Court Rules

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 721 rules apply across Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Hillsborough County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 259
  • Applies to
    Waiver of jury trial

    A defendant electing a non-jury trial must personally sign and file a Waiver of Jury Trial form with the court.

  • Applies to
    Notice of related cases form

    A petitioner must complete and file a Notice of Related Cases form, using Form 12.900(h), when related cases are pending and known or reasonably ascertainable, except in the Domestic Relations I Family Law Divisions.

  • Applies to
    Notice of related cases

    Petitioners in the Domestic Relations I Family Law Divisions must complete and file a Notice of Related Cases form using Form 12.900(h), even when no related cases exist.

Filing Timing

All 122
  • All motions and notices of hearing must be filed by noon on the business day before the hearing.

  • An attorney of record may not withdraw unless a motion to withdraw is filed, heard, and granted at least 30 days before trial.

  • Deadline
    10 calendar days

    An objection to referral must be filed within 10 days of service of the order of referral.

Service

All 91
  • Deadline
    2 business days
    Applies to
    Case law
    Service
    Electronic service to court

    A party using case law in support of or opposition to a filed motion must provide an electronic copy of the case law, the notice of hearing, and the motion to the presiding judge's office and opposing counsel or party at least two business days before the hearing.

  • Service
    Court service to all parties

    After obtaining a hearing time, the clerk must notify all necessary parties.

  • Applies to
    Motion
    Service
    Email

    The clerk must email motions filed by self-represented defendants to the presiding judge and judicial assistant.

E-Filing

All 68
  • Applies to
    Probable cause application

    Law enforcement agency attorneys must submit the probable-cause application by email to the County Criminal Division C judicial assistant for filing in the Clerk's Administrative File.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    The law enforcement agency attorney must submit the proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal using the assigned Clerk's Administrative File number.

  • Applies to
    Motion

    Except for Motions for Discharge and Motions for Speedy Trial, an attorney must e-file a motion for hearing simultaneously with a Notice of Hearing after coordinating the hearing time with the opposing attorney or party.

About Judge Monique M. Scott

The Honorable Monique M. Scott --- #### Year elected to the Bench: 2020 #### Assignments: - County Criminal, Division E, (March 2024 – Present) - East County Criminal, Division P, (June 2021- March 2024) - East County Traffic, Division P & Q, (June 2021-March 2024) - East Circuit Protective Injunctions, Division S, (June 2021-March 2024) - East Circuit Probate, Division U, (June 2021-March 2024) - East Circuit Guardianship, Division U, (June 2021-March 2024) - East County Civil, Division Q, (June 2021 – March 2024) - County Civil, Division J, (January 2021- June 2021) --- #### Professional Activities (Past & Present) - Adjunct Professor: (2024-Present) University of Tampa. - Member: Tampa Bay Chamber, Leadership Tampa Class of 2025. - Participant: (2023) Sister Cities French Delegation. - Past Member: (2022-2023) The Tampa Bay American Inns of Court. - Member: (2019-Present) Jesuit Bar Association. - Member/Past Board Member: (2019-Present) Tampa Hispanic Bar Association. - Member: (2018-Present) Hillsborough County Bar Association. - County Civil, Division J, (January 2021- June 2021) - Member/Past President: (2011-Present) Herbert G. Goldburg-Ronald K. Cacciatore Criminal Law American Inn of Court. - Member: (2010-Present) Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers. - Member: (2010-Present) Florida Association of Women Lawyers. - Alumni: Tampa Connection Class of 2019-2020. - Alumni: Florida Bar Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy Class of (2018-2019). - Past Member: (2011-2012) Stetson Shadow Trial Team. - Past Member: (2011-2012) Bruce R. Jacob Criminal Appellate Inn of Court. - Ambassador: (2010-2011) Stetson University College of Law. --- #### Community Involvement (Past & Present) - Current Board Member/Vice President: (2018-Present) Epilepsy Service Foundation. - Current Member/Mentorship Committee Co-Chair: (2019-Present) Hispanic Professional Women’s Association. - Current Board Member: (2024-Present) Sister Cities Barranquilla Colombia. - Past Board Member/Past Secretary: (2018-2024) Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council. - Past Member: (2023-2024) Plant City Rotary. - Volunteer: Humane Society. - Volunteer: Metropolitan Ministries. - Volunteer: Paint Your Heart Out. - Mentor: (2010-Present). --- #### Professional Honors - Awarded: 2024 Hispanic Excellence Jurist Award, Awarded by the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association. - Awarded: 2023 Leadership Academy Judicial Award, Awarded by the Florida Bar Leadership Academy. - Awarded: Woman of Impact 2021 of the Know Women of Tampa Bay. - Awarded: The 2010 and 2011 Richard Gunderman Beacon of Hope Scholarship. - Awarded: The 2011 James Nemec Scholarship. --- #### Education - Juris Doctor, Stetson University, College of Law, Concentration in Advocacy, (2012). - Law Enforcement Officer PSAV Certificate: Hillsborough Community College, (2006). - Bachelors of Arts - University of South Florida, (2004). --- #### Professional Background Monique Scott is a dedicated and accomplished legal professional with a distinguished career spanning over a decade in the fields of criminal law, public service, and education. Currently serving as an Elected Hillsborough County Court Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Tampa, Florida. Monique brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the bench. Since 2020, Monique Scott has presided over various divisions, including County Criminal, Domestic Violence, Probate and Guardianship, and County Civil. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a commitment to fairness, integrity, and the rule of law. Before becoming a judge, Monique Scott served as an Assistant State Attorney with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office from 2013 to 2020. During this time, Monique prosecuted a wide range of felony cases, from third-degree felonies to those punishable by life imprisonment. Monique gained extensive trial experience, having first-chaired numerous jury trials and more than 100 bench trials. Monique also collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, ICE, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, handling high-profile cases and ensuring justice was served. Monique’s legal acumen and ability to navigate complex cases were honed through years of litigation, legal research, and writing appeals and motions. Monique’s path to the judiciary began with a Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law, where she concentrated in Advocacy and honed her skills in legal research and courtroom strategy. Prior to law school, Monique earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida. Throughout Monique’s career, she has been deeply committed to community involvement and leadership. Monique has served as the President of the Herbert G. Goldburg-Ronald K. Cacciatore Criminal Law American Inn of Court and has been an active Board Member for organizations such as the Epilepsy Service Foundation and the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association. Monique has been involved in various leadership programs, including the Florida Bar Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Program and the Leadership Tampa program through the Tampa Bay Chamber. Monique’s leadership and dedication to public service has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named the Woman of Impact in 2021 by The Know Women of Tampa Bay. In addition to her professional achievements, Monique is passionate about mentorship and education. Monique currently serves as a Co-Chair for the Hispanic Professional Woman’s Association Mentorship Program and has mentored over a dozen of mentees ranging from high school students to law school students. Monique has a background in teaching, having worked as a Science Teacher at Dr. John Long Middle in Wesley Chapel, Florida, before pursuing a career in law.

**Criminal Courthouse Annex** - 401 N. Jefferson St., Room #344 - Tampa, Florida 33602 - Courtroom #33 - Judicial Assistant: Niulka Martinez - Phone: (813) 276-2781 - Email: crimdive@fljud13.org

Common questions about Judge Monique M. Scott's rules

Does Judge Monique M. Scott require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Monique M. Scott's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. All motions must be heard before the pretrial conference unless untimeliness is excused by good cause.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

What must be included with waiver of speedy trial filings before Judge Monique M. Scott?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A speedy-trial waiver must be written and filed as a notice or motion, or entered on the record.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

What must be included with motion in limine filings before Judge Monique M. Scott?

The rule requires certificate of conference. A motion in limine or discovery-dispute motion must state that a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute without court involvement occurred and describe that effort.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

How may parties contact Judge Monique M. Scott's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Monique M. Scott's chambers. The rule lists email crimdive@fljud13.org. Every email to the court must include the opposing party.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Monique M. Scott?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include proposed new dates. A stipulated continuance order for a pretrial and jury trial must include new dates obtained from the Judicial Assistant.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

Does Judge Monique M. Scott require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Monique M. Scott requires bundling for covered papers. A stipulated proposed order must be submitted with its stipulation as one filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

Is electronic filing required before Judge Monique M. Scott?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. A speedy-trial waiver may not be submitted by email.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Monique M. Scott?

The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. All motions must be filed and served on opposing counsel at least 14 days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division

What rule applies to service for motion before Judge Monique M. Scott?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: before filing. All motions must be served on opposing counsel at least 14 days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Standing Pretrial Order For Cases In County Criminal Division
Complete rules summary for Judge Monique M. Scott

Email is the court’s preferred communication method and is primarily for scheduling.

Copies of email communications sent to the court are subject to public-records requests.

Any substantive ex parte communication sent to the court will be placed in the court file.

Every email to the court must include the opposing party.

Telephone communication with the court is primarily reserved for emergencies and litigants without JAWS access.

A speedy-trial waiver may not be submitted by email.

A speedy-trial waiver must be written and filed as a notice or motion, or entered on the record.

Proposed orders must be submitted through the electronic portal for the court’s consideration.

A stipulated proposed order must be submitted with its stipulation as one filing.

A stipulated continuance order for a pretrial and jury trial must include new dates obtained from the Judicial Assistant.

All motions must be filed and served on opposing counsel at least 14 days before the hearing.

All motions must be served on opposing counsel at least 14 days before the hearing.

All motions must be heard before the pretrial conference unless untimeliness is excused by good cause.

A continuance motion must disclose prior continuance requests, be written, and be set and heard before trial.

A motion in limine or discovery-dispute motion must state that a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute without court involvement occurred and describe that effort.

A motion to compel discovery should be filed within 10 days after discovery is due.

A motion compelling more adequate discovery responses should be filed within 10 days after receipt of the allegedly incomplete discovery.

Except for legitimate emergency motions, a motion must be electronically filed with the clerk before counsel contacts the Judicial Assistant for a hearing date and time.

Boilerplate motions, including motions without a factual basis, are prohibited and will be stricken as legally insufficient.

Every motion must contain the facts and law supporting the requested relief.

Authorities intended for the court’s consideration must be provided at least two business days before the motion hearing.

The court generally will not consider cases first supplied at the hearing absent good cause.

A party canceling a motion hearing must email the Judicial Assistant promptly and copy opposing counsel.

To continue a case set for pretrial, counsel must either obtain a continuance motion heard before pretrial or submit a signed stipulation before pretrial.

Both counsel and the defendant must appear if seeking a continuance on the day of the pretrial hearing.

A defendant seeking to plead guilty or no contest in absentia must submit a written plea complying with Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.172.

An in-absentia plea for an enhanceable offense must acknowledge that the defendant was advised of the consequences of future recidivism.

In-absentia pleas for enhanceable offenses, DUI, and reckless driving must include fingerprints.

An NVDL guilty or no-contest plea must proceed through an in-person written plea with open-court colloquy or a fully executed in-absentia plea form containing fingerprints submitted by the hearing.

An NVDL plea-in-absentia form must state that the defendant understands the offense is enhanceable.

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