Judge Sarah Willis
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Filings > 10 pages
- Upon Filing
Motion
Courtesy copies
Court-wideE Filed Document
Court-wideAdjournments
- A continuance motion must specifically state the basis and timing of the need, opposition, readiness actions and dates, and the proposed ready date and party agreement; continuances are disfavored and require good cause.
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Clerk
Phone
Court-widePhone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideDuty Judge
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Proposed orders must be submitted in Word format and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Word format and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Document Filing Requirements4 rules
A proposed order must be accompanied by documentation of party agreement or any disagreement regarding the order.
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a document either (1) confirming the agreement of the parties or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A notice of hearing involving remote appearance must include the Division Z Zoom link.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the Division Z Zoom link.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Every notice of hearing must include the required ADA notification and language stating counsel's compliance with Local Rule 4.
All notices of hearing must contain the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540 and the language that counsel has complied with Local Rule 4 (PDF).
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A motion requesting an emergency hearing must detail the issues, reasons for emergency relief, and time needed for each party.
If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (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.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders must be submitted to the court through Online Services.
All proposed orders must be submitted to the court through Online Services.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 1 | B. Scheduling Procedures
All hearing materials, including responses, case law, and memoranda, must be received at least five business days before the hearing.
The court must receive all materials for the hearing, including any responses, case law, memorandum, etc. no later than five (5) business days before the hearing.
Page 1 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed orders must be submitted no later than one week after the hearing unless the court states otherwise.
Proposed orders must be submitted no later than one week after any hearing unless otherwise stated by the court.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants generally must use email service through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by e-mail, which is generally through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, unless excused.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of properly filed motions must be emailed to the court for each hearing or trial.
Courtesy copies of properly filed Motions must be submitted to the Court by email to CAD-DivisionZ@pbcgov.org for any hearing or trial.
Page 1 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
A hard copy must be provided to the judge by the filing deadline when a document exceeds 10 pages.
If any document is more than 10 pages, please provide a hard copy to the Judge by the deadline.
Page 1 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance motion must specifically state the basis and timing of the need, opposition, readiness actions and dates, and the proposed ready date and party agreement; continuances are disfavored and require good cause.
Motions for continuance must state with specificity: (1) the basis of the need for the continuance, including when the basis became known to the movant; (2) whether the motion is opposed; (3) the action and specific dates for the action that will enable the movant to be ready, including, but not limited to, confirming the specific date any required participants are available; and (4) the proposed date by which the case will be ready to proceed and whether that date is agreed by all parties.
Page 1 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
Hearing requests must be emailed to the judicial office and should state the presentation time needed for each party.
Hearings must be requested by email to CAD-DivisionZ@pbcgov.org. The request should include the amount of time needed for each party's presentation.
Page 1 | B. Scheduling Procedures
All parties must be copied on emails to the judicial office unless an ex parte communication is 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 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Primary communications to the judicial office should be sent by email to CAD-DivisionZ@pbcgov.org.
Primary communications to the judicial office should be submitted by e-mail to CAD-DivisionZ@pbcgov.org.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office