Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Email • At Least 72 Hours Before Hearing
Filings > 50 pages
- At Least 72 Hours Before Hearing
Filings >= 50 pages
- At Least 72 Hours Before Hearing
Adjournments
- Continuance Procedure: Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least two days prior to the scheduled court date. 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). 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).
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Document Format Requirements6 rules
Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF and Word format.
Format: Provide the case name and reporter citation in a single comprehensive list, using Microsoft Word. Individual copies of the cases may also be provided as a PDF.
Envelopes: For all orders submitted in paper format, conformed, stamped envelopes to all parties that do not utilize the eportal shall also be provided. (An envelope for Plaintiff’s counsel is not needed)
PDFs e-filed or submitted to the Court must be searchable; scanned PDFs or images must be converted to searchable PDFs using OCR software.
- File type
Court's wording
All PDF’s e-filed and submitted to the Court shall be in a searchable format. If it is a printed and scanned image, you must convert the scanned PDF/image into a searchable PDF by using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
For in-person hearings, exhibits must be submitted to the clerk on paper, attendees must bring enough copies for the clerk, court, and each party, and exhibits must use the stated party-and-number labels.
- File type
- Paper
- Exhibits
Court's wording
Format: For in-person hearings, exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format. 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. Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: ‘Petitioner/Plaintiff 1.’ ‘Respondent/Defendant 1.’
Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: ‘Proposed Petitioner/Plaintiff 1’ ‘Proposed Respondent/Defendant 1.’
Document Filing Requirements15 rules
The movant must place a certificate of conferral at the end of the motion, above the signature block, using substantially one of the stated 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.”
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.
All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.
A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.
You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant.
An emailed proposed order must include a Certificate of Service substantially conforming to the specified template.
- Document
- Proposed order
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Court's wording
If the proposed order is submitted by email, the Certificate of Service shall be in substantial conformity with the below, as identified in red: CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished using the Florida Court’s E-Filing E-Portal, via U.S. Mail, and/or Electronic Mail in accordance with the corresponding addresses listed therein on this _________ day of _____________, 20__ to the following: _____________________ Judicial Assistant
Each proposed order must include a cover letter certifying agreement by all parties or identifying their specific disagreements.
Court's wording
All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter either (1) certifying that all parties agree to the order or (2) containing a statement identifying the specific disagreement(s) of the parties as to the proposed order.
A proposed order submitted in paper form must include a Certificate of Service substantially conforming to the specified template.
- Document
- Proposed order
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Court's wording
If the order is submitted in paper form, the Certificate of Service shall be in substantial conformity with the below, as identified in blue. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished using the Florida Court’s E-Filing E-Portal, via U.S. Mail, and/or Electronic Mail in accordance with the corresponding addresses listed therein on this _________ day of _____________, 20__ to the following: _____________________ Judicial Assistant
Pursuant to the standing order of this Court, counsel for the Plaintiff shall distribute a copy of the foregoing to all parties not utilizing an electronic mail address and file a “Notice of Filing” for the Certificate of Service.
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.
Procedure: File a notice for trial to set the case for trial.
The defendant shall be included on the Certificate of Service.
The proposed order shall contain language that directs all future filings and pleadings to the defendant, and include all contact information for the defendant within the body of the order.
Requirements: Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.
Criminal (MM and CT) and Traffic Cases - All proposed orders on a Motion to Continue should include the proposed date that the defendant is requesting to continue the case to.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Submission Method: Submit all exhibits electronically by e-mail to the judicial assistant.
Submission Method: Submit all exhibits electronically by e-mail to the judicial assistant.
Page 5 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
For Zoom hearings, exhibits must be submitted to the clerk through the eportal at least 72 hours before the hearing.
For Zoom hearings, exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court through the eportal no less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the hearing.
Page 6 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Proposed orders may also be submitted to the judicial assistant in paper form.
Proposed orders may also be submitted in paper form to the judicial assistant.
Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Proposed orders may be emailed to the judicial assistant, with opposing counsel or self-represented litigants copied.
Proposed orders may be submitted to the judicial assistant via email with opposing counsel or self-represented litigants copied.
Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A notice of hearing must be filed immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
All materials for a hearing must be received by the court at least three business days before the hearing.
The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than three business days before the hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Proposed orders are due within 10 days after a hearing unless the Court sets another timeframe; noncompliance may result in striking pleadings or dismissing the case.
Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing unless the Court specifies a different time frame. Failure to comply with submission requirements may result in the Court striking pleadings and/or dismissing the case.
Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
For Zoom hearings, exhibits must be submitted at least 72 hours before the hearing.
For Zoom hearings, exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court through the eportal no less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the hearing.
Page 6 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Exhibits must be received in chambers three days before the evidentiary proceeding or they may be stricken.
Deadline for Submissions: All exhibits must be received in chambers three days before the evidentiary proceeding. Failure to provide the exhibits in a timely manner subjects the exhibits to being stricken.
Page 6 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information on Form 2.603 whenever their registered electronic-service email 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.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A notice of hearing must be served immediately after hearing time is reserved.
A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.
Page 2 | 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.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
A notice of cancellation must be served immediately 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.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Plaintiff’s counsel must distribute a copy to parties without an email address and file a Notice of Filing for the Certificate of Service.
Pursuant to the standing order of this Court, counsel for the Plaintiff shall distribute a copy of the foregoing to all parties not utilizing an electronic mail address and file a “Notice of Filing” for the Certificate of Service.
Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Proposed orders may be submitted to the judicial assistant via email with opposing counsel or self-represented litigants copied.
Proposed orders may be submitted to the judicial assistant via email with opposing counsel or self-represented litigants copied.
Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Fees and Waivers
A fee must be paid for the Clerk to issue a Writ of Possession upon request.
The Clerk of Court is directed to issue a Writ of Possession to Plaintiff upon request, and payment of fee.
Civil cases
Page 1 | DEFAULT FINAL JUDGMENT OF POSSESSION
Courtesy Copy Requirements
If the total number of pages exceeds 50, a paper courtesy copy must be delivered to the court at least 72 hours before the hearing.
Deadline for Submissions: If the total number of pages exceeds fifty, a paper courtesy copy must be delivered to the court no less than 72 hours in advance of the hearing.
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
For a motion that is at least 50 pages including attachments, counsel must provide a hard-copy courtesy copy at least 72 hours before the hearing or the matter will not be heard.
Paper courtesy copy requirement: If a motion is filed that is 50 pages or more, inclusive of attachments, counsel shall provide the Court a courtesy hard copy no less than 72 hours in advance of the hearing, or the matter will not be heard.
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
For evidentiary proceedings, case-law courtesy copies must be submitted to the court at least 72 hours before the hearing by email.
When Required: Courtesy copies of case law must be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding not fewer than 72 hours prior to the hearing. Format: Provide the case name and reporter citation in a single comprehensive list, using Microsoft Word. Individual copies of the cases may also be provided as a PDF. Submission Method: E-mail.
Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A conference is required before 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 motion’s 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 | (a) Duty
Noncompliance with the rule, including 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 | (d) Sanctions
Conferral is not required before filing the motions and proceedings listed in paragraph (c).
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 | (c) Applicability; Exemptions
The rule’s requirements do not apply when either the movant or the nonmovant is unrepresented by counsel.
(c) Applicability; Exemptions. The requirements of this rule do not apply when the movant or the nonmovant is unrepresented by counsel (pro se).
Page 1 | (c) Applicability; Exemptions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuance Procedure: Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least two days prior to the scheduled court date. 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). 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).
Continuance Procedure: Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least two days prior to the scheduled court date. 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). 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).
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
Emails to the judicial office must copy all parties unless the law authorizes ex parte communication.
All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to the listed address.
All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to cameron.joyce@jud3.flcourts.org.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3’s restrictions on ex parte and other communications outside the parties’ presence.
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 and from considering other communications outside the presence of the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law.
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Requests for hearings must be sent by email to the judicial assistant at the listed address.
Hearings must be requested by e-mail to cameron.joyce@jud3.flcourts.org.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
To cancel a hearing, notify the judicial assistant immediately.
Cancelling Hearings: You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately.
Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures
Emails to the judicial office must include the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.
The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2024 DR 001234 SC – Doe v. Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.)
Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Parties may contact the judicial office only in accordance with the stated 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
The judicial assistant may not provide legal advice.
The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The scheduling party should email the judicial assistant and copy opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant to coordinate a hearing.
The scheduling party should e-mail the judicial assistant, copying opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, to coordinate the scheduling of the hearing.
Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures
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
Contact the judicial assistant to obtain the remote-appearance meeting ID.
Platform Meeting ID#: Contact the judicial assistant to obtain the platform meeting ID#.
Page 3 | C. Remote Appearance
Contact the listed email address when an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial.
If an interpreter is needed for a hearing or trial, please contact interpreter@jud3.flcourts.org.
Page 7 | K. Other Division Procedures
Request an ADA accommodation from Court Administration or through the ADA Request form at least 7 days before your court appearance.
If you need an ADA accommodation, please contact Court Administration, 173 NE Hernando Avenue, Room 408, Lake City, Florida 32055; (386)758-2163 or complete the ADA Request form located at https://thirdcircuitfl.org/ada-accommodation-request/ at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance.
Page 7 | 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 | Preferences and Procedures
If a substantive response cannot be provided within one business day, the judicial assistant will acknowledge the message and indicate when to expect a response and whom to contact for immediate assistance.
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.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
When the judicial assistant is out of the office, messages will be acknowledged with an expected response time 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 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
The judicial assistant strives to provide a substantive response to inquiries within one business day.
The judicial assistant strives to substantively respond to all inquiries within one business day.
Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Once the court agrees that a case management or status conference is required, the moving party may schedule it through the judicial assistant.
Scheduling: If the court agrees that a CMC or status conference is required, the moving party may schedule the CMC or status conference through the judicial assistant.
Page 6 | H. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences