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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order

Must include

certificate of service

Counsel must file a certificate of service after serving the order.

Counsel shall immediately serve a copy of this order on all parties without email and file a certificate of service.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Florida family law form

The notarization or deputy-clerk-signature requirement for Florida Family Law Forms remains suspended if the filer places the specified perjury declaration before the signature.

Except as indicated below, the requirement that Florida Family Law Forms be notarized or signed in the presence of a deputy clerk remains suspended, if the filer includes the following statement before the filer’s signature: Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read this document and the facts stated in it are true.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Family law form

The listed marital settlement agreements and any other family law form transferring property must be notarized or signed in the presence of a deputy clerk before filing.

This exception does not apply to Florida Family Law Forms 12.902(f)(1), Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren), 12.902(f)(2), Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Property but No Dependent or Minor Child(ren), 12.902(f)(3), Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, and any other family law form that transfers the ownership of property, which must continue to be notarized or signed in the presence of a deputy clerk prior to filing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote hearing notice

Notices for Judge Cox's remote hearings must include the specified Zoom appearance instructions.

All notices for remote hearings for Judge Cox shall include: “At the designated hearing time, you will appear through Zoom teleconferencing (without charge) via video by clicking https://zoom.us/j/6168154963.”

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examiner report

The examiner must prepare a detailed report of findings, tests, diagnoses, and conclusions and send it to Plaintiff’s counsel within 30 days, unless the parties agree otherwise or the Court orders otherwise due to special circumstances.

The examining physician shall prepare a detailed written reporting setting forth all of the examining physician’s findings, including all tests made, diagnoses and conclusions. The report of the examiner shall be sent to Plaintiff’s counsel, as required by Rule 1.360(b), within 30 days of the examination unless otherwise agreed between counsel for the parties or ordered by the Couty due to special circumstances.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Neuropsychological exam raw data

For neuropsychological testing, the examiner must provide all raw data to Plaintiff’s treating or retained psychologist or neuropsychologist, who must return it to the defense examiner at the conclusion of the case.

If the If the examination involves neuropsychological testing: In addition to the report, the examiner shall provide all raw data, including copies of the notes, tests, test results, scoring and test protocols, to Plaintiff’s treating or retained psychologist or neuropsychologist, who must return to the defense examiner at the conclusion of this case.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A hearing notice for a motion must state the date of the meet and confer and its result.

The notice of hearing must specifically state the date of the meet and confer and the result of the conferral.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of case management conference

A notice of case management conference must identify the issues to be addressed.

The notice of case management conference must identify the issues to be addressed in the case management conference.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to continue

A motion to continue must comply with Rules 1.460 and 2.545(e)5 and be signed by the party requesting the continuance.

Per the on-line Circuit Civil Division Guidelines and Procedures, any motion to continue must comply with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.460 and Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e)5 including requirement of signature by the party requesting continuance.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Joint pretrial stipulation

By the event-section deadline, Plaintiff must ensure all counsel execute the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation, email it to the Judicial Assistant, and file it in the court file.

No later than the date set forth in the event section above, Plaintiff is responsible to: 1) confirm that the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation is executed by counsel for all parties, 2) email to the Judicial Assistant and 3) file in the court file.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Joint pretrial stipulation

The Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation must include the listed case summary, stipulations, trial issues, claimed relief, estimated trial time, agreements, unusual issues, and peremptory challenges.

A brief statement of the case to be read to the prospective jurors at the beginning of jury selection; A statement of agreements and stipulated facts which require no proof at trial; A statement of all issues of law and fact for determination at trial. A statement that the issues to be tried are framed by the pleading in the case or something similar is insufficient; A specification of the damages and/or relief claimed; A statement of estimated trial time; Any other agreements; An identification of unusual issues, either evidentiary or procedural, that are expected to arise during trial; The number of peremptory challenges for each party;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Joint pretrial stipulation

The stipulation must itemize all trial exhibits, including depositions to be read, state any applicable waiver of objection, and identify exhibits marked and filed with the Clerk before trial.

A list of all exhibits (including depositions to be read) which may be introduced at trial, itemized as indicated below. Counsel must note a waiver of objection for those exhibits where appropriate. All exhibits must be marked and filed with the Clerk prior to trial as follows:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

Proposed jury instructions and a proposed verdict form must be attached to the E-Docket Call Form and emailed to the Judicial Assistant; proposed agreed instructions should include titles, citations, and the requesting party for each instruction.

A copy of the proposed jury instructions and a proposed verdict form shall also be attached to the e-docket call form and e-mailed to the Judicial Assistant; the proposed agreed jury instructions should contain a jury instruction title for each proposed instruction, any citations, and information as to who requested the instruction.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation summary

The parties must provide the mediator a brief written summary of the facts and issues five days before mediation.

The parties must present a brief written summary of the facts and issues to the mediator five (5) days before the conference;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

E docket call form

Counsel must discuss and agree on trial dates and submit one completed E-Docket Form.

Completion of the attached E-Docket Form is required. All counsel shall discuss and agree regarding trial dates to be selected and one form is to be submitted.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

E docket call form

The E-Docket Call Form must be submitted with the required Joint Pre-Trial Statement and Jury Instructions.

To be submitted with required Joint Pre-Trial Statement and Jury Instructions

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Final judgment

If the property qualified for the homestead tax exemption on the most recent approved tax roll, the final judgment must include the specified statement in conspicuous type.

[If the property being foreclosed on has qualified for the homestead tax exemption in the most recent approved tax roll, the final judgment must additionally contain the following statement in conspicuous type:]

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate of service

Must include

certificate of service

The moving party’s counsel must file a certificate of service in the court file after serving the order.

Counsel for (moving party, e.g. Plaintiff, Defendant) shall immediately serve a copy of this order on the following parties and file a certificate of service in this court file: (Include parties with physical addresses).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate

Must include

certificate of service

A certificate of service must be filed within three days.

FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE WITHIN THREE (3) DAYS.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A Notice of Hearing for a remote hearing must include the Zoom Meeting ID.

If scheduling a remote hearing, the Zoom Meeting ID must be included on the Notice of Hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to dismiss

A motion to dismiss must state its grounds and the substantial legal matters to be argued specifically and with particularity.

Motions to Dismiss must strictly comply with the requirements of the Rule in that the grounds on which they are based, and the substantial matters of law intended to be argued shall be stated specifically and with particularity.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for more definite statement

A motion for more definite statement must identify the complained-of defects and the details desired.

Motions for More Definite Statement must strictly comply with the requirements of the Rule in that the motion must point out the defects complained of and the details desired.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Counsel must notify the Court of any objection to the proposed order’s form when submitting it.

Counsel must advise the Court of any objection to the form of the proposed order upon submission.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The caption of each proposed order or judgment must describe the motion, its subject, and the Court’s ruling.

All proposed orders/judgments must describe the motion, in the caption, the subject and ruling of the Court, i.e. “Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Liability.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Failure to timely submit proposed orders or judgments in Word format before the hearing will result in the hearing being stricken from the docket.

FAILURE TO TIMELY SUBMIT PROPOSED ORDERS/JUDGMENTS IN WORD FORMAT PRIOR TO THE HEARING WILL RESULT IN THE HEARING BEING STRICKEN FROM THE DOCKET

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must state the hearing date and use the Supreme Court Case Numbering System.

The proposed order shall reflect the date of the hearing and utilize the Supreme Court Case Numbering System (i.e. 31 2024 CA 009999 - County Code, Year, Division, and Six Digit Number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions and motions to compel must include a good-faith certification that the movant conferred or attempted to confer to obtain the discovery without Court action.

These motions must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

An emergency motion must explain in detail the circumstances constituting the emergency.

The body of the motion must contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances constituting an emergency.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Demonstrative aid

A demonstrative aid intended for trial must be marked by the clerk and shown to opposing counsel and the Court before trial begins.

Any demonstrative aid that is to be used at the trial must be marked by the Clerk and exhibited to opposing counsel and the Court prior to the start of trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Demonstrative aid

Demonstrative aids may not be shown to the jury without prior Court approval.

No aids are to be shown to the jury without prior approval.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Deposition

If a deposition will be used at trial, a hard copy must be available for the Court and the witness being questioned.

If depositions are to be used at trial in any manner (impeachment, as video testimony, etc.), you must make certain a hard copy is available for both the Court and for the witness being questioned.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed case management plan and order

Must include

proposed order

All parties must timely submit an Agreed Case Management Plan and Order to whiteh@circuit19.org in compliance with the specified administrative order.

Pursuant to Florida Supreme Court AOSC20-23, Amendment 12, all parties MUST comply with the 19th Circuit’s Administrative Order 2021-05, by timely submitting an Agreed Case Management Plan and Order to whiteh@circuit19.org.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order must be in Microsoft Word format and include a service list with the names and service addresses of parties who will receive the signed order.

Please ensure the proposed order is in Microsoft Word format and includes a service list with the names and service addresses of the parties who will receive a copy of the signed Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed case management plan and order

Do not file the ACMPO until it bears the Court’s signature.

DO NOT FILE THE ACMPO WITHOUT A SIGNATURE FROM THE COURT.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

The parties must prepare and exchange jury instructions before the e-docket call, as agreed in the ACMPO.

JURY INSTRUCTIONS: Jury instructions are to be prepared by both sides and exchanged prior to the e-docket call as agreed in the ACMPO.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate of title disbursement and final disposition

Mail the Certificate of Title, Disbursement, and Final Disposition directly to the Clerk with two sets of addressed, stamped envelopes for all parties.

The Certificate of Title, Disbursement and Final Disposition shall be mailed directly to the Clerk’s office along with two (2) sets of addressed and stamped envelopes for all parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed final judgment

The proposed Final Judgment must include the specified service language under its service list.

Please include the following language under the service list of the proposed Final Judgment: A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL (Include parties with email addresses) COUNSEL FOR (moving party, e.g. Plaintiff, Defendant) SHALL IMMEDIATELY SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include parties with physical addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Originals for the Clerk of Court

The originals of the promissory note and mortgage and the proposed certificates must be provided to the Clerk of Court, with sufficient addressed stamped envelopes for mailing the certificates.

ORIGINALS: TO THE CLERK OF COURT • Promissory note and mortgage • Proposed Certificate of Disbursements • Proposed Certificate of Title along with sufficient addressed stamped envelopes for the Clerk to send out the Certificate of Disbursements and Certificate of Title

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate

Must include

certificate of service

A certificate of service must be filed within three days.

FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE WITHIN THREE (3) DAYS.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examination request

Examination requests must specifically state the examination’s time, place, manner, conditions, and scope, and the examiner’s name and qualifications.

Requests for an examination must set forth the time, place, manner, conditions and scope of the examination as well as the name of and the qualifications of the person conducting the examination with specificity.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Objection

Objections must state their specific reasons.

The objections must state the specific reasons for the objections.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conferral

A motion lacking the required Certificate of Conferral in the correct format may be stricken.

Motions without the required Certificate of Conferral, in the correct format, may be stricken for non-compliance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Place the Certificate of Conferral at the end of the motion, above the signature block, using substantially the prescribed language.

At the end of the motion and above the signature block, the movant must include a certificate of conferral in substantially the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions and motions to compel must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and certify a good-faith effort to confer or attempt to confer to obtain discovery without court action.

These motions must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

An emergency motion must include a detailed explanation of the circumstances that make it an emergency.

The body of the motion must contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances constituting an emergency.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed case management plan and order

After all attorneys sign the Agreed Case Management Plan and Order, email it to the Court for approval and signature; do not file it without the Court’s signature.

After all attorneys sign the ACMPO, it must be emailed to the Court (whiteh@circuit19.org) to be approved, signed and e-filed. Do not file the ACMPO without a signature from the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of non compliance

If the parties cannot comply with the Case Management Plan and Order or the mandatory-plan order, they must file a Notice of Non-Compliance stating the reasons.

A Notice of Non-Compliance shall be filed if the parties are unable to comply with the Case Management Plan and Order or an Order Requiring Filing of Mandatory Case Management Plan. The notice shall include the reasons the parties are unable to comply.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Summary judgment motion

When filing a summary-judgment motion, file the original promissory note and mortgage with the Clerk if they are not already filed, and do not send them to the Judge’s office.

When the Motion for Summary Judgment is filed, please also file the original promissory note and mortgage with the Clerk of Court, if not already filed. Do not send the originals to the Judge’s office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed final judgment

Must include

certificate of service

A proposed Final Judgment must include the specified service language under its service list, addressing portal service and counsel’s service and certificate obligations for parties with physical addresses.

Please include the following language under the service list of the proposed Final Judgment: A copy of this order is being served on the following parties via the e-filing portal (Include parties with email addresses) Counsel for (moving party, e.g. Plaintiff, Defendant) shall immediately serve a copy of this order on the following parties and file a certificate of service in this court file: (Include parties with physical addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The caption of every proposed order or judgment must identify the motion, subject, and Court ruling.

All proposed orders/judgments must describe the motion, in the caption, the subject and ruling of the Court, i.e. “Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Liability.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order must show the hearing date and use the Supreme Court Case Numbering System.

The proposed order shall reflect the date of the hearing and utilize the Supreme Court Case Numbering System (i.e. 31 2024 CA 009999 – County Code, Year, Division, and Six Digit Number).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibit

Each exhibit must identify the party, the party exhibit number, and a short description.

Each exhibit shall identify (1) the party; (2) the party exhibit number; and (3) a short description of the exhibit.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The parties are strictly limited to the exhibits and witnesses listed in the pretrial statement.

Paragraph VIII states: “The parties will be strictly limited to those exhibits and witnesses listed in the pretrial statement…”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote appearance request

A request to appear using communication technology must be made by motion.

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

CRITICAL

Evidentiary hearings, pleas, and sentencings are not conducted remotely.

Evidentiary hearings, pleas, sentencings are NOT done remotely.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote appearance request

Submit remote-appearance requests in writing with ample time before the hearing for court review.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Evidence

Do not send evidence to the Court before trial.

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Waiver of appearance

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

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote appearance request

Criminal Zoom appearances require a written motion and signed order and are allowed only for non-evidentiary hearings.

Zoom appearances in criminal court will be allowed upon written motion and signed order, and only for non evidentiary hearings.

CRITICAL

Pleas will not be conducted by Zoom.

Pleas will not be done by zoom.

CRITICAL

The defendant and attorney must attend every evidentiary hearing even when a proper waiver of appearance is on file.

All evidentiary hearings must be attended by a defendant and the attorney, even if there is a proper waiver of appearance on file.

CRITICAL

A person who violates the Zoom appearance conditions will be deemed not in attendance.

Anyone violating these conditions will be deemed not in attendance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

If a proposed order is represented as agreed, the submission must indicate the other party’s agreement; an opposing-party cover letter or initials near the cc line are acceptable.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

An emailed proposed order must cc the email addresses of all parties.

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

CRITICAL

All parties must make themselves available for an emergency hearing unless exigent circumstances prevent it.

All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing on a factual basis must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Conference request

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

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

The moving party must file a notice of hearing once a hearing date is selected.

Once a date is selected a notice of hearing must be filed by the moving party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

All hearing notices must comply with the accommodation-request notice requirement in Fla. R. Gen. P. and Jud. Admin. 2.540(c).

All hearing notices must comply with the notice requirement in Fla. R. Gen. P. and Jud Admin. 2.540(c) Requests for Accommodations by Persons with Disabilities.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of cancellation

A notice of cancellation must be filed and submitted to the judicial assistant immediately.

A notice of cancelation must be filed in the court file and submitted to the judicial assistant immediately.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to expunge seal

A petition to expunge or seal must state whether the State objects and must be filed in the court file.

Petitions to Expunge/Seal must include whether there is an objection from the State in the petition and must be filed in the court file.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, court, and every party to review at the hearing or trial.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

After a hearing date is selected, the moving party must file a notice of hearing.

Once a date is selected a notice of hearing must be filed by the moving party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

All hearing notices must comply with the cited rule concerning requests for disability accommodations.

All hearing notices must comply with the notice requirement in Fla. R. Gen. P. and Jud Admin. 2.540(c) Requests for Accommodations by Persons with Disabilities.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of cancellation

A cancellation notice must be filed in the court file and sent to the judicial assistant immediately.

A notice of cancelation must be filed in the court file and submitted to the judicial assistant immediately.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency hearing motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the presentation time needed for each party.

If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be labeled in the format required by the Clerk of Court.

Exhibits must be labeled in the format required by the Clerk of Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to expunge or seal

A petition to expunge or seal must state whether the State objects and must be filed in the court file.

Petitions to Expunge/Seal must include whether there is an objection from the State in the petition and must be filed in the court file.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Civil case management plan

The parties must submit the civil case management plan to the Court for approval within 30 days after service on the last named defendant.

TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE COURT FOR APPROVAL WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF SERVICE ON THE LAST NAMED DEFENDANT

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Must include

certificate of conference

Notices of hearing must certify the attempts made to resolve the matter and coordinate the hearing.

All notices of hearing should certify what attempts were made to resolve and coordinate.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Stipulation

Must include

proposed order

Filing a stipulation does not cancel a trial or case management conference; an order approving the stipulation is required to cancel a previously ordered hearing or trial, including small-claims pretrial.

Filing a stipulation does not cancel a trial or case management conference. An order approving the stipulation is required to cancel a previously ORDERED hearing or trial (including pretrial in SMALL CLAIMS CASES).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders invoking the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in small-claims cases must retain Small Claims Rule 7.135 and be accompanied by a proposed case management plan and order complying with the cited authorities.

Additionally, proposed orders to invoke the FRCP in small claims cases must retain Small Claims Rule 7.135 AND MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PROPOSED CASE MANANGEMENT PLAN AND ORDER in compliance with AOSC20-23 and AO 2021-05 (see Forms).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing that involves a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Must include

certificate of conference

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.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Submit relied-upon case law or statutes with the motion and highlight the relevant portions.

Any case law or statutes to be relied upon shall be submitted to the Court with the motion with relevant portions highlighted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion to withdraw requires written client consent filed with the court or a hearing after proper notice to the client.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

The movant must submit the proposed order with sufficient copies and stamped self-addressed envelopes for all parties and certify that all parties received notice of the requested relief.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion identifying the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of every exhibit for the clerk, court, and each party to review at the hearing or trial.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

The judge’s copy of the motion must include a generic granting or denying order with at least five lines for additional provisions, a transmittal letter showing copies to all counsel and self-represented parties, and stamped self-addressed envelopes for them.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

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.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Continuance motion

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).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying all parties' agreement or identifying any disagreement about the order.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A motion to withdraw requires the client’s written consent filed with the court or a hearing after proper notice to the client.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Hand-deliver or mail printed exhibits to the clerk, and bring enough copies for the clerk, the court, and each party to review at the hearing or trial.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

The copy sent to the Judge must include a generic order granting or denying the motion with at least five lines for additional provisions, a transmittal letter showing copies to counsel and pro se parties, and stamped self-addressed envelopes for those recipients.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

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

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Conference request

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

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

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

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Default final judgment

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote appearance request

A request to appear using communication technology must be made by motion.

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Remote appearance request

Remote-appearance requests must be written and presented with ample time before the hearing for court review.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

If agreement to a proposed order is asserted, the submission must indicate the opposing party’s agreement; an opposing-party cover letter or initials near the cc at the bottom of the order are acceptable.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and every party to review at the hearing or trial.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual accounting or initial inventory

Annual accountings and initial inventories should have the guardians’ original signatures.

DOES THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTING/INITIAL INVENTORY HAVE ORIGINAL SIGNATURE(S) OF GUARDIAN(S)?

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

An Affidavit of Heirs must be submitted with petitions for intestate estates or when requested by the Court.

Affidavit of Heirs: Yes No Not Applicable (To be submitted with all petitions for intestate estates OR upon request by the Court.)

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A motion or hearing may be stricken from the docket if the required certification is omitted.

Failure to include this certification will result in the motion and/or hearing being stricken from the docket.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate

Must include

certificate of conference

The moving party must coordinate the hearing date and may schedule unilaterally after three business days if coordination fails, provided the good-faith certificate describes the attempts made.

The moving party is responsible for contacting the opposing party to coordinate the hearing date. If after three (3) business days you are unable to coordinate the hearing date, you may unilaterally schedule the hearing setting forth in your good faith certificate the attempts that were made to coordinate the hearing. Failure to include this certification will result in the hearing being stricken from the docket.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Must include

certificate of conference

Immediately after reserving hearing time, file and serve a Notice of Hearing containing the required Zoom credentials when applicable, ADA notification, and good-faith certification.

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time. A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials. All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540. All Notices of Hearing must contain a good faith certification in substantial compliance with the following: I HEREBY CERTIFY that the hearing date has been coordinated with opposing counsel/party and the length of time has been agreed upon. If you were unsuccessful in your attempts to contact opposing counsel/party, please specify what attempts were made prior to unilaterally scheduling.

CRITICAL

Must include

certificate of service

Motions and proposed orders must certify the full address or email address where service was or will be made; a generic e-service statement or an address-free cc listing is insufficient.

All proposed orders and motions MUST contain proper address certification—i.e. the FULL address or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the foregoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the address is insufficient.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

An agreement or stipulation requires a separate Word agreed order with approval language; if exhibits are included, also submit the order as a PDF with all necessary attachments.

If you have reached an agreement/stipulation, a separate agreed order in WORD must be provided to the Court with language approving the agreement/stipulation. If you have exhibits to include in the agreed order, you must also submit the agreed order in .pdf format and include all necessary attachments.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

Proposed orders, agreed orders, and stipulations require written verification or a cover letter stating the requested action, confirming distribution, and, when applicable, confirming there are no objections.

The Court will not execute proposed orders, agreed orders, or stipulations without a written verification or cover letter stating the action requested, that a copy was provided to all counsel of record and pro se parties, and if there is a stipulation or an agreed order, that there are no objections to the entry of the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

An emergency-hearing motion must state the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time needed for each party; it must be emailed to the Court with the required subject line.

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. The filing party must submit the motion to the Court by email at OCJudge1@Circuit19.org. If you are requesting an Emergency Hearing, you MUST indicate in the subject line “Request for EMERGENCY Hearing.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Motions to dismiss must specifically and particularly state their grounds and legal arguments, while motions for more definite statement must identify the complained-of defects and desired details.

Motions to Dismiss must strictly comply with the requirements of the Rule in that the grounds on which they are based and the substantial matters of law intended to be argued shall be stated specifically and with particularity. Motions for More Definite Statement must strictly comply with the requirements of the Rule in that the motion must point out the defects complained of and the details desired.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions and motions to compel must include a certification that the movant conferred or attempted in good faith to resolve the discovery issue without court action.

Motions to Compel, as well as all discovery motions must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order, certificate of conference

An unopposed extension motion may be decided without a hearing if it states good-cause grounds and is accompanied by a Word proposed order and certification of the opposing party’s agreement or waiver of a hearing.

When a motion for extension of time is filed, and there is no opposition for the extension, an order may be entered without a hearing, so long as the motion details the grounds for “good cause.” The movant shall submit the proposed order in WORD format, and in a cover letter or email shall certify that that opposing counsel or unrepresented party has been contacted and agreed to the order or waived a hearing thereon.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

All post-judgment cases must be referred to the Magistrate, with a proposed referral order and a copy of the motion or petition emailed to the Court.

All Post Judgment cases must be referred to the Magistrate. Please provide a proposed Order of Referral to Magistrate to the Court by email at OCJudge1@Circuit19.org, along with a copy of the Motion and/or Petition.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the Ward is a beneficiary of a specified trust, attach a statement of income and disbursements for the Ward’s benefit.

If the Ward is a beneficiary of a Pooled, Special Needs, or Qualified Income Trust; a statement as to the income and disbursements for the benefit of the ward must be attached.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual accounting

The annual accounting’s starting balance should agree with the initial inventory or the prior annual accounting.

DOES THE STARTING BALANCE ON THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTING AGREE WITH THE INITIAL INVENTORY OR THE PRIOR ANNUAL ACCOUNTING?

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual accounting

A list of assets on hand at the close of the accounting period should be provided with the annual accounting.

HAS A LIST OF ASSETS ON HAND AT CLOSE OF ACCOUNTING PERIOD BEEN PROVIDED WITH THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTING?

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must contain separate paragraphs covering the specified case facts, agreements, issues, requested relief, property and liabilities, estimated trial time, and unusual trial issues.

All Pre-trial statements must contain the following in separate paragraphs: A concise statement describing the facts of the case in an impartial, easily understandable manner, INCLUDING: name, address, age and level of education of each party; date and place of marriage, and date of separation; names, dates of birth, ages, and of each minor child. A statement of agreements and stipulated facts which require no proof at trial. A statement of all issues of law and fact for determination at trial. A specification of the relief claimed by each party, INCLUDING: alimony, specifying types and amounts; child support (child support guidelines score sheets should be attached); fees and costs; equitable distribution and approximate date of valuation, including: an itemization of all marital and non-marital assets including a description of each asset, its value, any liens on the item, and which party is claiming entitlement to the asset; an itemization of all marital and non-marital liabilities including a description of each liability, the remaining amount due for each, and which party should be responsible for each; how an asset is titled and in whose name(s) a debt is held. A statement of estimated trial time. Any other agreements. An identification of unusual issues, either evidentiary or procedural, that are expected to arise during trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must include an itemized exhibit list, note waivers where there is no good-faith basis to object, and the exhibit lists must be filed by May 15, 2025.

A list of all exhibits which may be introduced at trial, itemized as indicated below. Counsel must note a waiver of objection for those exhibits where there is no good faith basis to object to the exhibit. Exhibit lists must be filed by 05/15/2025.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit list

Before trial, all exhibits must be marked and filed with the Clerk, with separate lists for unobjected exhibits and objected exhibits identifying the specific objections and their reasons.

All exhibits must be marked and filed with the Clerk prior to trial as follows: a list of all exhibits to be admitted in evidence by the Petitioner without objection by the Respondent(s); a list of all exhibits to be admitted in evidence by the Respondent(s) without objection by the Petitioner; a list of all other exhibits of the Petitioner, that are objected to by the Respondent(s), noting the specific evidentiary objections and the reasons therefore on the pre-trial statement; a list of all other exhibits of the Respondent(s), that are objected to by the Petitioner, noting the specific evidentiary objections and the reasons therefore on the pre-trial statement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit list

Each party must prepare a typed exhibit list with a brief description of each exhibit and give it to the courtroom clerk when trial begins.

Each party must prepare in advance of trial and furnish to the courtroom clerk at the time of commencement of trial, a typed list of all of his or her exhibits containing a brief description of each.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Unlisted exhibits will not be admitted, and parties may not reserve all objections in the pre-trial statement.

Exhibits not listed will not be admitted at trial. Parties may not "reserve all objections” in the pre-trial statement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

When a case has at least one self-represented party and no joint pre-trial statement is timely executed, each counsel and self-represented party must file and serve a separate statement explaining why; exhibit objections are due within 10 days of receiving the other unilateral statement or are waived.

Only in cases in which there is one or more pro se parties: If for any reason a joint pre-trial statement is not timely executed by all counsel and pro se parties, each counsel and each pro se party must file and serve separate pre-trial statements with a statement of why the joint statement was not executed. Each party will have ten (10) days from receipt of the other party’s unilateral trial statement to make specific objections to each exhibit, including the basis of the objection. Failure to object within that time will constitute a waiver to the admissibility of those exhibits.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual accounting

The preparer certification states that the Annual Accounting was prepared from information provided by the guardian(s), without independent verification or assurance.

I have prepared the Annual Accounting based upon the information provided by the guardian(s) with no independent verification of the information contained herein. I have not audited or reviewed the Annual Accounting or documents supporting the preparation of the Annual Accounting and, accordingly, do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance as to the accuracy of the information contained in the Annual Accounting.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual accounting

The guardian’s attorney certification states that the attorney examined the Annual Accounting and represents that it conforms to Florida Guardianship Law.

The undersigned hereby notifies the Court of the filing of the Annual Accounting of the guardian of the property. This Annual Accounting is the representation of the guardian. I have not audited the accompanying Annual Accounting. The undersigned attorney represents that he/she has examined the contents of this Annual Accounting and that it conforms to the requirements of the Florida Guardianship Law.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Hearing scheduling request

Must include

certificate of conference

The moving party must try to coordinate the hearing date and may schedule unilaterally after three business days if coordination fails, but must certify the attempts made.

The moving party is responsible for contacting the opposing party to coordinate the hearing date. If after three (3) business days you are unable to coordinate the hearing date, you may unilaterally schedule the hearing setting forth in your good faith certificate the attempts that were made to coordinate the hearing. Failure to include this certification will result in the hearing being stricken from the docket.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Must include

certificate of conference

Notices of hearing must include Zoom credentials for remote appearances, the required ADA notification, and a good-faith certification; omission of the certification may result in the matter being stricken.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials. All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540. All Notices of Hearing must contain a good faith certification in substantial compliance with the following: I HEREBY CERTIFY that the hearing date has been coordinated with opposing counsel/party and the length of time has been agreed upon. If you were unsuccessful in your attempts to contact opposing counsel/party, please specify what attempts were made prior to unilaterally scheduling. Failure to include this certification will result in the matter being stricken from the docket.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

A proposed order must be submitted for a UMC hearing, and all proposed orders must be in WORD format.

The Court must receive a copy of the motion, notice of hearing, (and a proposed order if UMC hearing) within five (5) days of scheduling the hearing by email at OCJudge1@Circuit19.org. All proposed orders must be submitted in WORD format.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of cancellation

A cancelled hearing requires filing a Notice of Cancellation.

If you cancel your hearing, you must file a Notice of Cancellation

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each 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.

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

Applies to

Motion and proposed order

Proposed orders and motions must certify the full address or email address where the document was or will be served; a generic e-service statement or an address-free cc listing is insufficient.

All proposed orders and motions MUST contain proper address certification—i.e. the FULL address or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the foregoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the ===== PAGE 6 ===== address is insufficient.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed order

An agreement or stipulation must be submitted to the Court as a separate Word agreed order containing language approving it.

If you have reached an agreement/stipulation, a separate agreed order in WORD must be provided to the Court with language approving the agreement/stipulation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order agreed order or stipulation

Proposed orders, agreed orders, and stipulations must be accompanied by written verification or a cover letter stating the requested action, confirming copies were provided to all counsel and pro se parties, and, for stipulations or agreed orders, confirming there are no objections to entry.

The Court will not execute proposed orders, agreed orders, or stipulations without a written verification or cover letter stating the action requested, that a copy was provided to all counsel of record and pro se parties, and if there is a stipulation or an agreed order, that there are no objections to the entry of the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency hearing motion

An emergency-hearing motion must state the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to dismiss

A motion to dismiss must state its grounds and the substantial legal matters to be argued specifically and with particularity.

Motions to Dismiss must strictly comply with the requirements of the Rule in that the grounds on which they are based and the substantial matters of law intended to be argued shall be stated specifically and with particularity.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for more definite statement

A motion for a more definite statement must identify the complained-of defects and the details desired.

Motions for More Definite Statement must strictly comply with the requirements of the Rule in that the motion must point out the defects complained of and the details desired.

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

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions, including motions to compel, must include a certification of a good-faith effort to confer or attempt 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, including, but not limited to, a certification that the movant, in good faith, has conferred or attempted to confer ===== PAGE 8 ===== with the person or party failing to make discovery in an effort to secure the information without court action.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial notebook

Counsel must present the Court with a trial notebook containing copies of pertinent filed pleadings five business days before trial.

Counsel shall present to the Court, five (5) business days prior to trial, a trial notebook containing copies of pertinent pleadings filed in the case (i.e., Complaint, Answer and Affirmative Defenses, Counter-Claims, Pre-Trial Stipulation, etc.).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

A completed exhibit list and all exhibits must be delivered or scanned and emailed to the Clerk and all parties at the specified address.

A completed exhibit list and all exhibits must be delivered or scanned and emailed to the Clerk and all parties at evidence@myokeeclerk.com, you will receive an auto-reply that someone will contact you for pre-payment for printing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Parties should bring at least four copies of all exhibits to trial, allocated to the clerk, each party, the witness, and the Court.

Parties should bring a minimum of four (4) copies of all exhibits with them to trial (original to clerk, copy for each party, copy for the witness, and copy for Court).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Demonstrative aid

A demonstrative aid intended for trial must be marked by the clerk and shown to opposing counsel and the Court before trial starts.

Any demonstrative aide that is to be used at trial must be marked by the clerk and exhibited to opposing counsel and the Court prior to the start of trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

Both sides must prepare and exchange jury instructions before the pre-trial meeting, as provided in the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.

Jury instructions are to be prepared by both sides and exchanged prior to the pre-trial meeting pursuant to the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

Final instructions sent with the jury for deliberations must omit citations, instruction titles, and requester information.

In addition, the final instructions (the instructions that go back with the jury for deliberations) should not contain any citations, jury instruction titles, or information as to who requested the instruction.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice for trial

The Notice for Trial must include a good-faith estimate of the time required for trial, coordinated with the opposing party.

Your notice for trial must contain a good faith estimate of time required for trial (coordinate with the opposing party).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Probate checklist

Checklists are required for opening and closing estates.

Checklists are required for both Opening and Closing Estates.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Probate checklist

Attorneys must personally sign to verify that probate checklists are complete and correct.

Attorneys must verify completion and correctness of the Checklists by personal signature.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application to determine indigency status

An Application to Determine Indigency Status must be submitted to the Clerk of Court when the petition is filed.

Application to Determine Indigency Status (In order for the Court to determine who shall be appointed to represent the AIP, an Application to Determine Indigency Status MUST be submitted to the Clerk of Court at the time of filing;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Before submitting proposed orders, fill in available information, including the case number and email service addresses, and omit the Clerk’s Certificate of Service.

If there is information on the proposed orders that can be filled in by your office, please do so before submitting to the Court, including case number and e-mail service addresses. Do not include Certificate of Service by the Clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order for compensation of examining committee

The Court will accept only the Order for Compensation of Examining Committee available on the Court’s website.

Pursuant to Administrative Order 2017-06 in RE: Order for Compensation of Examining Committee, this office will only accept the Order for Compensation of Examining Committee available on www.circuit19.org.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proof of guardian education course completion

A court-appointed guardian must file proof of course completion with the Clerk and provide a copy to Court Administration within four months of appointment.

Any person appointed by the court as a guardian, must file proof of course completion with the Clerk of Court, with a copy to Court Administration, within four months of appointment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Summary judgment and default packet

Summary judgment and default packets must include the listed documents and materials before the case can proceed to a hearing.

Summary Judgment and Default packets submitted to the court must contain the following as a minimum for the case to proceed to a hearing: • Motion for Summary Judgment or Motion for Default Final Judgment and Notice of Hearing/Re-Notice of Hearing • First page of complaint showing the style of the case and Clerk’s date of filing stamp and Last page of complaint showing verification (if filed after 2/10) • All returns of service indicating service of summons on defendants (returns showing no service should not be submitted) • Notice of dismissal/dropping party for any defendant not served • Any documents filed in the court file regarding status of any bankruptcy proceeding for any defendant • Promissory note sued upon (showing any endorsements) • Allonge or recorded assignments • Affidavit stating plaintiff was the owner and holder of the note at the time of filing and that the servicer has full authority to foreclose (with POA or pooling/servicing agreement) • Affidavit of indebtedness • Affidavit regarding attorney’s fees by plaintiff’s counsel • Affidavit regarding attorney’s fees by supporting expert • Affidavit of costs • Notice of Filing regarding original note, mortgage, assignments or allonges • Proposed Final Judgment (in Word) • Adding tape showing verification of the amounts listed in the proposed Final Judgment

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

Proposed orders must include the specified service language beneath the service list, including language for electronic service and immediate service on parties with physical addresses.

The proposed order must have the following language under the service list. • A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL: (Include all parties with email addresses below this paragraph) • (Insert the moving party, e.g. PLAINTIFF’S, DEFENDANT’S, etc) COUNSEL SHALL SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include all parties with physical addresses below this paragraph)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

New-trial and rehearing motions are considered in camera by written motion and must not be set for hearing.

Do not set for hearing any motions for new trial/rehearing. These motions are considered in camera by written motion. If you set such motion for hearing, it may be unilaterally canceled by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to continue

A motion to continue must comply with the specified rules and be signed by the party requesting the continuance.

Any motion to continue must comply with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.460, Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.200(e), and Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e) including the requirement of a signature by the party requesting continuance.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

Email proposed agreed jury instructions to the Judicial Assistant by the Monday before trial; omit titles, citations, and requester information unless an instruction is not agreed.

Emailed to the Judicial Assistant the Monday PRIOR to trial, the proposed agreed jury instructions should not contain jury instruction titles for each proposed instruction, any citations, nor any information as to who requested the instruction unless the instruction is not agreed to.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of mediation

The Notice of Mediation must specifically list the applicable mediation requirements stated in the order.

The following rules for mediation apply, and must be specifically listed in the Notice of Mediation:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial stipulation

The Plaintiff must ensure all parties’ counsel execute the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation, email it to the Judicial Assistant, and file it in the court file.

Plaintiff is responsible for 1) confirming that the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation is executed by counsel for all parties, 2) emailing to the Judicial Assistant and 3) filing in the court file.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial stipulation

The Pre-Trial Stipulation must include the listed matters in separate paragraphs.

The Pre-Trial Stipulation must contain the following in separate paragraphs:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

Counsel must identify every jury instruction to which any party objects.

Counsel must identify all jury instructions to which there is an objection by any party.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate

If the service list is incorrect or incomplete, the parties or counsel must notify the Court immediately in writing through the Certificate of Mailing/Service.

If the parties/counsel determines the service list is incorrect/incomplete, they shall notify the Court immediately, in writing, via their Certificate of Mailing/Service.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examination report

The examining physician must prepare a detailed written report containing the physician’s findings, tests, diagnoses, and conclusions.

The examining physician shall prepare a detailed written reporting setting forth all of the examining physician’s findings, including all tests made, diagnoses and conclusions.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Neuropsychological exam raw data

For neuropsychological examinations, the examiner must provide all raw data to the Plaintiff’s treating or retained psychologist or neuropsychologist, who must return it to the defense examiner at the conclusion of the case.

If the examination involves neuropsychological testing: In addition to the report, the examiner shall provide all raw data, including copies of all notes, tests, test results, scoring and test protocols, to Plaintiff’s treating or retained psychologist or neuropsychologist, who must return them to defense examiner at the conclusion of this case.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

An Affidavit of Heirs must be submitted with every petition for an intestate estate or when requested by the Court.

(To be submitted with all petitions for intestate estates OR upon request by the Court.)

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Initial guardianship plan

The rule identifies the Ward’s diagnosed mental disabilities.

The diagnosed mental disabilities of the Ward are:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Initial guardianship plan

The guardian’s plan includes a declaration under penalties of perjury that the guardian reviewed it and believes its facts are true.

UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I declare that I have read and examined the foregoing plan, and the facts alleged are true, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Initial guardianship plan

The form includes a preparer certification stating that the information was not independently verified and that the preparer provides no assurance as to its accuracy.

CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE OF PREPARER The preparation of this form is based upon the information provided by the guardian(s) and/or attorney with no independent verification of the information contained herein. I have not audited or reviewed the guardianship plan or documents supporting the preparation of the guardianship plan and, accordingly, do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance as to the accuracy of the information contained in the plan.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Initial guardianship plan

The form includes an attorney certification notifying the Court of the initial plan filing and representing that the attorney examined the plan and that it conforms to Florida Guardianship Law.

CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE OF GUARDIAN'S ATTORNEY The undersigned hereby notifies the Court of the filing of the initial guardianship plan of the guardian of the person. This initial plan is the representation of the guardian. I have not audited the accompanying initial guardianship plan. The undersigned attorney represents that he/she has examined the contents of this plan and that it conforms to the requirements of the Florida Guardianship Law.

CRITICALCivil casesCourt notice

Applies to

E docket call form

An E-Docket Call Form must be submitted together with the required joint pre-trial stipulation and jury instructions.

AN E-DOCKET CALL FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH REQUIRED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STIPULATION AND JURY INSTRUCTIONS TO SLCJUDGE13@CIRCUIT19.ORG BY 12:00 P.M. THREE BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE YOUR POSTED E-DOCKET CALL DATE

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit list and proposed exhibits

The completed Exhibit List and proposed exhibits must be properly titled and labeled with the Clerk’s exhibit template on the first page.

A completed Exhibit List and all proposed exhibits must be titled in the proper format, labeled with the clerk’s exhibit template on the first page (template found on the last page of this document, as well as posted on the judge’s webpage in Word).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The parties are limited to the exhibits and witnesses listed in the pretrial statement.

The parties will be strictly limited to those exhibits and witnesses listed in the pretrial statement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Hearing request

Hearing time will not be granted until the CMPO is filed in the court file.

No hearing time will granted until the CMPO is filed in the court file.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing must contain a good faith certificate.

Notices of hearings MUST contain a good faith certificate (see Good Faith Certificate below)

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by the cited rule.

Notices of hearing MUST contain the ADA notification required by Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion and notice of hearing

Motions and hearing notices must include a good faith certificate addressing contact, efforts to resolve the matter, hearing coordination, and the movant’s personal and direct conferral or attempted conferral.

All motions and notices of hearing must contain a certificate of good faith that you have contacted the opposing party (and attempted to resolve the matter without court time) and coordinated the hearing date, time, and amount of time necessary for the hearing. It must include a certification that the movant (attorney versus staff if the movant is represented) has personally and directly conferred or attempted to confer with the attorney or opposing party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Unless an in-person hearing has been specified, every notice of hearing must include the stated Zoom appearance and testimony language.

All notices of hearing must have the following language (unless the judge or the judicial assistant have specified that the hearing must be in person): At the designated hearing time, you will appear through Zoom teleconferencing (without charge) via video by clicking https://zoom.us/j/3984050002 or phone by calling 1-786-635-1003; Meeting ID: 398 405 0002. You must appear via video to provide testimony. You will be in the virtual “waiting room” until the case is called.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for continuance

Must include

proposed order

A motion for continuance is initially considered in chambers and must be accompanied by a proposed order.

Motions for continuance will initially be considered in chambers and must be accompanied by a proposed order (see subsection D for format below).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of cancellation

A cancellation notice will not be accepted unless the underlying pleading is withdrawn or rescheduled in compliance with the CMPO.

No notice of cancellation will be accepted by this office unless 1) the pending pleading is withdrawn; or 2) the pending pleading is rescheduled while remaining in compliance with the CMPO.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of cancellation

The moving party must notify the judicial assistant of the cancellation by email and file a notice of cancellation in the court file.

It is the responsibility of the moving party to contact the judicial assistant at slcjudge13@circuit19.org to advise of the cancellation AND file a notice of cancellation in the court file.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A motion may be stricken for noncompliance if it lacks the required Certificate of Conferral in the correct format.

Motions without the required Certificate of Conferral, in the correct format, may be stricken for non-compliance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A certificate of conferral must appear at the end of the motion above the signature block and substantially follow the stated form.

At the end of the motion and above the signature block, the movant must include a certificate of conferral in substantially the following form: “I certify that prior to filing this motion, I discussed the relief requested in this motion by [method of communication and date] with the opposing party and [the opposing party (agrees or disagrees) on the resolution of all or part of the motion]

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

Applies to

Motion

The date listed in the conferral must be within 7 days of the motion filing; otherwise, parties must update it before hearing time is offered.

The date listed in the conferral must be within 7 days of the filing of the motion. Otherwise, parties will be required to update the conferral before hearing time will be offered.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must include a complete service list with pro se e-service addresses and postal addresses when no e-service address exists.

Your proposed order must contain a complete service list, setting forth e-service address for pro se litigants, as well as any postal addresses if there is no e-service address.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Must include

proposed order

Emergency motions must be marked as emergencies in their titles, emailed to the court with a timestamp, and include a proposed order meeting subsection D’s requirements.

All emergency 4 motions must be clearly marked in the title of the motion as an emergency and emailed to the court’s office at slcjudge13@circuit19.org with a timestamp on it. A proposed order meeting the requirements of subsection D above must be included.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Joint pretrial statement

A joint pre-trial statement must be submitted on time in compliance with the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial.

PRE-TRIAL COMPLIANCE: This court requires full compliance with the Case Management Plan and Order Setting Trial, which includes the timely submission of a joint pre-trial statement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A motion to withdraw must provide the party’s last known mailing address, phone number, and email for service, or state that the information is unavailable and describe the good-faith effort to obtain it.

Motion to Withdraw: The motion must contain the party’s last known mailing address, phone number, including area code, and eservice address (email). If not available, the motion must state that the information is not available and the details of a good faith attempt to obtain it.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

The motion to withdraw and its proposed order must state the next court date or trial date.

Additionally, the motion and proposed order must set forth the next court date/trial date.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to dismiss

Motions to dismiss must state their grounds and applicable substantial matters of law specifically and with particularity.

Motions to dismiss must state the grounds and the applicable substantial matters of law specifically and with particularity.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for more definite statement

Motions for a more definite statement must identify the complained-of defects and the details desired.

Motions for more definite statement must point out the defects complained of and the details desired.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Filing or submission

Must include

ai disclosure

A filing or submission containing AI-generated content must disclose AI use on its face and certify that the filer personally reviewed and verified its accuracy.

If any attorney or pro se party submits to the court any filing or submission containing AI-generated content, that attorney or pro se party must disclose the use of artificial intelligence on the face of the document and also must include a certification that the attorney or pro se party has personally reviewed and verified the content’s accuracy.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Record supporting exceptions

A party filing exceptions must provide a supporting record, which includes the court file, designated transcript portions, and all depositions and evidence presented to the Magistrate; a written transcript may be required.

Any party filing exceptions will be required to provide the Court with a record sufficient to support the exceptions, or the exceptions may be denied. A record sufficient to support exceptions may require a written transcript of the relevant proceedings. The record shall include the court file, designated portions of the transcript of proceedings before the General Magistrate, and all depositions and evidence presented to the General Magistrate.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Record supporting exceptions

A CD copy of the proceeding is not sufficient for review of exceptions in place of a certified written transcript.

Providing the court with a copy of the CD, instead of a certified written transcript, is insufficient for review of exceptions by the court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order of referral

For a hearing issue that may be referred, submit an Order of Referral to the General Magistrate’s assistant unless already referred, and schedule the hearing before the General Magistrate.

If the issue being set for hearing can be referred to the General Magistrate, an Order of Referral shall be submitted to the General Magistrate’s assistant (if not previously referred) and the hearing shall be scheduled before the General Magistrate.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Hearing documents

When submitting required hearing documents, provide the Court a copy of any filed written objection to the General Magistrate; failure may result in the matter being stricken.

If a written objection to the General Magistrate has been filed by a party, you MUST provide a copy to this Court when providing the hearing documents as required. Failure to provide a copy of the objection may result in the matter being stricken from the docket.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of privilege assertion

The written notice asserting privilege must identify the materials, the privilege asserted, and the date the inadvertent disclosure was discovered.

The notice must include specifics on the materials in question, the nature of the privilege asserted, and the date on which inadvertent disclosure was discovered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

A response to a Rule 1.350 request must reproduce each request in full and in numbered form, followed by the response.

When responding to a request for production or inspection served pursuant to Rule 1.350, the responding party is required to state each discovery request in full as numbered, followed by the answer, objection, or other response.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

If documents will be produced, the response must give a specific date when they will be available; a mutually agreeable time is insufficient.

If the documents will be produced, the response should state a specific date when the responsive documents will be available. For example, to state that the requested documents will be made available at a “mutually agreeable time” is not sufficient.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

A party withholding discoverable information based on privilege or another protection must expressly claim the protection and describe the withheld material sufficiently for other parties to assess the claim without revealing protected information.

A party who responds to or objects to discovery requests and who withholds information otherwise discoverable by asserting that the information is privileged or subject to other protection from discovery must assert a claim expressly and must describe the nature of the documents, communications, or things not produced or disclosed, such that, without revealing the privileged or protected information itself, the description will enable other parties to assess the applicability of the privilege or protection.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Interrogatory response

A response to Rule 1.340 interrogatories must reproduce each interrogatory in full and in numerical order before its answer, objection, or other response.

When responding to interrogatories served pursuant to Rule 1.340, the responding party is required to state each interrogatory in full as numbered, followed by the answer, objection, or other response.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Interrogatory response

Interrogatory answers must be separate, full, written, and under oath; an objection must state its grounds and be signed by the attorney making it.

The respondent is required to answer each interrogatory separately and fully in writing and under oath, unless the respondent objects, in which event the grounds for the objection must be stated and signed by the attorney making the objection.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Interrogatory response

A response narrowed by objections should identify that fact and describe the information withheld.

When an answer is narrowed by one or more objections, this fact and the nature of the information withheld should be specified in the response itself.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Privilege claim

A claim of privilege must include enough particulars for the court to assess its validity.

A claim of privilege must be supported by a statement of particulars sufficient to enable the court to assess its validity.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Written interrogatory objection

Written objections to interrogatories should be signed by counsel rather than by the party.

Written objections to interrogatories should be signed by counsel instead of the party.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Response to request for admission

A response to a request for admission must reproduce each numbered request in full and place the answer, objection, or other response after it.

When responding to requests for admissions served pursuant to Rule 1.370, the responding party is required to state each discovery request in full as numbered, followed by the answer, objection or other response.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Response to request for admission

A response must specifically deny the matter or explain in detail why it cannot be truthfully admitted or denied, and must identify and qualify or deny any parts that are not all true.

The response should specifically deny the matter or set forth in detail the reasons why the responding party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter. If parts of the statement are true and parts of the statement are untrue, the answering party must still specify that some of the requested matter is true and then qualify or deny the remainder.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Response to request for admission

A party may rely on lack of information or knowledge only after stating that reasonable inquiry found the known or readily obtainable information insufficient to admit or deny the request.

An answering party cannot give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for failing to admit or deny a request unless the party states that the party has made a reasonable inquiry and determined that the information known or readily obtainable is insufficient to enable the party to admit or deny the request.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Document production response

A party objecting to document production must state the objection in its written response, after which the requester may seek an order compelling discovery.

Similarly, in the case of production of documents under Rule 1.350, a party objecting to the production of documents shall state its objection in the written response to the document production request, in which event the party submitting the request may seek an order compelling the discovery in accordance with Rule 1.380.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to compel

A moving party seeking relief under subsection (4) must make a good-faith effort to obtain discovery without court action and certify that effort in the motion to compel.

A moving party’s failure to make a good faith effort to obtain the discovery without court action, and to so certify in the motion to compel, will be fatal to obtaining relief under subsection (4) of the rule.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Sanctions order

Before dismissing an action or entering a default as a discovery sanction, the court must find that the violations were willful or deliberate.

If the trial court dismisses an action or enters a default as a sanction for discovery violations, a predicate finding that the violations were willful or deliberate must be made.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

An objection to only part of a discovery request must identify that part and permit inspection of the remainder.

An objection to part of a request must specify the part and permit inspection of the rest.

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

Civil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

Production must be completed by the inspection time in the request or by another reasonable time specifically stated in the response.

The production must be concluded. completed either by the time for inspection specified in the request or by another reasonable time specifically identified in the response.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of compliance

The parties’ counsel must jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2.

3. Counsel for the Parties shall jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming they have met the requirements of Para. 1 and 2 of this Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Privilege summary log

For documents withheld or redacted on privilege grounds, the producing party must prepare a summary log with the specified available metadata, excluding full text.

In an effort to avoid unnecessary expense and burden, the parties agree that, for documents redacted or withheld from production on the basis of attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine and/or any other applicable privilege, the producing party will prepare a summary log containing the file, system and application metadata information set forth herein, for each document, record, etc. (except for full text), to the extent such information exists.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examination request

An examination request must specifically state the examination’s time, place, manner, conditions, and scope, and identify the examiner and their qualifications.

Requests for an examination must set forth the time, place, manner, conditions and scope of the examination as well as the name of and the qualifications of the person conducting the examination with specificity.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Intake forms

Necessary intake forms or histories must be provided to counsel at least 7 days before the examination and brought to the examination completed.

Written intake forms or histories that are deemed necessary by the examiner must be provided to counsel for the party to be examined no later than 7 days prior to the exam. These forms can be reviewed by counsel and completed by the party to be examined and must be brought to the office of the examiner on the day of the exam.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Expert report

When scheduling the examination, the requesting party must provide at least three deposition dates; if a date is within 14 days of the examination, the report is due at least 5 days before that deposition.

The party requesting the examination shall also provide to opposing counsel, at the time the examination is scheduled, no less than three dates when the examiner will be available for oral deposition. Should any of the dates be within 14 days of the examination the above referred to report shall be provided to deposing counsel no later than 5 days before the deposition date.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Expert report

Experts may not offer opinions outside their written report, and changes based on new information must be promptly disclosed with a revised or supplemental report and dates for updated depositions.

Experts rendering opinions under this rule will be prohibited from expressing opinions, diagnostic impressions, causation opinions and other conclusions that are not contained within the written report. Any changes of opinions or conclusions based on new information must be made known to opposing counsel immediately, a revised or supplemental report provided and dates for updated depositions must also be provided.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examiner report

The examiner must prepare a detailed report of findings, tests, diagnoses, and conclusions and send it to Plaintiff’s counsel within 30 days of the examination, unless counsel agree otherwise or the court orders otherwise due to special circumstances.

The examining physician shall prepare a detailed written reporting setting forth all of the examining physician’s findings, including all tests made, diagnoses and conclusions. The report of the examiner shall be sent to Plaintiff’s counsel, as required by Rule 1.360(b), within 30 days of the examination unless otherwise agreed between counsel for the parties or ordered by the court due to special circumstances.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examination request

An examination request must specify its time, place, manner, conditions, and scope, and identify the examiner and the examiner’s qualifications.

Requests for an examination must set forth the time, place, manner, conditions, and scope of the examination as well as the name of and the qualifications of the person conducting the examination with specificity.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Rule 1 360 a 1 b examination

A non-physical-condition examination under Rule 1.360(a)(1)(B) requires a court order or a written agreement of all parties submitted as an agreed order.

Examinations sought under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360(a)(l )(B) [non-physical condition] must be obtained with an order from this Court, or with a written agreement of all parties in the form of an agreed order submitted to this Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Request or response

If the examination will be recorded or observed by others, the examinee's attorney must state in the request or response the number of attendees, their roles, and the recording methods.

If the examination is to be recorded or observed by others, the request or response of the examinee's attomey shall include the number of people attending, their role, and the methods of recording.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examiner report

The examining physician must prepare a detailed written report stating all findings, tests, diagnoses, and conclusions.

The examining physician shall prepare a detailed written reporting setting forth all of the examining physician's findings, including all tests made, diagnoses and conclusions.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to continue

A motion to continue must comply with the cited rules and be signed by the party requesting the continuance.

Any motion to continue must comply with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.460, Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.200(e), and Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e), including the requirement of a signature by the party requesting continuance.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation order

The mediation order must require personal attendance by trial counsel and authorized clients or representatives, and an insured party’s representative must present written settlement authority at the start of mediation.

The personal appearance of counsel who will try the case and their clients (a management representative if a corporate party) with full authority to enter into a full and complete compromise and settlement is mandatory. An insured party must have a fully authorized representative, not just the attorney for the insurance company, attend the mediation conference. The insurance representative must have written authority to settle the case up to the policy limits and must present the authority to the mediator at the beginning of the mediation session;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Fact witness disclosure

Fact-witness disclosures must identify each potential witness by name and address and summarize the testimony, subject to the stated exception.

The names and addresses of all potential fact witnesses, and a summary of the nature of their testimony, must be disclosed. Except for stating "all witnesses listed by other parties," witnesses must be specifically named.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation order

Plaintiff’s counsel must coordinate mediation, submit an order setting it, and include the specified mediation rules in that order.

Plaintiff’s counsel must coordinate the mediation conference and must submit an order setting mediation to the Court. The following rules for mediation apply and must be specifically listed in the mediation order:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Joint pretrial stipulation

By the event-section deadline, Plaintiff must ensure all counsel execute the joint pre-trial stipulation, email it to the Judicial Assistant, and file it with the court.

No later than the date set forth in the event section above, Plaintiff is responsible to 1) confirm that the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation is executed by counsel for all parties, 2) email to the Judicial Assistant and 3) file in the court file.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Joint pretrial stipulation

The pre-trial stipulation must contain the listed case summary, stipulations, issues, claimed relief, estimated trial time, agreements, unusual issues, and peremptory-challenge counts in separate paragraphs.

The Pre-Trial Stipulation must contain the following in separate paragraphs: A brief statement of the case to be read to the prospective jurors at the beginning of jury selection; A statement of agreements and stipulated facts which require no proof at trial; A statement of all issues of law and fact for determination at trial. A statement that the issues to be tried are framed by the pleading in the case or something similar in insufficient; A specification of the damages and/or relief claimed; A statement of estimated trial time; Any other agreements; An identification of unusual issues, either evidentiary or procedural, that are expected to arise during trial; The number of peremptory challenges for each party;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Joint pretrial stipulation

The stipulation must itemize all potential trial exhibits, note applicable waivers of objection, and the exhibits must be marked and filed with the clerk before trial.

A list of all exhibits (including depositions to be read) which may be introduced at trial, itemized as indicated below. Counsel must note a waiver of objection for those exhibits where appropriate. All exhibits must be marked and filed with the clerk prior to trial as follows:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

Proposed jury instructions must include titles, citations, requesting-party information, party names, identification of undisputed instructions, and consecutively presented disputed instructions with designation and citations.

The proposed agreed jury instructions should contain a jury instruction title for each proposed instruction, any citations, and information as to who requested the instruction. The jury instructions should be personalized to use the parties’ names instead of “Plaintiff” or “Defendant.” Counsel must identify all jury instructions to which there is no objection by any party. Disputed jury instructions should be included consecutively in the packet and should be designated as plaintiff’s proposed instruction, or defendant’s proposed instruction with all legal citations included.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Privilege log

A party withholding discoverable information as privileged must prepare and file an adequate privilege log that complies with the cited authorities and includes the listed minimum information.

A party withholding information otherwise discoverable by claiming it is privileged shall make the claim expressly by preparing and filing an adequate privilege log compliant with Rule 1.280(b)(6), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and the 2021 Florida Handbook on Civil Discovery Practice to “include at a minimum (for documents), sender, recipients, title or type, date and subject matter”

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Amended privilege log

Pages of each document listed on an amended privilege log must be Bates numbered.

the pages of each document listed on the amended privilege log shall be bates numbered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Privilege log

Privilege-log descriptions must explain each document’s subject matter, purpose, and specific basis for privilege or immunity in sufficient detail; generic descriptions are insufficient.

describe the document’s subject matter, purpose for its production, and a specific explanation of why the document is privileged or immune from discovery. These categories, especially this last category, must be sufficiently detailed to allow the court to determine whether the discovery opponent has discharged its burden of establishing the requirements expounded upon in the foregoing discussion. Accordingly, descriptions such as ‘letter re claim,’ ‘analysis of claim,’ or ‘report in anticipation of litigation’-with which we have grown all too familiar-will be insufficient.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of request for in camera review

A party seeking in camera review must file a notice identifying each requested document by reproducing its complete privilege-log information.

The party requesting the in camera review of documents asserted to be privileged must file a Notice of Request for In Camera Review. The notice shall identify the documents requested for review by excerpting the complete information provided in the objecting party’s privilege log for each document.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

In camera cover letter

The cover letter accompanying in camera documents must state that they are provided for inspection under the Court’s order, contain no argument or other information, and the documents must follow the Bates-stamp order in the notice.

For all documents submitted for in camera review pursuant to this Order, counsel for the party asserting the privileges raised shall send a cover letter to the Court’s chambers, enclosing documents for in camera inspection in a sealed envelope marked FOR IN CAMERA REVIEW/NOT TO BE FILED. The cover letter will advise the documents are being provided for an in camera inspection pursuant to this Court’s order. The documents shall be produced with bates stamps in the order set forth in the Notice of Request for In Camera Review. No argument or other information shall be included in the cover letter.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to amend privilege log

Further amendments to privilege assertions for documents in the notice are prohibited unless a motion to amend the privilege log is filed and good cause is shown.

No further amendments to the privileges asserted as to the documents at issue in the Notice of Request for In Camera Inspection shall be made absent the filing of a Motion to Amend the Privilege Log and a showing of good cause for the amendment.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of compliance

Counsel must jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2.

Counsel for the Parties shall jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming they have met the requirements of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for rehearing reconsideration or new trial

Must include

proposed order

Motions for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial are initially considered without a hearing, must include a proposed order upon filing, and are held for ten days to allow a reply.

All motions for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial will be initially considered without a hearing. The moving party shall furnish the court with a proposed order upon the filing of the motion. The motion will be held for ten (10) days to give the opposing side the opportunity to reply.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion and notice of hearing

Must include

certificate of conference

Every motion and notice of hearing must include a good faith certificate describing efforts to resolve the matter and coordinate the hearing, and certifying that the represented movant personally conferred or attempted to confer.

All motions and notices of hearing must contain a certificate of good faith that you have contacted the opposing party (and attempted to resolve the matter without court time) and coordinated the hearing date, time, and amount of time necessary for the hearing. It must include a certification that the movant (attorney versus staff if the movant is represented) has personally and directly conferred or attempted to confer with the attorney or opposing party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Unless the court specifies an in-person hearing, every hearing notice must include the prescribed Zoom appearance, testimony, and waiting-room language.

All notices of hearing must have the following language (unless the judge or the judicial assistant have specified that the hearing must be in person): At the designated hearing time, you will appear through Zoom teleconferencing (without charge) via video by clicking https://zoom.us/j/3984050002 or phone by calling 1-786-635-1003; Meeting ID: 398 405 0002. You must appear via video to provide testimony. You will be in the virtual “waiting room” until the case is called.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Continuance motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion for continuance must be accompanied by a proposed order and will initially be considered in chambers.

Motions for continuance will initially be considered in chambers and must be accompanied by a proposed order (see subsection D for format below).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order must provide a complete service list, including pro se e-service addresses and postal addresses when no e-service address exists; “all parties of record” is insufficient.

Your proposed order must contain a complete service list, setting forth e-service address for pro se litigants, as well as any postal addresses if there is no e-service address. Statements of service to “all parties of record” will be returned unsigned.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

When a hearing addresses multiple pleadings or motions, one proposed order must address each in its title, body, and ordered section; separate orders for each motion will be rejected.

If your hearing is set to address more than one pleading/motion, each pleading/motion must be accounted for in your proposed order (in the title, in the body, and in the ordered section). A separate proposed order for each individual motion will be rejected as non-compliant with these procedures.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Must include

proposed order

An emergency motion must be labeled as an emergency, emailed with a timestamp, and accompanied by a proposed order that complies with the stated proposed-order requirements.

All emergency motions must be clearly marked in the title of the motion as an emergency and emailed to the court’s office at slcjudge13@circuit19.org with a timestamp on it. A proposed order meeting the requirements of subsection D above must be included.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to dismiss or more definite statement

A motion to dismiss must identify its grounds and applicable substantial matters of law with particularity; a motion for more definite statement must identify the alleged defects and desired details.

Motions to dismiss must state the grounds and the applicable substantial matters of law specifically and with particularity. Motions for more definite statement must point out the defects complained of and the details desired.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Filing or submission containing ai generated content

Must include

ai disclosure

A filing or submission containing AI-generated content must disclose AI use on its face and certify that the filer personally reviewed and verified its accuracy.

If any attorney or pro se party submits to the court any filing or submission containing AI-generated content, that attorney or pro se party must disclose the use of artificial intelligence on the face of the document and also must include a certification that the attorney or pro se party has personally reviewed and verified the content’s accuracy.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

E docket call form

The E-Docket Call Form must be submitted with the required Joint Pre-Trial Statement and Jury Instructions.

To be submitted with required Joint Pre-Trial Statement and Jury Instructions

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A Notice of Hearing for objections must list the good-faith conferral.

If you are scheduling a hearing on objections, the good faith conferral must be listed in the Notice of Hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Notices involving remote appearance must include the court’s Zoom credentials.

Any notice involving remote appearance must include the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice

All notices must include the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Court filing

Must include

certificate of service

Filings and proposed orders must certify full service addresses; generic e-service statements or a cc listing without an address are insufficient.

All filings and proposed orders MUST contain proper address certification, including full addresses or email addresses. Statements such as “served via e-service portal” are NOT sufficient. Listing a party as “cc:” without an address is also insufficient.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement by all parties 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion and proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

Proposed orders and motions must state the full address or email address where service occurred or will occur; a generic e-service statement or address-free cc listing is insufficient.

All proposed orders and motion MUST contain proper address certification – i.e. the FULL address or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the foregoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the address is insufficient.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed order

An agreement or stipulation must be submitted to the Court as a separate Word-format agreed order containing language approving it.

If you have reached an agreement/stipulation, a separate agreed order in WORD must be provided to the Court with language approving the agreement/stipulation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed order or stipulation

Agreed orders and stipulations require written verification or a cover letter stating the requested action, confirming copies were provided to counsel and self-represented parties, and stating that there are no objections to entry.

The Court will not execute agreed orders, or stipulations without a written verification or cover letter stating the action requested, that a copy was provided to all counsel of record and pro se parties, and if there is a stipulation or an agreed order, that there are no objections to the entry of the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions must be labeled as emergencies in their titles and emailed to the court with a timestamp.

All emergency motions must be clearly marked in the title of the motion as an emergency and emailed to the court’s office at SLCJudge4@Circuit19.org with a timestamp on it.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management conference

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must attend CMCs unless excused by the Court in advance.

Unless excused by the court in advance, all CMC’s are mandatory for attorneys and self-represented litigants.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

A party withholding discoverable information on privilege or protection grounds must expressly assert the claim and describe the withheld material sufficiently to let other parties assess the claim without disclosing protected information.

A party who responds to or objects to discovery requests and who withholds information otherwise discoverable by asserting that the information is privileged or subject to other protection from discovery must assert a claim expressly and must describe the nature of the documents, communications, or things not produced or disclosed, such that, without revealing the privileged or protected information itself, the description will enable other parties to assess the applicability of the privilege or protection.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to compel

When a motion to compel is filed, the party asserting a protection must establish all essential supporting facts by affidavit or other evidence.

If a motion to compel is filed, the party asserting a protection has the obligation to establish by affidavit or other evidence all facts essential to the establishment of the privilege or protection relied upon.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Response to requests for admission

A response must specifically deny the matter or detail why the responding party cannot truthfully admit or deny it.

The response should specifically deny the matter or set forth in detail the reasons why the responding party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Response to requests for admission

If only part of a statement is true, the response must identify the true part and qualify or deny the remainder.

If parts of the statement are true and parts of the statement are untrue, the answering party must still specify that some of the requested matter is true and then qualify or deny the remainder.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Response to requests for admission

A party relying on lack of information or knowledge must state that a reasonable inquiry was made and that known or readily obtainable information is insufficient to admit or deny.

An answering party cannot give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for failing to admit or deny a request unless the party states that the party has made a reasonable inquiry and determined that the information known or readily obtainable is insufficient to enable the party to admit or deny the request.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Written motion for protective order

A written motion for protective order must include a copy of the deposition.

A copy of the deposition will need to be filed with the written motion for protective order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Compulsory medical examination request

A request for a compulsory medical examination must disclose the examination’s nature and the extent of testing the physician may perform.

The party making the request also must disclose the nature of the examination and the extent of testing that may be performed by the examining physician.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to compel

A motion to compel seeking relief under subsection (4) must certify that the moving party made a good-faith effort to obtain discovery without court action.

A moving party’s failure to make a good faith effort to obtain the discovery without court action, and to so certify in the motion to compel, will be fatal to obtaining relief under subsection (4) of the rule.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Sanctions order

Before dismissing an action or entering a default as a discovery sanction, the court must find that the violations were willful or deliberate.

If the trial court dismisses an action or enters a default as a sanction for discovery violations, a predicate finding that the violations were willful or deliberate must be made.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order

When an attorney’s actions, rather than the represented party’s, caused the discovery violation, the order must include detailed findings as delineated in Kozel v. Ostendorf.

If the offending party is represented by counsel and the actions of the attorney – not the party – resulted in the discovery violation, detailed findings must be included in the order, as delineated in Kozel v. Ostendorf.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

An objection to only part of a discovery request must identify the objected-to part and permit inspection of the remainder.

An objection to part of a request must specify the part and permit inspection of the rest.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery response

If responding by producing copies instead of permitting inspection, the response must say so and identify the applicable production time.

The response to the request must state that copies will be produced. The production must be completed either by the time for inspection specified in the request or by another reasonable time specifically identified in the response.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of compliance

The parties’ counsel must jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2.

Counsel for the Parties shall jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming they have met the requirements of Para. 1 and 2 of this Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Privilege log

For documents redacted or withheld on privilege grounds, the producing party must prepare a summary log with the specified file, system, and application metadata to the extent it exists, excluding full text.

In an effort to avoid unnecessary expense and burden, the parties agree that, for documents redacted or withheld from production on the basis of attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine and/or any other applicable privilege, the producing party will prepare a summary log containing the file, system and application metadata information set forth herein, for each document, record, etc. (except for full text), to the extent such information exists.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Written request for further information

Within a reasonable time after receiving a summary log, a party seeking further information must explain its need in writing and identify each requested document by Bates number.

Within a reasonable time following the receipt of such a summary log, a receiving party may identify particular documents that it believes require further explanation. The receiving party seeking further information shall explain in writing the need for such information and state precisely each document (by Bates number) for which it seeks this

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examination request

An examination request must specifically state its time, place, manner, conditions, and scope, and identify the examiner and the examiner’s qualifications.

Requests for an examination must set forth the time, place, manner, conditions and scope of the examination as well as the name of and the qualifications of the person conducting the examination with specificity.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examination objection

Objections must state specific reasons, and a hearing must be requested immediately; failure to set the objection for immediate hearing is treated as abandonment of the request.

The objections must state the specific reasons for the objections. A hearing must be immediately requested on any objection filed. Failure to set the objection for immediate hearing will be deemed an “Abandonment of the Request” under the rules.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Non physical condition examination

A non-physical-condition examination under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360(a)(1)(B) requires a court order or a written agreement of all parties.

Examinations sought under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.360(a)(1)(B) [non-physical condition] must be obtained with an order from this Court, or with a written agreement of all parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Expert report

If an offered deposition date is within 14 days of the examination, the report must be provided to deposing counsel at least 5 days before the deposition.

Should any of the dates be within 14 days of the examination the above referred to report shall be provided to deposing counsel no later than 5 days before the deposition date.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Expert report

Experts may not offer opinions beyond their written report, and changes based on new information must be disclosed immediately with a revised or supplemental report and dates for updated depositions.

Experts rendering opinions under this rule will be prohibited from expressing opinions, diagnostic impressions, causation opinions and other conclusions that are not contained within the written report. Any changes of opinions or conclusions based on new information must be made known to opposing counsel immediately, a revised or supplemental report provided and dates for updated depositions must also be provided.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Examiner report

The examiner must prepare a detailed report of findings, tests, diagnoses, and conclusions and send it to Plaintiff’s counsel within 30 days, unless counsel agree otherwise or the court orders otherwise due to special circumstances.

The examining physician shall prepare a detailed written reporting setting forth all of the examining physician’s findings, including all tests made, diagnoses and conclusions. The report of the examiner shall be sent to Plaintiff’s counsel, as required by Rule 1.360(b), within 30 days of the examination unless otherwise agreed between counsel for the parties or ordered by the court due to special circumstances.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Privilege log

A party withholding discoverable information as privileged must file an adequate privilege log with the listed document information and Bates-numbered pages.

A party withholding information otherwise discoverable by claiming it is privileged shall make the claim expressly by preparing and filing an adequate privilege log compliant with Rule 1.280(b)(6), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and the 2021 Florida Handbook on Civil Discovery Practice to “include at a minimum (for documents), sender, recipients, title or type, date and subject matter”1 and the pages of each document listed on the amended privilege log shall be bates numbered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of request for in camera review

A party requesting in camera review must file a notice identifying each requested document by reproducing the complete information from the objecting party’s privilege log.

The party requesting the in camera review of documents asserted to be privileged must file a Notice of Request for In Camera Review. The notice shall identify the documents requested for review by excerpting the complete information provided in the objecting party’s privilege log for each document.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to amend privilege log

Further amendments to privileges asserted for the documents at issue require a Motion to Amend the Privilege Log and a showing of good cause.

No further amendments to the privileges asserted as to the documents at issue in the Notice of Request for In Camera Inspection shall be made absent the filing of a Motion to Amend the Privilege Log and a showing of good cause for the amendment.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of compliance

Counsel must jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming that they met the requirements of paragraphs 1 and 2.

Counsel for the Parties shall jointly prepare and file a short Notice of Compliance confirming they have met the requirements of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Summary privilege log

The producing party must prepare a summary privilege log with the specified file, system, and application metadata, if available, excluding full text.

the producing party will prepare a summary privilege log containing the file, system and application metadata information set forth herein, for each document, record, etc. (except for full text), to the extent such information exists.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

For a hearing on objections, the Notice of Hearing must state the good-faith conferral.

If you are scheduling a hearing on objections, the good faith conferral must be listed in the Notice of Hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A Notice of Hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every Notice of Hearing must include the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Court filing

Must include

certificate of service

Every court filing and proposed order must certify the full mailing or email address where each party was or will be served; a generic e-service statement or an address-free cc listing is insufficient.

All court filings and proposed orders MUST contain proper address certification i.e. the FULL address of ALL parties or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the foregoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the address is insufficient.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A Notice of Hearing must state whether the appearance is in person or remote.

The Notice of Hearing MUST indicate the type of appearance (i.e. In Person or Remote).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motions and proposed orders

Motions and proposed orders must certify the full address or email address where service occurred or will occur; a generic e-service statement or an address-free cc listing is insufficient.

All proposed orders and motion MUST contain proper address certification – i.e. the FULL address or email address where the motion was served (or order will be served.) “I certify that a copy of the forgoing was emailed to all parties through the e-service portal” is NOT sufficient. Likewise, listing a party on the order “cc:” without listing the address is insufficient.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed order

An agreed order must be provided to the Court in WORD format and include language approving the agreement or stipulation.

If you have reached an agreement/stipulation, a separate agreed order in WORD must be provided to the Court with language approving the agreement/stipulation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed order or stipulation

An agreed order or stipulation must include written verification or a cover letter stating the requested action, confirming delivery to all counsel of record and pro se parties, and, for an agreed order or stipulation, stating that there are no objections to entry.

The Court will not execute agreed orders, or stipulations without a written verification or cover letter stating the action requested, that a copy was provided to all counsel of record and pro se parties, and if there is a stipulation or an agreed order, that there are no objections to the entry of the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial notebook

Plaintiff’s counsel must present the Court with a trial notebook containing copies of pertinent filed pleadings five business days before trial.

Trial Notebook: Plaintiff’s counsel shall present to the Court, five (5) business days prior to trial, a trial notebook containing copies of pertinent pleadings filed in the case (i.e., Complaint, Answer and Affirmative Defenses, Counter-Claims, Pre-Trial Stipulation, etc.).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Withdrawal or substitution of counsel

Withdrawal or substitution of counsel requires the client's written consent filed with the Court or a hearing after proper notice to the client.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order of referral

If the parties seek referral to a General Magistrate before the Court refers the matter, they must provide the Court with an Order of Referral substantially conforming to Exhibit A for review and signature.

Should the parties desire the referral of a matter to the General Magistrate prior to referral by the Court, an Order of Referral to the Magistrate in substantial conformity with that attached hereto as Exhibit A shall be provided to the Court for review and signature.

CRITICALCivil casesCourt notice

Applies to

E docket call form

The E-Docket Call Form must be submitted with the required joint pre-trial statement.

AN E-DOCKET CALL FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH REQUIRED JOINT PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to continue

A motion to continue must comply with the cited rules and be signed by the party requesting the continuance.

Per the on-line Circuit Civil Division Guidelines and Procedures, any motion to continue must comply with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.460, Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.200(e) and Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e) including the requirement of a signature by the party requesting continuance.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation order

Plaintiff’s counsel must coordinate mediation, submit an order setting it, and include the stated mediation rules in that order.

Plaintiff’s counsel must coordinate the mediation conference and must submit an order setting mediation to the Court. The following rules for mediation apply, and must be specifically listed in the mediation order:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation order

Trial counsel and clients or appropriate authorized representatives must personally attend mediation with settlement authority, and an insurance representative must present written authority up to policy limits at the session’s start.

The personal appearance of counsel who will try the case and their clients (a management representative if a corporate party) with full authority to enter into a full and complete compromise and settlement is mandatory. An insured party must have a fully authorized representative, not just the attorney for the insurance company, attend the mediation conference. The insurance representative must have written authority to settle the case up to the policy limits, and must present the authority to the mediator at the beginning of the mediation session;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation summary

The parties must provide the mediator a brief written summary of the facts and issues five days before mediation.

The parties must present a brief written summary of the facts and issues to the mediator five (5) days before the conference;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial stipulation

By the event-section deadline, Plaintiff must ensure all counsel execute the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation, email it to the Judicial Assistant, and file it in the court file.

No later than the date set forth in the event section above, Plaintiff is responsible to 1) confirm that the Joint Pre-Trial Stipulation is executed by counsel for all parties, 2) email to the Judicial Assistant and 3) file in the court file.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

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

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement by all parties 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing based on a factual basis must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time each party needs to present.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice for trial

A notice for trial must be filed to set the case for trial.

Procedure: File a notice for trial to set the case for trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for continuance

A continuance motion must be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.

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).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to use communication technology for an appearance

Requests to appear using communication technology must be made by motion.

Remote Appearance Procedure: Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying party agreement 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.

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

Applies to

Emergency hearing motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time needed for each party’s presentation.

Requirements: 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 3 ===== PAGE 4 ===== hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, court, and every party to review at the hearing or trial.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits must be labeled using the specified Petitioner/Plaintiff or Respondent/Defendant format.

Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: ‘Petitioner/Plaintiff 1’ or ‘Respondent/Defendant A.’

CRITICAL

Applies to

Status conference request

A status conference request must explain why the conference is necessary.

Requirements: Any request for a status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice for trial

A notice for trial must be filed to set the case for trial.

Procedure: File a notice for trial to set the case for trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

A Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Continuance motion

The party requesting a continuance must sign the motion unless good cause is shown for an exception.

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).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

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

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying party agreement 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency hearing motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing must file a detailed motion identifying the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough exhibit copies for the clerk, court, and each party to review at the hearing or trial.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Status conference request

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

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice for trial

A notice for trial must be filed to set the case for trial.

File a notice for trial to set the case for trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A continuance motion must be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.

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).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement by all parties 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.

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

Applies to

Emergency hearing motion

A party seeking an emergency hearing based on a factual basis must file a detailed motion stating the issues, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time needed for each party’s presentation.

Requirements: 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 3 ===== PAGE 4 ===== hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and each party to review at the hearing or trial.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the Ward is a beneficiary of a specified trust, attach a statement of income and disbursements for the Ward’s benefit.

If the Ward is a beneficiary of a Pooled, Special Needs, or Qualified Income Trust; a statement as to the income and disbursements for the benefit of the ward must be attached.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

An Affidavit of Heirs must be submitted with petitions for intestate estates or when the Court requests it.

Affidavit of Heirs: Yes No Not Applicable (To be submitted with all petitions for intestate estates OR upon request by the Court.)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

A cover letter must accompany proposed Orders sent to the Judge’s office.

I have reviewed the file and completed the Checklist in this matter. Everything on the Checklist is accounted for and proposed Orders (in Word format) are now proper to be sent to the Judge’s office with a cover letter via e-mail only to ProbateSLC@circuit19.org.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for order authorizing payment of attorneys fee and expenses

The petition form includes a certification concerning applicable annual filings, payment, and guardian education requirements.

I hereby certify that the annual application for investigation, court appointed attorney fees and examining committee fees, if applicable, have been filed and paid and I have not received notification that any filings are non-compliant. The guardian has completed and filed with the Court proof of completion of the guardian education requirements.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of heirs

An Affidavit of Heirs must be submitted with every petition for an intestate estate or when the Court requests one.

(To be submitted with all petitions for intestate estates OR upon request by the Court.)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Checklist

The checklist requires an attorney signature, and electronic signatures are not accepted.

Attorney Signature (no e-signatures):

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual accounting

The preparer certification states that the accounting was prepared from information provided by the guardian or attorney without independent verification, audit, or assurance as to its accuracy.

I have prepared the Annual Accounting based upon the information provided by the guardian(s) and/or attorney with no independent verification of the information contained herein. I have not audited or reviewed the Annual Accounting or documents supporting the preparation of the Annual Accounting and, accordingly, do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance as to the accuracy of the information contained in the Annual Accounting.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual accounting

The attorney certification notifies the Court of the filing, identifies the accounting as the guardian’s representation, and states that the attorney examined it for conformity with Florida Guardianship Law without auditing it.

The undersigned hereby notifies the Court of the filing of the Annual Accounting of the guardian of the property. This Annual Accounting is the representation of the guardian. I have not audited the accompanying Annual Accounting. The undersigned attorney represents that he/she has examined the contents of this Annual Accounting and that it conforms to the requirements of the Florida Guardianship Law.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual guardianship plan

The guardian must select all applicable visit periods, enter the number of visits, and report visits for each quarter of the preceding 12-month plan period.

Note: Please select all that applies and enter the number of visits First three months Second three months Third three months Fourth three months This applies to each quarter of the plan period for the last 12 months.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Annual physicians report of examination

All items in the Annual Physician's Report of Examination must be answered.

(All items must be answered)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Guardian certification

The guardian certification includes a declaration under penalties of perjury that the plan was reviewed and its facts are true to the guardian’s knowledge and belief.

UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I declare that I have read and examined the foregoing plan, and the facts alleged are true, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate of service

Must include

certificate of service

Counsel must file a certificate of service after serving the order.

Counsel for (moving party, e.g. Plaintiff, Defendant) shall immediately serve a copy of this order on the following parties and file a certificate of service in this court file:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

case number

Proposed orders must include the proper jurisdiction in the heading, proper case style, case number, and service language and list.

All proposed orders shall include the proper jurisdiction in the heading, the proper case style, case number, as well as the service language and list.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order’s title must describe its subject and the Court’s ruling, and the order must list each party’s name and email service address.

The proposed order’s title must describe the subject and ruling of the Court, i.e. “Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Liability” and shall contain the name and e-mail service address for all parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

For a party without an email service address, the proposed order must include that party’s physical address and state that the moving party must serve that party and file a certificate of service.

If any party does not have an e-mail service address, that party’s physical service address shall be contained in the proposed order, and it must be noted that the moving party shall serve each party who does not have an email address and file a certificate of such service.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Do not include a Clerk’s Certificate of Service; include the prescribed e-filing service language and list all parties with email addresses.

Do not include Certificate of Service by the Clerk. Please include the following language as the service language for all proposed orders: A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL: (Include all parties with e-mail addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

The proposed order must direct counsel for the moving party to immediately serve parties with only physical addresses and file a certificate of service.

COUNSEL FOR (Insert the moving party, e.g. PLAINTIFF’S, DEFENDANT’S, etc.) SHALL SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include parties that only have physical addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Estate checklist

Checklists are required for opening and closing estates.

Checklists are required for both Opening and Closing Estates.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Checklist

Attorneys must personally sign to verify checklist completion and correctness; signature stamps are not allowed.

Attorneys must verify completion and correctness of the Checklists by personal signature. No signature stamps are allowed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Incapacity proceeding submission

The incapacity-proceeding submission must include the listed notice, indigency application, and orders appointing an attorney or elisor and an examining committee.

1. Notice of Petition to Determine Incapacity with the Hearing date filled in, if possible (refer to and schedule using the online scheduling system); 2. Application to Determine Indigency Status 3. Order Appointing Attorney/Elisor; and 4. Order Appointing Examining Committee.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

case number

Before submitting proposed orders, fill in information the office can provide, including the case number and email service addresses; do not include a Clerk’s Certificate of Service.

If there is information on the proposed orders that can be filled in by your office, please do so before submitting to the Court, including case number and e-mail service addresses. Do not include Certificate of Service by the Clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application to determine indigency status

An Application to Determine Indigency Status must be submitted to the Clerk when filing the referenced documents.

In order for the Court to determine who shall be appointed to represent the AIP, an Application to Determine Indigency Status MUST be submitted to the Clerk of Court at the time of filing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Scheduling request

When requesting scheduling for a hearing over 45 minutes, the motion must already be e-filed and the email must explain exactly why more than 45 minutes is needed.

The motion shall already be e-filed in the court file and the email shall include a statement from counsel explaining exactly why more than 45 minutes is needed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Must include

certificate of conference

A notice of hearing must include a certification signed by the scheduling attorney substantially in the required form; future efforts to resolve the issue are insufficient, and noncompliance or a false certification may lead to sanctions.

All notices of hearing shall contain a certification signed by the scheduling attorney in substantially the following form: 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. 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. 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 or local professionalism panel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A motion concerning a failure to make discovery must include a certification that the movant made a good-faith effort to confer or attempt to confer to obtain the information without court action.

All motions must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, 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. See, Fla.R.Civ.P., Rule 1.380(a)(2).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

An emergency motion must explain in its body the emergency circumstances in detail and state the substance of the motion.

The body of the motion must contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances constituting the emergency as well as the substance of the motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of heirs

The affidavit includes an attestation under penalty of perjury that the affiant read it and that its facts are true and complete to the best of their knowledge.

Under penalty of perjury, I swear or affirm that I have read the foregoing affidavit of heirs and the facts stated herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Pretrial stipulation

The pretrial stipulation must include separate numbered paragraphs covering the listed case facts, pending motions, stipulated facts, trial issues, claimed relief, estimated trial time, agreements, and anticipated unusual issues.

The Pretrial Stipulation shall contain the following in separate numbered paragraphs: A concise statement describing the facts of the case in an impartial, easily understandable manner. A list of all pending motions requiring action by the Court. A statement of all agreements and stipulated facts which require no proof at trial. A statement of all issues of law and fact for determination at trial. A specification of the damages and/or relief claimed. A statement of the estimated time needed for trial. Any other agreements. An identification of unusual issues, either evidentiary or procedural, that are expected to occur at trial.

CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Pretrial stipulation

Must include

exhibit list

The pretrial stipulation must list exhibits that may be introduced at trial, and listed exhibits must be marked and filed with the Clerk and in the court file before trial.

A list of exhibits (including depositions to be read) which may be introduced at trial. Exhibits not listed may not be introduced at trial. All exhibits as set forth shall be marked, filed with the Clerk, and filed in the court file prior to trial.

CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Trial exhibit list

Each party must give the courtroom clerk a written exhibit list at trial commencement, prepared in advance and containing reasonably specific brief descriptions of each exhibit.

Each party shall prepare in advance of trial and furnish to the courtroom clerk at the time of commencement of trial, a written list of all his exhibits containing a brief description of each. Please note, exhibits must be listed in a reasonably specific manner. For example, stating “all documents produced during discovery” or such similar description is not acceptable.

CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Mediation notice or order

The mediation notice or order must list the applicable mediation rules stated in the plan.

The following rules for mediation apply, and must be listed in the mediation notice or order:

CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Applies to

Mediation notice or order

Plaintiff’s counsel must coordinate mediation and file a notice of mediation or submit an order setting mediation to the Court.

Counsel for the Plaintiff must coordinate the mediation conference and file a notice of mediation in the court file or submit an order setting mediation to the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed final judgment

Email the proposed Final Judgment in Word format to the specified address at least 10 business days before the hearing.

YOU MUST EMAIL the proposed Final Judgment in Word format to Foreclosure@circuit19.org at least 10 business days prior to the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for summary judgment

File the original promissory note and mortgage with the clerk when filing the summary judgment motion if they have not already been filed; do not send them to the judge’s office.

At the time you file your Motion for Summary Judgment, if you have not already done so, please file the ORIGINAL PROMISSORY NOTE AND MORTGAGE WITH THE CLERK OF COURT. DO NOT send the originals to the Judge’s office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Every Notice of Hearing must state the courthouse address, courtroom 3-E, and reserved hearing time.

ALL Notices of Hearings must include the Courthouse’s address and the Courtroom “3-E”, and the time reserved for the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed final judgment

The proposed Final Judgment must include the specified auction-site link.

▪ The proposed Final Judgment must have the following link to the auction site: https://stlucie.realforeclose.com

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed final judgment

Do not send envelopes to chambers; instead, place the specified service language under the service list in the proposed Final Judgment.

DO NOT send envelopes to chambers, (the moving party will notice the parties) INSTEAD, please include the following language, under the service list, on the proposed Final Judgment: (Follow instructions highlighted in yellow). A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL: (Include all parties with e-mail addresses). COUNSEL FOR (Insert the moving party, e.g. PLAINTIFF’S, DEFENDANT’S, etc.) SHALL SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include parties that only have physical addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of cancellation of hearing

When canceling a hearing, cancel it on the scheduler and also file a notice of cancellation.

If you cancel a hearing, please cancel the hearing on the scheduler in addition to filing a notice of cancellation of hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

The notice of hearing must state the courthouse address, Courtroom 3-E, and the time reserved for the hearing.

A copy of the motion, notice of hearing (the Notice of Hearing must include the Courthouse’s address, the Courtroom “3-E” and the time reserved for the hearing) , cover letter, signed by attorney (pdf format) and the proposed order (word format) must be emailed in Word format to Foreclosure@circuit19.org, no later than 5 business days prior to the scheduled hearing

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Case law or statutes relied upon must be submitted with the motion, with relevant portions highlighted.

Any case law or statutes to be relied upon shall be submitted to the Court with the motion with relevant portions highlighted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Original motions and attachments must be filed with the clerk before setting the motions for hearing.

Original motions and attachments shall be filed with the clerk’s office before setting motions for hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

The hearing notice must state the courthouse address, Courtroom 3-E, and the time reserved for the hearing.

A copy of the motion, notice of hearing (the Notice of Hearing must include the Courthouse’s address, the Courtroom “3-E”, and the time reserved for the hearing), cover letter, signed by attorney, (pdf format) and the proposed order (word format) must be emailed in Word format to Foreclosure@circuit19.org, no later than 5 business days* prior to the scheduled hearing

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

The proposed order must include the specified service language under the service list, including counsel’s obligation to immediately serve parties with physical addresses and file a certificate of service.

INSTEAD, please include the following language, under the service list, on the proposed order: (Follow instructions highlighted in yellow). A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL: (Include all parties with e-mail addresses). COUNSEL FOR (Insert the moving party, e.g. PLAINTIFF’S, DEFENDANT’S, etc.) SHALL SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include parties that only have physical addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Discovery motions and objections must include a certification of a good-faith conference or attempted conference to resolve the issue without court action.

Any motion related to discovery (motions to compel, objections to discovery, motions for protective orders relating to discovery) must include a certification that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with the party failing to act in an effort to obtain the answer or response without court action.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

The discovery certification must describe each communication held or attempted, including its date, time, and participants.

The certification must include a description of the communications held or attempted in attempting to resolve the matter, including the date, time, and participants in each communication.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion to cancel sale must state the reason, include supporting documentation and the number of prior cancellations, and be submitted with a proposed order in Word format.

All motions to cancel sale (which must include the reason for cancellation, any supporting documentation, and the number of times the sale has been cancelled) and a proposed order in Word format must be emailed to Foreclosure@circuit19.org at least 5 business days before the sale date.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Do not send envelopes to chambers; instead, include the specified service language under the service list on the proposed order.

DO NOT send envelopes to chambers, (the moving party will notice the parties) INSTEAD, please include the following language, under the service list, on the proposed order: (Follow instructions highlighted in yellow). A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL: (Include all parties with e-mail addresses). COUNSEL FOR (Insert the moving party, e.g. PLAINTIFF’S, DEFENDANT’S, etc.) SHALL SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include parties that only have physical addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order must have a title describing its subject and the Court’s ruling and list every party’s name and email service address.

Proposed order’s title must describe the subject and ruling of the Court, i.e. “Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Liability”, and shall contain the name and e-mail service address for all parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The packet must include the e-filed and docketed motion, a PDF cover letter, and a Word-format proposed order.

The Packet must contain a copy of the motion that was e-filed and docketed, cover letter in pdf format and the proposed order in word format.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Do not send envelopes to chambers; instead, include the specified service language under the service list in the proposed order.

DO NOT send envelopes to chambers, (the moving party will notice the parties) INSTEAD, please include the following language, under the service list, on the proposed order: (Follow instructions highlighted in yellow).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

The proposed order must state that parties with email addresses are served via the e-filing portal and that counsel for the moving party must immediately serve parties with only physical addresses and file a certificate of service.

A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL: (Include all parties with e-mail addresses). COUNSEL FOR (Insert the moving party, e.g. PLAINTIFF’S, DEFENDANT’S, etc.) SHALL SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include parties that only have physical addresses).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

The Court will not execute a proposed order, agreed order, or stipulation without transmittal confirmation to all counsel of record and pro se parties.

The Court will not execute proposed orders, agreed orders, or stipulations without transmittal confirmation to all counsel of record and pro se parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

An emergency motion must explain in detail the emergency circumstances and state the substance of the motion.

The body of the motion must contain a detailed explanation of the circumstances constituting the emergency as well as the substance of the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Motions must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, including a good-faith certification of conferral or attempted conferral to obtain discovery without court action.

All motions must comply with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, 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. See, Fla.R.Civ.P., Rule 1.380(a)(2).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Must include

certificate of conference

Every hearing notice must include a certification signed by the scheduling attorney in substantially the stated form.

All notices of hearing shall contain a certification signed by the scheduling attorney in substantially the following form: 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

When filing a motion for rehearing, reconsideration, or a new non-jury trial, the moving party must mail a copy to the Court for review with a proposed order and transmittal confirmation to all counsel.

MOTIONS FOR REHEARING, RECONSIDERATION OR NEW NON-JURY TRIAL: Upon the filing of such motion, the moving party shall send a copy to the Court for review via mail. The copy of the motion shall be accompanied by a proposed order and transmittal confirmation to all counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to continue

Must include

proposed order

A motion to continue, proposed order, and attorney letter must be emailed for the Court’s review in chambers.

The motion to continue, along with the proposed order and letter from attorney, must be submitted via email for the Court’s review and consideration in chambers.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

caption

A proposed order’s title must identify its subject and the Court’s ruling, and it must list each party’s name and email service address.

Proposed order’s title must describe the subject and ruling of the Court, i.e. “Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on Liability”, and shall contain the name and e-mail service address for all parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

For a party without an email service address, include that party’s physical service address in the proposed order and state that the moving party must serve that party and file a certificate of service.

If any party does not have an e-mail service address, that party’s physical service address shall be contained in the proposed order and it must be noted that the moving party shall serve each party who does not have an email address and file a certificate of such service.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

The Court will not execute proposed orders, agreed orders, or stipulations without transmittal confirmation to all counsel of record and pro se parties; counsel of record must author the transmittal letter.

The Court will not execute proposed orders, agreed orders, or stipulations without transmittal confirmation to all counsel of record and pro se parties. The transmittal letter shall be authored by counsel of record versus an office paralegal or other staff.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

certificate of service

Every proposed order must include the specified service language under the service list, identifying parties served through the e-filing portal and parties to be served immediately with a certificate of service filed.

All proposed orders shall have the following language under the service list: A COPY OF THIS ORDER IS BEING SERVED ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES VIA THE E-FILING PORTAL: (Include the parties with email addresses below this paragraph) PLAINTIFF’S/DEFENDANT’S COUNSEL SHALL SERVE A COPY OF THIS ORDER ON THE FOLLOWING PARTIES IMMEDIATELY AND FILE A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN THIS COURT FILE: (Include the parties with physical addresses below this paragraph)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of non compliance

If the parties cannot comply with the case-management procedures or an order requiring a plan, they must file a notice stating why and submit it to the Court for review.

A Notice of Non-Compliance shall be filed if the parties are unable to comply with the Case Management Plan and Order procedures or an Order Requiring Filing of Mandatory Case Management Plan. The notice shall include the reasons the parties are unable to comply. The notice shall be filed in the court file and submitted to the Court for review.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A Notice of Hearing must include the courthouse address and the Zoom link.

The Notice of Hearing must include both the courthouse address and Zoom link.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

After a hearing, proposed orders must be emailed in Word format with “AFTER HEARING ORDER” in the subject line.

Proposed orders are to be submitted after the hearing in Word format to SLCJudge11@circuit19.org and indicating “AFTER HEARING ORDER” in the subject line of the email.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion