attempt to resolve the matter and certify the good-faith attempt, except when a moving or non-moving party is pro se.
Prior to filing and serving a Notice of Hearing for a Uniform Motion Calendar hearing or a specially set hearing, the attorney noticing the motion for hearing shall attempt to resolve the matter and shall certify the good faith attempt to resolve.
Page 1 | Uniform Motion Calendar and Specially Set Hearings
The good-faith resolution attempt requires reasonable efforts by counsel to speak in person or by telephone and make genuine efforts to resolve or narrow disputes before seeking court intervention.
The term "attempt to resolve the matter" in paragraph 2 shall require counsel to make reasonable efforts to speak to one another (in person or via telephone) and engage in reasonable compromises in a genuine effort to resolve or narrow the disputes before seeking Court intervention.
Page 1 | Uniform Motion Calendar and Specially Set Hearings
Within 45 days after the entitlement determination, the parties must confer item by item about disputed fees and costs and attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiations.
Within forty-five (45) days from the date of the Entitlement Determination, the parties must meet and confer as the issue of the amount of attorneys’ fees and costs to clarify the extent and basis of any objections to the reasonableness of fees and costs on an item-by-item basis and resolve as much of the dispute as possible through good faith negotiations.
Page 1 | Order Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions
Within 15 days after service of the written objections, the parties and their experts must meet and confer about each disputed fee-and-cost item.
Within fifteen (15) days after service of any objections required by paragraph 4 of this Order, the parties and their respective experts shall meet for the purposes of conferring over each disputed item of the Claim.
Page 1 | Order Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions
Before a discovery hearing is scheduled, counsel must make actual efforts to confer in person or by electronic means, and merely exchanging emails or texts is insufficient.
The conferral contemplated by this Administrative Order and Local Rule 4 must be done prior to scheduling the hearing. A good faith “attempt to resolve” the matter is defined by Local Rule 4 to contemplate actual efforts to speak with counsel in person or via electronic means, not merely the exchange of emails or texts. See, 15th Cir. Local Rule 4(3) & fn 2.
Page 1 | IN RE: MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY OR FOR PROTECTION FROM DISCOVERY
Failure to make a good-faith resolution attempt may result, at the court’s discretion, in striking the motion from the hearing calendar or imposing sanctions, although the court may waive the requirement in appropriate circumstances.
Failure to make a good faith attempt at resolving the issues may, in the Court's discretion, result in the motion being stricken from the Uniform Motion Calendar or specially set hearing and/or the imposition of sanctions. The Court may waive the good faith attempt at resolving the issues in appropriate circumstances.
Page 2 | Uniform Motion Calendar and Specially Set Hearings
The attorney appearing for the movant or covering another attorney’s hearing must be prepared to explain to the court what conferral efforts were made when opposing attorneys did not speak.
The attorney attending the hearing on behalf of the movant, as well as any attorney who is covering the hearing for another attorney, shall be prepared to specify to the Court the efforts made to confer when the parties’ attorneys have not spoken.
Page 2 | Uniform Motion Calendar and Specially Set Hearings
A hearing may be required when the filed certification does not demonstrate the conferral contemplated by the Administrative Order.
A hearing may be required if the certification does not reflect the conferral was of the nature contemplated by this order.
Page 1 | IN RE: MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY OR FOR PROTECTION FROM DISCOVERY
If discovery conferral resolves a motion wholly or partly before the hearing, the parties must immediately notify the court and either cancel the hearing or clarify sufficiently in advance what remains for hearing.
If ongoing good faith conferrals resolve the motion, in whole or in part, prior being heard, the parties shall immediately notify the Court and either cancel the hearing or clarify what remains to be heard sufficiently in advance to prevent the waste of judicial preparation time.
Page 1 | IN RE: MOTIONS TO COMPEL DISCOVERY OR FOR PROTECTION FROM DISCOVERY
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A State motion seeking an extension of time to respond to a postconviction motion must include and bold the filing date, prior extension requests and amounts granted, and a detailed reason for the additional time.
When the Office of the State Attorney files a motion seeking an extension of time to a trial court's order directing the State to respond to a motion for postconviction relief, the State shall include the following information which information shall be bolded: a. Date postconviction motion was filed; b. Date(s) of prior requests for extension(s) of time to file response; c. Amount of additional time granted for each request for extension of time; d. Detailed reason why the additional time is needed.
Page 2 | IN RE: FILING OF POSTCONVICTION MOTIONS
Motions modifying a DCMO deadline that do not affect the Calendar Call date or trial period must comply with Rule 1.200(e).
Motions to modify a DCMO deadline that do not affect the Calendar Call date or trial period must strictly follow Rule 1.200(e).
Page 5 | b. Modification of Pretrial Deadlines Other Than Calendar Call/Trial
A motion to continue trial, including the Calendar Call, must comply with Rule 1.460, be filed promptly after good cause appears, and be immediately set for a DCM Conference.
Motions to continue trial (including Calendar Call) shall strictly follow and be governed by Rule 1.460. Such motions shall immediately be set for a DCM Conference in accordance with Part 6, and shall be filed promptly after the appearance of good cause to support such motion.
Page 6 | 5. Continuances of Trial
If the case resolves before mediation, the plaintiff must deliver notice of cancellation to ADR at least seven business days in advance to avoid costs.
Si el caso se resuelve antes de la mediación, el Demandante será responsable de cancelar la cita tan pronto como le sea posible. La Notificación de Cancelación deberá ser entregada a ADR, por lo menos con siete (7) días hábiles de anticipación. La falta de hacerlo resultará en la imposición de costos a una o a las dos partes.
Page 3 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation
If the case resolves before mediation, the plaintiff must notify ADR of the cancellation at least seven working days in advance.
Si ka a rezoud avan medyasyon an, Demandè a responsab pou li anile randevou a pi vit ke posib. Se pou fè ADR konnen wap anile ka a omwen (7) jou travay davans. Si nou pa fè l yap chaje yon nan nou oswa nou tou lè de.
Page 3 | Order and Referral to Family Mediation
The parties must fully cooperate with the investigation, and no continuance will be granted because of a delay in completing the custody investigation or home study.
The parties are hereby directed to fully cooperate with the investigation process. No continuances will be granted due to a delay in completing a social (custody) investigation/home study.
Page 1 | ORDER GRANTING SOCIAL INVESTIGATION
A party seeking to cancel or reset an ILR hearing must file a motion with the Divisional ILR Court and provide notice to all parties.
Any party who wishes to cancel or reset an ILR hearing must do so by motion to the Divisional ILR Court and provide notice to all parties.
Page 2 | IN RE: INDEPENDENT LIVING REVIEW (ILR) COURT
A lawyer should grant reasonable requests to reschedule, extend, or postpone proceedings when doing so will not prejudice the client’s opportunity for full, fair, and prompt adjudication.
6.4 A lawyer should accede to all reasonable requests for scheduling, rescheduling, cancellations, extensions, and postponements that do not prejudice the client’s opportunity for full, fair, and prompt adjudication.
Page 12 | 6. Respect for the Time and Commitments of Others
A scheduled non-jury trial may be cancelled upon a motion properly noticed for disposition on the Uniform Motion Calendar and filed in conformity with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
upon motion properly noticed for disposition on the Uniform Motion Calendar and in conformity with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure;
Page 2 | IN RE: TRIAL SCHEDULING IN UNIFIED FAMILY COURT – FAMILY DIVISION
The parties may file a motion and submit an agreed order or proposed Amended DCMO when they agree to the extension and the case will remain trial ready by the original Calendar Call date.
If the parties agree, and the extension will not prevent the case from being trial ready by the original Calendar Call date, the parties may file a motion and submit for the Court’s consideration an agreed order or proposed Amended DCMO, as applicable under Rule 1.200(e)(1).
Page 5 | By agreement
The parties may agree to extend any deadline in the Order by up to 30 days without obtaining a further court order.
To that end, the parties may, by agreement, extend each deadline imposed in this Order by up to thirty (30) days without further Order of the Court.
Page 1 | Order Directing Pre-Hearing Schedule for Attorney Fees and Cost Motions
On the day of jury service, the jury manager may reset service for up to 21 calendar days in emergency situations, and excused jurors must sign for their next service date before release.
On the day of jury service, the jury manager shall have the discretion in emergency situations to reset jury service for up to 21 calendar days. Emergency situations include illness, family emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances which would have a negative impact on the juror’s ability to serve on the day in question. Jurors excused on an emergency basis would sign for their next service date before being released.
Page 1 | POSTPONEMENTS
Before jury service begins, the jury manager may grant no more than two postponements totaling no more than six months; longer postponements must be submitted to the chief judge or designee.
The jury manager shall have the discretion to grant no more than two postponements prior to the first day of jury service. The two postponements together shall not exceed a term of six months. All requested postponements which exceed six months shall be submitted to the chief judge or designee for consideration.
Page 1 | POSTPONEMENTS
Chambers Communication Rules
Within three days after the order, the parties must call the Court Psychology Office at the stated number to schedule the evaluation appointment and cooperate with the office.
THE COURT ORDERS THE PARTIES TO CALL THE COURT PSYCHOLOGY OFFICE AT (561) 355-2108 WITHIN THREE (3) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND TO COOPERATE WITH THE PSYCHOLOGY OFFICE TO ACCOMPLISH THE EVALUATION.
Page 1 | ORDER GRANTING PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
In noncriminal cases, the requesting party must ensure that the Clerk of Court receives a copy of the confidentiality order for filing and publication.
Following the issuance of an order on the Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records in non criminal cases, the requesting party must ensure that the Clerk of Court has received a copy of the order for filing and publication in accordance with Rule 2.420(e)(4).
Page 2 | Confidentiality of Court Records Under Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420
The requesting party must provide the confidentiality order to the Clerk of Court and send it to the Communications Department for filing and publication as directed by the court.
Following the issuance of an order on the Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records in criminal cases, and at the direction of the Court, the requesting party must ensure that the Clerk of Court is provided with a copy of the order so that it can be filed and published in accordance with the Court’s directions. Any order is also to be sent to the Communications Department at the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office in accordance with paragraph 3 below.
Page 3 | Confidentiality of Court Records Under Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420
When General Practice and Judicial Administration Rule 2.420 requires or the court orders publication, the moving party must provide the applicable documents to the Clerk’s Office Communications Department.
When Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.420 requires, or upon order of court, the moving party will also provide the applicable documents to the Clerk’s Office Communication Department for publication.
Page 3 | Publication by Clerk’s Office
The moving party must provide the notice to the media to the Clerk and Comptroller’s Communications Department for publication.
The moving party will also provide the “notice to the media” to the Communications Department at the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office for publication in accordance with paragraph 3 below.
Page 3 | Court Proceedings
If the matter is resolved, the moving party must contact the judge or hearing officer's office to cancel the hearing.
If this matter is resolved, the moving party shall contact the judge or hearing officer’s office to cancel this hearing.
Page 2 | You Are Advised That for This Hearing
A person needing a disability accommodation must contact the identified court personnel at least 7 days before the scheduled appearance, or immediately if fewer than 7 days remain.
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact: __________________________________________________________________ {identify applicable court personnel by name, address, and telephone number } 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; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
Page 2 | Disability Accommodations
For an emergency hearing, the Judicial Assistant must be contacted.
4. Emergency Hearings: Contact Judicial Assistant.
Page 5 | I. SCHEDULING HEARINGS
Counsel must schedule hearings through the Judicial Assistant and notify opposing counsel in accordance with the Rules of Criminal Procedure.
2. Counsel shall schedule hearings through the Judicial Assistant and shall notice opposing counsel in accordance with the Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Page 5 | I. SCHEDULING HEARINGS
When a case settles or is voluntarily dismissed with future hearings or a scheduled trial, the judicial assistant must be emailed immediately so the court can release the hearing or trial time.
If a case settles or is voluntarily dismissed and there are future hearings or a trial scheduled on the Court's docket, EMAIL the Judicial Assistant immediately at CAD-DivisionAA@pbcgov.org to inform her of same, to allow the Court to free up hearing/trial time for other cases.
Page 1 | Other Division Procedures
Case-management conferences are held every other week on Mondays, and after filing the motion or pleading with a docket entry number, counsel must email the division to request a hearing time.
If a Case Management Conference is needed by the parties, hearings are held every other week on Monday. After the Motion / Pleading is Filed and appearing with a docket entry number (DIN) in the Court File, Counsel must E-mail CAD-DivisionAA@pbcgov.org requesting a Case Management Conference hearing time.
Page 1 | Other Division Procedures
All emergency filings not listed in the designated-email category must be forwarded immediately to the divisional judge.
All other emergency filings will be immediately forwarded to the divisional judge in accordance with Administrative Order 2.312.
Page 1 | Emergency Hearings in County Civil Matters
The listed emergency motions must be sent to the designated county-court emergency email account.
The following emergency motions shall be sent to the designated emergency email account for county court:
Page 1 | Emergency Hearings in County Civil Matters
The completed form must be emailed to CAD-DIVISIONAA@pbcgov.org no later than the case-management-conference and calendar-call date stated in the order.
This (completed) FORM shall be E-mailed to the Court at CAD-DIVISIONAA@pbcgov.org on or before the Case Management Conference and Calendar Call date noted in the Order Implementing Differentiated Case Management Plan (DCMSNT).
Page 1 | E-CALENDAR CALL / CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE FORM
Opposing counsel objecting to a proposed order or judgment must immediately telephone the judge's judicial assistant and submit an alternate within 5 days.
Should opposing counsel object to a proposed order or judgment prepared by designated counsel, opposing counsel shall notify the judge's judicial assistant immediately by telephone, and submit an alternate within 5 days.
Page 1 | Preparation of Judgments and Orders
If designated counsel does not submit a proposed order within 10 days, opposing counsel must notify the judge's judicial assistant in writing.
If designated counsel fails to submit a proposed order within 10 days, opposing counsel shall notify the judge's judicial assistant in writing.
Page 1 | Preparation of Judgments and Orders
After-hours emergency coverage must be initiated by contacting the duty judge by cell phone or email.
After-hours coverage shall be initiated through cell phone and/or email contact.
Page 1 | HOURS
Before leaving the courthouse on each work day, the duty judge must call the domestic violence clerk at extension 3-4506 to check for last-minute petitions and remain until any such petition is completed, reviewed, and acted upon.
Before leaving the courthouse each work day, the duty judge shall call the domestic violence clerk at extension 3-4506 to determine whether they are processing any last minute petitions and, if so, the duty judge must remain at the courthouse until the petition is completed, reviewed and acted upon by the duty judge.
Page 1 | HOURS
Magistrates and judges assigned holiday coverage must contact the Clerk's Chief Operating Officer by the close of business on the last business day before the holiday to provide holiday contact information.
All magistrates and judges assigned to coverage under this section shall contact the Clerk's Chief Operating Officer - Courts and Official Records no later than the close of business on the last business day before the court holiday to advise how they wish to be reached on the court holiday (e.g. via email, cell phone contact, etc.).
Page 2 | RESPONSIBILITIES