Judge Charles Sniffen
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Brief, Motion
Courtesy copies
- Three Business Days Before Hearing
Exhibits
- Hand Delivery • Before Hearing
Adjournments
- A stipulation does not automatically continue a trial; the court must review any continuance motion or stipulation and may require a hearing.
- A motion for continuance must be written and signed by the moving party, not only by the attorney.
- Trial continuances are disfavored and should rarely be granted, only on a showing of good cause.
- +5 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements10 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Cover letters must be submitted through the Portal in PDF/A format.
PDF A
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
The proposed order must be submitted electronically through the Portal in Word (.docx) format. If not submitted in Word format, it will be rejected.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
The proposed order must be submitted electronically through the Portal in Word (.docx) format. If not submitted in Word format, it will be rejected.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Final Judgments should be sent in Word (editable) format to CirCivDivB@jud12.flcourts.org.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
The court cannot click on outside links such as Dropbox, Cloud based sites or Sharing sites. Documents must be submitted in .PDF or another readable format. The court cannot open Zip files or folders.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Do not include a date; the date is included with the judge’s electronic signature. Please leave adequate room in the document for the judge’s electronic signature.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
include any unnecessary headers or footers (e.g., firm names) within the proposed Order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Note
Any ancillary documents related to the proposed order (copy of the motion, case law, legal memorandums, etc.) may be attached to the cover letter in PDF/A format.
PDF A
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Note
Any ancillary documents related to the proposed order (copy of the motion, case law, legal memorandums, etc.) may be attached to the cover letter in PDF/A format.
PDF A
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Cover letters must be submitted through the Portal in PDF/A format.
PDF A
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Parties and attorneys shall follow the Judges’ Requirements for proposed orders as posted on the Twelfth Judicial Circuit website (www.jud12.flcourts.org ).
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
All proposed orders submitted through the Portal to judges and magistrates in Sarasota County require a cover letter. If a cover letter is not included, it will be rejected.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Please do not submit a proposed order until all parties have had a meaningful opportunity to review the proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
If noticed by a party, the notice itself must identify the specific issues to be addressed during the case management conference and must also provide a list of all pending motions.
DocumentCase Management Conference Notice
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Parties shall only submit a proposed order when all parties agree to the form.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Conference attendees must know the pending matters, be prepared to make case-management decisions, and have authority to make representations and binding agreements.
Attorneys and self-represented litigants who appear at a case management conference must be prepared on the pending matters in the case, be prepared to make decisions about future progress and conduct of the case and have authority to make representations to the court and enter into binding agreements concerning motions, issues, and scheduling.
DocumentCase Management Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
No Final Judgment after trial may be submitted unless specifically requested by the Court. When requested, proposed Final Judgments must be submitted in editable Word format.
DocumentPost Trial Final Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Any Notice for a hearing by Zoom must contain the correct Zoom credentials and specific language which can be found on Judge Sniffen’s Zoom Information page.
DocumentZoom Hearing Notice
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Please make sure the certificate of service is completed and includes all email addresses the order should be sent to.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
All Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration, and New Trial are to be submitted directly to the judge’s chambers along with a cover letter that confirms that copies were provided to parties and affected non-parties.
DocumentMotion For Rehearing Reconsideration Or New Trial
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
Motions in limine should be tailored to each case and must include: 1) the basis for the belief that opposing counsel will seek to introduce inadmissible evidence; and 2) the reason(s) that a contemporaneous objection would be insufficient and/or the prejudice that could result if the motion were not granted.
DocumentMotion In Limine
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
The email should contain: the case number, title of the motion, how much time is being requested, and specific details (issues, evidence, witnesses, etc.) explaining why more than 60 minutes are required to hear the motion.
DocumentExtended Hearing Request Email
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Mandatory
If a party seeks ex parte consideration and relief in an emergency/expedited motion, the motion shall cite the statute, rule, or other legal authority that permits such relief.
DocumentEmergency Or Expedited Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Proposed orders should end with the specified language, must omit a date, and must leave room for the judge’s electronic signature.
Proposed orders should conclude with the following language: “DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers, (insert name) County, Florida.” Do not include a date; the date is included with the judge’s electronic signature. Please leave adequate room in the document for the judge’s electronic signature.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Legibly label each exhibit with the offering party’s designation, an identifying number or letter, the entry date if known, and the case number.
So that evidence is filed in the correct case, exhibit labels should have the following information legibly printed on them: the designation of the party moving the item into evidence as reflected on the initial pleading in the case (i.e., Plaintiff, Defendant, etc.); a numbering and lettering system that clearly identifies each, individual exhibit or piece of evidence from another (i.e., 1, 2a, 2b, Composite 3, etc.); the date the exhibit is entered into evidence, if known ahead of time; and the case number (i.e., 2022CA2222).
DocumentExhibit Label
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Proposed orders should conclude with the following language: “done and ordered in Chambers, Manatee County, Florida.”
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
If a party is represented by more than one attorney, the attorney(s) present at a case management conference must be prepared with all attorneys' availability for future events.
DocumentCase Management Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Exhibits and evidence should be pre-marked before the hearing or trial begins.
DocumentExhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Please do not send proposed orders to the Court on contested motions.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
Stipulations for substitution if filed, signed by all counsel, and with written consent of client, may be submitted ex parte; no hearing is required.
DocumentStipulation For Substitution
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
When submitting a proposed order, please indicate whether any party has objected to the proposed order.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
If there is a disagreement on the form, or an attorney does not respond within a reasonable period of time, you may then file the proposed order through the Portal with a cover letter concisely stating the disagreement or steps you took to confer with the opposing attorney.
DocumentProposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Important
The subject line should contain the case number, name and relevant matter: 2022 DR 001234 – Doe v. Doe – Final Judgment.
DocumentProposed Final Judgment Email
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026Note
Boilerplate motions in limine that seek an order enforcing standard rules of evidence are discouraged.
DocumentMotion In Limine
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
All proposed orders submitted through the Portal to judges and magistrates in Manatee County require a cover letter. If a cover letter is not included, it will be rejected.
DocumentProposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The motion shall be detailed, including the specific relief sought and the amount of hearing time requested.
DocumentEmergency Or Expedited Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If a party or affected non-party is not noticed, the motion must clearly and specifically explain why, including efforts made to locate and notice the party or affected non-party.
DocumentEmergency Or Expedited Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If requesting court approval, the requesting party must indicate whether the opposing party has consented to the request.
DocumentRequest For Court Approval
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
The motion should be detailed and include citations to relevant legal authority.
DocumentMotion For Rehearing Reconsideration Or New Trial
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
If the judge’s or magistrate’s requirements do not address proposed orders, all proposed orders must be submitted through the Portal.
If a Judge’s Requirements or Magistrate’s Requirements do not specifically address proposed orders, the default is that all proposed orders shall be submitted electronically to the judge or magistrate through the Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1
The listed Guardianship and Probate orders must be e-filed through the Portal to the clerk’s office and into the court file.
Because the clerk’s office is required to audit certain Guardianship and Probate matters before proposed orders are entered, the following proposed orders are required to be E-Filed through the Portal to the clerk’s office into the court file: a. Guardianship • Order Approving Initial Plan • Order Approving Annual Plan • Order Approving Initial Inventory • Order Approving Annual Accounting • Order Approving Final Accounting • Order of Discharge b. Probate • Order Admitting Will • Order of Discharge
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Unless good cause is shown, submit proposed orders electronically through the statewide Portal whenever feasible.
Unless good cause is shown, proposed orders are required to be submitted electronically through the statewide Portal whenever feasible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Except for the listed orders, clerks may establish protocols to reject and return unsigned orders e-filed without proper Portal submission as Proposed Documents.
Except for the proposed orders listed above, the Clerks of Court are authorized to enact necessary protocols to reject and return all unsigned orders received via E-Filing that were not properly submitted as Proposed Documents through the Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Pro se litigants are encouraged but not required to submit proposed orders through the Portal and must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically.
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal, however, they are required to provide an email address pursuant to Rule 2.516, Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin., to receive signed orders electronically.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Manatee and Sarasota County Clerks may reject and destroy paper proposed orders intended for a judge without notice, and are not responsible for delivering them; this provision does not apply in Desoto County.
The Manatee and Sarasota County Clerks of Court have different mailing addresses and physical addresses than the judges in those counties. If these Clerks receive any paper proposed orders intended for signature by a judge, the Clerks are not responsible for delivery of the proposed orders to the presiding judge. If the Manatee or Sarasota County Clerks receive a proposed order intended for signature by a judge, the Clerk is authorized to reject and destroy the proposed order without notice. The Desoto County Clerk of Court and judges share a mailing address and physical address, so this provision does not apply to Desoto County.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 3 | Paper Proposed Orders and Documents Received by Clerk’s Office
Selecting the Portal’s Emergency Filing option does not make a filing an emergency; send a copy directly to the court for consideration.
The “Emergency Filing” radio button on Florida’s E-Filing Portal does not cause the filing to be treated as an Emergency for e-filing purposes, and parties should send a copy of the “emergency” filing directly to the Court for consideration.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | F. Emergency & Other Urgent Matters
Self-represented litigants and attorneys who show good cause may email proposed orders in Word format to the division address.
Pro se litigants or attorneys who have shown good cause, may submit proposed orders electronically in Word format only to CirCivDivB@jud12.flcourts.org.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Filing a Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk or through the e-Filing Portal does not cancel the JACS hearing.
The filing of a Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk or via the e-Filing Portal does not cancel the hearing on JACS.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
Judges and magistrates are encouraged to establish procedures for receiving proposed orders through the Portal.
Judges and magistrates are encouraged to establish requirements and procedures for receiving proposed orders through the Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal.
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2
The Portal’s Proposed Documents feature electronically transmits proposed orders to the appropriate judge or magistrate.
Proposed Orders submitted through the “Proposed Documents” feature of the Portal are electronically transmitted to the appropriate judge or magistrate.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2 | Requirements for Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
The court encourages electronic submission of proposed orders and relevant documents through the ePortal.
The Court encourages all proposed orders (and relevant documents) be sent electronically via the ePortal system.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Effective May 2, 2022, attorneys must submit proposed orders through the Portal whenever feasible unless good cause is shown; the requirement excludes paper orders provided during a proceeding.
Attorneys are advised that effective May 2, 2022, unless good cause is shown, proposed orders are required to be submitted to the judges and magistrates electronically as “proposed documents” through the Portal whenever feasible. This requirement does not apply to paper proposed orders provided to a judge during a court proceeding.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2
File proposed Case Management Orders with the Clerk and email them to the case management team, whether agreed or not.
Proposed Case Management Orders, whether agreed or not agreed, must be filed with the Clerk and sent to the case management team at MANCivilCaseMgmt@jud12.flcourts.org.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Submitting a proposed order to a judge or magistrate does not file it in the court file.
Proposed orders submitted to a judge or magistrate will not be filed in the court file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Requirements for Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Proposed orders sent through the Portal’s Proposed Documents feature go to the judge but are not filed in the court file.
Proposed orders submitted through the “Proposed Documents” feature of the Portal are electronically transmitted to Judge Sniffen. Proposed orders submitted to the judge or magistrate will not be filed in the court file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Judges and magistrates may accept proposed orders through the Portal for review and signature without filing them in the court file.
All Judges and magistrates in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit can accept proposed orders submitted electronically through the Portal for review and signature without the proposed orders being filed directly into the court file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1
A judge may receive or sign paper proposed orders at the judge’s request or discretion despite the Portal submission requirement.
The requirement to submit proposed orders through the Portal does not take away a judge’s right to receive or sign any paper orders provided to him/her at their request or discretion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Exceptions to Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Self-represented litigants are encouraged but not required to submit proposed orders through the Portal.
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to submit proposed orders through the Portal.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Provide the transcript no later than 48 hours before the hearing.
By rule a transcript must be provided no later than 48 hours prior to hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
The court allows a three-month transition period before requiring attorneys to submit proposed orders through the Portal whenever feasible.
To allow everyone adequate transition time, the court is allowing a three-month grace period before requiring that attorneys submit proposed orders electronically through the Portal whenever feasible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 2
Service and Proof of Service Rules
To cancel a hearing, promptly cancel it in JACS, file a Notice of Cancellation, and send the notice to the court, all parties, and affected non-parties.
If a hearing is to be cancelled, the cancelling party should promptly: log into JACS and cancel the hearing; file a Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk of Court; and send a copy of the Notice to the Court, all parties, and affected non-parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
File emergency or expedited motions with the Clerk, serve the opposing party and affected non-parties, and send a copy directly to the court.
Motions seeking emergency or expedited consideration must be filed with the Clerk and served on the opposing party and any affected non-party. A copy of the motion requesting emergency or expedited hearing time must also be sent directly to the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | F. Emergency & Other Urgent Matters
File the original exceptions with the Clerk and send a copy directly to the Court and the Magistrate.
A party filing Motion to Vacate to the Magistrate's Report and Recommended Order shall: File the original exceptions with the Clerk and Send a copy of the exceptions directly to the Court and the Magistrate.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
If additional copies must be served by U.S. mail, modify the certificate of service to reflect that the movant will complete mailing.
If additional U.S. mail copies need to be served, please modify the certificate of service accordingly for the movant to complete delivery by mail.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Pro se litigants must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically.
Pro se litigants are required to provide an email address pursuant to Rule 2.516, Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration, to receive signed orders electronically.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2
Copy all parties when sending a proposed final judgment for court review.
All parties must be copied for the document to be reviewed by the court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Self-represented litigants must provide an email address to receive signed orders electronically.
Pro se litigants are required to provide an email address pursuant to Rule 2.516, Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration, to receive signed orders electronically.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Submit courtesy copies at least three business days before the hearing; this timing is for the court’s purposes and does not justify relief against an opposing party.
Please submit courtesy copies no less than three (3) business days in advance of the hearing.; this time limit is for the court’s own purposes and is not a basis to obtain relief against an opposing party.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
Send hearing courtesy copies directly to chambers, not to the Clerk of Court.
Courtesy copies should not be filed with the Clerk of Court but should be emailed/delivered directly to the Judge’s chambers.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
For Zoom hearings, deliver physical copies of all exhibits to every party and the court before the hearing.
For Zoom hearings, physical copies of ALL exhibits must be delivered to all parties and the court in advance of the hearing; the court must have physical copies of all Exhibits so they may be marked and delivered to the clerk.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
Electronic copies are preferred for advance courtesy copies of non-evidentiary hearing materials.
For courtesy copies of non-evidentiary materials delivered in advance of a scheduled hearing, electronic copies are preferred.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
Filing Bundling Requirements
Motions and proposed orders must be submitted as separate Portal documents; combining them is prohibited.
Motions and proposed orders must be submitted through the Portal as separate documents. Combined motion/proposed orders in the same document are not permitted.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Requirements for Submitting Proposed Orders Through the Portal
Submit motions and proposed orders as separate Portal documents; combined motion-and-order documents are prohibited.
Motions and proposed orders must be submitted through the Portal as separate documents. Combined motion/proposed orders in the same document are not permitted.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Do not send identical paperwork using multiple delivery methods.
send identical paperwork via multiple methods of delivery (i.e. email and U.S. Mail).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Submit a proposed order using only one delivery method, not both ePortal and email.
Please use only one form of delivery for proposed orders (i.e. please do not send via both ePortal and email.)
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Do not submit consolidated forms; submit each e-filed stipulation with the proposed order as a separate document.
submit consolidated forms. All Stipulations (once e-filed) shall be submitted with the proposed order as its own document.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Schedule discovery-related matters before the general magistrate unless there is a written objection, and submit an Order of Referral.
All discovery related issues must be scheduled before General Magistrate David Caskey absent a written objection. The scheduling attorney shall submit an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, pursuant to Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.490.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
A motion to withdraw must be set for hearing with notice to all parties, even if the client consents.
Withdrawal of Counsel Pursuant to Rule 2.505, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, motions to withdraw must be set for hearing with notice provided to all parties. This remains true even when the client has stipulated or consented to withdrawal.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
A hearing must be set for contested motions, including simple discovery motions.
If a motion is contested, then a hearing must be set. This is also true for simple discovery motions.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Additional, cross-noticed, or substituted motions require prior court approval once a hearing is scheduled.
Once a motion is scheduled, no other motions may be added to the hearing time, cross-noticed for the same hearing time, or substituted in place of a cancelled or withdrawn motion without prior approval of the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
Motions to compel require a hearing and will not be resolved through ex parte orders.
All Motions to Compel require a hearing; orders will not be signed on an ex-parte basis.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Do not schedule a motion in limine for hearing without court permission.
Motions in limine shall not be scheduled for hearing without the court’s permission.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
The court decides whether these motions require a hearing; do not schedule one without court approval, which must be noted on the hearing notice.
The judge will review the motion to determine if a hearing is required and, if so, the court will notify you that you may set a hearing. The court’s approval shall be noted on any notice of hearing. Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration and/or New Trial shall not be scheduled for hearing without court approval. Any hearing that is noticed without court approval will be canceled by the court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Reserve hearing time for a Daubert motion as soon as the need for a hearing is identified.
Because of the substantial time required for Daubert hearings, hearing time shall be reserved at the earliest opportunity once the need for hearing is identified.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Summary judgment motions and motions requiring evidentiary hearings may be heard during a case management conference only if the parties agree.
Motions for summary judgment and motions requiring evidentiary hearings may not be heard as part of a case management conference, unless agreed to by the parties.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Schedule the listed motions before the assigned judge only if an Objection to Referral to Magistrate has been filed.
The only time one of these motions is to be scheduled in front of the assigned Judge is if an “Objection to Referral to Magistrate” has been filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
The court, not a party, schedules the hearing on exceptions.
The motion will be scheduled by the court and may not be scheduled by a party.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Motions in limine generally are heard only after the case is selected and set for trial following the pretrial conference, and are resolved before or during the trial period.
Motions in limine will generally not be heard until the case has been selected and set for trial following the pretrial conference and will be resolved before or during the trial period.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Counsel must make a good-faith attempt to resolve or mediate emergency or expedited matters and submit stipulations when possible.
Parties represented by counsel shall attempt in good faith to resolve or mediate emergency or expedited matters and submit stipulations, if at all possible.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | F. Emergency & Other Urgent Matters
If no trial-setting order is in effect, the parties must confer before the case management conference to try to agree on a trial period.
If no order setting trial is in effect, the parties shall confer in advance of any case management conference in an effort to reach agreement on a trial period.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Every continuance motion, including an agreed motion, must specify the reason and when it became known, whether it is opposed, steps and dates to become trial-ready, participant availability, and the proposed trial-ready date and whether all parties agree.
All motions for continuance, even if agreed, must state with specificity: the basis of the need for the continuance, including when the basis became known to the movant; whether the motion is opposed; the action and specific dates for the action that will enable the movant to be ready for trial by the proposed date, including, but not limited to, confirming the specific date any required participants such as third-party witnesses or experts are available; and the proposed date by which the case will be ready for trial and whether that date is agreed by all parties.
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Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Trial continuances are disfavored and should rarely be granted, only on a showing of good cause.
Pursuant to Rule 1.460, Florida Rules of Civil procedure, motions to continue trial are disfavored and should rarely be granted and then only upon good cause shown.
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Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
A trial will not be continued by stipulation; a timely motion and hearing are required.
Trials will not be continued by stipulation; a timely motion and hearing are required.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
A stipulation does not automatically continue a trial; the court must review any continuance motion or stipulation and may require a hearing.
Trials will not be automatically continued by stipulation. Any motion or stipulation seeking a continuance must be reviewed by the court, and a hearing may be required.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | I. Setting Case for Trial
A continuance motion must be written and, absent good cause, signed by the party.
Pursuant to Rule 2.545(e), Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and Rule 1.460, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, motions for continuance shall be in writing and unless good cause is shown, must also be signed by the party.
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Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
Successive trial continuances are highly disfavored.
Successive continuances are highly disfavored.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
A lack of due diligence in trial preparation is not grounds for a continuance.
Lack of due diligence in preparing for trial is not grounds to continue the case.
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Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
A motion for continuance must be written and signed by the moving party, not only by the attorney.
Pursuant to Rule 2.545(e), Florida Judicial Administration Rules, and Rule 1.460 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, motions for continuance shall be in writing and must be signed by the party making the motion (not just their attorney).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | I. Setting Case for Trial
Chambers Communication Rules
Do not litigate contested matters through emails to the judicial assistant.
Litigation of contested matters via email communications to the Judicial Assistant is not permitted.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
If JACS does not permit cancellation, promptly contact the judicial assistant by phone and email, file the notice, and send it to the court, all parties, and affected non-parties.
If JACS will not authorize a cancellation, the party should promptly: notify the judicial assistant by telephone and email; file a Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk; and send a copy of the Notice to the Court, all parties, and affected non-parties.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
Emails to the division must comply with ex parte communication rules and include the case number in the subject line.
Email CirCivDivB@jud12.flcourts.org; you must comply with the rules regarding ex parte communications. Please place the case number in the subject line.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
Emails to the judicial assistant should omit unnecessary, superfluous, irrelevant, or adversarial content.
Emails to the judicial assistant should be devoid of information or statements that are unnecessary, superfluous, irrelevant, or adversarial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
Emails to the division account must comply with all court-contact rules, including rules governing ex parte communications.
Emails sent to the Circuit Civil Division B email account shall comply with all rules and requirements governing contact with the Court including ex parte communication.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
Use email only to communicate basic information or send documents, not to state a position, argue, or persuade the court on substantive or procedural matters.
Email is strictly a method of communicating basic information and sending documents and is not a medium to state a position, make an argument, or attempt to persuade the Court on a substantive or procedural matter.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
Confine arguments to letters, motions, memoranda, or legal documents attached to the email.
Arguments should be confined to letters, motions, memoranda, and legal documents attached to the email.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
Do not email a request to hold a proposed order for a set period so an objection can be filed.
email a directive such as “hold this proposed order for x days for an objection to be lodged”.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
To schedule an extended hearing, email the division and copy opposing counsel or the party.
In order to schedule an Extended Hearing, send an email to CirCivDivB@jud12.flcourts.org, copy opposing counsel/party.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | B. Hearing Procedures
Use the designated proposed-order email only for that purpose and do not copy the judicial assistant.
Please do not use this email for any other purpose and please do not copy the judicial assistant on the email.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | D. Submission of Orders
Self-represented litigants may use the division email only with court permission.
Pro se litigants may only use the division email with the Court’s permission.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
Before asking the judicial assistant about case or pending-order status, attorneys, legal professionals, and parties are encouraged to check the online docket.
Before contacting the JA about the status of a case or pending order, attorneys, legal professionals and/or parties are encouraged to consult the Manatee Clerk’s online docket.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court
If time is of the essence, parties submitting an agreed Case Management Order may send the report directly to the judicial assistant.
If the parties submit an Agreed Case Management Order, and time is of the essence, the parties may submit the report directly to the court’s Judicial Assistant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | K. Other Division Procedures
The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m., and does not accept voicemail during lunch.
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed for lunch Noon-1 p.m. (Please do not leave voicemails during lunch.)
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | C. Communications with the Court