Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties Filing Timing and Cure Windows
142 rules from official source documents
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures. This page is scoped to Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
If counsel cannot agree on an arbitrator, counsel must notify the court in writing within 15 days of the order.
Failing agreement of counsel as to an arbitrator, (a) counsel shall notify the court in writing within 15 days of this Order and the court will appoint the arbitrator(s).
A motion not timely filed and noticed for hearing before docket sounding may be deemed waived or withdrawn, and pending motions should be discussed by lead trial counsel at least 48 hours before the hearing.
PENDING MOTIONS & MOTIONS IN LIMINE: (Motions not timely filed and noticed to be heard prior to docket sounding may be deemed waived/withdrawn. All motions should be discussed between lead trial counsel by telephone, in person or by video-conference at least 48 hours prior to hearing.)
Expert-witness disclosure is due 160 days before trial.
7. Disclosure of Expert Witness 160 Days Ptior to Trial
The plaintiff must make the initial discovery disclosure within 60 days after service of the complaint or joinder.
Plaintiff: 60 days from Service of Complaint or Joinder
Each defendant must make the initial discovery disclosure within 60 days after service.
Defendant(s): 60 days from Service
A motion or objection to pleadings must be set for hearing and noticed within 60 days after filing or it will be deemed abandoned and denied.
Must be set for hearing and noticed within 60 days from filing of the motion/objection, or deemed abandoned and denied.
Dispositive motions, summary judgment motions, and Daubert motions must be filed and served 90 days before trial.
Filing and Service of Dispositive Motions, Summary Judgment and Daubert Motions
Mediation must be completed 30 days before the pretrial conference.
Mediation: Must be completed 30 days prior to the Pretrial Conference.
Pretrial matters, including motions in limine and deposition designations, must be filed before the pretrial conference.
Filed Prior to Pre-Trial Conference
Fact discovery must be completed 100 days before trial.
8. Completion of Fact Discovery I 00 Days Prior to Trial
The witness and exhibit list must be filed 30 days before the pretrial conference.
30 Day Prior to Pre- ,,.1 kJl'i'C <-;-'!"'=" t• ~ I 4
Pleading objections must be filed consistently with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, set for hearing and noticed within 60 days of filing unless extended by order, and are deemed abandoned and denied if not timely noticed; the non-movant must then submit a proposed order.
Must be fi led consistent with the Florida Rules of C ivil Procedure, unless extended by order Must be set for hearing and noticed within 60 days from filing of the motion/objection, or deemed abandoned and denied. Non-movant shall timely submit a proposed order in the event the motion/objection is deemed abandoned and denied.
Fact-witness disclosure is due 120 days before trial.
6. Disclosure of Fact Witness 120 Days Prior to Trial
Expert discovery must be completed 100 days before trial.
9. Completion of Expert Discovery I 00 Days Prior to Trial
Dispositive motions, summary judgment motions, and Daubert motions must be filed and served 90 days before trial.
1Oa. Filing and Service of Dispositive Motions, Summary 90 Days Prior to Trial
All dispositive, summary judgment, and Daubert motions must be heard 10 days before the pretrial conference.
lOb. All Dispositive Motions, Summary Judgment and Daubert Motions heard l 0 Days Prior to Pre- Trial Conference
Mediation must be completed 30 days before the pretrial conference.
Mediation: Must be completed 30 days prior to the Pretri al Conference.
Nonbinding arbitration must be completed 90 days before the pretrial conference.
NBA: Must be completed 90 days prior to the Pretrial Conference.
Motions in limine and deposition designations must be filed before the pretrial conference and heard before the sounding deadline shown in the schedule.
12. Pre-Trial Matters Fi led Prior to Pre-Tri al (Motions in Limine & Deposition Designations) Conference ,,<' Heard Prior to Doc~"' / ~ 11 Sounding
The witness and exhibit list must be filed 30 days before trial.
13. Filing of Witness and Exhibit List 30 Days Prior to Pr~ •.~ Trial <.. ,
Motions to add parties or amend the complaint must be filed sufficiently in advance to be heard before the 180-days-before-trial deadline.
Adding New Parties or Amending Complai nt 180 Days Prior to Trial 1 (Motions must be filed sufficiently in ad va nce to be heard prior to the d eadlin e.)
Dispositive motions, summary judgment motions, and Daubert motions must be filed and served 100 days before trial.
(a) Filing and Service of Dispositive Motions Summary 100 Days Prior to Trial Judgment Motions, and Daubert Motions
The parties must strictly follow the scheduled deadlines unless the parties agree and the court approves a deadline change supported by good cause; discovery procrastination and unavailable counsel do not qualify as good cause.
The above-referenced schedule of deadlines must be strictly adhered to by the parties unless a change is otherwise agreed to by the parties and approved by the Court. The Court will consider a motion to approve changes to these deadlines upon a showing of good cause by either party based on matters arising from an emergency nature or unavailability in accordance with Rule 1.200(c), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. However, procrastination in completing discovery or the unavailability of counsel will not constitute good cause for a change to these deadlines.
Motions not timely filed and noticed for hearing before docket sounding may be deemed waived or withdrawn.
PENDING MOTIONS & MOTIONS IN LIMINE: (Motions not timely filed and noticed to be heard prior to docket sounding may be deemed waived/withdrawn. All motions should be discussed between lead trial counsel by telephone, in person or by video-conference at least 48 hours prior to hearing.)
A notice of potential trial conflicts must be filed before docket sounding.
Prior to docket sounding, a notice of potential trial conflicts should be filed, including information for any other potentially conflicting case(s), including case style, case number, filing date, trial period, judge (with contact information/telephone number), whether such case has been continued previously or has been special set, etc.
- Deadline
- 5 business days
The exhibit marking and exchange deadline is at least five full business days before docket sounding.
ALL EXHIBITS SHALL BE MARKED AND EXCHANGED AT LEAST FIVE FULL BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO DOCKET SOUNDING.
A proposed order must not be sent before the party's court date.
Do not send a proposed order prior to your court date.
The sealed original arbitration decision and transcripts must be filed with the Clerk when the parties are notified of the decision.
The original written decision and the original of any transcripts shall be sealed and filed with the Clerk at the time the parties are notified of the decision.
- Deadline
- 2 calendar days
All evidence sought for admission must be filed at least two calendar days before an evidentiary hearing.
At least 2 calendar days before an evidentiary hearing, the parties shall file all evidence sought to be introduced pursuant to instructions provided by the court.
- Deadline
- 24 hours
If the issues requiring a hearing are resolved, the requesting party must notify the court and submit an agreed order at least 24 hours before the hearing.
Should the issues giving rise to said hearing resolve, the party having requested hearing time is required to notify the Court and submit an agreed order as to the resolution at least 24 hours prior to the hearing date.
- Deadline
- 7 business days
All materials for a hearing must be received by the court no later than seven business days before the hearing.
☐ The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than seven (7) business days before the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted as directed by the court at the time of the hearing.
Proposed orders must be submitted as directed by the Court at the time of hearing.
- Deadline
- 24 hours
If hearing issues resolve, the party that requested hearing time must notify the court and submit an agreed order at least 24 hours before the hearing.
Should the issues giving rise to a scheduled hearing resolve, the party having requested hearing time is required to notify the Court and submit an agreed order as to the resolution at least 24 hours prior to the hearing date.
An emergency motion must be filed with the clerk before it is submitted to the judge.
The motion must be filed with the clerk prior to submission.
For remote hearings, exhibits should be marked, exchanged, and filed at least 72 business hours before the hearing, with a table of contents and an emailed courtesy copy to chambers.
For remote hearings, Exhibits should be marked, exchanged and filed with the Clerk of Court in advance of the hearing. In Order to allow the Clerk of Court to properly process the Exhibits, all Exhibits shall be filed at least seventy-two (72) business hours prior to the hearing. A Table of Contents should be attached and a courtesy copy submitted to the Court in Chambers (via email).
- Deadline
- 10 business days
Attorneys and pro se litigants must exchange exhibits with the opposing party no later than 10 business days before the hearing or trial.
All attorneys and pro se litigants are required to exchange exhibits with the opposing party no later than 10 business days prior to the hearing/trial.
- Deadline
- 72 hours
All other exhibits must be submitted 72 hours before the evidentiary proceeding.
All other exhibits must be submitted seventy-two (72) hours before the evidentiary proceeding.
A proposed order must not be submitted before the case’s court date.
Do not send a proposed order prior to your court date.
All motions must be set for hearing and heard within 60 days after filing, or they may be deemed abandoned and denied.
All motions must be set for hearing and heard within 60 days from filing the motion or the motion may be deemed abandoned and denied.
After seven days from service, the moving party may submit an order if the nonmoving party neither provides the discovery nor requests an extension.
In the event that the non-moving party fails to provide the requested discovery, or fails to request an extension of time to respond to the discovery within seven (7) days of service of the Motion, the moving party may submit an Order to the Court.
- Deadline
- 3 business days
A hearing scheduled through JACS may be canceled until three business days before the hearing, but hearings set by the Court may not be canceled.
If you scheduled your motion through JACS, you may cancel up to 3 business days before the hearing. You cannot cancel hearings set by the Court.
Orders must be submitted within ten days after the hearing date.
Orders are to be submitted no more than ten days after the hearing date.
A proposed or agreed order for an upcoming court appearance or other court-ordered event must be submitted for judicial review at least three business days beforehand; later orders will not be considered.
If you are submitting a proposed order or an agreed order on an upcoming court appearance or any other court ordered event, the order must be submitted for the judge’s review no later than three business days before the event is scheduled to occur. Orders received outside of this timeframe will not be considered.
The filed motion or petition must be attached to the scheduling email, and all motions must be filed before hearing scheduling.
- Attach the filed version of the motion or petition, that is to be heard (all motions must be filed prior to scheduling a hearing)
The hearing dates must be coordinated with opposing counsel and confirmed with the court office before filing the Notice of Hearing.
You will need to coordinate those dates with opposing counsel and then contact my office to confirm availability, **prior** to filing the Notice of Hearing.
A Notice of Hearing must not be filed until the Judicial Assistant confirms availability by email.
Please do not file a Notice of Hearing until you have received a confirmation email from my Judicial Assistant.
An objection to referral to the magistrate must be filed no later than the scheduled hearing date.
Any party wishing to object to the referral to the Magistrate must file a timely objection no later than the date of the scheduled hearing.
Exceptions to the magistrate’s report and recommendation must be filed within ten days after service of the report.
REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE SHALL BE BY EXCEPTIONS FILED WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER IT IS SERVED, AS PROVIDED IN RULE 1.490(i), FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.
A Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after the Judicial Assistant's confirmation email, or the motion will not be heard.
A Notice of Hearing must be filed and served immediately after receiving the confirmation e-mail from the Judicial Assistant. If a Notice of Hearing is not filed, the Motion will not be heard.
- Deadline
- 3 business days
All hearing materials must be received by the court at least three business days before the hearing, and copies must be provided to all parties or counsel.
The Court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than three (3) business days before the hearing. Copies of all hearing materials must be provided to all parties/counsel.
- Applies to
- Jury instructions and verdict forms
Jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the Final Pretrial Conference, or by 3:00 p.m. before the first trial day if no conference is scheduled.
All Jury Instructions and Verdict Forms shall be filed no later than 3:00 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled Final Pretrial Conference hearing, or, if a Final Pretrial Conference hearing is not scheduled, by 3:00 p.m. prior to the first day of the scheduled trial.
- Deadline
- 2 business days
The parties must exchange final exhibit lists at least two business days before trial and may add exhibits only for good cause.
The parties will exchange final exhibit lists of all photographs, documents and exhibits at least two (2) business days before the first day of the trial and will be limited thereby except for good cause.
- Applies to
- Exhibits
All exhibits must be marked before trial begins.
All exhibits must be pre-marked prior to commencement of trial.
A party may file cross-exceptions within five days after service of the initial exceptions.
ANY PARTY MAY FILE CROSS-EXCEPTIONS WITHIN 5 DAYS FROM THE SERVICE OF THE EXCEPTIONS.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
Designated transcript portions supporting exceptions must be delivered to the court and all other parties at least 48 hours before the hearing.
The designated transcript portions must be delivered to the Court and all other parties at least 48 hours before the hearing.
A party filing exceptions without a full transcript must promptly file a notice designating transcript portions to be transcribed and allow other parties reasonable time after service to designate additional portions.
If the party filing exceptions has less than a full transcript of the proceeding before the General Magistrate prepared, that party must promptly file a notice designating the portions of the transcript that will be transcribed, and the other parties must be given reasonable time after service of the notice to arrange for the preparation and designation of other portions of the transcript for the Court to consider at the hearing.
A proposed order may be submitted after the motion appears on the Clerk’s docket.
The Motion will need to appear on the Clerk’s docket, before the order can be considered. Once the motion appears on the Clerk’s docket, you can submit the proposed order.
- Deadline
- 10 business days
Deposition designations must be completed and discussed at least ten business days before docket sounding.
Deposition designations must be made and discussed at least ten business days in advance of docket sounding.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
Trial counsel and pro se parties must meet in person or by video conference at least 48 hours before docket sounding to discuss jury instructions and verdict forms.
All trial counsel and any pro-se parties are to meet in person or by video-conference at least 48 hours before docket sounding for this purpose.
- Deadline
- 5 business days
- Applies to
- Exhibits
All exhibits must be marked and exchanged at least five full business days before docket sounding.
ALL EXHIBITS SHALL BE MARKED AND EXCHANGED AT LEAST FIVE FULL BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO DOCKET SOUNDING.
- Deadline
- 30 calendar days
An evidentiary hearing or trial on unliquidated damages requires at least 30 days' notice and must be set by court order.
Any such hearing is technically a trial which requires at least thirty days notice pursuant to Fla. R. Civ. Pro. 1.440(c) and must be set by order of the Court.
- Deadline
- 10 calendar days
- Applies to
- Witness exhibit list
All parties must file and exchange or serve witness, exhibit, and other documentary-evidence lists at least 10 days before the hearing.
All parties shall file and exchange/serve a list of witnesses, exhibits, or any other documentary evidence that will be used at said hearing at least ten days prior to the hearing.
- Deadline
- 3 business days
Exhibits for evidentiary proceedings must be filed with the clerk three business days before the court proceeding.
File exhibits in the clerk’s file three (3) business days before your court proceedings.
- Deadline
- 5 business days
All exhibits must be marked and exchanged at least five full business days before docket sounding.
ALL EXHIBITS SHALL BE MARKED AND EXCHANGED AT LEAST FIVE FULL BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO DOCKET SOUNDING.
- Deadline
- 10 business days
Deposition designations must be made and discussed at least ten business days before docket sounding.
Deposition designations must be made and discussed at least ten business days in advance of docket sounding.
Unless the Court directs otherwise, jury instructions and verdict forms must be fully discussed and submitted before docket sounding.
Unless specifically directed otherwise by the Court, jury instructions and verdict forms shall be fully discussed and submitted prior to docket sounding.
A withdrawing represented party has 30 days from the order's date to retain new counsel, and all pending matters are stayed or abated during that period.
Plaintiff, __________________, shall have thirty (30) days from the date of this order to retain new counsel. All pending matters in this cause are temporarily stayed or otherwise abated for said period.
New counsel must file a notice of appearance before the scheduled case management conference and appear at that conference by Zoom.
If new counsel is obtained by Plaintiff, _________________, the new counsel must file a notice of appearance prior to the Case Management Conference scheduled for Monday, ____________ at _______ a.m. and appear by zoom.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
A hard copy of the evidence must be submitted to the judge at least 48 hours before a Zoom evidentiary hearing.
Please submit a hard copy of the evidence to the Judge at least 48-hours prior to the hearing.
A cancellation notice received after 4:00 p.m. generally requires the parties to appear at the scheduled hearing unless the judicial assistant advises otherwise.
Any notices received after 4:00 p.m. will still require the parties to appear for the scheduled hearing, unless otherwise advised by the Judicial Assistant.
- Deadline
- 5 business days
At least five business days before a remote evidentiary hearing, each counsel or party must exchange with the other parties and file with the clerk all evidence and demonstrative aids sought to be introduced.
At least five (5) business days before an evidentiary hearing is to be conducted by remote means, each counsel/party shall exchange with each other, and shall file with the clerk, all evidence and demonstrative aids sought to be introduced.
- Deadline
- 24 hours
A stipulated order to cancel a foreclosure sale must be submitted to the assigned judge at least 24 hours before the sale date.
You may submit a Stipulated Order to Cancel Foreclosure Sale (at least 24 hours before the sale date) to the judge assigned to the case.
New counsel obtained by the party must file a notice of appearance within 30 days after the order.
If new counsel for Plaintiff/ Defendant is obtained, the new counsel must file a notice of appearance within 30 days of this Order
The 30-day stay or abatement period ends early if the pro se party files a notice of intention to self-represent or new counsel files a notice of appearance or other pleading.
Said period shall expire early in the event the pro se party files a notice of intention to represent him/herself during the thirty (30) ===== PAGE 2 ===== day period or if a licensed attorney in good standing authorized to practice law in the State of Florida files a notice of appearance or other pleading on the party’s behalf.
Every motion must be set and heard within 60 days after filing, failing which it will be deemed abandoned and denied.
All motions must be set for hearing and heard within 60 days from filing the motion or the motion will be deemed abandoned and denied.
After the nonmoving party fails to provide discovery or request an extension within seven days of service, the moving party may submit the order to the court.
In the event that the non-moving party fails to provide the requested discovery, or fails to request an extension of time to respond to the discovery within seven (7) days of service of the Motion, the moving party may submit an order to the Court.
A stipulated order to cancel a foreclosure sale may be submitted to Judge Brodie at least 24 hours before the sale date, provided that the submission occurs on a business day.
You may submit a Stipulated Order to Cancel Foreclosure Sale (at least 24 hours before the sale date – on a business day) to Judge Brodie.
- Deadline
- 7 business days
Written memoranda on lengthy or complex motions are optional, but any supplied memorandum must be filed at least seven business days before the hearing.
Written memoranda on lengthy or complex motions are not necessary but if supplied, they must be submitted at least seven (7) business days prior to the hearing.
The joint remote-appearance stipulation must be filed no later than five days before the hearing.
This stipulation must be filed no later than five (5) days prior to the scheduled hearing.
The joint stipulation for a remote appearance must be filed no later than five days before the scheduled hearing.
This stipulation must be filed no later than five days prior to the scheduled hearing.
A party objecting to referral to the magistrate must file the objection no later than the scheduled hearing date.
Any party wishing to object to the referral to the Magistrate must file a timely objection no later than the date of the scheduled hearing.
Exceptions to the magistrate's report and recommendation must be filed within 10 days after service.
Review of the Report and Recommendation made by the General Magistrate shall be by exceptions filed within 10 days after it is served, as provided in Rule 1.490(h), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
Designated transcript portions must reach the court and all other parties at least 48 hours before the exceptions hearing.
The designated transcript portions must be delivered to the Court and all other parties at least 48 hours before the hearing.
A party filing exceptions without a full transcript must promptly file a notice designating the portions to be transcribed, and other parties must receive reasonable time after service to designate additional portions.
If the party filing exceptions has less than a full transcript of the proceeding before the General Magistrate prepared, that party must promptly file a notice designating the portions of the transcript that will be transcribed, and the other parties must be given reasonable time after service of the notice to arrange for the preparation and designation of other portions of the transcript for the Court to consider at the hearing.
- Deadline
- 7 calendar days
An agreed Pretrial Conference Order must be submitted at least seven calendar days before the conference, and the Court must have signed and entered an order approving it.
has been submitted to the Court at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the scheduled Pretrial Conference and an Order approving the Pretrial Conference Order has been signed and entered by the Court.
- Deadline
- 7 calendar days
Parties must file notices of conflict at least seven calendar days before docket sounding.
Parties must file notices of conflict at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the docket sounding.
A proposed order may not be submitted before the hearing.
Do not submit proposed orders in advance of the hearing.
- Deadline
- 5 business days
At least five business days before an evidentiary hearing, counsel and parties must exchange with each other and file all intended evidence and demonstrative aids.
At least five (5) business days before the evidentiary hearing, each counsel/party are required to exchange with each other, and file with the Court, all evidence and demonstrative aids to be introduced.
- Deadline
- 1 calendar days
At least one day before trial or an evidentiary hearing, each party must deliver an electronic exhibit binder to Judge Loukonen’s Chambers by email or hand delivery.
At least one day before any trial or evidentiary hearing, each party must email or hand deliver an electronic exhibit binder to Judge Loukonen’s Chambers (Lee- Civil-DivisionI@ca.cjis20.org) that contains all individual exhibits and joint exhibits each party intends to introduce.
Exhibits used in remote hearings must be electronically filed before the hearing.
Exhibits used for any remote hearings must be e-filed prior to the hearing.
A motion must appear on the Clerk's docket before its proposed order will be considered or submitted.
The Motion will need to appear on the Clerk’s docket, before the order can be considered. Once the motion appears on the Clerk’s docket, you can submit the proposed order.
A motion must be filed with the Clerk of Court before a hearing may be scheduled.
Motions must be filed with the Clerk of Court before scheduling a hearing.
The Notice of Hearing may be filed only after the Judicial Assistant confirms the hearing by email.
File a Notice of Hearing after you have received a confirmation e-mail from the Judicial Assistant.
The paper-submission grace period ended on May 2, 2019.
This grace period ends on May 2nd, 2019, after which date all proposed reports and orders must be submitted electronically.
Incorrectly submitted proposed documents will be rejected and must be revised and resubmitted.
Any proposed documents submitted incorrectly will be rejected and must be resubmitted after the appropriate revisions have been made.
Incorrectly submitted proposed documents will be rejected and must be revised and resubmitted.
Any proposed documents submitted incorrectly will be rejected and must be resubmitted after the appropriate revisions have been made.
A motion not timely filed and noticed for hearing before docket sounding may be deemed waived or withdrawn.
Motions not timely filed and noticed to be heard prior to docket sounding may be deemed waived/withdrawn.
- Deadline
- 5 business days
All exhibits must be marked and exchanged at least five full business days before docket sounding.
ALL EXHIBITS SHALL BE MARKED AND EXCHANGED AT LEAST FIVE FULL BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO DOCKET SOUNDING.
The opposing party has 20 days from being served to file an answer.
The other party has 20 days to file an answer. (20 days from when he/she gets served.)
Both spouses must comply with Rule 12.285 within 45 days after filing the case.
Both of you have 45 days from filing to comply with Rule 12.285 of the Family Law Rules of Procedure.
Comments must be filed by August 11, 2026, and a person seeking oral argument must file a separate request.
All comments must be filed with the Court on or before August 11, 2026, as well as a separate request for oral argument if the person filing the comment wishes to participate in oral argument, which may be scheduled in this case.
A proposed order requiring online-document review may not be sent until all required supporting documents are viewable on the Clerk’s website.
Before sending proposed orders that will require Judge Gentile’s review of online documents before entering the proposed order(s) check the Clerk’s website to make sure that all required supporting documents are viewable online. DO NOT SEND THE PROPOSED ORDER UNTIL THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENT(S) ARE VIEWABLE ON THE CLERK’S SITE.
The filer must wait until a recently e-filed document is visible on the Clerk’s website before emailing the proposed order to the judge’s office.
Please, wait until YOU can view the recently filed document(s) on the Clerk’s website before you E-mail the proposed order to the judge’s office.
Hard-copy hearing materials over 50 pages are due at least three days before the scheduled hearing.
Hearing materials over 50 pages must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Court in hard copy at least 3 days prior to the scheduled hearing.
The Court must order the final trial period no later than 45 days before the projected trial period in the case management plan.
In accordance with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.440(c), a final trial period will be ordered by the Court not later than forty-five (45) days before the projected trial period set forth in this Court Ordered Case Management Plan.
Motions to add parties or amend the complaint must be filed sufficiently in advance to be heard before the applicable deadline.
Adding New Parties or Amending Complaint (Motions must be filed sufficiently in advance to be heard prior to the deadline.)
Mediation must be completed 30 days before the pretrial conference.
Mediation: Must be completed 30 days prior to the Pretrial Conference.
Pretrial motions and other pretrial matters must be filed before the pretrial conference.
Filed Prior to Pre-Trial Conference
Pretrial motions and other matters must be resolved before docket sounding.
Resolved Prior to Docket Sounding
The court must order the final trial period no later than 45 days before the projected trial period.
In accordance with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.440(c), a final trial period will be ordered by the Court not later than forty-five (45) days before the projected trial period set forth in this Court Ordered Case Management Plan.
The court will order a final trial period no later than 45 days before the projected trial period in the case-management plan.
In accordance with Florida Rule of Civi l Procedure l.440(c), a final trial period will be ordered by the Court not later than forty-fi ve (45) days before the projected trial peri od set forth in this Court Ordered Case Management Plan.
The deadline schedule is strictly enforced unless the parties agree to and the court approves changes, and the court will consider changes upon a showing of good cause based on an emergency or unavailability.
The above-referenced schedule of deadlines will be strictly adhered to by the parties unless a change is otheiwise agreed to by the parties and approved by the Court. The Court will consider a request to approve changes to these dead lines upon a showing of good cause by either party based on matters arising from an emergency nature or unavailabil ity.
All pleading objections must be filed consistently with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure unless extended by court order.
Filing of All Objections to Pleadings: Motions to Dismiss, Must be filed consistent Motions for More Definite Statement, Motions to Strike, and with the Florida Rules Any Objections to the Pleadings. of Civil Procedure, unless extended by o rder
- Applies to
- Motion
Motions to add parties or amend the complaint must be filed sufficiently in advance of the applicable deadline to be heard before that deadline.
(Motions must be filed sufficiently in advance to be heard prior to the deadline.)
A notice of potential trial conflicts should be filed before docket sounding and identify the potentially conflicting case and specified case information.
Prior to docket sounding, a notice of potential trial conflicts should be filed, including information for any other potentially conflicting case(s), including case style, case number, filing date, trial period, judge (with contact information/telephone number), whether such case has been continued previously or has been special set, etc.
- Deadline
- 24 hours
A stipulated order to cancel a foreclosure sale must be submitted to Judge Brown at least 24 hours before the sale date, on a business day.
You may submit a Stipulated Order to Cancel Foreclosure Sale (at least 24 hours before the sale date – on a business day) to Judge Brown.
The Clerk’s Office may take at least 48 hours to process any filed document.
NOTE: IT TAKES THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT LEAST 48 HOURS TO PROCESS ANY FILED DOCUMENTS.
Interested persons may file comments with the Court within 75 days from the date of the opinion.
Because the amendments were not published for comment previously, interested persons shall have 75 days from the date of this opinion in which to file comments with the Court.
Comments are due on or before August 11, 2026, and a person wishing to participate in oral argument must submit a separate request.
All comments must be filed with the Court on or before August 11, 2026, as well as a separate request for oral argument if the person filing the comment wishes to participate in oral argument, which may be scheduled in this case.
An untimely witness or exhibit list may be excluded when an appropriate and timely objection is raised.
Untimely submissions may not be considered if an appropriate and timely objection is raised.
The parties must submit case summaries to each arbitrator at least 10 days before the arbitration hearing.
The parties shall submit case summaries to each arbitrator at least 10 days prior to the hearing.
A Zoom participant should log in five to ten minutes before the hearing to allow time to address connection problems.
If attending a hearing, you should log into ZOOM at least five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled hearing time to ensure your timely appearance and to provide ample time to address connection problems, if any.
The arbitrator must provide the parties a written decision within 10 days after the final adjournment of the arbitration hearing.
Within 10 days of the final adjournment of the arbitration hearing, the arbitrator(s) shall provide the parties with a written decision pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 44.103(5).
The 30-day stay or abatement period ends early if the party files a notice of self-representation or an authorized attorney files a notice of appearance or other pleading.
Said period shall expire early in the event the pro se party files a notice of intention to represent him/herself during the thirty (30) day period or if a licensed attorney in good standing authorized to practice law in the State of Florida files a notice of appearance or other pleading on the party’s behalf.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
Anticipated case law for an in-person evidentiary hearing must be emailed to the judicial assistant at least 48 hours before the hearing.
Any Case Law that you anticipate to submit should be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at least 48- hours prior to the hearing.
The Clerk's Office may take at least 48 hours to process filed documents.
NOTE: IT TAKES THE CLERK’S OFFICE AT LEAST 48 HOURS TO PROCESS ANY FILED DOCUMENTS.
After seven days from service, the moving party may submit an ex parte order if the non-moving party has neither produced the discovery nor requested an extension.
In the event that the non-moving party fails to provide the requested discovery, or fails to request an extension of time to respond to the discovery within seven (7) days of service of the motion, the moving party may submit an ex parte order to the court.
Attorneys may arrange a remote appearance on 48 hours' advance notice using one of the listed scheduling methods.
Attorneys may schedule a remote appearance with 48-hour advance notice by any one of the following means:
- Deadline
- 2 hours
If you do not receive confirmation within 2 hours of placing your order and making payment, call (833) SCRIBES (727-4237) for assistance.
If you do not receive confirmation within 2 hours of placing your order and making payment, call (833) SCRIBES (727-4237) for assistance.
The general magistrate must file a report and recommendation containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommended ruling as soon as practicable.
As soon as practicable, the General Magistrate shall file a Report and Recommendation, that contains findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the recommendation as to a ruling by the Court
A party may file cross-exceptions within 5 days after service of the exceptions.
Any party may file cross-exceptions within 5 days from the service of the exceptions.
The ten-day period for filing an optional summary-judgment reply runs from service of the response.
The movant may file a reply brief not to exceed 7 pages in length with pinpoint citations to the record within 10 days after service of the response.
Exhibits should be submitted far enough in advance of the hearing to be entered into the viewable court file.
If you have exhibits that you wish to introduce into evidence, THEY SHOULD BE FILED ELECTRONICALLY OR BY MAIL WITH THE CLERK OF COURT FAR IN ADVANCE OF THE HEARING, with sufficient time to be entered into the viewable Court file.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
Lead trial counsel must discuss all motions by telephone, in person, or by videoconference at least 48 hours before the hearing.
All motions should be discussed between lead trial counsel by telephone, in person or by video-conference at least 48 hours prior to hearing.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
Trial counsel and pro se parties must meet in person or by videoconference at least 48 hours before docket sounding to discuss jury instructions and verdict forms.
All trial counsel and any pro-se parties are to meet in person or by video-conference at least 48 hours before docket sounding for this purpose.
The opposing party has 20 days after service to file an Answer or an Answer and Counterpetition.
The other party has 20 days from service to file an Answer or an Answer and CounterPetition.
A party responding to a Counterpetition has 20 days to file a response.
If the other side files a CounterPetition, you have 20 days to file your own you through every situation that might crop up during your response.
Both parties must file a Financial Affidavit and comply with mandatory disclosure within 45 days after filing the petition.
Both of you have 45 days from filing the petition to file a Financial Affidavit and to comply with Mandatory Disclosure.
Clerks have three days to complete the electronic-document transfer and acceptance steps, with additional time allowed for noncompliant documents.
The E-Filing rules give clerks three days to complete those steps. Additional days may be required if the document does not comply with the E-Filing rules.
The judicial assistant will wait for the referenced envelopes before processing, signing, and e-filing the proposed order.
When the J.A. sees this reference in the subject line she will wait until the envelopes are received before she processes the submitted order and submits it to the Court for electronic signature and E-Filing.
Filing a motion for rehearing does not change the effective date of the amendments.
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.
- Deadline
- 48 hours
The Clerk should be allowed 48 hours to process submitted paperwork, after which the attorneys of record receive copies of the orders by email.
Otherwise, please allow the Clerk 48 hours for processing and the attorneys of record will be e-mailed a copy of the Order(s) at the e-mail address on file with the Clerk.
When is a filing treated as filed in Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties?
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. If counsel cannot agree on an arbitrator, counsel must notify the court in writing within 15 days of the order.
When is a filing treated as filed in Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties?
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. A proposed order may be submitted after the motion appears on the Clerk’s docket.
When is a filing treated as filed in Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties?
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. All parties must file and exchange or serve witness, exhibit, and other documentary-evidence lists at least 10 days before the hearing.
When is a filing treated as filed in Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties?
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Motions not timely filed and noticed for hearing before docket sounding may be deemed waived or withdrawn.
When is a filing treated as filed in Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties?
The rule states a 3:00 p.m. filing cutoff. Jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on the day before the Final Pretrial Conference, or by 3:00 p.m. before the first trial day if no conference is scheduled.
When is a filing treated as filed in Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties?
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. All exhibits must be marked before trial begins.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtPage & Word Limits
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Service and Proof of Service Rules
E-service, mail, personal service, proof of service, certificate, and timing requirements.