Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida (DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota) Chambers Communication Rules

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

The court will not discuss pending cases with the public or consider case arguments outside the courtroom or properly filed documents.

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

After e-filing an emergency motion, send a copy and cover letter to the assigned judge’s office by fax, email, or direct delivery; the motion should explain the matter and requested hearing time.

After an emergency motion has been e-filed, a copy of the motion shall be faxed, emailed or delivered directly to the assigned judge’s office, along with a cover letter. The motion should be detailed and include the amount of hearing time required.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to chambers

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 and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

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 against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

A pro se defendant seeking motion hearing time must email a copy of the motion to the Judicial Assistant and request available timeslots.

When seeking hearing time for a motion, defendants appearing pro se must email a copy of the motion to Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant at CirCrimDiv1@jud12.flcourts.org and request available timeslots.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Once the parties agree on a motion hearing timeslot, the pro se party must notify the Judicial Assistant to secure it.

After the parties have agreed on a timeslot for the motion, the pro se party must notify Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant to secure the hearing time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Motions for rehearing, reconsideration, new trial, or similar relief must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant immediately after filing.

All motions for rehearing, reconsideration, or new trial, or any similar motion, must be immediately emailed to Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant at CirCrimDiv1@jud12.flcourts.org after filing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

The Judge will not consider or review ex parte or one-sided communications.

Judge Felix will not consider or review any ex-parte or one-sided communication.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Motions for temporary injunctions must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant when filed.

All motions for temporary injunctions must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant upon filing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Ex parte communication with the Court is prohibited.

Ex parte communication with the Court is strictly prohibited.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

For a hearing requiring transport of a client in custody, email the Judicial Assistant at least two days before the hearing.

If you have a client that is in custody that will need to be transported for any Court hearing, you must email the JA 2 days prior to the scheduled hearing or your client will not be transported.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

For a hearing cancelled within five days, contact the Judicial Assistant to cancel it and immediately file and distribute a Notice of Cancellation.

If the hearing to be cancelled within 5 days, you must contact the Judicial Assistant to physically cancel the hearing. You should then immediately file and distribute a Notice of Cancellation.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

After filing an emergency petition or motion, send a copy and cover letter to the assigned judge’s office by email or direct delivery.

After an emergency petition or motion has been e-filed or filed with the Clerk’s office, a copy of the petition or motion shall be emailed or delivered directly to the assigned judge’s office, along with a cover letter.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

For a cancellation within 24 hours of the hearing, contact the Judicial Assistant by both email and phone.

For short notice cancellations within 24 hours of the hearing, the scheduling party shall contact the judicial assistant by email and phone to ensure the cancellation has been communicated to the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contested issues must be raised by a motion scheduled for hearing, not litigated through letters or phone messages to the Court.

Occasionally attorneys attempt to litigate issues by providing the Court with letters or copies of letters to opposing counsel, and/or attempt to have information relayed to the Court by phone. This is unacceptable. If the parties cannot reach an agreement on an issue after discussion between themselves, then a motion shall be filed and scheduled for hearing. The Court will not read or respond to letters on contested issues.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Hearings lasting more than 60 minutes must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant by email to Anita Bowles.

Hearings of more than 60 minutes must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant. Please email Anita Bowles.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

All criminal motions must be scheduled through Anita Bowles.

The scheduling of all criminal motions shall be done through Anita Bowles.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Criminal cases

After JACS closes, a party seeking to add a case or hearing must contact the Judicial Assistant by 9 a.m. on the day before the scheduled hearing.

Any party wishing to add a case or hearing to the docket after JACS has closed must contact the JA no later than 9 a.m. the day prior to the scheduled hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Email the judicial assistant only for communication, not document submissions; deliver paper copies of motions, hearing documents, case law, and proposed orders, with hearing materials submitted at least three days before the proceeding.

Judge Mercurio does not utilize a division e-mail for electronic submissions. Paper courtesy copies of motions, hearing documents, case law and proposed orders must be hand-delivered or mailed to the judge’s office in a timely manner; for hearings, submit items at least three days prior to the court proceeding. Email the Judicial Assistant for communication purposes only. The high volume of emails received by the JA during and outside of working hours may result in a delay in response.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Submit caselaw to the court by email at least three days before the hearing and copy opposing counsel.

Caselaw shall be submitted to the court at least 3 days prior to the hearing date via email at ANelson@jud12.flcourts.org. Please CC opposing counsel in your email submission.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

A party seeking to add a case or hearing after JACS closes must contact the judicial assistant by 11 a.m. the preceding day.

Any party wishing to add a case or hearing to the docket after JACS has closed must contact the JA no later than 11 am the day before the scheduled hearings.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

A case may be added to the docket only with express consent from opposing counsel and the Court.

Cases may not be added on without the express consent of opposing counsel and the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Criminal cases

Contact

Email

Parties must email proposed jury instructions and a verdict form in Word format to the listed address by the Friday before the trial period begins.

Parties shall provide proposed jury instructions and a verdict form by email (in word format) no later than the Friday before the start of the trial period to CoDivision3@jud12.flcourts.org

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

If the parties do not agree, each party must file its proposed Case Management Report and concurrently email it to the Court’s judicial assistant, copying all parties.

If there is no agreement, each party shall file their proposed Case Management Report and concurrently email the Court’s judicial assistant with it, copying all parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Email to the Judicial Assistant is limited to basic information and sending documents, not argument or persuasion, and should omit irrelevant or adversarial content.

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. Emails to the judicial assistant should be devoid of information or statements that are unnecessary, superfluous, irrelevant, or adversarial. Arguments should be confined to letters, motions, memoranda, and legal documents attached to the email.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Email communications to the Judicial Assistant must comply with all Court-contact rules, including rules governing ex parte communication.

Communications sent to the Judicial Assistant's email shall comply with all rules and requirements governing contact with the Court including ex parte communication.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Cancel a hearing by emailing the judicial assistant with the specified subject line and attached document, and immediately notify opposing counsel or party and the court.

Please email the judicial assistant to cancel a hearing. Please indicate “Notice of Cancelation,” case number and case style in the subject line of the email (attach document). You also must immediately send notice of cancelation to opposing counsel or party, including the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Copy all parties on every written communication with the judicial assistant, including email.

All written communication with the judicial assistant, including, but not limited to, email communication, must be copied to all parties in the “cc” line, each and every time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(941) 861-7956

Civil hearings are scheduled through JACS, except hearings requiring more than 30 minutes, which are scheduled through the Judicial Assistant; motions must be filed before hearing time is reserved, and hearings are limited to reserved time.

All civil hearings shall be scheduled through the JACS. However, any hearings the require more than thirty (30) minutes shall be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant at (941) 861-7956, or via email. Hearings are limited to the time reserved. All motions shall be filed prior to reserving hearing time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(941) 861-7956

All criminal hearings must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant at the listed phone number.

All criminal hearings are scheduled through the Judicial Assistant at (941) 861-7956.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Hearings expected to last more than one hour must be scheduled through the JA by Division Email with all parties copied.

Hearings expected to last more than one (1) hour All hearings estimated to last more than 1 hour must be scheduled through the JA, through the Division Email, with all parties copied.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

An SRL seeking hearing time must email the motion and requested hearing duration to the Division Email, then coordinate with other parties using the provided timeslots without copying the JA on those coordination emails.

When seeking hearing time for a motion, SRLs must email a copy of the motion to the Division Email at CirCivDivD@jud12.flcourts.org and request available timeslots. This email must include the amount of time needed for the hearing, including equal time for the movant, respondent, and any affected non-party that may want to be heard. The JA will provide available timeslots to the SRL. The SRL must then contact the other parties in the case to coordinate the hearing using the timeslots provided by the JA. The JA should not be copied with these scheduling emails.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

When JACS does not permit cancellation, the moving party must email the e-filed cancellation notice to the JA and copy all parties and affected non-parties; the hearing remains scheduled unless the JA confirms cancellation.

When JACS does not permit a cancellation, the moving party may cancel the hearing only by emailing a copy of the e-filed Notice of Cancellation to the JA, with copies to all parties and affected non-parties. The JA will acknowledge receipt of the notice, cancel the hearing, and inform all parties the hearing has been cancelled by “Reply to All” to the movant’s email. If the JA does not confirm cancellation of the hearing, it is not cancelled.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

An SRL who is the moving party must email the e-filed cancellation notice to the JA and copy all parties and affected non-parties; the hearing remains scheduled unless the JA confirms cancellation.

If the SRL is the moving party, the hearing may only be cancelled by emailing a copy of the e-filed Notice of Cancellation to the JA, with copies to all parties and affected non-parties. The JA will acknowledge receipt of the notice, cancel the hearing, and inform all parties the hearing has been canceled by “Reply to All” to the SRL’s email. If the JA does not confirm cancellation of the hearing, it is not cancelled.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

The parties must notify the Court immediately if the case settles.

We understand that we must notify the Court immediately upon settlement of the case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

A request for emergency hearing time requires filing an emergency motion with the Clerk first, then emailing a copy to the Judicial Assistant for the Judge’s review.

All requests for emergency hearing time must be made by first filing an emergency motion with the Clerk and then providing a copy of the motion for the Judge’s review, by emailing the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Schedule hearings through JACS, except hearings requiring more than 60 minutes, which must be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant; hearings are limited to reserved time and motions must be filed before reserving hearing time.

All hearings shall be scheduled through the JACS. However, any hearings that require more than sixty (60) minutes shall be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant. Hearings are limited to the time reserved. All motions shall be filed prior to reserving hearing time.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Use JACS to cancel a hearing when possible; otherwise, if JACS blocks cancellation because notice would be short, the moving party must email the e-filed cancellation notice to the Judicial Assistant and include all parties.

JACS should be used to cancel hearings when possible. However, JACS will not authorize a cancellation when it results in short notice to the parties. When JACS does not permit a cancellation, the moving party may cancel the hearing only by emailing a copy of the e-filed Notice of Cancellation to the judicial assistant. Include all parties in that email. The judicial assistant will acknowledge receipt of the notice, cancel the hearing, and inform all parties the hearing has been cancelled.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

To request emergency hearing time, first file an emergency motion with the Clerk, then email a copy to the Judicial Assistant for the Judge, and include a cover letter estimating the hearing time needed.

All requests for emergency hearing time must be made by first filing an emergency motion with the Clerk and then providing a copy of the motion for the Judge’s review, by emailing the Judicial Assistant. The motion shall be accompanied by a cover letter that must include an estimate of the amount of hearing time required.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

To cancel a hearing, email or call the Judicial Assistant, immediately notify all parties and the Judicial Assistant, and file the cancellation in the court file.

Please email or call the Judicial Assistant to cancel a hearing. You must immediately send notice of cancellation to all parties including the Judicial Assistant and file into the court file.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Submit all case law and supporting documents not filed in the court file to the Judicial Assistant at least 48 hours prior.

Please continue to submit all case law and any supporting documents that are not filed in the court file at least 48 hours prior to the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Do not contact the Court to discuss a pending case; the Court considers only arguments properly presented by case parties in court or filed documents.

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026CRITICAL

Schedule injunction-related hearings through the judicial assistant on the dedicated injunction day; do not schedule them using JACS.

All hearings related to injunctions must be scheduled through the judicial assistant and set on the court’s dedicated injunction day. Any injunction-related proceedings scheduled using JACS will be canceled by the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Submit proposed orders to the Judicial Assistant by email.

Email the Judicial Assistant to submit proposed orders.

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The judicial assistant cannot give legal advice, help prepare filings, or communicate on behalf of a self-represented litigant.

However, the Judicial Assistant cannot provide legal advice, cannot help prepare filings, and cannot communicate on your behalf.

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Do not ask the judicial assistant about a hearing’s outcome or whether an order has been signed.

Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or whether an order has been signed.

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Contact

Email to chambers

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, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

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.

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Hearings expected to last longer than one hour must be scheduled by contacting the Judicial Assistant, not through JACS.

Hearings expected to last longer than one hour are unable to be scheduled through JACS. These hearings must be scheduled by contacting Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant.

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Attorneys may not combine adjacent JACS timeslots to obtain a longer hearing.

Attorneys are prohibited from using JACS to combine adjacent timeslots to secure longer hearings – i.e., no piggybacking.

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After receiving available timeslots, a pro se defendant must contact opposing counsel to coordinate a time.

Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant will then provide available timeslots with which the pro se defendant must contact opposing counsel(s) to coordinate.

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Attorneys must not copy the Judicial Assistant on party communications that are not directed to the Judge’s office.

Attorneys shall not include or copy Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant on emails or discussions between the parties which are not directed at Judge Felix’s office.

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Schedule requests for hearing time exceeding one hour with the Judicial Assistant.

All requests for hearing time over one hour must be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant.

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The Judicial Assistant may help schedule hearings but cannot provide case assistance, communicate for you, relay messages to the Judge, or provide hearing outcomes or order-signing status.

Judge Brewer’s Judicial Assistant can help you schedule a hearing. The Judicial Assistant may not help you with your case or send information to the other party or attorney for you. The Judicial Assistant may not “give the Judge a message.” Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Sarasota County Clerk’s website for details about your case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Do not copy the Judicial Assistant on scheduling emails exchanged between attorneys and parties.

The Judicial Assistant’s email should not be copied with scheduling emails between attorneys and parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

If the parties disagree about the form of a proposed order, the proposed order may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant in red-line form.

If there is a disagreement on the form, you may email the proposed order, in red-line form, to the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Requests for hearings of one hour or longer must be emailed to the Felony2 Division with all parties copied; dates and times are offered after Court review.

All requests for hearing time for one hour or longer must be submitted by email to the Felony2 Division email with all parties copied and the JA will offer dates and times once the Court has reviewed.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

JACS blocks cancellations within one week of the hearing; when that occurs, the scheduling party must cancel by contacting the Judicial Assistant.

However, JACS will block the ability to cancel when the cancellation is within one week of scheduled date. When JACS does not permit a cancellation the scheduling party must cancel the hearing by contacting the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

Do not copy the Court on attorney communications about a case.

Please do not copy the Court in Attorney communications regarding a case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Communications to the Family Law Division 3 email must comply with all court-contact rules, including rules governing ex parte communication.

Communications sent to the Family Law Division 3 email shall comply with all rules and requirements governing contact with the Court including ex parte communication.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Callers must read the requirements before calling the judicial assistant and should use the Clerk’s website to inquire about hearing outcomes.

Phone (941) 749‐3625; Please do not call the judicial assistant without first reading the requirements. To inquire about the outcome of a hearing, please consult the Clerk’s website.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

The chambers fax number may be used for emergencies only.

Fax (941) 749-3671; (For emergencies only)

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

If a hearing cannot be canceled through JACS, contact the judicial assistant by email so the time can be made available.

If unable to cancel the hearing through JACS, please contact the Judicial Assistant at ANelson@jud12.flcourts.org so she can make the time available for other cases.

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Self-represented litigants may not seek case advice or messages from the Judge or Judicial Assistant, or ask the assistant for hearing outcomes or order status.

The Judge must apply the same rules to all parties, regardless of whether you have an attorney. The Judge may not talk to you about your case outside of the courtroom, so please do not call to speak with the Judge. The Judicial Assistant may not help you with your case or send information to the other party or attorney for you. The Judicial Assistant may not “give the Judge a message.” Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Manatee County Clerk website for details about your case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Self-represented litigants should, whenever possible, email the Judicial Assistant to schedule a motion or hearing, copy the opposing party, and identify the matter and estimated time needed for both sides.

Self-represented litigants should contact the Judicial Assistant via email at CoDivision5@jud12.flcourts.org, whenever possible, to schedule a motion or other hearing. The opposing party should be copied on the email, and you should advise what motion or hearing you are attempting to schedule and the time you believe will be needed for the hearing/motion, considering how much time you will need and how much time you estimate the opposing party will need.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

For a small claims hearing requiring at least 45 minutes, contact the Judicial Assistant by email to specially set it, but only after conferring with the opposing party about the time needed.

If you are requesting 45 minutes or more, please contact the Judicial Assistant to specially set it at CoDivision5@jud12.flcourts.org. Do not email the Judicial Assistant until you have conferred with opposing party on how much time is needed for the hearing.

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Requests for more than 60 minutes of hearing time require contacting the Judicial Assistant to specially set the hearing.

If you are requesting more than 60 minutes, please contact the Judicial Assistant to specially set it.

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Contact the Judicial Assistant if hearing time is unavailable or obtaining it would require waiting more than two weeks.

If you find there is insufficient hearing time available or you have to wait more than two weeks to obtain hearing time, please contact the Judicial Assistant.

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Do not ask the Judicial Assistant for a hearing outcome or to verify whether an order has been signed; check the Clerk's website instead.

Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Manatee County Clerk website for details about your case.

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Do not call or email the Court to discuss a pending case; arguments must be presented in court or in properly filed documents.

Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court.

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Self-represented litigants may ask the Judicial Assistant for hearing-scheduling help, but not case advice or hearing outcomes or order-status information.

The Judge may not talk to you about your case outside of the courtroom, so please do not call to speak with the Judge. Judge Carroll’s Judicial Assistant can help you schedule a hearing. The Judicial Assistant may not help you with your case or send information to the other party or attorney for you. Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Sarasota County Clerk’s website for details about your case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

Do not call about an order’s status while it is under advisement, except that after 30 days from the Court’s receipt of the last post-hearing submission the movant may call the Judicial Assistant to advise of the delay.

If Judge Carroll takes a matter under advisement, Judge Carroll tries to rule as quickly as possible under the then current circumstances. Please do not call to ask about the status of the order. If 30 days have elapsed without a ruling, the movant may call the Judicial Assistant to advise that the matter has been under advisement for 30 days. The 30 days begins upon the Court’s receipt of the last post-hearing submission (e.g., transcripts, supplemental briefs, or legal authority).

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Contact

Email to chambers

The division email address may be used only to submit documents, not to communicate with the Judge’s office.

The division email address is to be used solely for the submission of documents, not for communication with the Judge’s office.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Do not contact the judicial assistant to ask for a hearing outcome or confirm whether an order has been signed; consult the Clerk’s website instead.

Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Manatee County Clerk website for details about your case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Emails to Family Division 4 must comply with all court-contact rules, including rules governing ex parte communications.

Emails sent to the Family Division 4 email shall comply with all rules and requirements governing contact with the Court including ex parte communication.

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Contact

Phone to chambers

Callers should read the requirements before calling the Judicial Assistant.

Phone (941) 861–3240; Please read the requirements prior to calling.

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Contact

Email to chambers

A party must email the Judicial Assistant if their client is in custody in Sarasota County jail.

It is the responsibility of the party to notify the Judicial Assistant by email their client is in custody in Sarasota County jail.

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Contact

Phone to chambers

Read the requirements before calling the judicial assistant’s office.

Do not call the office without first reading the requirements. The answers to most questions are in the requirements.

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Contact

Email to chambers

Do not call to ask about an order’s status; after four weeks without a ruling, the movant may email the judicial assistant to report that the matter has been under advisement for four weeks.

Do not call to ask about the status of the order. If four (4) weeks have elapsed without a ruling, the movant may email the judicial assistant to advise the matter has been under advisement for four (4) weeks.

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Fax is limited to emergencies; notices of hearing and other non-urgent documents should be hand-delivered or mailed to the judge’s office.

Fax should be used for emergencies only. Notices of hearing and other non-urgent documents should be hand-delivered or mailed to Judge Uzabel’s office.

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Contact

Email to chambers

Email the judicial assistant at the listed address; read the judicial requirements before calling.

Email the Judicial Assistant at jsalzman@jud12.flcourts.org. Do not call the judicial assistant without first reading the judicial requirements.

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If the provided timeslots do not work, an SRL may request more; after the parties agree on a timeslot, the SRL must notify the JA to secure it.

If none of the provided timeslots are agreeable, the SRL may contact the JA for more timeslots. After the parties agree on a timeslot, the SRL must notify the JA to secure the hearing time.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Hearing time before Magistrate Caskey is scheduled through his assistant by phone or email.

Hearing time is scheduled through Donna McCammond, Magistrate Caskey’s Assistant at 941‐749‐3650 or by email at DMcCammond@jud12.flcourts.org.

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Attorneys and parties must not contact the JA for case updates or status inquiries and should instead request case access from the Clerk’s Public Access department.

Attorneys and parties should not contact the JA to get updates or inquire as to the status of their case. Rather, they should contact the Public Access department of the Manatee County Clerk of Court and request “Attorney of Record” or “Party” access to their case.

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Competing letters or emails to the court about disputed case issues are prohibited, except for scheduling matters.

Litigation by letter or email occurs when one or more people send multiple competing letters or emails to the court or the court’s JA discussing issues in the case, other than scheduling matters, which are in dispute. This is not permitted.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(941) 861-3713

Civil hearings are scheduled through JACS, except hearings requiring more than 30 minutes, which are scheduled through the Judicial Assistant by phone or email.

All civil hearings shall be scheduled through the JACS. However, any hearings that require more than thirty (30) minutes shall be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant at (941) 861-3713, or via email at CoDivisionF@jud12.flcourts.org.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(941) 861-3713

Criminal hearings may be scheduled through the Judicial Assistant by phone or email, or through JACS.

Criminal hearings are scheduled through the Judicial Assistant at (941) 861-3713, via email at CoDivisionF@jud12.flcourts.org or by using JACS.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Use JACS to cancel hearings when possible; if JACS blocks cancellation because notice would be short, the moving party may email the e-filed cancellation notice to the Judicial Assistant with all parties copied.

JACS should be used to cancel hearings when possible. However, JACS will not authorize a cancellation when it results in short notice to the parties. When JACS does not permit a cancellation, the moving party may cancel the hearing only by emailing a copy of the e-filed Notice of Cancellation to the judicial assistant. Include all parties in that email. The judicial assistant will acknowledge receipt of the notice, cancel the hearing, and inform all parties the hearing has been cancelled.

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Do not ask the Judicial Assistant about hearing outcomes or whether an order has been signed; check the Clerk’s website instead.

Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Sarasota County Clerk’s website for details about your case.

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Do not contact the Judicial Assistant about a proposed order’s status unless more than 10 days have passed since submission and the matter is urgent.

Please do not contact the Judicial Assistant to inquire the status of a proposed order unless it has been more than 10 days from submitting and the matter is urgent.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers

The Court prefers case law, courtesy copies, and other correspondence to be emailed to the division address with the opposing party copied and the case number and name in the subject line.

It is preferred that all case law, courtesy copies of court filings and any other correspondence be emailed to CoDivision4@jud12.flcourts.org with the opposing party copied. Include the case number and case name in the subject line of the email.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

Do not call or email the Court expecting to discuss a pending case with a Judge.

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Criminal cases

Do not ask the Judicial Assistant for hearing outcomes or to verify whether an order has been signed; check the Clerk’s website instead.

Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Manatee County Clerk website for details about your case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(863) 993-4644

Self-represented litigants should contact the Judicial Assistant to schedule a hearing, copy the opposing party on the email, and identify the hearing and estimated time needed by both sides.

Self-represented litigants should contact the Judicial Assistant at (863) 993-4644, whenever possible, to schedule a motion or other hearing. The opposing party should be copied on the email, and you should advise what motion or hearing you are attempting to schedule and the time you believe will be needed for the hearing/motion, considering how much time you will need and how much time you estimate the opposing party will need.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(863) 993-4644

Self-represented litigants should contact the Judicial Assistant to schedule a hearing, copy the opposing party on the email, and identify the hearing and estimated time needed by both sides.

Self-represented litigants should contact the Judicial Assistant at (863) 993-4644, whenever possible, to schedule a motion or other hearing. The opposing party should be copied on the email, and you should advise what motion or hearing you are attempting to schedule and the time you believe will be needed for the hearing/motion, considering how much time you will need and how much time you estimate the opposing party will need.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Income Deduction Orders, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, and special interrogatories should be submitted directly to the judicial assistant.

The following orders should be submitted directly to the judicial assistant: Income Deduction Order; Qualified Domestic Relations Order; and Special interrogatories.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

The Division Email may be used by pro se litigants only with the Court’s permission, and emails must follow ex parte rules and include the case number in the subject line.

The Division Email is CirFamDiv1@jud12.flcourts.org. You must comply with the rules regarding ex parte communications. Please place the case number in the subject line. Pro se litigants may only use the Division Email with the Court’s permission.

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Hearings under an hour are scheduled in JACS; parties may request more than 60 minutes through the judicial assistant by email or phone.

Hearings less than an hour are scheduled in JACS. Parties may request hearing time greater than 60 minutes through the judicial assistant by email or phone.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Attorneys may email the Division, but must include all parties and may have ex parte communications rejected.

Attorneys may email CirFamDiv1@jud12.flcourts.org. All parties must be included in the email. Ex-parte communication may be rejected.

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Parties must not ask the judicial assistant for legal advice.

All parties must not ask the judicial assistant: for legal advice;

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Contact

Email to chambers

Self-represented litigants should email the Judicial Assistant to schedule a motion or hearing when possible, copy the opposing party, and identify the matter and estimated hearing time for both sides.

Self-represented litigants should contact the Judicial Assistant via email at CoDivisionC@jud12.flcourts.org, whenever possible, to schedule a motion or other hearing. The opposing party should be copied on the email, and you should advise what motion or hearing you are attempting to schedule and the time you believe will be needed for the hearing/motion, considering how much time you will need and how much time you estimate the opposing party will need.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Self-represented litigants may contact the Judicial Assistant for hearing scheduling but may not ask the Judge to discuss their case or ask the assistant for case advice, hearing outcomes, or order-signing status.

The Judge may not talk to you about your case outside of the courtroom, so please do not call to speak with the Judge. My Judicial Assistant can help you schedule a hearing. The Judicial Assistant may not help you with your case or send information to the other party or attorney for you. Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the Sarasota County Clerk’s website for details about your case.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Phone to chambers

Do not call to inquire about an order’s status; after 30 days without a ruling, the movant may call the Judicial Assistant to report that period, measured from the Court’s receipt of the last post-hearing submission.

Please do not call to ask about the status of the order. If 30 days have elapsed without a ruling, the movant may call the Judicial Assistant to advise that the matter has been under advisement for 30 days. The 30 days begins upon the Court’s receipt of the last post-hearing submission (e.g., transcripts, supplemental briefs, or legal authority).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Request available plea hearing times by emailing the Judicial Assistant; plea hearings are set on Wednesday afternoons.

Please email the Judicial Assistant to request available hearing times for Pleas. They will be set on Wednesday afternoons.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Counsel should not use email for general correspondence or copy the Judicial Assistant on extraneous documents or counsel-to-counsel email correspondence.

Counsel should not use email for general correspondence or copy the Judicial Assistant any extraneous documentation or email correspondence between counsels.

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Judicial Assistants and courtroom staff may not discuss substantive case matters with parties.

The Code of Judicial Conduct precludes Judicial Assistants and other courtroom staff from speaking to parties about substantive matters in any case.

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The judicial assistant cannot provide legal assistance, relay messages, contact other parties for you, or report hearing outcomes or order status.

The Judicial Assistant may not help you with your case or send information to other parties or attorneys on your behalf. The Judicial Assistant may not “give the Judge a message” or answer your legal questions. Additionally, please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review Sarasota Clerk’s online docket for details about your case.

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The person needing an interpreter must request services separately for each court event at least five business days in advance; later requests may not be accommodated.

The responsibility for scheduling an interpreter rest solely with the person in need of interpreting services. The court does not automatically schedule interpreters. Interpretation services can be requested by telephone, email, or submission of the online request form. Each court event must be scheduled separately with the interpreter’s office. Requests for court interpreters should be made at least five (5) business days in advance of the scheduled court event. Requests made less than five (5) business days’ notice may not be accommodated.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Only after four weeks from the court’s receipt of the final post-hearing submission may the movant email the judicial assistant to report that the matter remains under advisement.

If four (4) weeks have elapsed without a ruling, the movant may email the judicial assistant to advise the matter has been under advisement for four (4) weeks. The four (4) weeks begins upon the court’s receipt of the last post-hearing submission (e.g., transcripts, supplemental briefs, legal authority, proposed orders).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026INFO

Contact the Judicial Assistant for delivery of a capias.

Capias: Please contact the JA for delivery.

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Contact

Email to chambers

The Judicial Assistant may be contacted by email at the stated address.

Email the Judicial Assistant, Anita, at abowles@jud12.flcourts.org.

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Contact

Email to chambers

The judicial assistant may be contacted by email at pdavidson@jud12.flcourts.org.

Please email Petrina Davidson at: pdavidson@jud12.flcourts.org

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026INFO

Contact

Phone to chambers

If four weeks pass without a ruling on a matter taken under advisement, the movant may call the Judicial Assistant to report that it has been under advisement for four weeks.

If four weeks have elapsed without a ruling, the movant may call the Judicial Assistant to advise that the matter has been under advisement for four weeks starting on the day of the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026INFO

Contact

Email to chambers

Standard orders from the Family Division page may be submitted to the Division by email.

The Family Division page contains many standard orders that may be submitted at: CirFamDiv1@jud12.flcourts.org.

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Contact the Judicial Assistant if no hearing time is available or more than 60 minutes are needed.

If there is no hearing time available or if you need more than sixty (60) minutes for your hearing please contact the Judicial Assistant.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026INFO

Contact

Email to chambers

Exhibits fewer than 25 pages may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant for printing.

If the exhibits are under 25 pages, they may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant to print.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 9, 2026INFO

Contact

Email to chambers

Correspondence should be sent to Judicial Assistant Carla at the listed email address.

All correspondence should be sent to the Judge’s Judicial Assistant, Carla, at JuvDivJ@jud12.flcourts.org.

CRITICAL?Criminal cases

Contact

Phone to clerk ?

Requests for emergency or expedited hearing time must be made by contacting the JA by phone or email and providing a copy of the contested motion.

CRITICAL?

The attorney or party filing the motion must (1) telephone Judge Johnson’s Judicial Assistant regarding the motion, and (2) email a copy of the motion to Judge Johnson’s Judicial Assistant.

CRITICAL?Civil cases

The attorney desiring an ex parte hearing shall notify the judicial assistant for the Division judge, no later than by 3 p.m. the preceding business day of the hearing.

CRITICAL?Civil cases

For short notice cancellations within 24 hours of the hearing, the scheduling party shall contact the judicial assistant by email and phone to ensure the cancellation has been communicated to the court.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

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.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

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.

CRITICAL?

A motion to appear remotely must be filed with the Clerk, and along with a proposed order, must be submitted to Judge Felix’s chambers by email or hand-delivery at least one business day before the hearing.

CRITICAL?

The movant must notify Judge Felix of the motion by calling Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant and emailing her a copy of the motion at CirCrimDiv1@jud12.flcourts.org.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Emails to the Court must include all parties.

CRITICAL?

Emails are not motions: The Court will not consider an email to be a motion. If any party wants Judge Brewer to take action, the party must file a motion.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

After conferring with opposing counsel on amount of time needed for emergency hearing time, an email and a copy of the motion should be emailed to the JA with a courtesy call.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Motions to release uncharged defendants must be emailed to the Court and the assigned Assistant State Attorney.

CRITICAL?

Due to the limited number of on-site and contractual court interpreters, attorneys must request and schedule interpreter services at least five business days in advance.

CRITICAL?

Emails are not motions. The Court will not consider an email to be a motion. If any party wants Judge Moreland to act, the party must file a motion.

CRITICAL?

You must schedule and cancel hearings 60 minutes or less through the Judicial Automated Calendaring System (JACS).

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Hearings more than one hour:All hearings estimated to last more than one hour must be scheduled by emailing the judicial assistant with the style of the case, the subject of the motion, DIN and date the motion was filed, and total time needed to complete same.

Summary: Schedule hearings estimated to exceed one hour by emailing the Judicial Assistant the listed case, motion, DIN, filing-date, and time information.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Beginning April 1, 2026, Judge Moreland will accept electronic copies of the hearing documents. You can submit the hearing documents by emailing the Judicial Assistant at LFritz@jud12.flcourts.org. You must reference the case number, case name, and date of hearing in the email. Each document must be a separate document – one .pdf for all documents is unacceptable and no zip files for instance.

Summary: Beginning April 1, 2026, hearing documents may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant as separate files, with the case number, case name, and hearing date in the email; combined PDFs and ZIP files are not accepted.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Appointing Attorney and Elisor and Appointing Examining Committee: These two proposed Orders are the exception to the rule regarding emailed proposed Orders. Due to the time sensitive nature, these must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant.

Summary: The proposed orders appointing an attorney and elisor or appointing an examining committee must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant.

CRITICAL?Criminal cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Requests for emergency or expedited hearing time must be made by contacting the JA by phone to notify the Court that an email is being sent to the with an emergency motion that has been filed and sent to opposing counsel.

CRITICAL?Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

A hearing, including a hearing for Temporary Relief or Contempt, that requires more than 60 minutes, is considered an Extended Hearing. In order to schedule an Extended Hearing, send an email to Family Division 3, copy opposing counsel/party. The email should contain: the case number, title of the motion, how much time is being requested, and any specific details (issues, evidence, witnesses, etc.).

Summary: To schedule a hearing requiring more than 60 minutes, email Family Division 3, copy opposing counsel or party, and include the case number, motion title, requested time, and relevant details.

CRITICAL?Civil cases

All parties must be cc’d for the document to be reviewed.

CRITICAL?Criminal cases

Requests for emergency or expedited hearing time must be made by contacting the JA by phone or email and providing a copy of the contested motion.

CRITICAL?

If the parties stipulate to a continuance in Court with a Defendant who is in-custody and present for court, the Defendant’s attorney shall immediately notify the courtroom deputies of the continuance.

CRITICAL?

Requests for emergency or expedited hearing time must be made by contacting the JA by phone or email and providing a copy of the contested motion.

CRITICAL?

They are, however, required to submit case law to the Court and opposing counsel at least three (3) days before the hearing in conformance with the court’s general requirements.

CRITICAL?

The attorney or party filing the motion must (1) phone Judge Doyle’s Judicial Assistant about the motion, and (2) hand deliver or email a copy to Judge Doyle’s Judicial Assistant.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

For any hearing, the party wishing the Court to consider legal authority shall submit their authority via email to CoDivision5@jud12.flcourts.org 3 days prior to the hearing. The email shall include the case number, caption and date of hearing.

CRITICAL?

The attorney or party filing the motion must (1) phone Judge Carroll’s Judicial Assistant about the motion, and (2) email or hand deliver a copy to the Judge Carroll’s Judicial Assistant.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

The attorney or party filing the motion must (1) phone Judge Steele’s Judicial Assistant about the motion, and (2) hand deliver or email a copy to the Judge Steele’s Judicial Assistant.

CRITICAL?Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Concurrently, the parties shall provide a copy of that Case Management Report to the assigned judge’s designated email, copying all parties.

CRITICAL?

Litigation of contested matters via email communications to the Judicial Assistant is not permitted.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Pro se litigants may only use the division email with the Court’s permission. Pro se litigants must follow the Twelfth Judicial Circuit’s rules for pro se parties.

CRITICAL?

Hearings on motions related to injunctions are scheduled through the Judge’s judicial assistant, not on JACS. Any hearing related to an injunction that is scheduled on JACS will be cancelled by the Court.

CRITICAL?

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Summary: Do not call or email the Court to discuss a pending case with a judge; the Court considers arguments only when properly presented in court or filed by a party.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

A hearing, including a hearing for Temporary Relief, that requires more than 60 minutes, is considered an Extended Hearing. In order to schedule an Extended Hearing, send an email to ltroxell@jud12.flcourts.org, copy opposing counsel/party. 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.

Summary: To schedule an extended hearing over 60 minutes, email chambers, copy the opposing side, and provide the case number, motion title, requested time, and reasons for the duration.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

If JACS will not authorize a cancellation, the party should immediately: contact 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.

CRITICAL?

If the parties settle after Docket Sounding, not only must the parties immediately notify Judge Bruning’s Judicial Assistant, the parties must also immediately contact the attorneys next in order on the trial lineup (even over the weekend).

CRITICAL?

Please do not set these motions for hearing. Please send these motions to Judge Bruning’s Judicial Assistant with a cover letter. Judge Bruning will determine whether to grant a hearing.

CRITICAL?

Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.

CRITICAL?

The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court.

CRITICAL?

You may absolutely address the Judge in court for so long as your case is properly scheduled on the court docket and all parties are present during your conversation with the Judge. You may not discuss your case or your child’s case with the Judge outside of court nor outside of the presence of all interested parties.

CRITICAL?

Hearing time may be scheduled in open court by agreement of the parties and the court. All hearings, that are not scheduled in court by the clerk, must be scheduled on the Judicial Automated Calendaring System (“JACS”).

CRITICAL?

All hearings 30 minutes in length or less must be scheduled using the Court’s JACS.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If time slots do not appear on the JACS drop down menu for hearings 30 minutes or less in length, please email the request for hearing time in writing with all sides copied. If all parties are not copied, the request will not be reviewed.

CRITICAL?

The court does not allow litigation by letter or email. If the parties cannot agree on an issue, the appropriate motion should be filed and set for hearing.

CRITICAL?

The original motion shall be filed with the clerk, and a copy hand-delivered or emailed to the court and a phone call placed to the judicial assistant advising of the motion.

CRITICAL?

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Summary: Do not contact the Court to discuss a pending case; the Court considers only authorized arguments made in court or in properly filed documents.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

JACS should be used to cancel hearings when possible. However, JACS will not authorize a cancellation when it results in short notice to the parties. When JACS does not permit a cancellation, the moving party may cancel the hearing only by emailing a copy of the e-filed Notice of Cancellation to the judicial assistant. Include all parties in that email. The judicial assistant will acknowledge receipt of the notice, cancel the hearing, and inform all parties the hearing has been cancelled.

Summary: Use JACS to cancel hearings when possible; if JACS does not allow cancellation, email the e-filed cancellation notice to the Judicial Assistant and include all parties.

CRITICAL?

The Court will not review ex parte communication.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If counsel, a SRL, or a party intends to appear in person for a non-evidentiary proceeding that is scheduled for 30 minutes or less, such person must notify the JA at least 24 business hours before the proceeding by sending an email to the Division Email with copies to all parties and affected non-parties.

CRITICAL?

Hearings expected to last one (1) hour or less All hearings that will be one (1) hour or less must be scheduled through the Circuit’s Judicial Automated Calendaring System (JACS). Available timeslots are 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes.

Summary: Hearings lasting one hour or less must be scheduled through JACS using an available 15-, 30-, or 60-minute timeslot.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

All Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration, or New Trial are to be filed with the Clerk of Court and a copy submitted directly to the judge, via the Division Email, with copies to all parties, along with a cover letter. The motion should be detailed and specific. The judge will review the motion to determine whether a hearing is required. These motions shall not be set for hearing unless directed to do so by the court.

Summary: Rehearing, reconsideration, and new-trial motions must be filed with the Clerk, emailed to the judge with copies to all parties and a cover letter, and may be set for hearing only if the court directs.

CRITICAL?Criminal cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

The attorney or party filing the motion must (1) phone Judge Gould’s judicial assistant about the motion, and (2) hand deliver or email a copy to the Judge Gould’s judicial assistant.

CRITICAL?

It is the attorney/party’s responsibility to alert the Judicial Assistant of any Defendant that is in custody and needs to be transported for a hearing or needs to appear via Zoom. This must be done at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

CRITICAL?

Do not set for hearing. Hearings set without the Court’s prior approval will be cancelled. All Motions for Rehearing, Reconsideration or for New Trial shall be filed and submitted directly to the Judicial Assistant. The judge will review the motion to determine whether a hearing is warranted.

CRITICAL?

If the parties settle after the case is set for trial, not only must the parties immediately notify the Judicial Assistant, the parties must also immediately contact the attorneys next in order on the trial lineup (even over the weekend).

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Ex-parte The Court will not consider ex-parte communication, therefore all communication sent to the Court by email must be copied to the opposing parties before the matter will be considered.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

The attorney or party filing the motion must (1) phone the Court’s Judicial Assistant about the motion, and (2) email or hand deliver a copy to the Court’s Judicial Assistant.

CRITICAL?

In addition, the Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judges from considering ex-parte (or one-sided) communications.

CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Local Jail (Manatee Co. or Sarasota Co. Sheriff’s Office): Please email the judicial assistant a copy of the Notice of Hearing no less than 3 business days in advance of the hearing due to the Sheriff Office’s procedures. The email shall identify the inmate’s full name, birthdate and custody location. If the inmate is not timely requested, the inmate will not be provided.

Summary: To arrange attendance for a local-jail inmate, email the judicial assistant the Notice of Hearing at least three business days before the hearing and identify the inmate’s full name, birthdate, and custody location.

WARNING?

Your opportunity to communicate with Judge Johnson about your case is at a hearing. The Judge cannot discuss your case outside of the courtroom, so please do not call or attempt to speak with the Judge directly.

WARNING?Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

The preferred method of communication with court staff is email. Please do not call or email the judicial assistant without first reading these requirements. To inquire about the outcome of a hearing, please consult the Manatee Clerk’s website or the Sarasota Clerk’s website.

WARNING?Civil cases

Fax (941) 861-7913; (for emergencies only)

WARNING?Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Subsequent inquiries regarding paperwork submitted via the designated email address should be directed to the judicial assistant only after reviewing the court file.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

In order to schedule an Extended Hearing, send an email to CirCivDivB@jud12.flcourts.org, copy opposing counsel/party.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Arguments should be confined to letters, motions, memoranda, and legal documents attached to the email.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Pro se litigants may only use the division email with the Court’s permission.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

email a directive such as “hold this proposed order for x days for an objection to be lodged”.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Please do not use this email for any other purpose and please do not copy the judicial assistant on the email.

WARNING?

These hearings must be scheduled through JACS. If the JACS system has no available timeslots, please contact Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant to schedule the hearing on a special set hearing day.

WARNING?

If there is substantial disagreement, the parties should contact Judge Felix’s Judicial Assistant to set a Charge Conference before the trial date.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Please do not call and leave a voicemail of a cancellation, instead email the Judicial Assistant a courtesy copy of the filed Notice of Cancellation and copy all parties.

WARNING?

The Judge may not talk to you about your case outside of the courtroom, so please do not call to speak with the Judge.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

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.

WARNING?Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The scheduling attorney/assistant must email a copy of the filed notice of hearing to JA immediately upon scheduling and filing hearing notice.

WARNING?Criminal cases

Do not send emails when a motion should be filed.

WARNING?Criminal cases

If there is no time available, the attorney shall contact the Judicial Assistant.

WARNING?Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Email is strictly a method of communicating seeking hearing time or 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.

WARNING?Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Please do not use this email for any other purpose and please do not copy the judicial assistant on the email.

WARNING?Criminal cases

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Summary: The Court will not discuss pending cases with the public or consider arguments outside the courtroom and properly filed documents from parties.

WARNING?

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.

Summary: The public must not call or email the Court to discuss a pending case with a judge.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Following a hearing, counsel may submit proposed orders via email only if instructed to do so.

WARNING?

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court.

Summary: The Court cannot discuss pending cases with the public and considers only authorized courtroom arguments and properly filed documents.

WARNING?

Fax 941-749-3677; The fax is to be used for emergencies only.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Emails must include the case number and style in subject line.

WARNING?

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Additionally, please call the Judicial Assistant to advise her of the service.

WARNING?

Fax 941-749-3677; The fax is to be used for emergencies only.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

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.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Emails to the judicial assistant should be devoid of information or statements that are unnecessary, superfluous, irrelevant, or adversarial.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Arguments should be confined to letters, motions, memoranda, and legal documents attached to the email.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Please place the case number in the subject line.

WARNING?

Final Injunction Hearings Requiring More than 30 Minutes Depending on the Court’s schedule a final injunction hearing that requires more than 30 minutes may be rescheduled to an alternate hearing time. To avoid waiting and possibly having to appear multiple times, an attorney representing a party in an injunction case should contact the Judicial Assistant before the hearing date if more than 30 minutes will be required.

Summary: An attorney should contact the Judicial Assistant before the hearing date if a final injunction hearing will require more than 30 minutes; it may be rescheduled depending on the Court’s schedule.

WARNING?

If a pro se litigant files a Motion to Vacate, an opposing attorney is not permitted to schedule a Motion to Vacate hearing for the pro se litigant.

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Before contacting the Judicial Assistant about the status of a case or pending order, attorneys and their staff should consult the Sarasota Clerk’s online docket.

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The judge’s office shall be contacted immediately once a settlement has been reached.

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Requests for court interpreters should be made at least five (5) business days in advance of the scheduled court event. Requests made with less than five (5) business days’ notice may not be accommodated.

Summary: Request a court interpreter at least five business days before the court event; later requests may not be accommodated.

WARNING?

If you write the Judge a letter, a copy of the letter will be provided to all parties and will not be reviewed by the Judge as the communication may be deemed improper.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Hearings Longer than 30 Minutes: Please contact the Court’s Judicial Assistant via email at SRQJUV@jud12.flcourts.org to schedule hearings requiring more than one hour.

WARNING?

If any party believes a particularly complex dependency case will require an extraordinary amount of the court’s time, the party will coordinate alternate hearing time, rather than utilize a Wednesday Dependency docket, to ensure adequate time can be dedicated to the complex nature of any given case.

Summary: Coordinate alternative hearing time for a particularly complex dependency case requiring extraordinary Court time instead of using a Wednesday dependency docket.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

In matters where both parties are represented by counsel, agreed orders may be emailed to the Judicial Assistant where service via email is indicated and email addresses are provided.

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Your opportunity to speak to the judge happens only in court.

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Hearings are limited to the time reserved, and the Court reserves the right to end the meeting at the allotted time and reschedule if the parties go over.

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the Judge. Judge Leaf’s Judicial Assistant can help you schedule a hearing. The Judicial Assistant may not help you with your case or send information to the other party or attorney for you.

WARNING?Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

You may also email motions and proposed orders to the above email address. Please note this email address is to be used solely for the submission of documents, not for communication with the Judge’s office.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The opposing party should be copied on the email, and you should advise what motion or hearing you are attempting to schedule and the time you believe will be needed for the hearing/motion, considering how much time you will need and how much time you estimate the opposing party will need.

Summary: When scheduling a hearing by email, self-represented litigants should copy the opposing party and state the hearing sought and estimated time needed by both sides.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The opposing party should be copied on the email and you should advise what motion or hearing you are attempting to schedule and the time you believe will be needed for the hearing/motion, considering how much time you will need and how much time you estimate the opposing party will need.

Summary: When scheduling a hearing by email, self-represented litigants should copy the opposing party and state the hearing sought and estimated time needed by both sides.

WARNING?

Please do not ask the Judicial Assistant for the outcome of a hearing or verify that an order has been signed; you may review the DeSoto County Clerk’s website for details about your case.

WARNING?

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case.

Summary: The public must not call or email the Court to discuss a pending case with a Judge.

WARNING?

to give the judge a message;

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to explain the contents of a court order; or

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to send documents to opposing party or counsel on your behalf.

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Communication from a non-party may be rejected.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Attorneys should provide their emergency motions to: CirFamDiv1@jud12.flcourts.org

WARNING?

Notice to the public: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call or email the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Summary: The Court will not discuss pending cases with the public by phone or email and will consider only authorized courtroom arguments and properly filed documents.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Please include the case number in the subject line of all emails.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

When sending case law and supporting documents, please state in your email or letter which party you represent.

WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If hard copies were sent, please email the Judicial Assistant prior to the hearing confirming receipt.

WARNING?

If the parties settle after being scheduled for trial, Petitioner’s counsel shall immediately notify the court in writing and copy to opposing counsel/party.

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If the parties settle after PTC, the parties must notify the court’s judicial assistant and must also immediately contact the attorneys next in order on the trial lineup, even over the weekend.

WARNING?

Whenever a case settles, the parties shall immediately provide written notice to the court’s judicial assistant.

INFO?

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed for lunch Noon-1 p.m. (Please do not leave voicemails during lunch.)

INFO?

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.

INFO?

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.

INFO?

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(863) 993 4644, Ext. 426

Phone number is (863) 993 4644, Ext. 426.

INFO?

Before contacting the JA about the status of a case or pending order, attorneys and their staff should consult the Manatee Clerk’s online docket.

INFO?

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Parties may contact the judicial assistant via email to obtain available hearing times.

INFO?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Email correspondence is preferred. Send email to jsalzman@jud12.flcourts.org.

INFO?Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

To communicate with Chambers, please email LJakanski@jud12.flcourts.org.

INFO?

If, after reviewing the guidelines below, you are unsure about whether a hearing can occur by Zoom or whether you are supposed to appear in person, please contact the Judicial Assistant.