All Court proceedings shall be conducted with dignity, decorum, courtesy and civility.
The use of cellular telephones, pagers, iPods, video and voice recording devices, PDAs and other forms of electronic equipment are prohibited in the hearing rooms. All cellular telephones and pagers must be turned off prior to entering the hearing room. Failure to comply with this order may result in the initiation of contempt proceedings against you by the Court.
Children in Court: Pursuant to Rule 12.407, of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure: "No minor child shall be deposed or brought to a deposition, to court to appear as a witness or to attend a hearing, or be subpoenaed to appear at a hearing without the entry of a prior order of the court authorizing same, based on good cause shown unless in an emergency situation."
Contact with General Magistrate and Hearing Officers' offices. A party is authorized to contact the judicial officer's office by telephone or email on matters related to the Court's schedule and attendance in Court. The General Magistrate Administrate Assistant cannot give legal advice.
All requests to speak to the judicial officers on the telephone or have a private conference will be refused. Letters written to the judicial officers which offer or seek to discuss evidence in the case or attempt to influence the judicial officer's decisions in the case are strictly forbidden by ex parte rules governing verbal and written communication.
The role, function of, and limitations on General Magistrates is specifically described in Rule 12.490, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.
The role, function of, and limitations on Child Support Hearing Officers is specifically described in Rule 12.491, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.