Judge D. Melissa Distler
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- For Any Evidentiary Proceeding
- No Later Than Two Business Days Before Any Evidentiary Proceeding
Adjournments
- Continuances of evidentiary hearings are disfavored and require good cause.
- A continuance motion must detail the need and readiness plan, state whether it is opposed, propose a ready-to-proceed date and agreement status, and be signed by the requesting party absent good cause.
Request must include
- Submit a request for continuance at least two business days before the scheduled court date.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Document Format Requirements4 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Format: Exhibits must be submitted to the Clerk of Court in paper format.
Paper
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Only upon request should the proposed orders be emailed to the judicial assistant in Word format after the order has been e-filed.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF or Word format.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Format: PDF or Word document
Document Filing Requirements14 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The requesting party must promptly file a notice of hearing stating the hearing’s date and time, matters to be heard, reserved time, and location unless the hearing is permitted remotely.
The party requesting the hearing time shall punctually file the notice of hearing setting forth the following: o Time and Date of the hearing o Motions and/or all matters being heard o Amount of time reserved with the judicial assistant o Location of the hearing, unless the Judge’s Office permits the hearing to be held remotely
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
For a remote hearing, the notice must attach the Zoom instructions and include the hearing’s Meeting ID.
If the hearing is remote, the zoom instructions will need to be attached to the notice of hearing and the Meeting ID will need to be on the notice of hearing. The Meeting ID for Judge Distler’s zoom hearings is 386-313-4520
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Unrepresented Parties: If you have a request of the Court, you must file such request as a motion (handwritten or typed) with the Clerk of Court.
DocumentRequest
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A communication or request intended for the Court should be made in an authorized procedural document and e-filed with the Clerk of Court.
Any communication or request intended to be viewed by the Court generally requires it be in the form of a pleading, motion, notice, stipulation or other document authorized by the applicable rules of procedure and should be e-filed with the Clerk of Court.
DocumentCommunication Or Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
DocumentNotice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
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 hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.
DocumentMotion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the clerk, the court, and each party to review during the hearing or trial.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Submission Method: Submit all exhibits to the Clerk in court at the time of the hearing.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Requests to use communication technology for an appearance other than Arraignment or Pretrial Conferences should be made in writing.
DocumentRemote Appearance Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If the Court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: ‘Petitioner/Plaintiff 1’ or ‘Respondent/Defendant A.’
DocumentExhibits
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Any party who wishes the Court to consider case law at a hearing should submit a list of the case citations and a brief statement of the principle of law upon which the party relies.
DocumentNotice Of Authority
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Motions must be electronically filed with the Clerk before hearing time is requested.
The Motion(s) must be e-filed with the Clerk’s office PRIOR to requesting hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 1 | SCHEDULING A HEARING
A notice canceling a hearing must be e-filed with the Clerk and emailed to the Judicial Assistant immediately.
A notice of cancellation MUST be e-filed with the Clerk of Court and emailed to the judicial assistant immediately.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | CANCELLING A SCHEDULED HEARING
The parties must e-file the stipulation or other documents confirming an agreement before submitting the agreed order for the court’s consideration.
Agreed Orders: It is the responsibility of the parties to make sure the appropriate stipulation or other supporting documents confirming said agreement are e-filed with the Clerk of Court prior to submitting the agreed order for the court’s consideration.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | MOTIONS & PROPOSED ORDERS
Proposed orders must be submitted through the proposed order portion of the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal unless the Court directs otherwise.
Submission Method: All proposed orders must be submitted to the court by the proposed order portion of the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Orders must be e-filed through the e-portal, paper orders sent by mail are not accepted, and proposed orders should be emailed in Word format only upon request and after e-filing.
The Court does not accept “paper” orders sent through the postal mail. All orders must be e-filed through the e-portal. Only upon request should the proposed orders be emailed to the judicial assistant in Word format after the order has been e-filed.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | MOTIONS & PROPOSED ORDERS
A communication or request intended for the Court should be e-filed with the Clerk of Court.
Any communication or request intended to be viewed by the Court generally requires it be in the form of a pleading, motion, notice, stipulation or other document authorized by the applicable rules of procedure and should be e-filed with the Clerk of Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | EX-PARTE COMMUNICATION
The Notice of Defendant’s Electronic Appearance must be submitted to the Flagler County Clerk of Court or emailed to the judicial assistant.
This form must be turned into the Flagler County Clerk of Court or emailed to Judicial Assistant, Brittany Jones. Bjones@circuit7.org
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | NOTICE OF DEFENDANT’S ELECTRONIC APPEARANCE
Do not email proposed orders unless the Court requests that they be emailed.
Do not email proposed orders unless requested by the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The memorandum must be submitted at least three business days before the hearing.
Any party who wishes the Court to consider a memorandum prior to the hearing on a motion shall submit it directly to the Judicial Assistant via email (with a copy to all other counsel and unrepresented parties) at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | LEGAL MEMORANDA AND CASE LAW FOR JUDGE’S REVIEW
The court must receive hearing materials at least two business days before the hearing.
The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than two (2) business days before the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed orders must be submitted within ten days after any hearing.
Deadline for Submissions: Proposed orders must be submitted within ten (10) days after any hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Exhibits must be brought to court on the day of the scheduled hearing.
Deadline for Submissions: Exhibits need to be brought to court the day of the scheduled hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
The defendant has 30 days from sentencing to appeal the judgment and sentence.
I have been told and understand that I have 30 (thirty) days from the date of this sentence to appeal the judgment and sentence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | PLEA FORM: CRIMINAL CHARGE(S)
An appeal of the judgment and sentence must be taken within 30 days from the date of sentence.
(13) I have been told and understand that I have 30 (thirty) days from the date of this sentence to appeal the judgment and sentence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | Rights Waived by Entering Plea
The notice of authority should be submitted at least three business days before the hearing.
This notice of authority should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant via email (with a copy to all other counsel and unrepresented parties) at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | LEGAL MEMORANDA AND CASE LAW FOR JUDGE’S REVIEW
Absent emergency circumstances, requests for remote appearance at hearings other than arraignments or pretrial conferences should be submitted within two business days before the hearing.
Requirements: Requests for remote appearance at hearings other than Arraignment or Pretrial Conference should be submitted within two (2) business days prior to the hearing absent emergency circumstances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | C. Remote Appearance
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A copy of the memorandum must be emailed to all other counsel and unrepresented parties at least three business days before the hearing.
Any party who wishes the Court to consider a memorandum prior to the hearing on a motion shall submit it directly to the Judicial Assistant via email (with a copy to all other counsel and unrepresented parties) at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | LEGAL MEMORANDA AND CASE LAW FOR JUDGE’S REVIEW
File and serve a notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for receiving signed orders electronically 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.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A copy of the notice of authority should be emailed to all other counsel and unrepresented parties at least three business days before the hearing.
This notice of authority should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant via email (with a copy to all other counsel and unrepresented parties) at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | LEGAL MEMORANDA AND CASE LAW FOR JUDGE’S REVIEW
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever their registered electronic-service email account changes.
It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Filing Fees and Waivers
Each application carries a $50 fee payable to the Clerk within 7 days; an unpaid fee will be added to costs assessed at the conclusion of the case.
There is a $50.00 fee for each application filed. If the application fee is not paid to the Clerk of the Court within 7 days, it will be added to any costs that may be assessed against you at the conclusion of this case.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | APPLICATION FOR CRIMINAL INDIGENT STATUS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the Court for any evidentiary proceeding.
When Required: Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies must reach the Court no later than two business days before any evidentiary proceeding.
Deadline for Submissions: Courtesy copies must be delivered to the Court no later than two business days before any evidentiary proceeding.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Email courtesy copies of case law to the Judicial Assistant at bjones@circuit7.org.
Submission Method: E-mail to the Judicial Assistant, bjones@circuit7.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Submit a request for continuance at least two business days before the scheduled court date.
A request for continuance must be submitted at least two business days prior to the scheduled court date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A continuance motion must detail the need and readiness plan, state whether it is opposed, propose a ready-to-proceed date and agreement status, and be signed by the requesting party absent good cause.
Motions for continuance must state with specificity: (1) the basis of the need for the continuance, including when the basis became known to the movant; (2) whether the motion is opposed; (3) the action and specific dates for the action that will enable the movant to be ready, including, but not limited to, confirming the specific date any required participants are available; and (4) the proposed date by which the case will be ready to proceed and whether that date is agreed by all parties. Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Continuances of evidentiary hearings are disfavored and require good cause.
Continuances of evidentiary hearings are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
A memorandum for the Court’s consideration must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, with a copy to other counsel and unrepresented parties, at least three business days before the hearing.
Any party who wishes the Court to consider a memorandum prior to the hearing on a motion shall submit it directly to the Judicial Assistant via email (with a copy to all other counsel and unrepresented parties) at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | LEGAL MEMORANDA AND CASE LAW FOR JUDGE’S REVIEW
Unsolicited letters, emails, and other communications must not be sent to the Court.
Unsolicited letters, emails, or communication of any type should NOT be sent to the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | EX-PARTE COMMUNICATION
All parties must be copied on emails to the judicial office unless the communication is authorized ex parte by law.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Communications to the judicial office must be sent by email.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to Bjones@circuit7.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3, including its prohibition on ex parte communications unless authorized by law.
All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Notify the judicial assistant immediately when cancelling a hearing.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A notice of authority should be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, with copies to other counsel and unrepresented parties, at least three business days before the hearing.
This notice of authority should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant via email (with a copy to all other counsel and unrepresented parties) at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | LEGAL MEMORANDA AND CASE LAW FOR JUDGE’S REVIEW
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from nonparties, and parties may contact the judicial office only as these practices and procedures allow.
Unsolicited communications from non- parties will not be considered by the court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Request hearings by email to the judicial assistant, copying opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Hearings must be requested by e-mail to bjones@circuit7.org. The requesting party should e-mail the judicial assistant, copying opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, to coordinate the scheduling of the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Request an interpreter at least five business days in advance for Spanish or ten business days in advance for any other language, using one of the listed resources.
• Interpreter Requests: If an interpreter is needed, please use one of the resources below at least five (5) business days prior if requesting a Spanish Interpreter and ten (10) business days prior for any other language. - Email: interpreter@circuit7.org - Link: https://interpreterrequest.circuit7.org/Interpreter/CheckCaseNumber - Phone Number: 386-626-6566
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | K. Other Division Procedures
Contact Court Administration at least seven business days before a scheduled hearing to request an ADA accommodation.
• ADA Accommodations: If you need an ADA accommodation, please contact Court Administration at least seven (7) business days prior to your scheduled hearing. Court Administration 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. B-206 DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 257-6096
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | K. Other Division Procedures
The judicial assistant strives to respond substantively within one business day and, when unable to do so or out of the office, will acknowledge receipt and provide an expected response time and alternate contact.
The judicial assistant strives to substantively respond to all inquiries within one business day. If the judicial assistant is unable to substantively respond within one business day, your message will be acknowledged as received with an indication of when to expect a substantive response and alternate contact for immediate assistance. When the judicial assistant is out of the office, your message will be acknowledged as received with an indication of when to expect a substantive response and an alternate contact for immediate assistance.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The judicial assistant cannot provide legal advice.
The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Emails sent to or from the judicial office may be public records subject to disclosure.
Any e-mail sent to or from the judicial office may be a public record subject to disclosure.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Parties may appear in person or remotely in the court’s hybrid virtual courtroom, as provided by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530.
Remote Appearance Procedure: The court maintains a hybrid virtual courtroom, allowing parties to appear either in person or remotely, as provided by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | C. Remote Appearance
Remote appearances use Zoom.
The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | C. Remote Appearance
Division forms are available on the Court’s Circuit page or may be requested from the Judicial Assistant by email.
Division forms are available on the Court’s Circuit page or you can request the forms from the Judical Assistant via email.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | J. Forms
Hearing requests must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant, include all parties and opposing counsel, and state the case number, requested hearing time, and motions to be heard.
If you need to schedule a hearing, the request will need to be submitted via email to the Court’s Judicial Assistant, Brittany Jones. (Bjones@circuit7.org) Be sure to include ALL parties in the email to the Judicial Assistant. Please remember to ALWAYS include opposing counsel in the email, along with the case number, how much hearing time will be needed, and what motion(s) are being heard.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 1 | SCHEDULING A HEARING
Emails to the judicial office must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
The subject line of any e-mail to the judicial office must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 MM 1234 – 1-Hour Hearing Requested on Defendant’s MTS).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The Court’s monthly calendar may be requested by email.
The Court’s monthly calendar is available upon request via email.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures