Judge Tom Young
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Motion, Objection
Memoranda, Case Law, Other Hearing Materials
Court-wide- Before Hearing
Memoranda, Case Law, Other Materials
Court-wide- At Least 5 Court Days Before Scheduled Hearing
Adjournments
- Continuances are disfavored and granted only for good cause; requests should be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date, and the requesting party must sign the motion unless good cause explains why it cannot be signed.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Clerk
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Document Format Requirements1 rule
All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements39 rules
Proposed jury instructions must be completed before the pre-trial conference.
Complete proposed Jury Instructions and Verdict Form before pre-trial conference.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
A proposed order is required.
Showing up without a proposed order, sufficient copies for all parties, and stamped, pre-addressed envelopes.
Document Type
Motion
A lawyer must promptly prepare and submit a proposed order that fairly and accurately reflects the court’s ruling and advise the court whether opposing counsel approved it.
A lawyer must promptly prepare a proposed order, ensure that the order fairly and adequately represents the court’s ruling before submitting the order to the court, and advise the court whether opposing counsel has approved the order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
An email about a pleading, motion, or other paper must include the related file-stamped copy as an attachment.
Attach a file-stamped copy of the pleading, motion, or other paper related to the subject of the email communication.
Document Type
Email Communication
The Court will not rule unless a pleading or motion stating the requested relief and its factual and legal bases has been filed.
The Court will not rule unless the requisite pleading or motion setting forth the relief requested and the factual and legal bases for the relief has been filed.
Document Type
Pleading Or Motion
A written motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court before requesting hearing time.
Before requesting hearing time, a written motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court.
Document Type
Motion
A notice of hearing must identify the motion titles, filing dates, scheduled hearing time, approved duration, and courtroom.
Notices of hearing must include the exact title(s) of the motion(s) to be heard, the filing date(s) of the motion(s), the time for which the hearing is scheduled, the amount of time approved for the hearing, and the courtroom in which the hearing will be held.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A notice of hearing may be filed only after the Judicial Assistant emails confirmation that the Court approved the requested hearing time.
If the Court approves the requested hearing time, the Judicial Assistant will email confirmation of the hearing, at which time the party requesting the hearing may file a notice of hearing.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
The email transmitting a proposed order must state when the parties cannot agree on the order’s form or when the Court has requested proposed orders from multiple parties.
a. When the parties are unable to agree on the form of a proposed order or the Court has requested proposed orders from multiple parties, a statement to that effect must be included in the email transmitting the proposed order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
All parties must file a written pretrial statement at least one day before the pretrial conference identifying the witnesses they actually intend to call.
All parties must file a written pretrial statement at least one day in advance of the pretrial conference, and the pretrial statement must identify: i. All witnesses that the party actually intends to call to testify. Witnesses must be identified by name, address, and
Document Type
Pretrial Statement
A proposed order must include a descriptive title, relevant motion and hearing dates, and the names of counsel and unrepresented parties who appeared or, for an unopposed order, a statement of the parties’ stipulation.
a. A descriptive title that includes the name of the motion(s) addressed by the order and whether the order grants or denies or otherwise disposes of the motion; b. The filing date of the motion addressed and, if the order follows a hearing, the date(s) on which the hearing was held; and c. The names of counsel and any unrepresented parties who appeared for any hearing or, if the order is unopposed, a statement that all parties have stipulated to rendition of the order.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Every Chapter 39 adoption case requires a completed and filed Uniform Chapter 39 Checklist.
The Uniform Chapter 39 Checklist must be completed and filed in every Chapter 39 adoption case and can be found on the Court’s webpage at https://ninthcircuit.org/judges/circuit/tom-young or upon request to 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org.
Document Type
Uniform Chapter 39 Checklist
When notice to a child would be meaningless or detrimental, the Department or Guardian ad Litem must file a motion to excuse notice, serve a file-stamped copy on Chambers, and state the specific supporting facts.
the Department of Children and Families (Department) or the Guardian ad Litem must file a motion to excuse notice to the child and must serve a file-stamped copy of the motion to Chambers. The motion must state the specific facts on which it is based.
Document Type
Motion To Excuse Notice
A completed Uniform Chapter 39 Adoption Checklist must be filed in every Chapter 39 adoption case.
A Uniform Chapter 39 Adoption Checklist must be completed and filed in every Chapter 39 adoption case.
Document Type
Adoption Case
A motion requesting an in-camera examination of a child must identify the particular issues concerning the child's testimony.
When an in-camera examination of a child is requested, a motion, filed by the requesting party, must identify the particular issue(s) the child’s testimony will concern so that all parties receive appropriate notice.
Document Type
Motion
A copy of the department's executed consent must accompany the adoption petition unless waived under section 63.062(7).
A copy of the consent executed by the department, unless waived pursuant to section 63.062(7), Florida Statutes. See § 39.812(5), Fla. Stat.
Document Type
Petition For Adoption
A favorable preliminary home study must be conducted before the minor is placed in the intended adoptive home.
Favorable Preliminary Home Study. A preliminary home study must be conducted before placing the minor in the intended adoptive home. § 63.092(3), Fla. Stat.
Document Type
Preliminary Home Study
A copy of any previously entered court declaratory statement must accompany the adoption petition.
A copy of any declaratory statement previously entered by the court pursuant to sections 63.102 and 63.112(2)(c), Florida Statutes.
Document Type
Petition For Adoption
The petition for adoption must be accompanied by the listed required documents.
The following documents are required to be attached to, or filed along with, the petition for adoption pursuant to section 39.812 and chapter 63, Florida Statutes:
Document Type
Petition For Adoption
The adoption petition must include a statement signed by the prospective adoptive parents acknowledging receipt of the required information.
A statement, signed by the prospective adoptive parents, acknowledging receipt of all information required to be disclosed under section 63.085(2), Florida Statutes. See § 39.812(6), Fla. Stat.
Document Type
Petition For Adoption
A certified copy of the court judgment terminating parental rights must accompany the adoption petition.
A certified copy of the court judgment terminating parental rights under chapter 39, Florida Statutes. See § 63.112(2)(a), Fla. Stat.
Document Type
Petition For Adoption
The adoption petition must include the department's form detailing the child's and parents' social and medical histories and available identifying information.
A form provided by the department that details the social and medical history of the child and each parent and that includes the social security number and date of birth for each parent, if such information is available or readily obtainable. See § 39.812(6), Fla. Stat.
Document Type
Petition For Adoption
For a child older than 12, documentation of an interview with the minor must be provided unless the court dispenses with consent.
Documentation that an interview was held with the minor, if older than 12 years of age, unless the court, in the best interest of the minor, dispenses with the minor's consent under sections 63.062(1)(c) and 63.112(2)(d), Florida Statutes.
Document Type
Adoption Petition Minor 12 Or Older
A child aged 12 or older must execute consent unless the court dispenses with consent in the child's best interests.
Consent executed by child 12 years of age or older (unless the court dispenses with consent in the best interest of minor). See § 63.062(1)(c), Fla. Stat.
Document Type
Adoption Petition Minor 12 Or Older
The attorney must certify personal review of the checklist and its accuracy.
I certify that I have personally reviewed the foregoing checklist and that it is accurate.
Document Type
Adoption Checklist
The adoption petition must include the Florida Putative Father Registry search certificate when the search was not previously completed or its documentation is absent from the case file.
Certificate of the results of the Florida Putative Father Registry search provided in section 63.054(7)(b), Florida Statutes. See also § 63.037, Fla. Stat. This document is required only if a search was not previously completed or if a search was previously completed but documentation of the search is not contained in the case file.
Document Type
Florida Putative Father Registry Search Certificate
The attorney must include the dates of the required pleadings and papers in the checklist.
I have included the dates of the required pleadings and papers in this checklist.
Document Type
Adoption Checklist
A written motion to present testimony by communication technology must state good cause for the specific form requested and identify whether each party consents.
A written motion by a party to present testimony through communication technology must set forth good cause why the testimony should be allowed in the specific form requested and must specify whether each party consents to the form requested.
Document Type
Motion To Present Testimony By Communication Technology
In juvenile and criminal proceedings, a defendant must make an informed waiver of confrontation rights abridged by communication-technology use.
In juvenile and criminal proceedings the defendant must make an informed waiver of any confrontation rights that may be abridged by the use of communication equipment.
Document Type
Testimony By Communication Technology
Before testimony is taken through communication technology, the witness must be administered an oath under the rule's procedures.
Before Ttestimony may be takenpresented through communication equipment only if a notary public or othertechnology, the oath must be administered to the witness as provided in this subdivision.
Document Type
Testimony By Communication Technology
A witness outside Florida must consent to being bound by an oath administered under Florida law.
If the witness is not located in the State of Florida, the witness must consent to be bound by an oath administered under the general laws of the State of Florida.
Document Type
Oath For Testimony By Communication Technology
When the oath administrator is physically present with the witness, the administrator must be authorized in the witness's jurisdiction and administer the oath consistently with that jurisdiction's laws.
An oath may be administered to a witness testifying through communication technology by a person who is physically present with the witness if the person is authorized to administer oaths in the witness’s jurisdiction is present with the witness and administers the oath is administered consistent with the laws of thethat jurisdiction.
Document Type
Oath For Testimony By Communication Technology
A party seeking to present testimony by communication equipment must move for permission and state good cause for that form of testimony.
The party seeking to present the testimony shall move for permission to present testimony through communication equipment, which motion shall set forth good cause as to why the testimony should be allowed in this form.
Document Type
Motion For Permission To Present Testimony By Communication Equipment
A non-present oath administrator may administer the oath remotely by audio-video technology if authorized in Florida and the oath complies with Florida law.
An oath may be administered to a witness testifying through audio-video communication technology by a person who is not physically present with the witness if the person is authorized to administer oaths in the State of Florida and the oath is administered through audio-video communication technology in a manner consistent with the general laws of the State of Florida.
Document Type
Oath For Audio Video Testimony
A Notice of Change of Address must be filed with the clerk when the filer's address changes.
Failing to file a Notice of Change of Address with the clerk.
Document Type
Notice Of Change Of Address
An email subject line must include the case number, case name, and relevant matter.
The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 DP 001234 – Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.)
Document Type
Email Communication
An evidentiary hearing notice must be titled “Notice of Evidentiary Hearing” and contain all information from the preceding paragraph.
b. Notices of evidentiary hearing must be titled “Notice of Evidentiary Hearing” and must contain all information set forth in the preceding paragraph.
Document Type
Notice Of Evidentiary Hearing
A hearing cancellation must be documented by filing a notice of cancellation.
All hearing cancellations must be documented by the filing of a notice of cancellation.
Document Type
Notice Of Cancellation
An interpreter request must state whether one or multiple interpreters are needed.
The request must specify whether one or multiple interpreters are needed.
Document Type
Interpreter Request
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All proposed orders must be submitted by email to 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org and must include specified identifying information.
All proposed orders must be submitted by email to 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org and must include:
Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
All parties must file a written pretrial statement at least one day before the pretrial conference.
All parties must file a written pretrial statement at least one day in advance of the pretrial conference, and the pretrial statement must identify:
Page 8 | E. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
At least 14 days' notice is required before every adoption hearing.
At least 14 days’ notice must be provided for all adoption hearings.
Page 11 | 5. Adoptions
The preliminary home study must be conducted within one year of the child being placed in custody.
The home study must be conducted within one (1) year of child custody pursuant to sections 63.092(3) and 63.112(2)(b), Florida Statutes.
Page 1 | Uniform Chapter 39 Adoption Checklist
The final home investigation must be conducted before the adoption becomes final.
Final Home Investigation. The final home investigation must be conducted before the adoption becomes final.
Page 2 | Uniform Chapter 39 Adoption Checklist
A party must object in writing within 10 days after service, or another period directed by the court official, and waives the objection unless good cause is established before the proceeding.
A party may file an objection in writing to the use of communication technology within 10 days after service of the motion or notice or within such other period as may be directed by the court official. A party waives objections to the use of communication technology by failing to timely object to the motion or notice unless, before the date of the proceeding, the party establishes good cause for the failure to timely object.
Page 2 | (b) Use by All PartiesGenerally
Proposed orders should generally be circulated among hearing participants and submitted within 10 days after the hearing.
Proposed orders should generally be submitted within 10 days after the hearing to which the order pertains, after circulation of the order among counsel for all parties, participants, or other individuals who participated in the hearing.
Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A lawyer must timely serve all pleadings on the opposing party to prevent prejudice or delay.
2.4 A lawyer must timely serve all pleadings to prevent prejudice or delay to the opposing party.
Page 2 | 2. Honest and Effective Communication
A file-stamped copy of the notice of hearing must be promptly served to Chambers.
A copy of the file-stamped notice of hearing must be promptly served to Chambers.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
When an issue or development requires Court action, the party must promptly file a written motion and serve Chambers with a file-stamped copy.
Where an issue or development requires action by the Court, a written motion must also be promptly filed, and a file-stamped copy of the motion must be served to Chambers.
Page 9 | E. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
A file-stamped copy of a motion to excuse notice to the child must be served on Chambers.
the Department of Children and Families (Department) or the Guardian ad Litem must file a motion to excuse notice to the child and must serve a file-stamped copy of the motion to Chambers.
Page 11 | 6. Court Appearances by Children and Youth
A motion or notice concerning communication technology must be served on every person entitled to notice of the proceeding.
The motion or notice must be served on all who are entitled to notice of the proceeding.
Page 2 | (b) Use by All PartiesGenerally
A lawyer should provide opposing counsel with a copy of written communications submitted to a court or tribunal contemporaneously or sufficiently before the related hearing.
When submitting a written communication to a court or other tribunal, a lawyer should provide opposing counsel with a copy of the document contemporaneously or sufficiently in advance of any related hearing.
Page 3 | 3. Adherence to a Fundamental Sense of Honor, Integrity, and Fair Play
A lawyer should notify opposing parties and subpoenaed witnesses when a hearing, deposition, or trial is cancelled or rescheduled.
A lawyer should notify opposing parties and subpoenaed witnesses of a cancelled or rescheduled hearing, deposition, or trial.
Page 4 | 3. Adherence to a Fundamental Sense of Honor, Integrity, and Fair Play
A lawyer should immediately provide all opposing parties with a scheduling notice for a hearing, deposition, or trial.
A lawyer should immediately provide a scheduling notice for a hearing, deposition, or trial to all opposing parties.
Page 4 | 3. Adherence to a Fundamental Sense of Honor, Integrity, and Fair Play
A copy of the file-stamped notice of cancellation must be served to Chambers after the file-stamped copy is received through the e-filing portal.
A copy of the file-stamped notice of cancellation must be served to Chambers after receipt of the file-stamped copy through the e- filing portal.
Page 5 | 6. Cancelling Hearings
The court may serve orders and judgments by email to attorneys and qualifying unrepresented parties.
The court may serve any order or judgment by e-mail to all attorneys and parties not represented by an attorney who have not been excused from e-mail service and to all parties not represented by an attorney who have designated an e-mail address for service.
Page 1
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A courtesy copy of any written communication-technology motion or objection must be provided to the court official in the format directed by that official.
A courtesy copy of the written motion or objection must be provided to the court official in an electronic or a paper format as directed by the court official.
Page 2 | (b) Use by All PartiesGenerally
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are disfavored and granted only for good cause; requests should be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date, and the requesting party must sign the motion unless good cause explains why it cannot be signed.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only for good cause. A request for continuance should be submitted at least five days prior to the scheduled court date. 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) unless good cause is shown as to why the moving party could not sign the motion.
Page 5 | 5. Continuance Procedure
When a child's attendance would be incompatible with a proceeding's schedule, the Department or Guardian ad Litem must propose an accommodation and, if necessary, move to continue or reschedule the proceeding.
If the scheduled date and time, or amount of time allotted, for the proceeding are incompatible with the child’s ability to attend and participate, the Department or Guardian ad Litem must propose at least one method for accommodating the child and, if necessary, must file a motion to continue or reschedule the proceeding.
Page 12 | 6. Court Appearances by Children and Youth
A lawyer may not request rescheduling, cancellation, extension, or postponement without a legitimate reason or solely to delay proceedings or obtain an unfair advantage.
4.19 A lawyer must not request rescheduling, cancellations, extensions, and postponements without legitimate reasons or solely for the purpose of delay or obtaining unfair advantage. (See R. Regulating Fla. Bar 4-4.4).
Page 5 | Preamble
Chambers Communication Rules
Lawyers must avoid substantive ex parte communications with a presiding judge and must notify opposing counsel of other tribunal communications except scheduling or clerical matters.
A lawyer must avoid substantive ex parte communications in a pending case with a presiding judge. The lawyer must notify opposing counsel of all communications with the court or other tribunal, except those involving only scheduling or clerical matters.
Page 3 | 3. Adherence to a Fundamental Sense of Honor, Integrity, and Fair Play
Non-lawyer personnel may communicate with judges, judicial officers, or court personnel only about scheduling and other ministerial matters.
A lawyer must not permit non-lawyer personnel to communicate with a judge or judicial officer on any matters pending before the judge or officer or with other court personnel except on scheduling and other ministerial matters.
Page 3 | 3. Adherence to a Fundamental Sense of Honor, Integrity, and Fair Play
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by email to the division address.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office — 1. Method of Communication
All email must be addressed only to the division email address.
Address all email to only the division email address: 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office — 1. Method of Communication
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 and may not constitute ex parte communications.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office — 2. Ex parte Communications
Copies of all parties must be included on email sent to the judicial office unless legally authorized ex parte communications are excluded.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic delivery of signed orders and update it using Form 2.603 when the registered email account changes, unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516. Attorneys and self-represented litigants are responsible for updating their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
To request hearing time, email Chambers a file-stamped copy of the motion and specified hearing information, including requested date and duration, interpreter needs, involved participants, and the conferral date.
After selecting the preferred hearing date and time, email to Chambers a file-stamped copy of the motion(s) to be heard along with the following information: i. Date and time requested for the hearing; ii. Amount of time requested for the hearing; iii. Whether an interpreter will be required and, if so, the language; iv. Names of all involved attorneys and unrepresented parties; and v. Date on which counsel met and conferred by telephone or videoconference in an effort to resolve the issue before requesting hearing time.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Post-conference issues and case developments must be promptly emailed to Chambers.
Issues that arise, or case developments that occur, after a pretrial status conference must be promptly brought to the Court’s attention by email to Chambers.
Page 9 | E. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
A Spanish-language interpreter request must be made at least two business days before the trial or hearing.
Requests for Spanish language interpreters must be made at least two (2) business days in advance of the trial or hearing date;
Page 10 | H. Other Division Procedures — Interpreter Requests
Creole, Portuguese, and American Sign Language interpreter requests must be made at least 10 business days before the trial or hearing.
Requests for Creole or Portuguese language interpreters, and requests for American Sign Language interpreters, must be made at least 10 business days in advance of the trial or hearing date; and
Page 10 | H. Other Division Procedures — Interpreter Requests
Counsel and unrepresented parties must notify the Judicial Assistant when scheduling a proceeding or as soon as interpreter needs are identified.
All requests for language or sign language interpreters must comply with Administrative Order No. 2008-01-02, which requires counsel and unrepresented parties to inform the Judicial Assistant when scheduling the proceeding or as soon as the need for interpreter services is identified.
Page 10 | H. Other Division Procedures — Interpreter Requests
All other language interpreter requests must be made at least 30 days before the trial or hearing.
All other language interpreter requests must be made at least 30 days in advance of the trial or hearing date.
Page 10 | H. Other Division Procedures — Interpreter Requests
Correspondence to Chambers must not ask legal questions.
Do not ask legal questions.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office — 1. Method of Communication
Opposing counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on all correspondence to Chambers.
Copy all opposing counsel and unrepresented parties on all correspondence to Chambers.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office — 1. Method of Communication
Nonparty communications that are unsolicited will not be considered, and parties must use the prescribed methods when contacting the judicial office.
Unsolicited communications from nonparties will not be considered by the court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in the manner provided in these practices and procedures.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Department or Guardian ad Litem must notify Chambers by email in advance when a child wishes to attend a proceeding.
If a child wishes to attend a proceeding, the Department or Guardian ad Litem must notify Chambers in advance by email to 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org.
Page 12 | 6. Court Appearances by Children and Youth
The Ninth Circuit Technology Support department should be contacted by email or phone about audiovisual devices or other courtroom technology issues in advance of the hearing or proceeding.
Questions about audiovisual devices and or other courtroom technology issues should be addressed to the Ninth Circuit’s Technology Support department at AVSupportOsceola@ninthcircuit.org or 407-742-2488 in advance of the hearing or other proceeding at which the device(s) or technology will be used.
Page 7 | C. Remote Appearance
Persons needing an ADA accommodation should call 407-742-2417.
Persons in need of an ADA accommodation should call 407-742-2417.
Page 10 | H. Other Division Procedures — ADA Accommodations
General or procedural questions not addressed by the procedures may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org.
General or procedural questions not addressed by these procedures may be directed to the Judicial Assistant via email to 41osceola@ninthcircuit.org.
Page 13 | 8. Questions