Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Case Law
- At Least 4 Business Days Before Proceeding
Filings <= 25 pages
Filings > 25 pages
Notice for Trial
- 1 copy • Email
Adjournments
- Continuances are disfavored and require good cause; successive continuances are especially disfavored, lack of diligence is insufficient, and the requesting party must sign the motion unless good cause is shown.
- A continuance motion must specifically state the basis and when it became known, whether it is opposed, the actions and dates needed to be ready, and the proposed readiness date and whether all parties agree.
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Document Format Requirements3 rules
All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.docx) and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
Courtesy copies must be submitted in either (1) PDF/a format, or (2) three-hole punched binders printed on 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: Insert label preference (e.g., “Petitioner/Plaintiff 1” or “Respondent/Defendant A”).
Document Filing Requirements17 rules
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.
If the hearing date and time is selected unilaterally, the notice of hearing must indicate such.
Every notice of hearing must list the title and Clerk-assigned document sequence number of each motion set for hearing.
Court's wording
All notices of hearing must contain: (i) the title of each motion set for a hearing, and (ii) the corresponding document sequence number (Doc. #) of the motion of filing as assigned by the Clerk of Court.
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).
A notice of hearing involving a remote appearance must include the Zoom Workplace meeting ID and dial-in telephone number.
Court's wording
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the meeting identification number (ID) for the Zoom Workplace platform. To minimize technical issues, the notice of hearing must include the dial-in telephone number for the Zoom Workplace platform so that a party may call into the proceeding should they experience video-oriented technical difficulties.
All notices of hearing must contain the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion.
Additionally, a notice of cancellation must be immediately filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Proposed orders should use the specified signature block and wording.
- Document
- Proposed order
- Placement
- Signature block
Court's wording
The signature block should be as follows: DONE AND ORDERED on the ____ day of ________, 20___, or the date set forth in the electronic signature block. ___________________________ Fred Koberlein, Jr., Circuit Judge
Each proposed order must state either that all parties agree or identify any disagreement about the proposed order.
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be submitted by e-mail and include a statement of 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.
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 proceeding.
File a notice for trial to set the case for trial and e-mail a courtesy copy of the filed notice for trial to the court at: gutshall.tilena@jud3.flcourts.org.
When requesting a hearing on a motion that is not included in paragraph (c) below, the attorney or attorney’s assistant shall verify in the hearing request that the motion contains a Certificate of Conferral in conformity with paragraph (b) below or that the other side is unrepresented by counsel. Failure to follow this procedure will result in your motion not being set for a hearing.
The movant must include a Certificate of Conferral at the end of the motion, above the signature block, using substantially one of the specified forms.
- Document
- Motion
- Placement
- Certificate section
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
(b) Certificate of Conferral. 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] OR [the opposing party did not respond (describing with particularity all of the efforts undertaken to accomplish dialogue with the opposing party prior to filing the motion)].” OR “I certify that conferral prior to filing is not required under rule 1.202.”
Self-represented litigants should designate a primary e-mail address and up to two (2) additional e-mail addresses using Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration Form 2.602.
Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
The notice for trial must include an approximate number of days the trial is expected to last in order for all parties to present their evidence.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders must be submitted by email and include a statement confirming agreement by all parties or identifying any disagreement.
All proposed orders must be submitted by e-mail and include a statement of 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.
Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Self-represented litigants excused from email service must submit exhibits to the court by U.S. mail or hand delivery.
Self-represented litigants excused from e-mail service must submit exhibits to the court by U.S. mail or hand delivery.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Exhibits of 25 pages or fewer must be submitted by email to the court.
Submit all exhibits electronically by e-mail to gutshall.tilena@jud3.flcourts.org. if twenty-five (25) pages or less.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Exhibits longer than 25 pages must be submitted to the court by U.S. mail or hand delivery.
Exhibits must be submitted to the court by U.S. mail or hand-delivered to the court if more than twenty-five (25) pages.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Self-represented litigants excused from e-mail service may submit proposed orders by U.S. mail or hand-delivery.
If excused from e-mail service self-represented litigants may submit proposed orders to the court by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to the court.
Page 6 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
File and serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time, and never later than two business days after the date and time are agreed upon, or the slot may be given to another matter.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time. In no instance may a notice of hearing be filed more than two (2) business days (48 hours) after the date and time is agreed upon. Otherwise, the hearing time slot will be given to other parties in another matter.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures — Notice of Hearing
The court must receive all hearing materials at least three business days before the hearing.
The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than three (3) business days (72 hours) before the hearing.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures — Submission Deadlines
A notice of cancellation must be filed immediately.
Additionally, a notice of cancellation must be immediately filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
If ten days are available, an objection to using communication technology must be filed within ten days after service of the motion or notice.
Any objection to the use of communication technology must be filed within ten (10) days after service of the motion or notice if such time is available, or if ten (10) days is not available, then no later than three (3) business days before the scheduled hearing date.
Page 5 | C. Remote Appearance
A motion for remote appearance must be submitted at least fifteen days before the hearing.
Motions for remote appearance must be submitted no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing.
Page 6 | C. Remote Appearance
Proposed orders must be submitted by the date the Court advises after the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted no later than date advised by the Court following hearing
Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Exhibits must be submitted at least one business day before the evidentiary proceeding.
Exhibits must be submitted no less than one (1) business day before the evidentiary proceeding.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by email, generally through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must make and receive service by e-mail, which is generally through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, unless excused.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Serve the notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures — Notice of Hearing
A notice of cancellation must be served immediately on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Additionally, a notice of cancellation must be immediately filed and served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed orders must be provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
All proposed orders must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.docx) and provided to opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.
Page 6 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
The movant must serve the emergency or expedited motion directly on the judicial assistant and verify receipt.
The movant must serve a copy of the emergency or expedited motion directly to the judicial assistant and verify receipt.
Page 8 | F. Emergency, Expedited, and Other Urgent Matters
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide each exhibit to the opposing side at least one business day before the proceeding.
Remote Appearances: all attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide copies of each exhibit to the opposing attorneys or self- represented litigants no less than one (1) business day before the proceeding.
Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Courtesy Copy Requirements
For any hearing or trial, courtesy copies of aids and case law must be submitted to the court and opposing counsel or litigants.
Courtesy copies of aids and case law must be submitted to the court and opposing counsel, or litigants, for any hearing or trial.
Page 7 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Self-represented litigants excused from email service may submit courtesy copies to the court by U.S. mail or hand delivery.
Self-represented litigants excused from e-mail service may submit courtesy copies to the court by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to the court.
Page 7 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies exceeding 25 pages must be submitted to the court by U.S. mail or hand delivery.
Courtesy copies must be submitted to the court by U.S. mail or hand-delivered to the court if more than twenty-five (25) pages.
Page 7 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies of 25 pages or fewer may be emailed to the court at the stated address.
Courtesy copies may be submitted to the court by e-mail to gutshall.tilena@jud3.flcourts.org, if twenty-five (25) pages or less.
Page 7 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court within a reasonable time prior to the start of the proceeding. A reasonable time is dependent on the volume of the case law as well as the complexity of the legal issues. In no instance should case law be submitted no less than four (4) business days before any proceeding.
Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court within a reasonable time prior to the start of the proceeding. A reasonable time is dependent on the volume of the case law as well as the complexity of the legal issues. In no instance should case law be submitted no less than four (4) business days before any proceeding.
Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Email a courtesy copy of the filed notice for trial to the court at the listed address.
File a notice for trial to set the case for trial and e-mail a courtesy copy of the filed notice for trial to the court at: gutshall.tilena@jud3.flcourts.org.
Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
R. 1.202 – CONFERENCE REQUIREMENT PRIOR TO FILING MOTIONS
R. 1.202 – CONFERENCE REQUIREMENT PRIOR TO FILING MOTIONS
Page 1 | Preferences and Procedures
Before filing a non-dispositive motion, the movant must confer in good faith with the opposing party to try to resolve the issues.
(a) Duty. Before filing a non-dispositive motion, the movant must confer with the opposing party in a good-faith effort to resolve the issues raised in the motion.
Page 1 | Duty
Conferral is not required when either side is unrepresented or before filing the motions and actions listed in paragraph (c).
(c) Applicability; Exemptions. The requirements of this rule do not apply when the movant or the nonmovant is unrepresented by counsel (pro se). Conferral is not required prior to filing the following motions: (1) for time to extend service of initial process; (2) for default; (3) for injunctive relief; (4) for judgment on the pleadings; (5) for summary judgment; (6) to dismiss for failure to state a claim on which relief can be granted; (7) to permit maintenance of a class action; (8) to involuntarily dismiss an action; (9) to dismiss for failure to prosecute; (10) for directed verdict and motions filed under rule 1.530; (11) for garnishment, attachment, or other motions for enforcement of a judgment under rule 1.570; (12) for writ of possession under rule 1.580; (13) filed in actions proceeding under section 51.011, Florida Statutes; and (14) that do not require notice to the other party under statute or rule.
Page 1 | Applicability; Exemptions
Noncompliance with the conferral rule or purposeful evasion of communication may result in an appropriate sanction, including denial of a motion without prejudice.
(d) Sanctions. Failure to comply with the requirements of this rule may result in an appropriate sanction, including denial of a motion without prejudice. The purposeful evasion of communication under this rule may result in an appropriate sanction.
Page 1 | Sanctions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are disfavored and require good cause; successive continuances are especially disfavored, lack of diligence is insufficient, and the requesting party must sign the motion unless good cause is shown.
Motions for continuance are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. Successive continuances are highly disfavored. Lack of due diligence is not grounds for granting a continuance. 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).
Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures — Continuance Procedure
A continuance motion must specifically state the basis and when it became known, whether it is opposed, the actions and dates needed to be ready, and the proposed readiness date and whether all parties agree.
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.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
Ex parte communications and communications outside the parties' presence about a pending or impending proceeding are prohibited 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.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
All communications to the court must be sent by email to the judicial office's listed address.
All communications to the court must be submitted by e-mail to gutshall.tilena@jud3.flcourts.org .
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically unless excused.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Emails to the court must copy all parties unless the law authorizes an ex parte communication.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the court, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Request hearings and conferences by contacting the judicial assistant at the listed email address.
Hearings and conferences must be requested by contacting the judicial assistant at gutshall.tilena@jud3.flcourts.org .
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Hearings must be cancelled by notifying the judicial assistant immediately by e-mail and telephone.
Hearings must be cancelled by notifying the judicial assistant immediately by e-mail and telephone.
Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed orders must be submitted to the court by e-mail to the specified address.
All proposed orders must be submitted to the court by e-mail to gutshall.tilena@jud3.flcourts.org..
Page 6 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Parties may contact the judicial office only in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Emails to the court must include the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
The subject line of any e-mail to the court must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 DR 001234 SC – Doe v. Doe – 2-Hour Hearing Requested).
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties.
Unsolicited communications from non-parties will not be considered by the court.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Anyone needing an ADA accommodation should use the listed request page at least seven days before the scheduled court appearance.
If you need an ADA accommodation, please contact https://thirdcircuitfl.org/ada-accommodation-request/ at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance .
Page 10 | K. Other Division Procedures
If an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial, contact the court at the listed email address.
If an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial, please contact Interpreter@jud3.flcourts.org .
Page 10 | K. Other Division Procedures
Use the form below for scheduling or general inquiries to the Judge's office.
For scheduling or general inquiries to the Judge's office, please fill out the form below.
Page 1
The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
When the judicial assistant is out, messages will receive an acknowledgment stating when to expect a substantive response and an 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.
Page 3 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office