Judge Howard O. McGillin Jr.
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- Not Later Than Close Of Business 2 Days Before Hearing
Case Law, Courtesy Copy
Adjournments
- A continuance may be requested only by motion.
- Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only when good cause is shown.
- A continuance motion must state the opposing party’s position, and counsel must confer first unless the motion is a valid emergency motion.
- +3 more
Request must include
- A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date.
- A hearing cancellation notice filed less than 48 hours before the hearing is insufficient.
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Document Format Requirements14 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
The proposed Order MUST be in MS Word format (.docx) or RTF (Rich Text File) format. If the Order is signed using DocuSign or similar technology, then PDF is acceptable.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF/a or Word format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
An order’s signature page must include at least one line of substantive text in addition to the “Done and Ordered” paragraph and the Court’s signature block.
Counsel and Parties MUST ensure that the “Done and Ordered” paragraph and the Court’s signature block are NOT the only item on a page. If necessary, create white space on the previous page and include at least one line of substantive text on the page with the signature block.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
An order containing parties’ signatures must be submitted in PDF/a format.
PDF A
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
An order requested by the Court MUST be in Word (.docx) format or RTF (.rtf) format.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If a party seeks to introduce a video or audio file, that exhibit must be placed on a USB flash drive or other removable media such as DVD or CD ROM that contains ONLY the exhibits intended for trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
All parties appearing by Zoom must show their real name as their screen name.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If the documents are larger, submit them on a USB flash drive to the Court at the hearing or trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
No notations should be on the caselaw.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
If areas in the caselaw are highlighted on the court’s copy, they MUST be highlighted in an identical fashion on the copy given to opposing party.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format or on a removable media drive such as DVD or flash drive.
Paper
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 as appropriate.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Parties seeking to publish such exhibits MUST bring their own computer to the Courtroom capable of transmitting over an HDMI connection OR a combined VGA connection and 1/8 inch audio cable.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
The Court prefers submission of these orders in MS Word or RTF format to allow editing.
Document Filing Requirements15 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Please review and sign the applicable certification clause at the end of the checklist prior to submitting it with your Petition.
DocumentChecklist
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
If any of the items below are not check, please complete “Certification B.”
DocumentChecklist
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
If an emergency Temporary Guardianship is filed, the filing party must simultaneously transmit two proposed orders to the Court
DocumentEmergency Temporary Guardianship
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
Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion unless specifically authorized by the Court when scheduling.
DocumentRemote Appearance Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).
DocumentContinuance Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement or identifying any disagreement among the parties.
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter (email is sufficient) either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Mandatory
In accordance with Seventh Circuit Administrative Order, the filing party MUST coordinate with the three proposed members of the committee to ensure their availability before submitting your proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
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.
DocumentExhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
Leave a blank for the name of the appointed attorney.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026Important
The caselaw should be presented with a cover letter also certifying that an IDENTICAL copy to the opposing party.
DocumentCover Letter
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Ensure you have filled in all applicable blanks and filed corresponding documents.
DocumentChecklist
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
However, to ensure that all the rule and statute requirements are met, this Division requires that the filing party email a checklist available at this link to the division46@circuit7.org mailbox simultaneously with your filing of the petition.
DocumentPetition
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Please provide an explanation in the block below describing what items are missing (if any) and why they are not being provided.
DocumentChecklist
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Each party must serve and file a witness list and proposed exhibit list at least three days before any contested evidentiary hearing.
At a minimum each party must serve and file a witness list and proposed exhibit list not later than three days before any contested evidentiary hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The Court must receive all hearing materials no later than three business days before the hearing.
The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than three business days before the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A party or witness must request a Zoom appearance by close of court business two days before the hearing.
The deadline to request Zoom appearance by any party or witness is close of court business 2 days before the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | C. Remote Appearance
For Probate and Guardianship matters without a hearing, proposed orders should be submitted when the related motion or petition is filed.
Proposed Orders in Probate and Guardianship for matters which do not involve a hearing should be submitted simultaneously with the filing of the appropriate motion or petition.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Physical exhibits must be delivered to the Clerk’s office by close of court business before the hearing or trial for pre-marking.
All physical exhibits must be brought to the Clerk of the Court’s office not later than close of court business before the hearing or trial to be pre-marked.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 8 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after a hearing.
Proposed orders MUST be submitted within 10 days after any hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The exhibit index must be filed by close of business three days before the hearing or trial.
An index of exhibits must be filed not later than close of business 3 days before the hearing or trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever their email account registered for electronic service 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.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
A notice of hearing must be filed and served within five days after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served within 5 days of reserving hearing time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt of signed orders unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused. See Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.516.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
Emails to the judicial office must copy all parties unless the communication is authorized ex parte by law.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
Courtesy Copy Requirements
The Court prefers electronic copies; email may be used for attachments under 8 MB, while larger documents should be delivered on a USB flash drive at the hearing or trial.
The court prefers electronic copies of case law or any courtesy copies. They may be submitted by email if the total attachment size is less than 8 MB. If the documents are larger, submit them on a USB flash drive to the Court at the hearing or trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | F. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
A party planning to present case law may submit it by close of business two days before the hearing.
If a party plans to present case law, the party may submit it not later than close of business 2 days before the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | F. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Labeling a motion emergency or urgent does not increase hearing priority unless the motion states facts establishing a genuine emergency or urgent need for action.
Labelling a motion as “Emergency” or “Urgent” does not move the hearing up in priority unless the motion itself recites facts giving rise to genuine emergency or urgent action.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Inquiries requiring a Court ruling should be made by filing a proper motion.
All inquires requiring a ruling from the Court should be done by way of a proper Motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance may be requested only by motion.
Continuance is available only by motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A continuance request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date.
A request for continuance must be submitted at least five days prior to the scheduled court date!
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A continuance motion must state the opposing party’s position, and counsel must confer first unless the motion is a valid emergency motion.
ALL motions for a continuance MUST state the position of the opposing party. If you have not conferred with the other party about the motion, you are not prepared to file the motion. The sole exception is a valid emergency motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only when good cause is shown.
Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A hearing may be cancelled only after all issues set for hearing are completely settled, and the settlement must be filed before the cancellation notice.
You may ONLY cancel a hearing if there has been a complete settlement of all issues set for hearing. That settlement must be placed in the Court file before the Notice of Cancellation.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A hearing cancellation requires immediate notification of the judicial assistant.
You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
A hearing cancellation notice filed less than 48 hours before the hearing is insufficient.
Notices filed less than 48 hours before the hearing time will be insufficient.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
The Court retains discretion over hearing cancellations, and a cancellation request may be made for good cause or after complete resolution.
Cancelling a hearing is ultimately up to the Court. Upon good cause or a complete resolution, a request may be made.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
Complete the checklist and email it to the specified address on the day the petition is filed.
This checklist shall be completed and emailed to division46@circuit7.org the same day you file your petition.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | CHECKLIST FOR PETITION TO DETERMINE HOMESTEAD - STAND ALONE PETITION
Submit all proposed orders by email to the Division 46 address, with only the case number and case name in the subject line.
Proposed Orders: All proposed orders must be submitted by e-mail to division46@circuit7.org. The subject line must contain the case number & case name ONLY (e.g., CP 24 - 576 – In Re Estate of Doe) all other information should be within the body of the email.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
Communications with the Judge’s office must comply with Canon 3, which prohibits unauthorized ex parte communications and other communications outside the parties’ presence about pending or impending proceedings.
Ex parte Communications: All communications with the Judge’s office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Canon 3 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 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
Proposed orders must be emailed to Division46@circuit7.org.
Email all proposed orders to Division46@circuit7.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 6 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
If no order is received and the order has not been signed within five working days after submission, contact the Court's Assistant to ask whether a hearing is required.
If your Order is not signed with 5 working days after you submit it, and no order is received, please contact the Court's Assistant to inquire if a hearing is required.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | General Comments
Parties may contact the Judge’s office only in accordance with the stated practices and procedures.
Parties may only contact the Judge’s office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
For incapacity and guardianship filings, the filer should immediately email the two proposed orders to the division.
If you file for incapacity and Guardianship, you should immediately email division46@circuit7.org with your proposed Order Appointing Attorney for the AIP AND Proposed Order Appointing the Examining Committee.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 7 | E. Probate and Guardianship Special Procedures
Email is the preferred way to communicate with the Court’s Judicial Assistant to avoid ex parte communication.
E-mail is the preferred means of communicating with the Court’s Judicial Assistant, to avoid ex-parte communication.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
Administrative communications with the Court’s Judicial Assistant may be sent to the listed email address.
Administrative communication with the Court’s Judicial Assistant may be sent to vgriffis@circuit7.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 10, 2026
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judge’s Office
Email submissions of electronic case law or courtesy copies are permitted only when the total attachment size is less than 8 MB.
The court prefers electronic copies of case law or any courtesy copies. They may be submitted by email if the total attachment size is less than 8 MB.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | F. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
You may speak with the Judge only in court; private meetings and letters are not allowed.
You don’t get to talk to the Judge except when you are in court – no private meetings or letters.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 20 | So who’s going to be there for me?