Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Proposed Order
- With Bundled Motion
Document Format Requirements9 rules
In addition to using Word .docx format as required by the E-Filing Portal, a proposed order should be in only one of three font styles – Times New Roman, Courier, or Calibri.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
The standard Judge-only block uses a single-space blank line, a left-justified date line with 12 spaces and no tab, and a right-justified JJJJ code in all caps with no spaces.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •Insert a single-space blank line
- •JJJJ is right justified, all caps, and has no spaces
Court's wording
FORMATTING SPECIFICATIONS FOR STANDARD JUDGE-ONLY DATE/SIGNATURE BLOCK Insert single space blank line DONE AND ORDERED in Bartow, Polk County, Florida on DDDD. JJJJ Left justified All caps, no spaces Right Justified 12 spaces/no tab All caps, no spaces
In addition to the foregoing, the date line and signature block should not appear on different pages.
The Magistrate/Hearing Officer and Judge block uses the specified left and right justification, spacing, and capitalization for its date and signature codes, with a single-space blank line and an ORDER OF COURT section.
- Proposed order
Formatting
- •GGGG is right justified, all caps, and has no spaces
- •Insert a single-space blank line
- •Include the ORDER OF COURT heading and order body
Court's wording
FORMATTING SPECIFICATIONS FOR MAGISTRATE/HEARING OFFICER & JUDGE DATE/SIGNATURE BLOCKS Left justified All caps, no spaces 12 spaces/no tab The Magistrate recommends entry of an order consistent with this Report. Dated this RRRR, in Bartow, Polk County, Florida. GGGG Insert single space blank line Right justified All caps, no spaces ORDER OF COURT [ORDER BODY]
Further, they should not appear together, but on a page alone by themselves.
To prevent the date line and signature block from appearing on different pages, the “JJJJ” or “GGGG” should not appear below line 35 or more than 6 ¾ inches from the top margin of a document formatted with 1-inch margins in 12-point type size.
- Font size
- 12 points
- Margins
- 1 inch
Proposed orders should not be generated using tables, styles, or auto-populating fields.
Exhibits and attachments should be pre-attached in one .docx document whenever possible, though they may often be added as Word text or an inserted image.
Court's wording
Exhibits and attachments intended to be appended to a proposed order should, whenever possible, be pre-attached, resulting in a single .docx document. In most cases, exhibits and attachments may be added as additional Word text or as an image inserted into the document.
The certificate of service and associated distribution list is generally not preferred.
Document Filing Requirements9 rules
Therefore, in lieu of the traditional “DONE AND ORDERED” date line and signature block, proposed orders should include the specialized code instead.
Typically, only the the signature date and signature of the Judge and, if applicable, signature and signature date of Magistrate or Hearing Officer are required.
However, a particular judge may.
An order proposed through the E-Filing Portal should contain only one case number.
The case number should be in the complete 20-character Uniform Case Number (UCN) format.
If the same order needs to be submitted under multiple case numbers, it should be submitted to each case separately with a single, discreet case number.
Additionally, proposed orders should include a distribution list after the coded signature block which includes the recipients name and email address, or name and mailing address if the recipient is not required to or has not agreed to be served electronically.
Signatures and signature dates are applied to proposed orders received in ICMS via the E-Filing Portal using unique code. Therefore, in lieu of the traditional “DONE AND ORDERED” date line and signature block, proposed orders should include the specialized code instead.
The Tenth Judicial Circuit does not require submission of a cover letter along with a proposed order submitted through the E-Filing Portal.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Do not submit a duplicate proposed order by email, mail, or fax.
To avoid the signing of duplicate orders, do not submit a duplicate by e-mail, mail, or fax.
Page 2 | No Duplicate Submission
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Before submitting a proposed order through the E-Filing Portal, the accompanying motion should be filed.
Before submitting a proposed order through the E-Filing Portal, the accompanying motion should be filed.
Page 1 | Motion Filed First and Courtesy Copy Included in Submission
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Before submitting a proposed order through the E-Filing Portal, all parties who are to be served by electronic service with a copy of the order should be added to the service recipient list if they are not already listed.
Before submitting a proposed order through the E-Filing Portal, all parties who are to be served by electronic service with a copy of the order should be added to the service recipient list if they are not already listed.
Page 2 | Add Service Recipients First/Appropriately Format Distribution List
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Therefore, a courtesy copy of the motion reflecting the date/time stamp applied by the E-Filing Portal should be included as an additional document along with the proposed order.
Therefore, a courtesy copy of the motion reflecting the date/time stamp applied by the E-Filing Portal should be included as an additional document along with the proposed order.
Page 1 | Motion Filed First and Courtesy Copy Included in Submission
Chambers Communication Rules
Filers should contact the individual judge’s office to learn any additional preferences for submitting proposed orders through the E-Filing Portal.
Filers should contact the individual judge’s office to determine any additional preferences for the submission of proposed orders through the E-Filing Portal.
Page 1 | SPECIALIZED DATE AND SIGNATURE BLOCK CODE FOR USE WHEN SUBMITTING PROPOSED ORDERS THROUGH FLORIDA’S E-FILING PORTAL IN THE TENTH CIRCUIT
Contact the assigned judge to ask about that judge’s cover-letter preferences.
Contact the assigned judge to inquire about his or her particular preferences.
Page 1 | Cover Letters