Judge Stacy M. Youmans
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Case Law, Legal Authority
Exceptions Objections Pleading
- Email • With Bundled Motion
Exhibits
Notice Of Hearing, Motion
- Email • Upon Filing
Adjournments
- Motions for continuance are disfavored and are granted only upon a showing of good cause.
- Unless good cause is shown, the party requesting a continuance must sign the motion.
- A stipulated motion to continue a trial must state specific information supporting the request.
Request must include
- A motion to continue a hearing must be submitted at least seven days before the hearing.
- A motion to continue a trial must be submitted at least fourteen days before the trial, absent exigent circumstances.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Duty Judge, Chambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Unless the Court gives prior permission, a legal memorandum may not exceed 15 pages.
Absent prior permission of the Court, no party shall file a legal memorandum in excess of fifteen (15) pages in length.
Legal Memorandum
15 pages
Document Format Requirements9 rules
Applications must be written, comply with the standing order and Florida civil rules, and ordinarily may not be presented as letters absent court invitation or direction.
All applications to the Court requesting relief in any form, or citing authorities or presenting argument with respect to any matter awaiting decision, shall be made in writing in accordance with this order and in appropriate form pursuant to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and unless invited or directed by the Court, should not be addressed or presented to the Court in the form of a letter or the like.
The required ADA statement in court notices and process compelling appearance must be in bold face and 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font.
All notices of court 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, at court proceedings, must include the following statement in bold face, 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font:
All proposed orders must be submitted only in latest-version .docx format on 8.5-by-11-inch pages with one-inch margins and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
All proposed orders must be submitted in the latest version of Word (.docx) format ONLY on 8.5 x 11-inch pages with a 1” margin and provided to opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant.
DOCX
Electronic orders other than final judgments of foreclosure must use ICMS format and the specified paired signature-date codes in all-capital four-letter form, while hard copies must not use ICMS formatting.
➢ All electronic orders (other than Final Judgments of Foreclosure) must be in ICMS format. If hard copies are being sent, please do not use ICMS formatting. You must use the codes as pairs (e.g., JJJJ & DDDD for Judge’s signature). Below are the required pairs. ❖ DDDD = Judge Signature Date/JJJJ = Judge Signature ❖ MMMM = Mailing Date/AAAA = Judicial Assistant Signature ❖ The codes must be all capital letters. You must add all 4 letters for each field. These codes should only be used once per line
Exhibits must use the stated Plaintiff 1 or Defendant 1 labeling format.
Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: Plaintiff 1 or Defendant 1
Proposed orders must not contain page breaks, section breaks, memos, notes, or comments because hidden or blank-page formatting can cause system or filing problems and rejection.
Do not use page breaks or section breaks in your document. This causes blank pages to occur in the system. Do not insert memos, notes, or comments into your documents.
Copies of proposed orders must not be stapled.
Please do NOT staple copies.
Hard copies sent to the Court must not bear the ICMS coding identified above.
If hard copies are being sent to the Court, please do not use the ICMS coding from above.
Exhibits should be pre-marked with a letter for identification.
All exhibits should be pre-marked with a letter for identification.
Document Filing Requirements43 rules
A written motion or other application must be accompanied by a filed and served legal memorandum citing authority supporting the requested relief.
In making any written motion or other application to the Court for the entry of an order of any kind, the moving party shall file and serve with such motion or application a legal memorandum with citations to authority in support of the relief requested.
Document Type
Motion Or Application
A party opposing a written motion or application must file and serve an opposition memorandum with citations within 20 days after being served.
Each party opposing any written motion or other application shall file and serve, within twenty (20) days after being served with such motion or application, a legal memorandum with citations to authority in opposition to the relief requested.
Document Type
Opposition Memorandum
Before filing a Rule 1.380 motion to compel or Rule 1.280(c) protective-order motion, counsel must confer and correspond with opposing counsel in good faith and certify that effort when filing.
Before filing a motion to compel pursuant to Rule 1.380, Fla. R. Civ. P., or a motion for protective order pursuant to Rule 1.280(c), counsel shall confer and correspond with counsel for the opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve by agreement the issues raised, and shall certify to the Court at the time of filing the motion that s/he has
Document Type
Discovery Motion
A discovery motion must state with supporting authority why the discovery objection should be overruled or sustained.
(3) state (with citations to authority) the reasons such objection should be overruled or sustained.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
A discovery motion must attach correspondence showing the parties’ good-faith effort to resolve the dispute.
conferred with opposing counsel and has been unable to resolve the dispute and shall attach to the motion a copy of the correspondence with opposing counsel of the good faith effort to resolve the discovery dispute.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Except for motions based on a complete failure to respond, a discovery motion must quote in full each discovery request to which it is addressed.
Except for motions grounded upon a complete failure to respond to discovery, discovery motions shall: (1) quote in full each interrogatory, question on deposition, request for admission, or request for production to which the motion is addressed;
Document Type
Discovery Motion
A discovery motion must quote in full the objection and grounds applicable to each discovery request.
(2) quote in full the objection and grounds given therefore; and
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Unless the Court directs otherwise, each party must submit a proposed order for review and consideration.
Unless otherwise directed by the Court, each party shall submit a proposed order for the Court’s review and consideration.
Document Type
Proposed Order
All notices of court proceedings and all process compelling appearance must include the specified ADA accommodation notice.
IT IS ORDERED: All notices of court 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, at court proceedings, must include the following statement in bold face, 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font: “If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, ===== PAGE 2 ===== you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, Telephone: (352) 401-6710, or email: ADAMarion@circuit5.org, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately on receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.”
Document Type
Court Notice And Process Compelling Appearance
For each motion hearing request, each party must submit a proposed competing order unless the parties submit an agreed order.
Pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Standing Order Establishing Motion Practice Procedures, each party shall submit a proposed competing order for the Court’s review; or the parties may send an agreed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
All non-dispositive motions must include a meet-and-confer confirmation and a certificate of conferral.
“Meet and Confer” confirmation and Certificate of Conferral for all non-dispositive motions pursuant to Fl.
Document Type
Motion
Every Notice of Hearing must contain the specified ADA accommodation notice and contact information.
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 pursuant to Administrative Order: M-2010-08-C (June 5, 2026) for Marion County. 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 ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, Telephone: (352) 401-6710,
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after the Judicial Assistant reserves and confirms the hearing time.
Once an email is received from the Judicial Assistant stating that the hearing time is reserved, a Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after confirming hearing time.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A Notice of Hearing involving a remote appearance must include the judge's Zoom credentials.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judge’s Zoom credentials.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A request to appear remotely when an in-person hearing has been scheduled must be made by motion.
Requests to use communication technology for an appearance at a hearing that is set to occur in person must be made by motion.
Document Type
Remote Appearance Request
Parties must prepare and submit proposed orders granting or denying motions after the hearing.
This Court requires the parties to prepare and submit to the Court proposed orders granting or denying motions following the hearing.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Proposed orders must be emailed to the Court’s Judicial Assistant in Word format.
Proposed orders must be emailed to the Court’s Judicial Assistant in Word format pursuant to the requirements in Section E below;
Document Type
Proposed Order
Certificates of Service shall state that the Order was electronically filed and that counsel shall send a copy by U.S. Mail to each self-represented party.
➢ Certificates of Service shall state the below. An example of the formatting required can be found at the end of this section: I HEREBY CERTIFY that this Order was electronically filed with the Clerk of the Court on MMMM, via the Florida Courts E- portal, which will provide copies to all counsel of record or to those pro se parties who have an email registered for electronic service. **Plaintiff’s/Defendant’s counsel shall furnish a copy of this Order to each self-represented party by U.S. Mail:
Document Type
Proposed Order
The certificate of service must list all counsel of record and all parties.
➢ Please be sure that the Certificate of Service is complete, listing all Counsel of Record and parties.
Document Type
Proposed Order
The proposed order must be submitted as a separate document rather than attached to the motion.
Please DO NOT attach the proposed order to the motion, submit separate documents for each.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Each proposed order must have a cover letter certifying unanimous agreement or identifying the parties' disagreement.
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A proposed order may not be sent to the Court until all parties have approved it.
Please do not send proposed orders to the court until you have approval from all parties.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A copy of the underlying motion must accompany each proposed order.
A copy of the motion should be included with all proposed orders.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A party objecting and intending to submit a competing order must send it immediately and identify it as a competing order in the email.
In the event that a party objects to the proposed order and intends to present a competing order, they shall present the court with the competing order immediately with a notation in the email that it is a competing order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
An emergency-hearing motion must detail the issues, reasons for emergency relief, and time needed for each party's presentation.
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
For an in-person hearing, email only the Index of Exhibits to the Judicial Assistant, include each exhibit's stipulation status, and identify the hearing as in person.
Email the Index of Exhibits only with an indication of whether each exhibit has or has not been stipulated to by the parties to the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org, and let her know that the index is for an in-person hearing.
Document Type
Index Of Exhibits
The exhibit index must identify each exhibit and state whether the parties have stipulated to it.
An Index of Exhibits shall be included with an indication of whether each exhibit has or has not been stipulated to by the parties.
Document Type
Index Of Exhibits
A party with no objection to a motion who will not file a responsive memorandum should file written notice of that position with the clerk.
If a party has no objection to a motion and does not intend to file a responsive memorandum, counsel should file a written notice with the Clerk of the Court so indicating.
Document Type
Notice Of No Objection
Failure to comply with the discovery-motion requirements may result in the motion being struck without prejudice.
The failure to comply with this paragraph may result in the Court entering an order striking, without prejudice, the discovery motion.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
An oral-argument request must accompany the motion or opposing legal memorandum and include an estimate of the argument time.
Requests for oral argument must ===== PAGE 4 ===== accompany the motion or opposing legal memorandum and must estimate the time required for argument.
Document Type
Oral Argument Request
A motion-hearing request must state whether all response periods have elapsed and identify any filed responses or replies.
If you are requesting a hearing on a motion, indicate if all response time has elapsed pursuant to the Standing Order Establishing Motion Practice Procedures. Let the Judicial Assistant know if any responses or replies have been filed.
Document Type
Hearing Request
After receiving available hearing times, the parties must confer and respond with at least two times when everyone is available.
Once available hearing times are provided to the parties, the parties must confer prior to responding to the Judicial Assistant. The response shall provide at least two choices from the provided times where all parties are available.
Document Type
Hearing Time Response
Proposed orders must include sections for a cited summary of facts, applicable law, and legal conclusions.
the proposed orders granting/denying the motion should contain at, a minimum the following three well-defined sections: (1) summary of facts with citations to particular parts of materials in the record supporting each fact with such specificity the Court could readily locate the portion of the materials supporting such factual positions in the record (i.e., depositions page(s)/line(s), location of materials, records, affidavits, and pleadings in the record by docket/line number together with page and paragraph number), (2) Applicable Law (i.e., general summary judgment standard caselaw, case specific caselaw relevant to any summary judgment issues or legal issues inherent to the cause of action/theory of liability), (3) Legal Conclusions (containing the application of the law to the facts, summary judgment analysis, and specific reasons for granting or denying the motion).
Document Type
Proposed Order
The Court will generally provide a reasonable deadline for filing objections to an opposing proposed order within five days after the proposed order is filed, unless it sets a different timeline.
the Court will generally establish a reasonable deadline for filing the exceptions/objections pleading within 5 days following the filing of the proposed orders, unless a different timeline is provided;
Document Type
Exceptions Objections Pleading
A Notice for Trial must be filed to request trial setting and must state the desired trial reservation duration.
File a Notice for Trial to request the case be set for trial. Indicate how long the parties would like to reserve for the trial.
Document Type
Notice For Trial
A motion for continuance need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.
a. motion for continuance;
Document Type
Continuance Motion
If a supporting memorandum is incorporated into the motion, it should be clearly titled as a motion and memorandum of law.
A supporting memorandum may be incorporated into the body of the motion but should be clearly titled, "Motion to/for------- -----and Memorandum of Law."
Document Type
Motion
A motion for default addressed to the court need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.
b. motion for default addressed to the Court;
Document Type
Default Motion
A motion to extend time to complete discovery need not include a memorandum of law if good cause is stated in the motion.
f. motion for extension of time in which to complete discovery, provided good cause is set forth in the motion; and
Document Type
Discovery Extension Motion
A motion to withdraw or substitute counsel need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.
g. motion to withdraw or substitute counsel.
Document Type
Counsel Withdrawal Or Substitution Motion
A motion to withdraw or substitute exhibits need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.
d. motion to withdraw or substitute exhibits;
Document Type
Exhibit Withdrawal Or Substitution Motion
A motion to proceed in forma pauperis need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.
e. motion to proceed informa pauperis;
Document Type
In Forma Pauperis Motion
A motion for confirmation of sale need not be accompanied by a memorandum of law.
c. motion for confirmation of sale;
Document Type
Confirmation Of Sale Motion
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The Court does not accept orders through the Court’s e-filing portal.
THE COURT DOES NOT ACCEPT ORDERS THROUGH THE COURT’S E-FILING PORTAL!
Page 10 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments
A proposed order submitted by email must be ready for immediate entry, and opposing counsel or the opposing party must approve it before submission to the judge.
➢ We DO NOT ACCEPT Orders via email that are not ready for immediate entry (i.e. allow 5 days to object, etc.). You shall obtain approval of opposing counsel or the opposing party of the proposed Order prior to your submission to the Judge for entry.
Page 12 | Submission of Orders and Judgments
Copies of exhibits must not be sent to the Court in advance of an in-person hearing.
If your hearing is in person, do not send copies of your exhibits ahead of time to the Court.
Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
When further argument is needed, counsel must file a reply within five days after receiving the opposition memorandum.
If upon receipt of an opposing memorandum, counsel determines further argument of his client’s position is required, counsel shall file a reply within five (5) days of the receipt of opposing memorandum.
Page 2 | Replies
The opposition memorandum is due within 20 days after service of the motion or application; the source does not specify whether those days are calendar, business, or court days.
within twenty (20) days after being served with such motion or application
Page 2 | Timely opposing memoranda
An in limine motion must be filed at least 15 days before the trial term begins, or the Court may deny it as untimely.
All motions in limine must be filed no later than 15 days before the start of the trial term or the Court may deny the motion as being untimely.
Page 4 | In limine motions
A motion must be filed with the Clerk before a hearing on that motion can be scheduled.
Motions must be filed with the Clerk prior to the scheduling of a hearing.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Failure to file the Notice of Hearing within 48 hours after receiving the reservation email causes the hearing time to be released back into the court's availability.
If a Notice of Hearing is not filed within 48 hours of receiving the reservation email from the Judicial Assistant, the hearing time will be placed back into the Court’s availability.
Page 6 | Notice of Hearing
An objection to remote appearance technology must be filed no later than ten days before the hearing.
Any objection to the use of communication technology must be filed no later than 10 days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance
A request for remote appearance in a hearing scheduled for in-person appearance must be submitted ten days before the hearing.
If your hearing is scheduled to be in-person, all requests for remote appearance must be submitted 10 days prior to the hearing.
Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance
The submission deadline for case law and legal authority is at least five days before the hearing.
Case law and legal authority must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the hearing to allow the Judge time to review the documents by emailing the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org or by delivering a thumb drive to the Marion County Courthouse.
Page 13 | F. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Proposed orders ordinarily must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing unless the court orders a different period.
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days from the date of any hearing, unless specifically ordered to be submitted within a different period of time.
Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Exhibits for electronic hearings must be submitted five business days before the evidentiary proceeding by email or thumb drive.
Exhibits for electronic hearings must be submitted five (5) business days before the evidentiary proceeding by emailing the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org or by delivering a thumb drive to the Marion County Courthouse.
Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Time calculations under the standing order are governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.090.
All time calculations herein shall be subject to Rule 1.090, Fla. R. Civ. P.
Page 4 | Time calculations
The Court may consider and determine emergency motions at any time within its discretion.
Motions of an emergency nature may be considered and determined by the Court at any time in its discretion.
Page 4 | Emergency motions
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The plaintiff must serve a copy of the standing order with every summons issued in a circuit civil case.
The Plaintiff is directed to serve a copy of this Standing Order with each summons issued in circuit civil cases.
Page 1 | Service of Standing Order
One copy of the standing order must be filed with the court clerk together with proof of service.
One copy of the Standing Order is to be filed with the Clerk of the Court with proof of service.
Page 1 | Service of Standing Order
Every email directed to the judicial office must copy all parties unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.
All parties must be copied on every e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless ex-parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by email, generally 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 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Service of the Notice of Hearing must occur immediately after confirmation of the reserved hearing time.
Once an email is received from the Judicial Assistant stating that the hearing time is reserved, a Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after confirming hearing time.
Page 6 | Notice of Hearing
After court approval of a hearing cancellation, a notice of cancellation must be immediately filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
If approved by the Court, you must immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant.
Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A party asking the Court to mail proposed orders must submit hard copies to the stated Chambers address with stamped, addressed envelopes for every party not receiving electronic service.
If the party wishes to have the Court mail the copies, then proposed orders should be submitted in hard copy to Chambers (Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475), with stamped, addressed envelopes for all parties not receiving e-service.
Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The party filing a motion must provide physical copies to any party that receives service by U.S. Mail.
If any party receives service by U.S. Mail, it is the responsibility of the party that filed the motion to provide physical copies to that party.
Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Orders may be sent either by U.S. Mail or email, but not by both methods.
Orders should NOT be sent via US Mail AND by e-mail. Please use one or the other, but not both.
Page 13 | E. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Copies of case law and legal authority must reach the judge at least five days before the hearing, either by email to the Judicial Assistant or by thumb drive to the courthouse.
Case law and legal authority must be submitted at least five (5) days prior to the hearing to allow the Judge time to review the documents by emailing the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org or by delivering a thumb drive to the Marion County Courthouse.
Page 13 | F. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Copies of case law and legal authority for an in-person hearing must also be sent to the Court under Paragraph F.
Additionally, copies of caselaw and legal authority shall be sent to the Court according to the requirements under Paragraph F above.
Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the Clerk, Court, and every party.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the Clerk, the Court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
Page 14 | H. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
After e-filing, one courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing and any applicable motion must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant rather than served through the E-Filing Portal.
A courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing and any applicable motion that will be heard, if any, shall be emailed to the judicial assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org once it has been e-filed. Please do not serve a copy of the Notice of Hearing to the Judicial Assistant through the E-Filing Portal.
Page 6 | Notice of Hearing
A courtesy copy of any filed exceptions or objections pleading must be emailed to the Court’s Judicial Assistant by the pleading’s filing deadline.
a courtesy copy of any such filed exceptions/objections pleading must be emailed to the Court’s Judicial Assistant by the same deadline as the filing of the same;
Page 10 | D. Requirements for Proposed Orders/Judgments After Hearing
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A required summary-judgment hearing does not eliminate the accompanying and responsive legal memoranda required by Rule 1.510.
(For example, under Rule 1.510, Fla. R. Civ. P., summary judgment motions must be set for hearing. This would not, however, extinguish the requirement that the motion be accompanied by and responded to with memoranda taking into consideration the time frame under Rule 1.510, Fla. R. Civ. P., for filing supporting and opposing affidavits, etc.)
Page 3 | Oral argument
Motions and applications ordinarily are decided on the papers unless a hearing is required by rule or law.
Motions and other applications will ordinarily be determined by the Court on the basis of motion papers and legal memoranda unless a hearing is required by rule or law.
Page 3 | Oral argument
A hearing request should be submitted only after the parties have completed all requirements of the Motion Practice Order.
If the parties would like to request a hearing after completing all requirements of the Motion Practice Order, please follow the below instructions.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A motion to continue a trial must be submitted at least fourteen days before the trial, absent exigent circumstances.
Motions for the continuance of a trial must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the scheduled trial for which the continuance is sought, barring exigent circumstances.
Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A motion to continue a hearing must be submitted at least seven days before the hearing.
Motions for the continuance of hearings must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A stipulated motion to continue a trial must state specific information supporting the request.
A motion to continue a trial, even if stipulated, must state with specificity:
Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Unless good cause is shown, the party requesting a continuance must sign the motion.
Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Motions for continuance are disfavored and are granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Pursuant to Fl. R. Civ. Proc. 1.460, motions for a continuance are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown.
Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
Communications for the Court’s consideration must be filed with the Clerk of Court with copies to all interested parties, and correspondence must not be emailed directly to the Judge.
Any and all communication that a person desires to have considered by the Court must be filed appropriately with the Clerk of Court and copies must be provided to all interested parties. Do not email the Judge directly with correspondence.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
An email to the judicial office must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter in its subject line.
The subject line of any e-mail to the judicial office must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to the Judicial Assistant at jferguson@circuit5.org.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Every hearing request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, copy opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, and include all parties to be considered.
All requests for hearing must be sent by emailing the Judicial Assistant and copying opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant. Any request for hearing time that does not include all parties will not be considered.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Hearing requests must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.
Hearings must be requested by e-mail to: jferguson@circuit5.org.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A cancellation request for a previously scheduled hearing must be emailed to the court with the reason for the request.
If you wish to cancel a previously scheduled hearing, you must email jferguson@circuit5.org and advise of the reason for the cancellation request.
Page 7 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The public must not call the Court expecting to discuss a pending case with a judge, and communications not submitted through authorized courtroom argument or court filings cannot be forwarded to the judges.
*NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:* The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Fifth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.
Page 1 | NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Telephone communication with the judicial office is limited to self-represented litigants and attorneys excused from email service; text messages are not accepted.
Only self-represented litigants and attorneys who are excused from e-mail service may communicate with the judicial office by telephone call to (352) 401-7820. The judicial office does not accept text messages.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
After two business days without a coordination response, the requesting party may ask the court to set the hearing unilaterally and must document its email and telephone coordination attempts.
If a party does not respond to coordinating counsel within 2 business days, the party that requested the hearing may reach out to the Court, provide information as to the attempts made to coordinate, and request that the hearing be unilaterally set. Contact must be attempted at all emails provided as well as telephonic attempts at any phone number provided.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Requests for electronic appearances of expert witnesses must be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant.
Electronic appearances of expert witnesses only can be requested via email to the Judicial Assistant.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Parties and witnesses must log in five minutes before the hearing begins.
Parties and witnesses must be logged in 5 minutes prior to the start of the hearing.
Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance
Other motions or matters may not be scheduled for the same time as an already scheduled motion or petition without prior email approval from the Judicial Assistant.
Once a motion or petition is scheduled, any other motions or matters may not be noticed for the same time without prior approval from the Judicial Assistant via email.
Page 8 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Additional hearing-time options must be requested by email to the Judicial Assistant.
If additional options are needed, please email the Judicial Assistant.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The platform meeting ID must be obtained by contacting the Judicial Assistant.
Contact the Judicial Assistant to obtain the platform meeting ID#
Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance
The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.
The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.
Page 8 | C. Remote Appearance