Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida (DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota) Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

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

Criminal cases

Before filing an emergency motion, the moving attorney must confer in good faith with opposing counsel to try to resolve the issue.

The moving attorney is required to confer with opposing counsel in a good faith effort to resolve the issue prior to filing an emergency motion.

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

All motions, including Daubert, summary judgment, and in limine motions, must be resolved by the Case Management Order deadline and scheduled for hearing before that deadline.

All motions, including Daubert, Summary Judgment, and In Limine motions, must be resolved in accordance with the deadline set forth in the Case Management Order. Please plan accordingly and schedule for hearing before any applicable deadline.

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

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may be added to the hearing time, cross-noticed for the same hearing time, or substituted in place of a cancelled or withdrawn motion without prior approval of the Court.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, 2026CRITICAL

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

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

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, 2026CRITICAL

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, 2026CRITICAL

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

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

The prosecutor and defense counsel must confer before trial to resolve disputes over proposed jury instructions.

The prosecutor and counsel for the defendant shall confer before the trial date to settle all disputes relating to proposed jury instructions.

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

A motion must be filed before hearing time is requested.

Motions must be filed prior to requesting hearing time.

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

Before filing a motion, parties must meet and confer in good faith to resolve the issues, except for motions for injunctive relief, judgment on the pleadings, and summary judgment.

Rule 1.202, Fla. R. Civ.P., requires parties to meet and confer in good faith to resolve issues prior to filing a motion, except for Injunctive Relief, Judgment on the pleadings, and Summary Judgment.

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

File a motion before requesting or reserving hearing time for it.

All motions must be filed prior to requesting or reserving hearing time.

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

Do not add or cross-notice another motion to a scheduled motion without prior approval from opposing counsel and the Court.

Once a motion is scheduled, subsequent motions may not be added or cross-noticed without prior approval by opposing counsel and the Court.

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

A different motion may not replace a scheduled motion that is canceled or resolved without prior approval from opposing counsel and the Court.

Once a motion is scheduled, another motion shall not be substituted in the event the original motion is canceled or resolved absent prior approval by opposing counsel and the Court.

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

No oral or written motions, including motions to continue, will be heard at docket sounding.

No motions of any kind (oral or written), including motions to continue, will be heard at docket sounding.

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

Counsel must comply with trial deadlines and have motions heard before trial.

Counsel must comply with trial deadlines and have motions heard prior to trial.

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

Criminal cases

Before filing an emergency motion, the moving attorney must confer in good faith with opposing counsel to try to resolve the issue.

The moving attorney is required to confer with opposing counsel in a good faith effort to resolve the issue prior to filing an emergency motion.

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

Criminal cases

Parties are not automatically entitled to a hearing on a motion to modify or terminate supervision and may not schedule one without prior Court approval.

Parties are not automatically entitled to a hearing on a motion to modify or terminate supervision and shall not set a hearing without prior court approval.

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

All motions, including Daubert, summary judgment, and in limine motions, must be resolved before Docket Sounding or, absent permission otherwise, a pending motion will be deemed denied.

All motions, including Daubert, Summary Judgment, and In Limine motions, must be resolved before Docket Sounding. Unless Judge Carroll allows otherwise, any pending motion will be deemed denied if not addressed by Docket Sounding.

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

For a court-scheduled hearing, the moving party must obtain opposing counsel’s agreement on the date and time before contacting the judicial assistant to schedule.

The moving party must first get the agreement of opposing counsel for the date and time, then contact the judicial assistant to schedule.

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

If the parties cannot agree to a requested redaction, a motion must be filed and scheduled for hearing before trial.

If the parties cannot stipulate to the redaction a motion must be filed and scheduled for hearing prior to trial.

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

If the parties cannot agree on an issue, file the appropriate motion and set it for hearing.

If the parties cannot agree on an issue, the appropriate motion should be filed and set for hearing.

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

Mediation is required before trial unless a party files a motion and obtains a hearing on the request not to participate.

Mediation is required prior to trial. Should a party desire not to participate in mediation, a motion will need to be filed and a hearing held.

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

A motion to withdraw must be set for hearing with notice to all parties.

Pursuant to Rule 2.505, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, motions to withdraw must be set for hearing with notice provided to all parties.

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

Contested matters must be mediated before a temporary-relief motion is heard and before trial, unless the Court excuses mediation.

Parties are required to mediate all contested matters or issues before a motion for temporary relief is heard and prior to trial, except when excused by the Court.

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

Resolve all motions, including Daubert and in limine motions, before Docket Sounding; unless the judge allows otherwise, any unaddressed pending motion is deemed denied.

All motions, including Daubert motions and in limine motions, must be resolved before Docket Sounding. Unless Judge Bruning allows otherwise, any pending motion will be deemed denied if not addressed by Docket Sounding.

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

A motion showing good cause is required to request conversion of a hearing to Zoom.

If requesting a hearing be converted to Zoom, a motion showing good cause must be filed.

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

After a hearing is scheduled, motions may not be added or substituted without prior approval from opposing counsel and the Court; all motions scheduled together must be specifically listed.

Once a hearing is scheduled, no additional motions are to be added or substituted absent prior approval of opposing counsel and the Court. If multiple motions are being scheduled all motions shall be specifically listed.

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

Piggybacking or cross-noticing motions is prohibited unless all parties and the Court consent.

“Piggybacking” or cross noticing of motions or substitute motions is not permitted absent the consent of all parties and the Court.

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

Case Management Conferences are mandatory for attorneys and self-represented litigants unless excused in advance; clients need not attend.

Any party may request a CMC. The Court strongly encourages the early use of CMC in more complex cases, multiple party litigation, or any case that might benefit from court intervention. Unless excused by the court in advance, all CMCs are mandatory for attorneys and pro se litigants. Clients are not required to appear at CMC.

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

Lead or trial counsel and pro se litigants must attend the mandatory Pre-Trial Conference, but clients need not attend.

Lead/Trial Counsel and pro se litigants must appear for the mandatory PTC. Clients are not required.

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

A substitution-of-attorney motion does not require a hearing if client consent is filed with the motion.

If you are substituting as an attorney, no hearing is needed on a substitution if a client consent is filed with the Motion.

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

A withdrawal motion may be submitted for decision without a hearing if the client consents and waives the hearing, and opposing counsel does not object.

If you file a client consent in which the client consents to the withdrawal and waives the hearing requirement under Rule 2.505(f)(1), you may submit a proposed order for approval without a hearing if there is no objection from opposing counsel.

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

A non-emergency continuance motion should generally be set for hearing.

Generally, for non-emergencies, the motion should be set for hearing.

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

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

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

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

If the Judicial Assistant does not receive the State Attorney’s response by the deadline, a hearing will be set on the next available hearing date.

If the JA does not receive a response from the State Attorney by the specified deadline, a hearing will be set on the next available hearing date.

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

Criminal cases

After a motion is scheduled, another motion may not be added or cross-noticed without prior approval from opposing counsel and the Court.

Once a motion is scheduled subsequent motions may not be added or cross-noticed without prior approval by opposing counsel and the Court.

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

Criminal cases

A scheduled motion may not be replaced by another motion after cancellation or resolution without prior approval from opposing counsel and the Court.

Once a motion is scheduled another motion shall not be substituted in the event the original motion is cancelled or resolved absent prior approval by opposing counsel and the Court.

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

Criminal cases

No oral or written motions, including motions to continue, will be heard at docket sounding.

No motions of any kind (oral or written), including motions to continue, will be heard at docket sounding.

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

Criminal cases

Counsel must comply with trial deadlines and have motions heard before trial; contact the Judicial Assistant if JACS has no hearing time available.

Counsel must comply with trial deadlines and have motions heard prior to trial. Contact the JA if hearing time is unavailable on JACS.

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

After a motion is scheduled, another motion may not be cross-noticed without prior approval from the Court and opposing counsel, and the hearing notice must acknowledge the requirements.

Once a motion is scheduled via JACS or the Judicial Assistant, no subsequent motions are permitted to be “cross noticed,” absent prior approval of the Court and opposing counsel. Any cross noticed hearing notice shall acknowledge these requirements.

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

A party intending to offer video or other material stored on an electronic device must confer with the IT department before trial.

If you intend to offer any video, or other material that is stored in a cell phone or other electronic device, you must confer with the IT department prior to the trial.

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

Counseled parties must make a good-faith attempt to resolve or mediate emergency or expedited matters and submit stipulations if possible.

Parties represented by counsel shall attempt in good faith to resolve or mediate emergency/expedited matters and submit stipulations, if at all possible.

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

The Court may waive mediation after a verified motion and hearing based on hardship, emergency, or a history of domestic violence that would compromise mediation.

When the Court waives mediation, upon verified motion and hearing, because of a hardship, emergency, or history of domestic violence between the parties that would compromise the mediation process.

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

The Court will select the trial date if the parties cannot agree.

If the parties cannot agree on a trial date, the Court will select one.

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

The Court may, in its discretion, hold emergency or expedited hearings during alternative, unconventional work hours.

Emergency or expedited hearings may occur during alternative, unconventional work hours at the court’s discretion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

If the parties cannot reach 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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

A motion to conduct hybrid hearing must first be heard and ruled upon by the court prior to scheduling a hybrid hearing on the pending motion(s).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

If the parties cannot stipulate to the redaction a motion must be filed and scheduled for hearing prior to trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

Unless otherwise indicated by the Court, attorneys and litigants are required to appear in person or by Zoom for a mandatory 5- to 10-minute pre-hearing conference, generally scheduled one week before the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

The moving attorney is required to confer with opposing counsel in a good faith effort to resolve the issue prior to filing an emergency motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

If any party requests that any portion of an exhibit, i.e., recordings, cell phone records, text messages, email messages, transcripts, etc., be redacted, the request for redaction shall be made to opposing counsel no less than five (5) business days before trial. If the parties cannot stipulate to the redaction a motion must be filed and scheduled for hearing prior to trial.

Summary: If the parties cannot agree on a requested exhibit redaction, a motion must be filed and scheduled for hearing before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

The moving attorney is required to confer with opposing counsel in a good faith effort to resolve the issue prior to filing an emergency motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

If the parties cannot stipulate the redaction a motion must be filed and scheduled for hearing prior to trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

The moving party must first confer with opposing counsel to ensure all witnesses are available for the designated time slot.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Do not set for hearing; hearings set without the Court’s prior approval will be cancelled.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Reconsideration, Rehearing, and Motion for New Trial Motions: Please do not set these motions for hearing. Please send a copy of these filed motions to Judge Leaf’s Judicial Assistant with a cover letter. Judge Leaf will determine whether to grant a hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Motion for Rehearing: Do not set Motions for Rehearing for a hearing; these motions shall be submitted directly to the judge along with a cover letter. The judge will first review the motion to determine whether or not a hearing is necessary. If necessary, the Court will reach out to the parties to schedule the hearing.

Summary: Do not set criminal motions for rehearing for hearing; submit them directly to the judge with a cover letter, and the Court will decide whether a hearing is necessary.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

The parties are strongly encouraged to review the Trial Order and the deadlines set out within. Parties are to confer at least seven (7) days prior to Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) to complete the required documents to tender to the court as identified in the Order.

Summary: The parties must confer at least seven days before the PTC to complete the documents the Trial Order requires them to tender to the court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

All known motions/disputes (including any unresolved objections in deposition/video testimony) shall have been heard prior to the PTC or will be deemed waived.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Do not set these motions for hearing. Please send a copy of the filed motions to Judge Johnson’s Judicial Assistant with a cover letter.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

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.WARNING?

The motion will be scheduled by the court and may not be scheduled by a party.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

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.WARNING?

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.WARNING?

Criminal cases

All hearings are limited to the time reserved. The party opposing the motion is entitled to equal time; therefore, the party reserving and scheduling the hearing must confer with opposing counsel and agree regarding the total amount of time required.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Criminal cases

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

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Criminal cases

Do not set for hearing on JACS.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Parties represented by counsel shall attempt in good faith to resolve or mediate emergency/expedited matters and submit stipulations, if at all possible.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Judge Leaf allows a Motion for Attorney’s Fees and Costs to proceed on the issue of entitlement only. If entitlement is found, Judge Leaf may require mediation as to the issue of amount. If mediation is unsuccessful and counsel are unable to stipulate and submit an agreed Order to the Court, the Movant may proceed to schedule an evidentiary hearing as to amount of fees/costs to be awarded.

Summary: A fee motion may proceed first on entitlement; if entitlement is found, the Court may require mediation on amount, followed by an evidentiary hearing if mediation fails and counsel cannot submit an agreed order.