Court Rules
Judge

Judge Kathleen H. Roberts

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Florida 19 Judicial Circuit (Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie)

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Case Law, Other Specified Document

Case Law, Specified Document

  • For Any Evidentiary Proceeding

Courtesy copies

  • Email

Communication

Email

Chambers

caldwelll@circuit19.org
Phone

Chambers

(772) 419-5370
Scheduling
Filters:

Document Format Requirements7 rules

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF/a or Word format.

Required Format

PDF A

Fl Nineteenth:7ef7b8418c0e39d1866a59e8
|SecProposed Orders — Format
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format.

Required Format

Paper

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF/a or Word format.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

Format: Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format.

Required Format

Paper

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important

Format: PDF, Word document.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important

Exhibits are to be marked as Plaintiff or Defendant A (B, C, etc). They will be moved into evidence as 1,2,3 in the order they are admitted.

Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Format: PDF, Word document.

Required Format

PDF

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|SecCourtesy Copies — Format

Document Filing Requirements16 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

If you are filing a complaint in a landlord-tenant case, you must provide the proper number of envelopes and accompanying postage to accommodate any order that may be signed by the court.

DocumentComplaint

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

In the event that the Clerk has entered a default for a possession claim in a landlord-tenant case, on any case that has not been filed by a pro se litigant, the Court requires a proof of claim/verification of claim by the plaintiff before a default final judgment will be signed.

DocumentDefault Final Judgment

Filing Requirements

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

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

If it is asserted that the other party agrees to the entry of the order, there must be something that indicates their agreement. A cover letter from the opposing party or initials on the order near the cc at the bottom is acceptable.

DocumentProposed Order

Fl Nineteenth:7ef7b8418c0e39d1866a59e8
|SecProposed Orders — Format
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.

DocumentConference Request

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|SecCase Management Conference; Status Conference
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

All requests for remote appearances are to be in writing and presented to the Court with ample time before the hearing to review the request.

DocumentRemote Appearance Request

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion.

DocumentRemote Appearance Request

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

A detailed motion seeking an emergency hearing must state the issues to be resolved, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time needed for each party’s presentation.

Requirements: For example: “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

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory

If it is asserted that the other party agrees to the entry of the order, there must be something that indicates their agreement. A cover letter from the opposing party or initials on the order near the cc at the bottom is acceptable.

DocumentProposed Order

Filing Requirements

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

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important

Exhibits are to be marked as Plaintiff or Defendant A (B, C, etc). They will be moved into evidence as 1,2,3 in the order they are admitted.

DocumentExhibits

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important

NOTE: IN LANDLORD TENANT CASES, SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPES MUST BE PROVIDED ON A CASE THAT INVOLVES A PRO SE LITIGANT. Counsel may make arrangements with the clerk’s office to provide them.

DocumentSelf Addressed Stamped Envelope

Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The Defendant must sign the waiver of appearance and the waiver must be made part of the court file.

DocumentWaiver Of Appearance

Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Any orders on cases with pro se litigants must be accompanied by an addressed envelope with proper postage in order to ensure proper service.

DocumentProposed Order

Fl Nineteenth:7ef7b8418c0e39d1866a59e8
|SecProposed Orders — Submission Method
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

When filing the notice of hearing with the clerk and serving it upon the appropriate parties, please also send a copy to Ms. Caldwell so that the date and time have been confirmed on the docket.

DocumentNotice Of Hearing

Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Any orders on cases with pro se litigants must be accompanied by an addressed envelope with proper postage in order to ensure proper service.

DocumentProposed Order

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Proposed orders may be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant or by mailed hard copy.

Submission of proposed orders can be by email to the Judicial Assistant or hard copies mailed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Proposed Orders — Submission Method

Electronic filing is encouraged for all documents in landlord-tenant cases.

Please note that while electronic filing is encouraged for all documents, this office recognizes that there many pro se litigants in landlord-tenant cases.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Landlord-Tenant Cases

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after a hearing.

Deadline for Submissions: Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Evidence must not be sent to the Court before trial.

Submission Method: Do not send any evidence to the Court prior to the trial in the cause.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 4 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Parties are expected to send memorandums of law and associated case law early enough for the court to review them.

The parties are expected to send memorandums of law and associated caselaw within a reasonable time for the court to review.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The party setting a hearing must notify all parties, the clerk, and the Judge’s office at least five business days before the hearing; mailing notice five days beforehand is insufficient.

The party setting the hearing is responsible for providing notice to all parties, the clerk and the Judge’s office. This should be done as soon as the hearing is set, but must be no less than five business days before the hearing. Mailing the notice five days prior to the hearing is not sufficient notice.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Notice of Hearing

For email service of an order, include all parties’ email addresses in the order’s cc.

Any email service must provide in the cc of the order the email address of all parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Proposed Orders — Submission Method

Anything sent to the Judge must be added to the court file and sent to the opposing party.

Anything sent to the Judge shall be made part of the court file and sent to the opposing party.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Ex parte Communications

Anything sent to the Judge must be placed in the court file and sent to the opposing party.

Anything sent to the Judge shall be made part of the court file and sent to the opposing party.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

A party may cancel only a hearing it set, and must immediately notify the Judicial Assistant and file and serve a cancellation notice on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant. You may only cancel a hearing set by you.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The party setting a hearing must give notice to all parties, the clerk, and the Judge’s office as soon as the hearing is set and at least five business days before the hearing; mailing it five days beforehand is insufficient.

The party setting the hearing is responsible for providing notice to all parties, the clerk and the Judge’s office. This should be done as soon as the hearing is set, but must be no less than five business days before the hearing. Mailing the notice five days prior to the hearing is not sufficient notice.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

When an order is served by email, the cc of the order must include the email address of all parties.

Any email service must provide in the cc of the order the email address of all parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 3 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

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

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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Submit courtesy copies of case law or other specified documents to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.

Courtesy copies of case law or other specified document must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies — When Required

Courtesy copies of case law or other specified documents must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.

When Required: Courtesy copies of case law or other specified document must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 3 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Courtesy-copy materials may be sent to the Judicial Assistant by email, U.S. mail, or private delivery service.

Submission Method: e-mail to the Judicial Assistant, U.S. mail, or private delivery service.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies — Submission Method

Courtesy copies may be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant, U.S. mail, or private delivery service.

Submission Method: e-mail to the Judicial Assistant, U.S. mail, or private delivery service.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

If the court determines an emergency exists, it will schedule the hearing unilaterally, and all parties must be available absent exigent circumstances.

Scheduling: If the court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the court. All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 4 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A party may cancel only a hearing that party set.

You may only cancel a hearing set by you.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings

Chambers Communication Rules

Contact the Judicial Assistant by phone or email to schedule any hearings.

Please contact the Judicial Assistant Linda Caldwell by phone (772-419-5370) or by email CaldwellL@circuit19.org; to schedule any hearings.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Criminal Procedure

All hearings must be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant; the office does not use an online calendar.

Scheduling Hearings: This office does not utilize an online calendar. All hearings must be set with the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Scheduling Hearings

A hearing must be canceled by immediately notifying the Judicial Assistant.

You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | Cancelling Hearings

Emails to the judicial office must copy all parties unless the communication is legally authorized ex parte.

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 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Callers to the Judicial Assistant must provide the case number and party names.

If you call the Judicial Assistant, please be prepared to give the case number and the names of the parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Hearings must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant.

All hearings must be set with the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Parties may contact the judicial office only in accordance with the stated practices and procedures.

Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Unsolicited Communications

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.

Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Unsolicited Communications

When calling or emailing the Judicial Assistant, provide the case number and the parties’ names.

Method of Communication: If you call the Judicial Assistant, please be prepared to give the case number and the names of the parties. If you email the Judicial Assistant, please provide those things in the email.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Method of Communication

Emails to the Judicial Assistant must include the case number and party names.

If you email the Judicial Assistant, please provide those things in the email.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.

Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 67 rules apply across Florida 19 Judicial Circuit (Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie). Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Timing

All 20
  • A case management plan and order for each streamlined or general civil case must be filed no later than 120 days after commencement.

  • Parties seeking complex designation must initially file and serve the general track case management plan and order within 120 days after commencement, then file an appropriate motion to declare the case complex under Rule 1.201.

  • The plaintiff must submit the case management plan and order to the judge for final approval within 30 days after the last defendant is served with the complaint.

Filing Requirements

All 17
  • Applies to
    Notice of mediation

    The Notice of Mediation must specifically list the applicable mediation rules.

  • Applies to
    Case management order

    A streamlined or general civil case management order must include at least the content and categories provided in Attachment A.

  • Applies to
    Case management order

    A case management order must specify, at a minimum, deadlines for service of complaints, service under extensions, and adding new parties.

Adjournments

All 12
  • Deadlines in case management orders may be changed only by court order, not by party agreement.

  • Parties may submit an agreed order for an extension that does not change later case-management dates, but must move to amend the case management order if later dates would change.

  • If trial does not occur during the scheduled trial period, the court must set a new trial date by order as soon as reasonably possible.

Service

All 7
  • Applies to
    General track case management plan and order

    Parties seeking complex designation must serve the general track case management plan and order as part of the initial filing within 120 days after commencement.

  • Applies to
    Suggestion of non compliance with case management plan

    The filed Suggestion of Non-Compliance with Case Management Plan must be served on all counsel.

  • Applies to
    Order
    Service
    Electronic service

    The order is served on the listed parties with email addresses via the E-Filing Portal.

Common questions about Judge Kathleen H. Roberts's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Kathleen H. Roberts?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for case laws and specified documents. Details: delivery for any evidentiary proceeding. Submit courtesy copies of case law or other specified documents to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Courtesy Copies — When Required

Does Judge Kathleen H. Roberts require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Kathleen H. Roberts's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. If the court determines an emergency exists, it will schedule the hearing unilaterally, and all parties must be available absent exigent circumstances.

View ruleSource: page 4, section F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Kathleen H. Roberts?

Judge Kathleen H. Roberts' formatting rule includes file format paper. Submit exhibits to the clerk of court in paper format.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Exhibits — Format

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Kathleen H. Roberts?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. If a proposed order is represented as agreed, include an indication of the other party’s agreement; a cover letter or initials by the cc line is acceptable.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Orders — Format

What must be included with exhibits filings before Judge Kathleen H. Roberts?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and each party to review at the hearing or trial.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Exhibits — Format

How may parties contact Judge Kathleen H. Roberts' chambers?

All hearings must be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant; the office does not use an online calendar.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Scheduling Hearings

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Kathleen H. Roberts?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. A party may cancel only a hearing that party set.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Cancelling Hearings

Is electronic filing required before Judge Kathleen H. Roberts?

Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. Proposed orders may be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant or by mailed hard copy.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Orders — Submission Method

What filing deadlines does Judge Kathleen H. Roberts set?

Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after a hearing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What rule applies to e-service for all parties before Judge Kathleen H. Roberts?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: e-service, recipient: all parties. Copy all parties on emails to the judicial office unless the communication is authorized ex parte by law.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Ex parte Communications
Complete rules summary for Judge Kathleen H. Roberts

Submit exhibits to the clerk of court in paper format.

When calling or emailing the Judicial Assistant, provide the case number and the parties’ names.

Copy all parties on emails to the judicial office unless the communication is authorized ex parte by law.

Anything sent to the Judge must be added to the court file and sent to the opposing party.

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.

Parties may contact the judicial office only in accordance with the stated practices and procedures.

All hearings must be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant; the office does not use an online calendar.

The party setting a hearing must notify all parties, the clerk, and the Judge’s office at least five business days before the hearing; mailing notice five days beforehand is insufficient.

A hearing must be canceled by immediately notifying the Judicial Assistant.

Immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

A party may cancel only a hearing that party set.

Proposed orders must be submitted in PDF/A or Word format.

If a proposed order is represented as agreed, include an indication of the other party’s agreement; a cover letter or initials by the cc line is acceptable.

Bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and each party to review at the hearing or trial.

Proposed orders may be submitted by email to the Judicial Assistant or by mailed hard copy.

An order in a case with a self-represented litigant must be accompanied by an addressed, properly stamped envelope for service.

For email service of an order, include all parties’ email addresses in the order’s cc.

Submit courtesy copies of case law or other specified documents to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.

Courtesy-copy materials may be submitted in PDF or Word format.

Courtesy-copy materials may be sent to the Judicial Assistant by email, U.S. mail, or private delivery service.

Mark exhibits as Plaintiff or Defendant A, B, C, and so on; they will be numbered as admitted into evidence.

A request for a case management or status conference must explain why the conference is necessary.

Contact the Judicial Assistant by phone or email to schedule any hearings.

When filing and serving a criminal notice of hearing, also send a copy to the Judicial Assistant to confirm the date and time on the docket.

A criminal defendant must sign a waiver of appearance, which must be included in the court file.

A landlord-tenant complaint must be accompanied by enough envelopes and postage for any order the court may sign.

Electronic filing is encouraged for all documents in landlord-tenant cases.

For a landlord-tenant possession claim not filed by a self-represented litigant, the plaintiff must provide a proof or verification of claim before the court will sign a default final judgment after the clerk enters default.

Callers to the Judicial Assistant must provide the case number and party names.

Emails to the Judicial Assistant must include the case number and party names.

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