Zoom Meeting ID: 420‑530‑8406 (no password) • Division Email: civdivL@fljud13.org • JA: (813) 272‑6806.

1. AT‑A‑GLANCE
1. Scheduling Blocks (set on JAWS unless noted)
1. UMC (5 min)
2. Daily 15 min
3. Daily 30 min
4. ≥ 60 min — email the JA (attach the filed motion) to clear time.
5. Cancellations — e‑file a Notice and cancel in JAWS; see § II.D.
2. Paperless Chambers
1. No paper courtesy copies, binders, or drop‑offs.
2. File via Florida Courts E‑Filing Portal. If a PDF is too large for the portal, email the PDF to civdivL@fljud13.org and CC all parties (attachments only; no cloud links). See § III.D.
3. Emailing the Court (avoid ex parte)
1. Always include all parties.
2. Suggested subject: DIV L – [Case No.] – [Short Title] – [Topic] – [Hearing Date].
4. Zoom
   Include the Meeting ID in any remote notice. See § IV for who must appear in person.
2. HEARINGS
1. Scheduling
1. File first. File the motion before reserving time in JAWS or emailing the JA.
2. ≤ 30 minutes: schedule via JAWS.
3. > 30 minutes: email civdivL@fljud13.org with the motion to obtain dates.
4. Notice of Hearing: e‑file via myflcourtaccess.com and list the Docket Number **DN#**s for each motion. Parties arrange their own interpreters.
2. Notices of Hearing
1. Include DN# and title for every motion.
2. E‑file the notice within 48 hours of reserving time or the Court may strike the hearing.
3. If remote, include the Zoom Meeting ID.
3. Unilateral Notices (only if no cooperation)
1. Minimum 30 days’ notice.
2. Attach a cover letter detailing three attempts to coordinate (one by phone).
3. Insufficient efforts may result in cancellation.
4. Cancellations
1. Two steps: (i) e‑file a Notice of Cancellation; and (ii) cancel in JAWS.
2. Do not cancel: court‑set hearings, Pretrial Conferences, or Small Claims PTCs.
3. Late cancellations (< 1 business day) without good cause may result in the Court ruling without a hearing.
3. MOTIONS
1. General Requirements
1. Single document ≤ 25 pages (excl. attachments) stating (i) precise relief, (ii) legal basis, and (iii) supporting authority.
2. Cite the record by DN# (or filing date). Avoid re‑attaching filings already in the court file; use pinpoint citations.
3. If agreed/unopposed/stipulated, say so in the title.
2. Discovery (Pre‑Judgment — Discovery Docket Only)
1. Pre‑judgment discovery motions are heard only on the Discovery Docket (Zoom); others may be cancelled.
2. Rule 1.380(a)(2) “no response/objection” motions: absent a timely good‑cause filing by the non‑movant, the Court may rule without a hearing and order compliance within 10 days. Depositions are excluded; set those for hearing. Submit a proposed order via the e‑Portal/JAWS.
3. Emergency Motions
1. True emergencies receive expedited review; misuse may result in sanctions.
2. Filing an emergency motion signals immediate availability (nights/weekends; in person if appropriate).
3. Include opposing emails/phones (say so if unknown), even on ex parte filings.
4. ** Memoranda & Authority — Electronic‑Only (No Paper)
1. Strongly encouraged (including responses).
2. Materials provided < 5 business days before hearing may be disregarded or require re‑setting.
3. File PDFs via the e‑Portal with OCR; use bookmarks for exhibits/appendices when helpful.
4. If the e‑Portal size limit prevents filing an appendix/authority, email the overflow PDF(s) to civdivL@fljud13.org and CC all parties (attachments only). In the email body, reference the DN# or filing stamp for the related memorandum.
5. Proposed Orders — Paperless Submission
1. Submit all proposed orders as PDFs via the e‑Portal Orders section. No paper orders absent leave of Court.
2. The cover letter (or e‑Portal note) must identify the hearing date (if any) and state whether other parties object or do not object to the form. (It is not sufficient to say you “have not heard back.”)
6. **Disputed/Competing Proposed Orders — New Process
1. If the parties cannot agree on form after a hearing, email a Word (.docx) version of your proposed order to civdivL@fljud13.org and CC all parties.
   i. Subject: DIV L – [Case No.] – [Short Title] – DISPUTED ORDER – [Hearing Date].
   ii. In the body, identify the issue(s) in dispute and reference any helpful DN#s.
2. Timing: The Court will fashion an order no sooner than 48 hours after receipt of the first email notifying that there is a dispute, to allow the other side to submit competing language.
3. Optional but helpful: include pinpoint cites to the record or hearing. (If the dispute raises a new issue, the Court may set a brief follow‑up hearing.)
4. APPEARANCES
1. In‑Person (default)
   Hearings ≥ 60 minutes, evidentiary matters, jury/non‑jury trials, Small Claims PTCs, and final hearings are in person unless ordered otherwise.
2. Remote (Zoom)
   All other proceedings may be noticed to be held remotely via Zoom. To request a remote appearance for a proceeding that requires in‑person attendance, file a written motion with a proposed order showing good cause.
3. Zoom Etiquette
   Use your first and last name; keep camera/mic off until called; maintain courtroom decorum. The Court may remove non‑parties for inappropriate conduct.
5. SMALL CLAIMS PRE‑TRIAL CONFERENCES
1. Mandatory Appearance
1. Plaintiff(s) & counsel must appear in person to avoid dismissal.
2. Defendant(s) & counsel must appear in person to avoid default.
2. Mediation
   Unless admitted and reduced to an agreed judgment, cases are referred to mediation before final hearing.
3. Continuances (attorneys)
1. Good cause and prior Court approval required.
2. If based on a calendar conflict, the motion must be filed and heard ≥ 5 business days prior to the PTC; untimely motions will be denied.
4. Stipulated Waiver (counsel on both sides)
   Parties may waive the PTC by stipulated motion and order, provided they attend mediation within 120 days. The proposed order waiving the parties’ appearances must include an order for mediation.
6. TRIALS, DCM, & TIME STANDARDS
1. How to Set Trial
1. Trial weeks & pretrial dates are posted under “Schedule.” If both sides agree to a posted date, submit the Uniform Order Setting Trial & Pre‑Trial (see Forms).
2. To request dates, email civdivL@fljud13.org with the desired trial month and include all parties; the JA will provide final pretrial and jury/non‑jury options. The party setting trial must prepare and e‑file the order for signature.
3. Time standards & sua sponte setting: The Florida Supreme Court’s time standards contemplate civil jury cases resolving within 18 months, non‑jury within 12 months (complex 30 months). To adhere to these standards and DCM, the Court may set matters for trial on its own with appropriate notice if parties are not keeping to schedule.
2. Differentiated Case Management (DCM) — Strict Compliance
1. Rule 1.200 (effective Jan. 1, 2025) and the 13th Circuit’s DCM AOs require active case management with enforceable deadlines and a projected trial period. Division L strictly enforces DCM deadlines.
2. Rule 2.545 requires a firm continuance policy; continuances are few and require good cause.
3. Motions Relative to Pretrial — Division L Policy
1. Consistent with DCM and efficient trial preparation, all motions (except motions in limine) must be heard before the Pre‑Trial Conference.
2. No motions will be heard after the Pre‑Trial Conference absent good cause.
3. In‑person attendance at Pre‑Trial is mandatory.
4. Court’s Authority to Set Trial
1. Under Rule 1.440, the court may set an action for trial (with proper notice); the rule no longer requires the case to be “at issue” before being set.
7. ORDERS (AGREED/UNOPPOSED)
1. Agreed Orders
1. Begin the caption with “Agreed Order.”
2. In the first paragraph, state that the parties agree to the relief and identify the supporting DN#.
2. Submission Mechanics
1. PDF via e‑Portal only; no paper absent leave of Court.
2. If an exhibit is too large for the portal, email the PDF exhibit to civdivL@fljud13.org and CC all parties, referencing the DN# of the proposed order.
8. MEDIATION & CASE MANAGEMENT
1. Mediation
   All cases must be mediated before trial.
2. Amending DCM Deadlines
   Stipulated changes require filing the Uniform Stipulated Motion Establishing Good Cause and submitting an amended DCM order (see Forms). If no agreement, set a Case Management Conference.