Court Rules

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 77 rules apply across Florida 5 Judicial Circuit (Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Sumter). Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Formatting

All 34
  • Format
    DOCX

    Proposed orders must be created in the latest version of Microsoft Word in .docx format.

  • Do not place spaces before the JJJJ, GGGG, or AAAA codes, and use the Right Alignment button to position signature fields.

  • Proposed orders must not contain page breaks or section breaks.

Filing Requirements

All 30
  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    proposed order

    Proposed orders must use the specified signature-field code pairs, including DDDD/JJJJ, MMMM/AAAA, RRRR/GGGG, and CCCC.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    Each electronic-signature code must contain all four capital letters and may appear only once per line.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    case number

    Every proposed order must include the Unified Case Number.

Communication

All 4

  • Non-lawyer personnel may communicate with judges, judicial officers, or other court personnel only about scheduling and other ministerial matters.

  • A lawyer must avoid substantive ex-parte communications with the presiding judge in a pending case.

  • A lawyer must notify opposing counsel of communications with the court or tribunal unless the communication concerns only scheduling or clerical matters.

E-Filing

All 3
  • Applies to
    Cover letter

    A cover letter is optional, but if submitted it must be an Adobe PDF containing relevant details and must be uploaded separately from the proposed order.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    When multiple proposed orders are submitted in one filing, each order must be uploaded separately to the E-Portal.

  • Applies to
    Foreclosure packet

    All foreclosure packet documents must be e-filed with the clerk when hearing time is reserved.

More categories

View all Florida 5 Judicial Circuit (Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Sumter) rules
About Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.

Daniel B. Merritt, Jr., Chief Judge, Hernando County Circuit Court. Judicial assistant: Joyce Weeks. Office: (352) 754-4480.

- Hernando County Courthouse 20 N. Main Street Brooksville, FL 34601

Common questions about Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.'s rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions. Details: by email. Courtesy copies of motions should be emailed to the judicial assistant after the motions are e-filed.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Criminal Docket

What must be included with order filings before Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.?

The rule requires certificate of service. Every order must include a complete certificate of service.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Guardianship Docket

How may parties contact Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.'s chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.'s chambers. The rule lists email jweeks@circuit5.org. Emergency guardianship hearing dates may be obtained by email to the judicial assistant.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Guardianship Docket

Is electronic filing required before Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Pro se motions cannot be submitted by email.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Criminal Docket

What rule applies to service for motion before Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Pro se motions must be filed with the Criminal Division clerk and accompanied by copies to the State Attorney and judge's office.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Criminal Docket
Complete rules summary for Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr.

Courtesy copies of motions should be emailed to the judicial assistant after the motions are e-filed.

Pro se motions must be filed with the Criminal Division clerk and accompanied by copies to the State Attorney and judge's office.

Pro se motions cannot be submitted by email.

The email-submission prohibition also applies to motions to modify or terminate probation early.

Emergency guardianship hearing dates may be obtained by email to the judicial assistant.

Proposed guardianship orders may be emailed to the judicial assistant or submitted through the court's e-portal.

Every order must include a complete certificate of service.

Procedural questions may be emailed to Judicial Assistant Joyce Weeks.

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