Judge Jennifer Alcorta Waters
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- At Least Five Days Before Hearing
Courtesy copies
- Before Hearing
- Mail • At Least Five Days Before Hearing
Filings < 20 pages
Motion, Proposed Order, Notice Of Hearing
- Prior To Hearing
Adjournments
- Service must occur within 120 days after the complaint is filed, and any granted extension may not extend beyond 240 days from filing.
- Changes to the case management deadlines require the parties’ agreement and court approval upon a showing of good cause based on an emergency or unavailability; discovery procrastination and counsel unavailability after approval are not good cause.
- Continuances are disfavored and require good cause; a continuance motion should specify its basis and when it became known, whether it is opposed, readiness-enabling actions and dates, participant availability, and the proposed ready-to-proceed date and whether all parties agree.
- +1 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements5 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
ALL EVIDENCE MUST BE SCANNED AND EMAILED TO ALL PARTIES AND THE COURT at least 2 business days in advance of your hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Any case law or statutes to be relied upon shall be submitted to the Court with the motion with relevant portions highlighted.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Note
generic orders granting/denying with at least five lines for additional provisions may be used
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Format: Proposed orders must be submitted in Word Format.
Word Perfect
Document Filing Requirements27 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A hearing notice must include the specified certification, signed by the lawyer or pro se party who set the hearing.
All hearing Notices shall contain a certification signed by the lawyer or pro se party who set the hearing, as follows: “I Hereby Certify that I have personally contacted opposing counsel in an effort to resolve the issue(s), however, the matter cannot be resolved and a hearing is necessary.”
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
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).
DocumentContinuance Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
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.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Motions to compel and other discovery motions must include a certification of a good-faith effort to confer or attempt to confer to obtain the discovery without court action.
Motions to Compel, as well as all discovery motions, must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure or Florida Small Claim Rules, including, but not limited to, a certification that the movant, in good faith, has conferred or attempted to confer with the person or party failing to make discovery in an effort to secure the information without court action.
DocumentDiscovery Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If you are moving to withdraw, you must obtain the Client’s Consent in writing which shall be filed with the Court, or a hearing must be held after proper notice to the client.
DocumentMotion To Withdraw
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Hand-deliver or mail all printed exhibits to the clerk of court. 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.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The copy of the motion sent to the Judge shall be accompanied by a generic order granting/denying the motion, with at least five lines for additional provisions, a transmittal letter showing copies to all counsel and Pro Se parties, and stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all counsel and Pro Se parties.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The movant shall submit the proposed order to the Court with sufficient copies and self-addressed stamped envelopes for all parties and shall also certify that notice of the requested relief was provided to all parties.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If you are moving to withdraw, you must obtain the Client’s Consent in writing which shall be filed with the Court, or a hearing must be held after proper notice to the client.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The copy of the motion sent to the Judge shall be accompanied by a generic order granting/denying the motion, with at least five lines for additional provisions, a transmittal letter showing copies to all counsel and Pro Se parties, and stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all counsel and Pro Se parties.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A motion to compel or other discovery motion must include a good-faith certification that the movant conferred or attempted to confer to obtain discovery without court action.
Motions to Compel, as well as all discovery motions, must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure or Florida Small Claim Rules, including, but not limited to, a certification that the movant, in good faith, has conferred or attempted to confer with the person or party failing to make discovery in an effort to secure the information without court action.
DocumentDiscovery Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Every proposed order must include a cover letter stating either that all parties agree or identifying any 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.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
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.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
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.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The hearing notice must include the specified certification, signed by the lawyer or self-represented party who set the hearing.
All hearing Notices shall contain a certification signed by the lawyer or pro se party who set the hearing, as follows: “I HEREBY CERTIFY that I have personally contacted opposing counsel in an effort to resolve the issue(s), however, the matter cannot be resolved and a hearing is necessary.”
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Any case law or statutes to be relied upon shall be submitted to the Court with the motion with relevant portions highlighted.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Counsel who filed the motion should bring a proposed order to the hearing
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
DocumentConference Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Counsel who filed the motion should bring a proposed order to the hearing (generic orders granting/denying with at least five lines for additional provisions may be used) along with sufficient copies and self -addressed, stamped envelopes for all parties.
DocumentMotion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Please note that certifications containing language to the effect that an effort will be made to resolve the issue in the future is not sufficient. If personal communication is attempted, but unsuccessful, written communication to opposing counsel will suffice.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The movant shall submit the proposed order to the Court with sufficient copies and self-addressed stamped envelopes for all parties and shall also certify that notice of the requested relief was provided to all parties.
DocumentMotion To Compel
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in cancellation of the hearing by the Court. If it is determined that the certification is not true, other sanctions may be imposed, including a referral to the Florida Bar.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If personal communication is attempted, but unsuccessful, written communication to opposing counsel will suffice.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Printed exhibits must be hand-delivered or mailed to the clerk of court.
Hand-deliver or mail all printed exhibits to the clerk of court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Submission Method
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The case management plan must be submitted for court approval within 30 days after service on the last-named defendant, or before December 3, 2021, for cases filed before April 30, 2021.
To be submitted to the court for approval (1) within 30 days after date of service on the last-named defendant or (2) prior to 12/3/21 for cases filed prior to 4/30/21
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | CIVIL CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ORDER
File and serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
Notice of Hearing: A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
Immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
Submit proposed orders by the court-ordered date or, if none was specified, within 10 days after the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted by the date ordered in court, or within 10 days after any hearing, if no specified date was given in court
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
If a trial brief will be filed, submit it to the judge’s chambers no later than three working days before trial begins.
If a trial brief is to be filed with the Court it should be submitted to the Judge’s Chambers no later than three (3) working days before the trial is to commence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
File and serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | SCHEDULING FOR CIVIL MOTION HEARINGS/NON-JURY TRIALS
Counsel asked to prepare an order must circulate it within three working days after the hearing and submit it with a cover letter to all counsel and self-represented parties within seven days after the hearing.
If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order shall be drafted and circulated to counsel within 3 working days of the hearing and must be submitted to the Court with a cover letter to all counsel and Pro Se parties within 7 days of the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
Opposing counsel must notify the Court of any objection to the proposed order’s form within three days thereafter.
Opposing counsel must advise the Court of any objection to the form of the proposed order within 3 days thereafter.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
When the stated conditions are met, an ex parte order may require compliance with the original discovery demand within 10 days after the order is signed.
When a motion to compel discovery alleges a complete failure to respond or object to discovery, and the time for complying with the discovery request has lapsed and there has been no request for an extension of time, an Ex Parte order may be entered requiring compliance with the original discovery demand within ten (10) days of the signing of the order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | I. Other Division Procedures
If filed, a trial brief should be submitted to the Judge’s Chambers no later than three working days before trial begins.
If a trial brief is to be filed with the Court it should be submitted to the Judge’s Chambers no later than three (3) working days before the trial is to commence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
An order prepared by counsel must be submitted to the court with a cover letter to all counsel and self-represented parties within seven days after the hearing.
and must be submitted to the Court with a cover letter to all counsel and Pro Se parties within 7 days of the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
If counsel is asked to prepare an order, it must be drafted and circulated to counsel within three working days after the hearing.
If counsel is asked to prepare an order, the order shall be drafted and circulated to counsel within 3 working days of the hearing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
Submit a proposed order by the date set in court or, if no date was set, within 10 days after the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted by the date ordered in court, or within 10 days after any hearing, if no specified date was given in court
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Deadline for Submissions
If there is a complete failure to respond or object after the discovery response time expires and no extension was requested, the court may enter an ex parte order requiring compliance within 10 days after signing.
When a motion to compel discovery alleges a complete failure to respond or object to discovery, and the time for complying with the discovery request has lapsed and there has been no request for an extension of time, an Ex Parte order may be entered requiring compliance with the original discovery demand within ten (10) days of the signing of the order.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Discovery Motions and Motions to Compel
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders and update Form 2.603 whenever their registered electronic-service email changes, unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516. It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Give the opposing party hearing notice at least five working days before the hearing unless the parties agree otherwise.
You must give the opposing party notice of the hearing at least five working days prior to the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
Serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
Notice of Hearing: A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
Immediately serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
When filing a Notice for Trial, send a copy to all parties.
When filing Notice for Trial, you must send a copy of the Notice to all Parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | H. Setting Case for Trial
Immediately file and serve a cancellation notice on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings
Copy the opposing party on every document submitted to the Judge.
Therefore, the opposing party MUST be copied on any and all documents submitted to the Judge.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Court Schedule
Serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | SCHEDULING FOR CIVIL MOTION HEARINGS/NON-JURY TRIALS
Evidence must be scanned and emailed to all parties at least 2 business days before the hearing.
ALL EVIDENCE MUST BE SCANNED AND EMAILED TO ALL PARTIES AND THE COURT at least 2 business days in advance of your hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | HEARINGS BEFORE THE HONORABLE JENNIFER ALCORTA WATERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Copy all parties on emails to the judicial office unless the communication is authorized ex parte 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.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Ex parte Communications
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever their registered electronic-service email changes.
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | E-Filing Portal Contact Information
Give the opposing party at least five working days’ notice of the hearing unless the parties agree otherwise.
You must give the opposing party notice of the hearing at least five working days prior to the hearing, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | SCHEDULING FOR CIVIL MOTION HEARINGS/NON-JURY TRIALS
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.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | E-Filing Portal Contact Information
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Before a civil motion hearing, send the Judicial Assistant copies of the motion, proposed orders, and filed notice of hearing, with sufficient proposed-order copies and pre-stamped envelopes for all parties.
Prior to your Civil Motion Hearing, please send Judicial Assistant a copy of the Motion, Proposed Order(s) with sufficient copies and pre-stamped envelopes for all parties, and a copy of the Notice of Hearing which was previously filed with the Clerk of Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
Voluminous hearing materials must be sent by U.S. Mail at least five days before the hearing; a binder is preferred.
If the materials are voluminous, they must be provided via US Mail at least five days prior to the hearing, preferably in a binder.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
For any evidentiary proceeding, submit courtesy copies of case law to the court at least five days before the hearing and copy all parties.
Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding at least five days prior to the hearing and all parties shall be copied on the submission.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Send copies of the listed pleadings and related documents, with proposed orders and sufficient copies and self-addressed stamped envelopes, to the Judge’s office for review.
Please follow Court procedure for filing the necessary pleadings with the Martin County Clerk of Court. Please send copies of pleadings, hearing cancellations, (if applicable), along with relevant Stipulations, Settlement Agreement, Motions, Notices, with Proposed Orders along with sufficient copies/self-addressed stamped envelopes to the Judge’s office for his immediate review.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7
For any evidentiary proceeding, submit courtesy copies of case law to the court at least five days before the hearing and copy all parties.
Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding at least five days prior to the hearing and all parties shall be copied on the submission.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | When Required
Before a civil motion hearing, send the Judicial Assistant the motion, proposed orders with sufficient copies and stamped envelopes for all parties, and the previously filed notice of hearing.
Prior to your Civil Motion Hearing, please send Judicial Assistant a copy of the Motion, Proposed Order(s) with sufficient copies and pre-stamped envelopes for all parties, and a copy of the Notice of Hearing which was previously filed with the Clerk of Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Submission Deadlines
Voluminous hearing materials must be sent by U.S. mail at least five days before the hearing, preferably in a binder.
If the materials are voluminous, they must be provided via US Mail at least five days prior to the hearing, preferably in a binder.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Submission Method
The Court requests a digital copy of any proposed order in addition to the hard copy.
The Court would appreciate a copy of any proposed order on either a removable storage device or via e-mail, in addition to the hard copy.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7
When filing a motion for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial, the moving party must send the Judge a copy accompanied by a generic proposed order with at least five lines for additional provisions, a transmittal letter listing copies to counsel and pro se parties, and stamped self-addressed envelopes for those recipients.
Upon filing said motion the moving party shall send a copy to the Judge for review. The copy of the motion sent to the Judge shall be accompanied by a generic order granting/denying the motion, with at least five lines for additional provisions, a transmittal letter showing copies to all counsel and Pro Se parties, and stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all counsel and Pro Se parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7
When filing a motion for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial, the moving party must send a copy to the Judge for review.
Upon filing said motion the moving party shall send a copy to the Judge for review.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration, or New Trial
Hearing materials fewer than 20 pages may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant.
If the hearing material is fewer than twenty pages, it may be provided to the Judicial Assistant via electronic mail.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Hearing materials fewer than 20 pages may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant.
If the hearing material is fewer than twenty pages, it may be provided to the Judicial Assistant via electronic mail.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Submission Method
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Coordinate a hearing with the opposing party before noticing it.
The hearing must be coordinated with the opposing party before any hearing may be noticed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
Do not schedule a motion for rehearing or reconsideration for hearing without first receiving the Court’s permission.
Please do not set a Motion for Rehearing or Motion for Reconsideration for hearing without first receiving permission from the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration, or New Trial
If the court determines an emergency exists, it will schedule the hearing unilaterally.
If the court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling
Filing a discovery motion alone is insufficient; it must be set for hearing to bring the matter to the Court’s attention.
The mere filing of a Motion is insufficient. The motions must be set for hearing to bring the matter to the Court’s attention.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Discovery Motions and Motions to Compel
If the Court finds a hearing necessary on a rehearing, reconsideration, or new-trial motion, the movant will be advised to schedule it and file appropriate notices.
If the Court determines that a hearing is necessary, the movant will be advised to schedule and hearing and file appropriate notices.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration, or New Trial
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Changes to the case management deadlines require the parties’ agreement and court approval upon a showing of good cause based on an emergency or unavailability; discovery procrastination and counsel unavailability after approval are not good cause.
The schedule of deadlines herein will be strictly adhered to by the parties unless change is otherwise agreed to by the parties and approved by the court. The court will consider a request to approve changes to these deadlines upon a showing of good cause by either party based on matters arising from an emergency nature or unavailability. However, once the Civil Case Management Plan has been approved by the court, procrastination in completing discovery or the unavailability of counsel will not constitute good cause for a change to these deadlines.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Case Events and Deadlines
Service must occur within 120 days after the complaint is filed, and any granted extension may not extend beyond 240 days from filing.
Service within 120 days of filing of the complaint unless an extension is granted, which extension shall not exceed 240 days from the date of filing of the complaint
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Case Events and Deadlines
Continuances are disfavored and require good cause; a continuance motion should specify its basis and when it became known, whether it is opposed, readiness-enabling actions and dates, participant availability, and the proposed ready-to-proceed date and whether all parties agree.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. Motions for continuance should state with specificity: (1) the basis of the 3 ===== PAGE 4 ===== 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.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
A continuance requires good cause; the motion must specify the reason and when it became known, whether it is opposed, readiness actions and dates, and the proposed ready date and party agreement, and ordinarily must be signed by the requesting party.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. Motions for continuance should 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. 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).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Continuance Procedure
Chambers Communication Rules
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3; ex parte communications are prohibited unless authorized by law, and all parties must be copied on emails to the office unless an authorized ex parte communication applies.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law. All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Notify the Judicial Assistant immediately to cancel a hearing.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings
The Judge may not communicate about pending cases outside hearings, and communications without prior notice to the opposing party are improper ex parte communications except in specified circumstances.
Judge Waters is restricted by principles of Judicial Ethics from communicating about pending cases outside of hearings. Communication to the judge without prior notice to opposing party is “ex parte” and improper except in certain specific circumstances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Court Schedule
All correspondence must be sent to the listed email address.
Please send all correspondence to sievertd@circuit19.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | HEARINGS BEFORE THE HONORABLE JENNIFER ALCORTA WATERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Communications should be emailed to the judicial office with the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line; emails may be public records.
Communications to the judicial office should be submitted by e-mail to sievertd@circuit19.org. The subject line should contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter. Any e-mail sent to or from the judicial office may be a public record subject to disclosure.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Email the Judicial Assistant to obtain hearing dates and times.
Please email the Judicial Assistant for hearing dates and times.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | Scheduling for Civil Motion Hearings/Non-Jury Trials
A proposed order may be emailed to chambers if all parties have email addresses, with all parties and counsel included on the email.
If all parties have an email address, the proposed order can be emailed to sievertd@circuit19.org, including all parties/counsel on the email.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
If a case settles after an order setting trial is received, immediately notify the Court’s Judicial Assistant by telephone.
If your case settles after you have received an order setting a case for trial, please first immediately notify the Court’s Judicial Assistant by telephone and follow up with an email and/or letter advising of settlement.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7
Call the Judge’s office at the listed number to set a hearing.
To set a hearing, please call the Judge’s office at 772-288-5556.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Court Schedule
Request hearing dates and times by emailing the Judicial Assistant.
Please email the Judicial Assistant for hearing dates and times.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | SCHEDULING FOR CIVIL MOTION HEARINGS/NON-JURY TRIALS
Neither the Judge nor the Judicial Assistant may provide legal advice to a party.
Neither the Judge, nor her Judicial Assistant may provide any party with legal advice.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Court Schedule
The judicial assistant may not provide legal advice.
The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Response to Inquiries
Communications to the judicial office should be emailed to the listed address with the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
Method of Communication: Communications to the judicial office should be submitted by e-mail to sievertd@circuit19.org. The subject line should contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Method of Communication
The court may not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties may not be considered by the court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Unsolicited Communications
The judicial office may alternatively be contacted by telephone.
Alternatively, communications to the judicial office may be made by telephone to 772-288-5556.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Communications to the judicial office may alternatively be made by telephone at the listed number.
Alternatively, communications to the judicial office may be made by telephone to 772-288-5556.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | Method of Communication
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties may contact the judicial office only as permitted by these procedures.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties may not be considered by the court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
If all parties have email addresses, the proposed order may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant with all parties and counsel included on the email.
If all parties have an email address, the proposed order can be emailed to sievertd@circuit19.org, including all parties/counsel on the email.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Submission Method