Case Title: In Re: Amendments To The Florida Rules Of Judicial Administration – Reorganization Of The Rules

Citation: 

Docket Number: SC05-1588

State: florida

Court: Florida Supreme Court

Date: 2006-09-28T00:00:00Z

Document:
Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC05-1588 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF JUDICIAL 
ADMINISTRATION––REORGANIZATION OF THE RULES. 
 
[September 21, 2006] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
At the request of the Court, the Rules of Judicial Administration Committee 
(Rules Committee or Committee) has filed an out-of-cycle report proposing the 
reorganization of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.  We have 
jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.  We adopt the proposed reorganization 
of the existing rules and also adopt new rule 2.140(g), Amendments to the Rules of 
Judicial Administration.  
BACKGROUND 
 
The Court asked the Rules Committee to reorganize the Rules of Judicial 
Administration into rules that are (1) purely administrative in nature and do not 
need referral to or input from the Rules Committee prior to their adoption or 
amendment; (2) procedural in nature and impact the practice of law and require 
 
 
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referral to or input from the Committee prior to their adoption or amendment; and 
(3) “hybrids” and could require referral to or input from the Committee prior to 
their adoption or amendment.  In response to the Court’s request, the Committee 
proposes reorganizing the rules into five parts and identifies which parts and rules 
should be amended by the Court without input from the Committee.   
 
The proposed reorganization was approved by the Committee by a vote of 
twenty-eight to one and was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors of 
The Florida Bar.  The Committee published its proposals for comment prior to 
filing the proposals with the Court but received no comments.   
 
Based on the Committee’s recommendations, the Court proposed new rule 
2.140(g), which outlines the Rules of Judicial Administration that generally will be 
amended without referral to or proposal from the Committee.  The Court published 
the proposed reorganization and new rule for comment.  Two comments were filed 
with the Court.  The Committee filed a response to those comments.  
 
AMENDMENTS 
 
After considering the proposed reorganization, the comments, and the 
Committee’s response, we adopt the reorganized Florida Rules of Judicial 
Administration as reflected in the appendix to this opinion.  The substance and 
 
 
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language of the existing Rules of Judicial Administration are not changed.1  The 
rules simply are renumbered and, in some instances, renamed in a manner that the 
Committee believes makes them more “user-friendly.”   
 
The renumbered rules are organized into the following five parts according 
to subject matter:2  Part I. General Provisions; Part II. State Court Administration; 
Part III. Judicial Officers; Part IV. Judicial Proceedings and Records; and Part V. 
Practice of Law.  For example, the Committee grouped rules affecting the practice 
of law together in Part V to “eliminate any element of surprise and to facilitate 
compliance by practicing attorneys.”  The Committee designed the revised table of 
contents to “quickly lead the user to the desired rule as well as other rules related 
to the same subject matter.”  Most significantly, for the Court’s purposes, the 
reorganization allows the Court to readily identify which rules should be amended 
without the need for referral to the Rules Committee.   
                                        
 
1.  Several editorial and stylistic changes have been made throughout the 
rules. 
 
 
2.  The Committee advises that renumbered rules 2.265, Municipal 
Ordinance Violations, located in Part II, and 2.555, Initiation of Criminal 
Proceedings, located in Part V, might be more appropriately located in the Rules of 
Criminal Procedure.  However, the Committee recommends that these rules remain 
in the Rules of Judicial Administration as reorganized until the matter can be 
considered by the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee.  Consistent with the 
Committee’s recommendation, we refer the issue of the proper placement of these 
rules to the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee. 
 
 
 
 
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New rule 2.140(g),3 which was proposed by the Court after consideration of 
the Committee’s report, provides that changes to the Rules of Judicial 
Administration contained in Part II, State Court Administration, and rules 2.310 
and 2.320, contained in Part III, Judicial Officers, generally will be considered and 
adopted by the Court without referral to or proposal from the Rules Committee.  
Amendments to all other Rules of Judicial Administration will be adopted in 
accordance with the existing provisions of renumbered rule 2.140, Amending 
Rules of Court.  
We take this opportunity to thank the Rules of Judicial Administration 
Committee for presenting the Court with a well organized, user-friendly body of 
rules that allows for a more efficient amendment process.  Accordingly, the Florida 
Rules of Judicial Administration are amended as reflected in the appendix4 to this 
opinion.  The reorganized rules replace the existing rules.  The amendments shall 
become effective immediately upon the release of this opinion.5   
                                        
 
3.  New rule 2.140(g)(1) is modeled after renumbered rule 2.140(d), 
Emergency Amendments by Court. 
 
 
4.  The judicial branch records retention schedule for administrative records, 
which appears as an unofficial appendix to the Rules of Judicial Administration in 
Florida Bar and Thomson/West publications, is not included in the appendix.   
 
 
5.  In accordance with In re Report of the Alternative Dispute Resolution 
Rules & Policy Committee on Senior Judges as Mediators, 915 So. 2d 145, 153 
(Fla. 2005), the amendments to renumbered rule 2.320(b)(3), Mediation Training, 
made in that opinion will become effective November 3, 2007.  In accordance with 
 
 
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It is so ordered.  
LEWIS, C.J., and WELLS, ANSTEAD, PARIENTE, QUINCE, CANTERO, and 
BELL, JJ., concur. 
 
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS. 
 
 
Original Proceeding – Rules of Judicial Administration – Reorganization of the 
Rules 
 
Gary Devenow Fox, Chair, Rules of Judicial Administration Committee, Miami, 
Florida, Honorable Winifred J. Sharp, Past-Chair, Fifth District Court of Appeal, 
Daytona Beach, Florida, Honorable Claudia R. Isom, Past-Chair, Thirteenth 
Judicial Circuit, Tampa, Florida, John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, and J. 
Craig Shaw, Bar Staff Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
for Petitioner 
 
David A. Rowland, General Counsel, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Tampa, Florida, 
and Stephen Krosschell of Goodman and Nekvasil, P.A., Clearwater, Florida, 
 
 
Opponents, responding with comments 
                                                                                                                              
In re Petition to Adopt Florida Rules for Certification & Regulation of Court 
Interpreters & Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.073, 31 Fla. L. Weekly 
S436 (Fla. June 29, 2006), renumbered rule 2.560(e), Qualifications of Interpreter, 
will become effective July 1, 2008.  
 
 
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APPENDIX 
 
FLORIDA RULES OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
PART I.   GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
2.110. 
SCOPE AND PURPOSE 
 
2.120. 
DEFINITIONS 
 
2.130. 
PRIORITY OF CONFLICTING APPELLATE RULES 
 
2.140. 
AMENDING RULES OF COURT 
 
PART II.   STATE COURT ADMINISTRATION 
 
2.205. 
THE SUPREME COURT 
 
2.210. 
DISTRICT COURTS OF APPEAL 
 
2.215. 
TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATION 
 
2.220. 
CONFERENCE OF COUNTY COURT JUDGES 
 
2.225. 
JUDICIAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 
 
2.230. 
TRIAL COURT BUDGET COMMISSION 
 
2.235. 
DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL BUDGET COMMISSION 
 
2.240. 
DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR ADDITIONAL JUDGES 
 
2.241. 
DETERMINATION OF THE NECESSITY TO INCREASE, DECREASE, 
OR REDEFINE APPELLATE DISTRICTS 
 
2.245. 
CASE REPORTING SYSTEM FOR TRIAL COURTS 
 
2.250. 
TIME STANDARDS FOR TRIAL AND APPELLATE COURTS AND 
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 
 
2.255. 
STATEWIDE GRAND JURY 
 
2.260. 
CHANGE OF VENUE  
 
2.265. 
MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS 
 
 
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PART III.   JUDICIAL OFFICERS 
 
2.310. 
JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE, REMOVAL, RETIREMENT, AND 
SUSPENSION 
 
2.320. 
CONTINUING JUDICIAL EDUCATION 
 
2.330. 
DISQUALIFICATION OF TRIAL JUDGES 
 
PART IV.   JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS AND RECORDS 
 
2.410. 
POSSESSION OF COURT RECORDS 
 
2.420. 
PUBLIC ACCESS TO JUDICIAL BRANCH RECORDS 
 
2.430. 
RETENTION OF COURT RECORDS 
 
2.440. 
RETENTION OF JUDICIAL BRANCH ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS 
 
2.450. 
TECHNOLOGICAL COVERAGE OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS 
 
PART V.   PRACTICE OF LAW 
 
A.   ATTORNEYS 
 
2.505. 
ATTORNEYS 
 
2.510. 
FOREIGN ATTORNEYS 
 
B.   PRACTICE AND LITIGATION PROCEDURES 
 
2.515. 
SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEYS AND PARTIES 
 
2.520. 
PAPER 
 
2.525. 
ELECTRONIC FILING 
 
2.530. 
COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT 
 
2.535. 
COURT REPORTING 
 
 
 
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2.540. 
NOTICES TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 
 
2.545. 
CASE MANAGEMENT 
 
2.550. 
CALENDAR CONFLICTS 
 
2.555. 
INITIATION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS 
 
2.560. APPOINTMENT OF INTERPRETERS FOR  
 
 NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS 
 
 
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PART I.   GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
RULE 2.110. 
SCOPE AND PURPOSE 
 
These rules, cited as “Florida Rules of Judicial Administration” and abbreviated 
as “Fla. R. Jud. Admin.,” shall take effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 1979. They shall 
apply to administrative matters in all courts to which the rules are applicable by 
their terms. The rules shall be construed to secure the speedy and inexpensive 
determination of every proceeding to which they are applicable. These rules shall 
supersede all conflicting rules and statutes. 
 
RULE 2.120. 
DEFINITIONS 
 
The following terms have the meanings shown as used in these rules: 
 
(a) Court Rule: A rule of practice or procedure adopted to facilitate the uniform 
conduct of litigation applicable to all proceedings, all parties, and all attorneys. 
 
(b) Local Court Rule: 
 
(1) A rule of practice or procedure for circuit or county application only that, 
because of local conditions, supplies an omission in or facilitates application of a 
rule of statewide application and does not conflict therewith. 
 
(2) A rule that addresses other matters that are required by the Florida 
Constitution, general law, rules of court, or a supreme court opinion to be adopted 
by or in a local rule. 
 
(c) 
 Administrative Order: A directive necessary to administer properly the 
court’s affairs but not inconsistent with the constitution or with court rules and 
administrative orders entered by the supreme court. 
 
RULE 2.130. 
PRIORITY OF CONFLICTING APPELLATE RULES 
 
The Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure shall control all proceedings in the 
supreme court and the district courts, and all proceedings in which the circuit 
courts exercise their appellate jurisdiction, notwithstanding any conflicting rules of 
procedure. 
 
 
 
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RULE 2.140. 
AMENDING RULES OF COURT 
 
(a) Amendments Generally. The following procedure shall be followed for 
consideration of rule amendments generally other than those adopted under 
subdivisions (d), (e), (f), and (g): 
 
(1) Proposals for court rules, amendments to them, or abrogation of them may 
be made by any person. 
 
(2) Proposals shall be submitted to the clerk of the supreme court in writing and 
shall include a general description of the proposed rule change or a specified 
proposed change in content. The clerk of the supreme court shall refer proposals to 
the appropriate committee under subdivision (a)(3). 
 
(3) The Florida Bar shall appoint the following committees to consider rule 
proposals: Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Criminal Procedure Rules 
Committee, Small Claims Rules Committee, Traffic Court Rules Committee, 
Appellate Court Rules Committee, Juvenile Court Rules Committee, Code and 
Rules of Evidence Committee, Rules of Judicial Administration Committee, 
Probate Rules Committee, and Family Law Rules Committee. 
 
(4) Each committee shall be composed of attorneys and judges with extensive 
experience and training in the area of practice of the committee calling for regular, 
frequent use of the rules. The members of the committee shall serve for 3-year 
staggered terms. The president of The Florida Bar shall appoint the chair and vice 
chair of each committee. 
 
(5) The Rules of Judicial Administration Committee shall also serve as a rules 
coordinating committee. Each rules committee shall have at least 1 of its members 
appointed to the Rules of Judicial Administration Committee to serve as liaison. 
All proposed rules changes shall be submitted to the Rules of Judicial 
Administration Committee, which shall then refer all proposed rules changes to 
those rules committees that might be affected by the proposed change. All 
proposed changes shall be submitted by June 15 of each year of the rules cycle. 
 
(6) The committees shall consider and vote on each proposal. The committees 
may originate proposals and are charged with the duty of regular review and 
reevaluation of the rules to advance orderly and inexpensive procedures in the 
administration of justice. The committees may accept or reject proposed 
amendments or may amend proposals. The committees shall keep minutes of their 
 
 
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activities, which minutes shall reflect the action taken on each proposal. Copies of 
the minutes shall be furnished to the clerk of the supreme court, to the board of 
governors of The Florida Bar, and to the proponent of any proposal considered at 
the meeting. 
 
(b) Schedule for Rules Proposals. 
 
(1) Each committee shall report all proposed rule changes on a staggered basis 
(with the first cycle starting in 2006). Reports shall be made by the Criminal 
Procedure Rules Committee, the Traffic Court Rules Committee, and the Juvenile 
Court Rules Committee in 2006; by the Civil Procedure Rules Committee, the 
Probate Rules Committee, the Small Claims Rules Committee, and the Code and 
Rules of Evidence Committee in 2007; and by the Family Law Rules Committee, 
the Appellate Court Rules Committee, and the Rules of Judicial Administration 
Committee in 2008. Thereafter, the cycle shall repeat. 
 
(2) No later than June 15 of the year prior to each reporting year or such other 
date as the board of governors of The Florida Bar may set, each reporting 
committee shall submit all proposed rule changes to the board of governors with 
the committee’s final numerical voting record on each proposal. 
Contemporaneously with reporting proposed rule changes to the board of 
governors, each committee report shall be furnished to the Speaker of the Florida 
House of Representatives, the President of the Florida Senate, and the chairs of the 
House and Senate committees as designated by the Speaker and the President, and 
published on the Internet website of The Florida Bar, and in the Florida Bar 
Journal or Florida Bar News. Any person desiring to comment upon proposed rule 
changes shall submit written comments to the appropriate committee chair no later 
than August 1 of the year prior to each reporting year. Each committee shall 
consider any comments submitted and thereafter report to the board of governors, 
no later than October 15 of the year prior to each reporting year, any revisions to 
the proposed rule changes. Contemporaneously with reporting any revisions to the 
board of governors, each committee’s revised proposed rule changes shall be 
furnished to the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, the President of 
the Florida Senate, and the chairs of the House and Senate committees as 
designated by the Speaker and the President, and published on the Internet website 
of The Florida Bar, and in the Florida Bar Journal or Florida Bar News. Any 
person desiring to comment thereafter shall submit written comments to the 
supreme court in accordance with subdivision (b)(6). 
 
 
 
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(3) No later than December 15 of the year prior to each reporting year, the board 
of governors shall consider the proposals and shall vote on each proposal to 
recommend acceptance, rejection, or amendment. 
 
(4) No later than February 1 of each reporting year, each committee shall file a 
report of its proposed rule changes with the supreme court. Each committee may 
amend its recommendations to coincide with the recommendations of the board of 
governors or may decline to do so or may amend its recommendations in another 
manner. Any such amendments shall also be reported to the supreme court. The 
report shall include: 
 
(A) a list of the proposed changes, together with a detailed explanation of each 
proposal and the name and address of the proponent of each change if other than 
the rules committee; 
 
(B) the final numerical voting record of the proposals in the committee; 
 
(C) a report of the action taken by the committee on comments submitted in 
accordance with subdivision (b)(2); 
 
(D) a report of the action and voting record of the board of governors; 
 
(E) any dissenting views of the committee and, if available, of the board; and 
 
(F) an appendix containing all comments submitted to the committee and a 
two-column chart setting forth the proposed changes in legislative format in the 
first column and a brief explanation of each change in the second column. 
 
The report and the proposed rule changes shall be filed with the supreme court, 
in legislative format, both on paper and in an electronic format approved by the 
supreme court. 
 
(5) If oral argument is deemed necessary, the supreme court shall establish a 
date during the month of May or June of each reporting year for oral argument on 
the proposals. Notice of the hearing on the proposals and a copy of the proposals 
shall be furnished to the affected committee chair and vice chair, the executive 
director of The Florida Bar, all members of the Judicial Management Council, the 
clerk and chief judge of each district court of appeal, the clerk and chief judge of 
each judicial circuit, the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, the 
President of the Florida Senate, the chairs of the House and Senate committees as 
 
 
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designated by the Speaker and the President, and any person who has asked in 
writing filed with the clerk of the supreme court for a copy of the notice. The clerk 
may provide the notice electronically. If the committee modifies its 
recommendations after considering comments submitted in accordance with 
subdivision (b)(2), the recommendations or a resume of them shall be published on 
the Internet websites of the supreme court and The Florida Bar and in the Florida 
Bar Journal or Florida Bar News before the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall 
also be published on the Internet websites of the supreme court and The Florida 
Bar and in the Florida Bar Journal or Florida Bar News. 
 
(6) Before the date of oral argument, any person may file comments concerning 
the proposals. All comments and other submissions by interested persons shall be 
filed with the clerk of the supreme court and served on the chair of the appropriate 
rules committee, and on the proponent of the rule change if other than the rules 
committee. The chair of the rules committee shall file a response to all comments 
within the time period set by the court. All comments and other submissions 
regarding the rule change proposals, in addition to being filed with the supreme 
court in paper format, shall also be filed in an electronic format approved by the 
supreme court. Prior to the date of oral argument and as soon as practicable after 
the date of filing, the clerk of the supreme court shall publish on the Internet 
websites of the supreme court and The Florida Bar all comments and the responses 
of the chair of the rules committee that have been filed concerning the rule change 
proposals. All requests or submissions by a rules committee made in connection 
with a pending rule change proposal shall be filed with the clerk of the supreme 
court and thereafter published by the clerk of the supreme court on the Internet 
websites of the supreme court and The Florida Bar. 
 
(7) Orders of the supreme court on said proposals should be adopted in 
sufficient time to take effect on January 1 of the year following the reporting year. 
The supreme court may permit motions for rehearing to be filed on behalf of any 
person, The Florida Bar, any bar association, and the affected committee. 
 
(c) 
 Rejected Proposals. If a committee rejects a proposal, the proponent may 
submit the proposed rule to the board of governors and shall notify the chair and 
vice chair of the affected committee of the submission of the proposed rule to the 
board of governors. Minority reports of committees are allowed and may be 
submitted to both the board of governors and the supreme court. 
 
(d) Emergency Amendments by Court. The supreme court, with or without 
notice, may change court rules at any time if an emergency exists that does not 
 
 
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permit reference to the appropriate committee of The Florida Bar for 
recommendations. If a change is made without reference to the committee, the 
change may become effective immediately or at a future time. In either event, the 
court shall fix a date for further consideration of the change. Any person may file 
comments concerning the change, seeking its abrogation or a delay in the effective 
date, in accordance with the procedures set forth in subdivision (b)(6) of this rule. 
The court may allow oral argument in support of such comments by The Florida 
Bar, by its sections and committees, and by other bar associations. Notice of the 
hearing on the change and a copy of the change shall be furnished to the affected 
committee chair and vice chair, the executive director of The Florida Bar, all 
members of the Judicial Management Council, the clerk and chief judge of each 
district court of appeal, the clerk and chief judge of each judicial circuit, the 
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, the President of the Florida 
Senate, the chairs of the House and Senate committees as designated by the 
Speaker and the President, and any person who has asked in writing filed with the 
clerk of the supreme court for a copy of the notice. The clerk may provide the 
notice electronically. The change shall be published on the Internet websites of the 
supreme court and The Florida Bar, and in the Florida Bar Journal or Florida Bar 
News before the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall also be published on the 
Internet websites of the supreme court and The Florida Bar, and in the Florida Bar 
Journal or Florida Bar News. 
 
(e) 
 Emergency Recommendations by Committee. If, in the opinion of a 
committee, a proposal is of an emergency nature, and the board of governors 
concurs, proposals may be made at any time to the supreme court. If the court 
agrees that an emergency exists, the court may set a time for oral argument and 
consideration of the proposal. Notice of the hearing on the proposals and a copy of 
the proposals shall be furnished to the affected committee chair and vice chair, the 
executive director of The Florida Bar, all members of the Judicial Management 
Council, the clerk and chief judge of each district court of appeal, the clerk and 
chief judge of each judicial circuit, the Speaker of the Florida House of 
Representatives, the President of the Florida Senate, the chairs of the House and 
Senate committees as designated by the Speaker and the President, and any person 
who has asked in writing filed with the clerk of the supreme court for a copy of the 
notice. The clerk may provide the notice electronically. The recommendations or a 
resume of them shall be published on the Internet websites of the supreme court 
and The Florida Bar, and in the Florida Bar Journal or Florida Bar News before the 
hearing. Notice of the hearing shall also be published on the Internet websites of 
the supreme court and The Florida Bar, and in the Florida Bar Journal or Florida 
Bar News. 
 
 
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(f)  Request by Court. The supreme court may direct special consideration of a 
proposal at times other than those specified in this rule and may require a 
committee to report its recommendation with the recommendations of the board of 
governors. All requests or submissions by a rules committee made in connection 
with a request under this subdivision shall be filed with the clerk of the supreme 
court. The supreme court may set oral argument on the report at any time. Notice 
of the hearing on the proposals and a copy of the proposals shall be furnished to 
the affected committee chair and vice chair, the executive director of The Florida 
Bar, all members of the Judicial Management Council, the clerk and chief judge of 
each district court of appeal, the clerk and chief judge of each judicial circuit, the 
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, the President of the Florida 
Senate, the chairs of the House and Senate committees as designated by the 
Speaker and the President, and any person who has asked in writing filed with the 
clerk of the supreme court for a copy of the notice. The clerk may provide the 
notice electronically. The recommendations or a resume of them shall be published 
on the Internet websites of the supreme court and The Florida Bar, and in the 
Florida Bar Journal or Florida Bar News before the hearing. Notice of the hearing 
shall also be published on the Internet websites of the supreme court and The 
Florida Bar, and in the Florida Bar Journal or Florida Bar News. 
 
(g) Amendments to the Rules of Judicial Administration. 
 
(1) Amendments Without Referral to Rules Committee. Changes to the 
Rules of Judicial Administration contained in Part II, State Court Administration, 
of these rules, and rules 2.310, and 2.320, contained in Part III, Judicial Officers, 
generally will be considered and adopted by the supreme court without reference to 
or proposal from the Rules of Judicial Administration Committee. The supreme 
court may amend rules under this subdivision at any time, with or without notice. 
If a change is made without notice, the court shall fix a date for future 
consideration of the change and the change shall be published on the Internet 
websites of the supreme court and The Florida Bar and in the Florida Bar Journal 
or Florida Bar News. Any person may file comments concerning the change, in 
accordance with the procedures set forth in subdivision (b)(6) of this rule. The 
court may hear oral argument on the change. Notice of the hearing on the change 
and a copy of the change shall be provided in accordance with subdivision (d) of 
this rule. 
 
 
 
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(2) Other Amendments. Amendments to all other Rules of Judicial 
Administration shall be referred to or proposed by the Rules of Judicial 
Administration Committee and adopted by the supreme court as provided in 
subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this rule. 
 
(h) Local Rules Proposed by Trial Courts. The foregoing procedure shall not 
apply to local rules proposed by a majority of circuit and county judges in the 
circuit. The chief justice of the supreme court may appoint a Local Rule Advisory 
Committee to consider and make recommendations to the court concerning local 
rules and administrative orders submitted pursuant to rule 2.215(e). 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1980 Amendment. Rule 2.130 is entirely rewritten to codify the procedures for 
changes to all Florida rules of procedure as set forth by this court in In re Rules of 
Court: Procedure for Consideration of Proposals Concerning Practice and 
Procedure, 276 So. 2d 467 (Fla. 1972), and to update those procedures based on 
current practice. The Supreme Court Rules Advisory Committee has been 
abolished, and the Local Rules Advisory Committee has been established. 
 
PART II.   STATE COURT ADMINISTRATION 
 
RULE 2.205. 
THE SUPREME COURT 
 
(a) Internal Government. 
 
(1) Exercise of Powers and Jurisdiction. The supreme court shall exercise its 
powers and jurisdiction en banc. Five justices shall constitute a quorum and the 
concurrence of 4 shall be necessary to a decision. In cases requiring only a panel of 
5, if 4 of the 5 justices who consider the case do not concur, it shall be submitted to 
the other 2 justices. 
 
(2) Chief Justice. 
 
(A) The chief justice shall be chosen by majority vote of the justices for a term 
commencing on July 1 of even-numbered years. If a vacancy occurs, a successor 
shall be chosen promptly to serve the balance of the unexpired term. 
 
 
 
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(B) The chief justice shall have the following administrative powers and 
duties. The chief justice shall: 
 
(i) be the administrative officer of the court and shall be responsible for the 
dispatch of its business; 
 
(ii) have the power to act on requests for stays during the pendency of 
proceedings, to order the consolidation of cases, to determine all procedural 
motions and petitions relating to the time for filing and size of briefs and other 
papers provided for under the rules of this court, to advance or continue cases, and 
to rule on other procedural matters relating to any proceeding or process in the 
court; 
 
(iii) have the power to assign active or retired county, circuit, or appellate 
judges or justices to judicial service in this state, in accordance with subdivisions 
(a)(3) and (a)(4) of this rule; 
 
(iv) have the power, upon request of the chief judge of any circuit or district, 
or sua sponte, in the event of natural disaster, civil disobedience, or other 
emergency situation requiring the closure of courts or other circumstances 
inhibiting the ability of litigants to comply with deadlines imposed by rules of 
procedure applicable in the courts of this state, to enter such order or orders as may 
be appropriate to suspend, toll, or otherwise grant relief from time deadlines 
imposed by otherwise applicable statutes and rules of procedure for such period as 
may be appropriate, including, without limitation, those affecting speedy trial 
procedures in criminal and juvenile proceedings, all civil process and proceedings, 
and all appellate time limitations; and 
 
(v) perform such other administrative duties as may be required and which 
are not otherwise provided for by law or rule. 
 
(C) The chief justice shall be notified by all justices of any contemplated 
absences from the court and the reasons therefor. 
 
(D) If the chief justice dies, retires, or is unable to perform the duties of the 
office, the justice longest in continuous service shall perform the duties during the 
period of incapacity or until a successor chief justice is elected. 
 
(3) Administration. 
 
 
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(A) The chief justice may, either upon request or when otherwise necessary for 
the prompt dispatch of business in the courts of this state, temporarily assign 
justices of the supreme court, judges of district courts of appeal, circuit judges, and 
judges of county courts to any court for which they are qualified to serve. Any 
consenting retired justice or judge may be assigned to judicial service and receive 
compensation as provided by law. 
 
(B) For the purpose of judicial administration, a “retired judge” is defined as a 
judge not engaged in the practice of law who has been a judicial officer of this 
state. A retired judge shall comply with all requirements that the supreme court 
deems necessary relating to the recall of retired judges. 
 
(C) When a judge who is eligible to draw retirement compensation has entered 
the private practice of law, the judge may be eligible for recall to judicial service 
upon cessation of the private practice of law and approval of the judge’s 
application to the court. The application shall state the period of time the judge has 
not engaged in the practice of law, and must be approved by the court before the 
judge shall be eligible for recall to judicial service. 
 
(D) A “senior judge” is a retired judge who is eligible to serve on assignment 
to temporary judicial duty. 
 
(4) Assignments of Justices and Judges. 
 
(A) When a justice of the supreme court is unable to perform the duties of 
office, or when necessary for the prompt dispatch of the business of the court, the 
chief justice may assign to the court any judge who is qualified to serve, for such 
time as the chief justice may direct. 
 
(B) When a judge of any district court of appeal is unable to perform the duties 
of office, or when necessary for the prompt dispatch of the business of the court, 
the chief judge shall advise the chief justice and the chief justice may assign to the 
court any judge who is qualified to serve, for such time or such proceedings as the 
chief justice may direct. 
 
(C) When any circuit or county judge is unable to perform the duties of office, 
or when necessary for the prompt dispatch of the business of the court, the chief 
judge of the circuit may assign any judge in the circuit to temporary service for 
 
 
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which the judge is qualified, in accordance with rule 2.215. If the chief judge 
deems it necessary, the chief judge may request the chief justice to assign a judge 
to the court for such time or such proceedings as the chief justice may direct. 
 
(b) Clerk. 
 
(1) Appointment. The supreme court shall appoint a clerk who shall hold office 
at the pleasure of the court and perform such duties as the court directs. The clerk’s 
compensation shall be fixed by law. The clerk’s office shall be in the supreme 
court building. The clerk shall devote full time to the duties of the office and shall 
not engage in the practice of law while in office. 
 
(2) Custody of Records, Files, and Seal. All court records and the seal of the 
court shall be kept in the office and the custody of the clerk. The clerk shall not 
allow any court record to be taken from the clerk’s office or the courtroom, except 
by a justice of the court or upon the order of the court. 
 
(3) Records of Proceedings. The clerk shall keep such records as the court may 
from time to time order or direct. The clerk shall keep a docket or equivalent 
electronic record of all cases that are brought for review to, or that originate in, the 
court. Each case shall be numbered in the order in which the notice, petition, or 
other initial pleading originating the cause is filed in the court. 
 
(4) Filing Fee. In all cases filed in the court, the clerk shall require the payment 
of a fee as provided by law when the notice, petition, or other initial pleading is 
filed. The payment shall not be exacted in advance in appeals in which a party has 
been adjudicated insolvent for the purpose of an appeal or in appeals in which the 
state is the real party in interest as the moving party. The payment of the fee shall 
not be required in habeas corpus proceedings, or appeals therefrom, arising out of 
or in connection with criminal actions. 
 
(5) Issuance of Mandate; Recordation and Notification. The clerk shall issue 
such mandates or process as may be directed by the court. Upon the issuance of 
any mandate, the clerk shall record the issuance in a book or equivalent electronic 
record kept for that purpose, in which the date of issuance and the manner of 
transmittal of the process shall be noted. In proceedings in which no mandate is 
issued, upon final adjudication of the pending cause the clerk shall transmit to the 
party affected thereby a copy of the court’s order or judgment. The clerk shall 
notify the attorneys of record of the issuance of any mandate or the rendition of 
 
 
- 20 - 
any final judgment. The clerk shall furnish without charge to all attorneys of record 
in any cause a copy of any order or written opinion rendered in such action. 
 
(6) Return of Original Papers. Upon the conclusion of any proceeding in the 
supreme court, the clerk shall return to the clerk of the lower court the original 
papers or files transmitted to the court for use in the cause. 
 
(c) 
 Librarian. 
 
(1) Appointment. The supreme court shall appoint a librarian of the supreme 
court and such assistants as may be necessary. The supreme court library shall be 
in the custody of the librarian, but under the exclusive control of the court. The 
library shall be open to members of the bar of the supreme court, to members of 
the legislature, to law officers of the executive or other departments of the state, 
and to such other persons as may be allowed to use the library by special 
permission of the court. 
 
(2) Library Hours. The library shall be open during such times as the 
reasonable needs of the bar require and shall be governed by regulations made by 
the librarian with the approval of the court. 
 
(3) Books. Books shall not be removed from the library except for use by, or 
upon order of, any justice. 
 
(d) Marshal. 
 
(1) Appointment. The supreme court shall appoint a marshal who shall hold 
office at the pleasure of the court and perform such duties as the court directs. The 
marshal’s compensation shall be fixed by law. 
 
(2) Duties. The marshal shall have power to execute process of the court 
throughout the state and such other powers as may be conferred by law. The 
marshal may deputize the sheriff or a deputy sheriff in any county to execute 
process of the court and shall perform such clerical or ministerial duties as the 
court may direct or as required by law. Subject to the direction of the court, the 
marshal shall be custodian of the supreme court building and grounds. 
 
(e) 
 State Courts Administrator. 
 
 
- 21 - 
 
(1) Appointment. The supreme court shall appoint a state courts administrator 
who shall serve at the pleasure of the court and perform such duties as the court 
directs. The state courts administrator’s compensation shall be fixed by law. 
 
(2) Duties. The state courts administrator shall supervise the administrative 
office of the Florida courts, which shall be maintained at such place as directed by 
the supreme court; shall employ such other personnel as the court deems necessary 
to aid in the administration of the state courts system; shall represent the state 
courts system before the legislature and other bodies with respect to matters 
affecting the state courts system and functions related to and serving the system; 
shall supervise the preparation and submission to the supreme court, for review and 
approval, of a tentative budget request for the state courts system and shall appear 
before the legislature in accordance with the court’s directions in support of the 
final budget request on behalf of the system; shall assist in the preparation of 
educational and training materials for the state courts system and related personnel, 
and shall coordinate or assist in the conduct of educational and training sessions for 
such personnel; shall assist all courts in the development of improvements in the 
system, and submit to the chief justice and the court appropriate recommendations 
to improve the state courts system; and shall collect and compile uniform financial 
and other statistical data or information reflective of the cost, workloads, business, 
and other functions related to the state courts system. The state courts administrator 
is the custodian of all records in the administrator’s office. 
 
(f)  Open Sessions. All sessions of the court shall be open to the public, except 
proceedings designated as confidential by the court and conference sessions held 
for the discussion and consideration of pending cases, for the formulation of 
opinions by the court, and for the discussion or resolution of other matters related 
to the administration of the state courts system. 
 
(g) Designation of Assigned Judges. When any judge of another court is 
assigned for temporary service on the supreme court, that judge shall be 
designated, as author or participant, by name and initials followed by the words 
“Associate Justice.” 
 
RULE 2.210. 
DISTRICT COURTS OF APPEAL 
 
(a) Internal Government. 
 
 
 
- 22 - 
(1) Exercise of Powers and Jurisdiction. Three judges shall constitute a panel 
for and shall consider each case, and the concurrence of a majority of the panel 
shall be necessary to a decision. 
 
(2) Chief Judge. The chief judge shall be chosen by the judges of the court for 
a term commencing on July 1 of each odd-numbered year, and shall serve for a 
term of 2 years. In the event of a vacancy, a successor shall be chosen promptly to 
serve the balance of the unexpired term. The selection of a chief judge should be 
based on managerial, administrative, and leadership abilities. The chief judge may 
be removed by a two-thirds vote of the active judges. The chief judge shall be the 
administrative officer of the court, responsible for the dispatch of its business, shall 
have the power to order consolidation of cases, and shall assign cases to the judges 
for the preparation of opinions, orders, or judgments. If the chief judge is unable to 
discharge these duties, the judge longest in continuous service or, as between 
judges with equal continuous service, the one having the longest unexpired term 
and able to do so, shall perform the duties of chief judge pending the chief judge’s 
return to duty. Judges shall notify the chief judge of any contemplated absence 
from the court and the reasons therefor. 
 
(b) Clerk. 
 
(1) Appointment. The court shall appoint a clerk who shall hold office at the 
pleasure of the court and perform such duties as the court directs. The clerk’s 
compensation shall be fixed by law. The clerk’s office shall be in the headquarters 
of the court. The clerk’s time shall be devoted to the duties of the office and the 
clerk shall not engage in the private practice of law while serving as clerk. All 
court records and the seal of the court shall be kept in the office and the custody of 
the clerk. The clerk shall not allow any court record to be taken from the clerk’s 
office or the courtroom, except by a judge of the court or upon order of the court. 
 
(2) Records of Proceedings. The clerk shall keep such records as the court may 
from time to time order or direct. The clerk shall keep a docket or equivalent 
electronic record of all cases that are brought for review to, or that originate in, the 
court. Each case shall be numbered in the order that the notice, petition, or other 
initial pleading originating the proceeding is filed in the court. 
 
(3) Filing Fee. In all cases filed in the court, the clerk shall require the payment 
of a fee as provided by law at the time the notice, petition, or other initial pleading 
is filed. The payment shall not be exacted in advance in appeals in which a party 
has been adjudicated insolvent for the purpose of an appeal or in appeals in which 
 
 
- 23 - 
the state is the real party in interest as the moving party. The payment of the fee 
shall not be required in habeas corpus proceedings or appeals therefrom. 
 
(4) Issuance of Mandate; Recordation and Notification. The clerk shall issue 
such mandates or process as may be directed by the court. If the court directs that a 
mandate record shall be maintained, then upon the issuance of any mandate the 
clerk shall record the issuance in a book or equivalent electronic record kept for 
that purpose, in which shall be noted the date of issuance and the manner of 
transmittal of the process. In proceedings in which no mandate is issued, upon final 
adjudication of the pending cause the clerk shall transmit to the party affected 
thereby a copy of the court’s order or judgment. The clerk shall notify the attorneys 
of record of the issuance of any mandate or the rendition of any final judgment. 
The clerk shall furnish without charge to all attorneys of record in any cause a copy 
of any order or written opinion rendered in such action. 
 
(5) Return of Original Papers. The clerk shall retain all original papers, files, 
and exhibits transmitted to the court for a period of not less than 30 days after 
rendition of the opinion or order denying any motion pursuant to Florida Rule of 
Appellate Procedure 9.330, whichever is later. If no discretionary review 
proceeding or appeal has been timely commenced in the supreme court to review 
the court’s decision within 30 days, the clerk shall transmit to the clerk of the trial 
court the original papers, files, and exhibits. If a discretionary review proceeding or 
appeal has been timely commenced in the supreme court to review the court’s 
decision, the original papers, files, and exhibits shall be retained by the clerk until 
transmitted to the supreme court or, if not so transmitted, until final disposition by 
the supreme court and final disposition by the court pursuant to the mandate issued 
by the supreme court. 
 
(c) 
 Marshal. 
 
(1) Appointment. The court shall appoint a marshal who shall hold office at the 
pleasure of the court and perform such duties as the court directs. The marshal’s 
compensation shall be fixed by law. 
 
(2) Duties. The marshal shall have power to execute process of the court 
throughout the district, and in any county therein may deputize the sheriff or a 
deputy sheriff for such purpose. The marshal shall perform such clerical or 
ministerial duties as the court may direct or as are required by law. The marshal 
shall be custodian of the headquarters occupied by the court, whether the 
headquarters is an entire building or a part of a building. 
 
 
- 24 - 
 
(d) Open Sessions. All sessions of the court shall be open to the public, except 
conference sessions held for the discussion and consideration of pending cases, for 
the formulation of opinions by the court, and for the discussion or resolution of 
other matters related to the administration of the court. 
 
(e) 
 Designation of Assigned Judges. When any justice or judge of another court 
is assigned for temporary service on a district court of appeal, that justice or judge 
shall be designated, as author or participant, by name and initials followed by the 
words “Associate Judge.” 
 
RULE 2.215. 
TRIAL COURT ADMINISTRATION 
 
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to fix administrative responsibility in the 
chief judges of the circuit courts and the other judges that the chief judges may 
designate. When these rules refer to the court, they shall be construed to apply to a 
judge of the court when the context requires or permits. 
 
(b) Chief Judge. 
 
(1) The chief judge shall be a circuit judge who possesses administrative ability. 
 
(2) The chief judge shall exercise administrative supervision over all courts 
within the judicial circuit in the exercise of judicial powers and over the judges and 
officers of the courts. The chief judge shall be responsible to the chief justice of the 
supreme court. The chief judge may enter and sign administrative orders, except as 
otherwise provided by this rule. 
 
(3) The chief judge shall be the chief judicial officer of the circuit, shall 
maintain liaison in all judicial administrative matters with the chief justice of the 
supreme court, and shall develop an administrative plan for the efficient and proper 
administration of all courts within that circuit. The plan shall include an 
administrative organization capable of effecting the prompt disposition of cases; 
assignment of judges, other court officers, and executive assistants; control of 
dockets; regulation and use of courtrooms; and mandatory periodic review of the 
status of the inmates of the county jail. The plan shall be compatible with the 
development of the capabilities of the judges in such a manner that each judge will 
be qualified to serve in any division, thereby creating a judicial pool from which 
judges may be assigned to various courts throughout the state. The administrative 
plan shall include a consideration of the statistical data developed by the case 
 
 
- 25 - 
reporting system. Questions concerning the administration or management of the 
courts of the circuit shall be directed to the chief justice of the supreme court 
through the state courts administrator. 
 
(4) The chief judge shall assign judges to the courts and divisions, and shall 
determine the length of each assignment. All judges shall inform the chief judge of 
any contemplated absences that will affect the progress of the court’s business. If a 
judge is temporarily absent, is disqualified in an action, or is unable to perform the 
duties of the office, the chief judge or the chief judge’s designee may assign a 
proceeding pending before the judge to any other judge or any additional assigned 
judge of the same court. The chief judge may assign any judge to temporary 
service for which the judge is qualified in any court in the same circuit. If it 
appears to the chief judge that the speedy, efficient, and proper administration of 
justice so requires, the chief judge shall request the chief justice of the supreme 
court to assign temporarily an additional judge or judges from outside the circuit to 
duty in the court requiring assistance, and shall advise the chief justice whether or 
not the approval of the chief judge of the circuit from which the assignment is to be 
made has been obtained. The assigned judges shall be subject to administrative 
supervision of the chief judge for all purposes of this rule. When assigning a judge 
to hear any type of postconviction or collateral relief proceeding brought by a 
defendant who has been sentenced to death, the chief judge shall assign to such 
cases a judge qualified to conduct such proceedings under subdivision (b)(10) of 
this rule. Nothing in this rule shall restrict the constitutional powers of the chief 
justice of the supreme court to make such assignments as the chief justice shall 
deem appropriate. 
 
(5) The chief judge may designate a judge in any court or court division of 
circuit or county courts as “administrative judge” of any court or divisi
on to assist 
with the administrative supervision of the court or division. The designee shall be 
responsible to the chief judge, shall have the power and duty to carry out the 
responsibilities assigned by the chief judge, and shall serve at the pleasure of the 
chief judge. 
 
(6) The chief judge may require the attendance of prosecutors, public defenders, 
clerks, bailiffs, and other officers of the courts, and may require from the clerks of 
the courts, sheriffs, or other officers of the courts periodic reports that the chief 
judge deems necessary. 
 
(7) The chief judge shall regulate the use of courtrooms, regularly examine the 
dockets of the courts under the chief judge’s administrative supervision, and 
 
 
- 26 - 
require a report on the status of the actions on the dockets. The chief judge may 
take such action as may be necessary to cause the dockets to be made current. The 
chief judge shall monitor the status of all pending postconviction or collateral relief 
proceedings brought by defendants who have been sentenced to death and shall 
take the necessary actions to assure that such cases proceed without undue delay. 
On July 1 and October 1, 1996, and on the first day of every January, April, July, 
and October thereafter, the chief judge shall inform the chief justice of the supreme 
court of the status of all such pending cases. 
 
(8) The chief judge or the chief judge’s designee shall regularly examine the 
status of every inmate of the county jail. 
 
(9) The chief judge may authorize the clerks of courts to maintain branch 
county court facilities. When so authorized, clerks of court shall be permitted to 
retain in such branch court facilities all county court permanent records of pending 
cases, and may retain and destroy these records in the manner provided by law. 
 
(10) The chief judge shall ensure that no judge presides over a capital case in 
which the state is seeking the death penalty or collateral proceedings brought by a 
death row inmate until that judge has served a minimum of 6 months in a felony 
criminal division and has successfully completed the “Handling Capital Cases” 
course offered through the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies. Each 
judge must complete the “Handling Capital Cases” course as soon as practicable 
upon entering the criminal division. Once a judge successfully completes the 
“Handling Capital Cases” course, the judge must thereafter attend a “refresher” 
course during each of the subsequent continuing judicial education reporting 
periods. The chief justice may waive the course requirement in exceptional 
circumstances at the request of the chief judge. This requirement shall not preclude 
a judge from presiding in collateral proceedings in a case in which the judge 
presided over the trial or an earlier collateral proceeding. 
 
(c) 
 Selection. The chief judge shall be chosen by a majority of the circuit and 
county court judges within the circuit for a term of 2 years commencing on July 1 
of each odd-numbered year, or if there is no majority, by the chief justice, for a 
term of 2 years. The election for chief judge shall be held no sooner than February 
1 of the year during which the chief judge’s term commences beginning July 1. All 
elections for chief judge shall be conducted as follows:
 
 
(1) All ballots shall be secret. 
 
 
 
- 27 - 
(2) Any circuit or county judge may nominate a candidate for chief judge. 
 
(3) Proxy voting shall not be permitted. 
 
(4) Any judge who will be absent from the election may vote by secret absentee 
ballot obtained from and returned to the Trial Court Administrator. 
 
A chief judge may be removed as chief judge by the supreme court, acting as the 
administrative supervisory body of all courts, or may be removed by a two-thirds 
vote of the active judges. The purpose of this rule is to fix a 2-year cycle for the 
selection of the chief judge in each circuit. A chief judge may serve for successive 
terms. The selection of the chief judge should be based on managerial, 
administrative, and leadership abilities. A chief judge who is to be temporarily 
absent shall select an acting chief judge from among the circuit judges. If a chief 
judge dies, retires, fails to appoint an acting chief judge during an absence, or is 
unable to perform the duties of the office, the chief justice of the supreme court 
shall appoint a circuit judge to act as chief judge during the absence or disability, 
or until a successor chief judge is elected to serve the unexpired term. When the 
office of chief judge is temporarily vacant pending action within the scope of this 
paragraph, the duties of court administration shall be performed by the circuit 
judge having the longest continuous service as a judge or by another circuit judge 
designated by that judge. 
 
(d) Circuit Court Administrator. Each circuit court administrator shall be 
selected or terminated by the chief judge subject to concurrence by a majority vote 
of the circuit and county judges of the respective circuits. 
 
(e) 
 Local Rules and Administrative Orders. 
 
(1) Local court rules as defined in rule 2.120 may be proposed by a majority of 
the circuit and county judges in the circuit. The judges shall notify the local bar 
within the circuit of the proposal, after which they shall permit a representative of 
the local bar, and may permit any other interested person, to be heard orally or in 
writing on the proposal before submitting it to the supreme court for approval. 
When a proposed local rule is submitted to the supreme court for approval, the 
following procedure shall apply: 
 
(A) Local court rule proposals shall be submitted to the supreme court in 
January of each year. The supreme court may accept emergency proposals 
submitted at other times. 
 
 
- 28 - 
 
(B) Not later than February 15 of each year, the clerk of the supreme court 
shall submit all local court rule proposals to the Supreme Court Local Rules 
Advisory Committee created by rule 2.140. At the same time, the clerk of the 
supreme court shall send copies of the proposed rules to the appropriate 
committees of The Florida Bar. The Florida Bar committees, any interested local 
bar associations, and any other interested person shall submit any comments or 
responses that they wish to make to the Supreme Court Local Rules Advisory 
Committee on or before March 15 of the year. 
 
(C) The Supreme Court Local Rules Advisory Committee shall meet on or 
before April 15 to consider the proposals and any comments submitted by 
interested parties. The committee shall transmit its recommendations to the 
supreme court concerning each proposal, with the reasons for its recommendations, 
within 15 days after its meeting. 
 
(D) The supreme court shall consider the recommendations of the committee 
and may resubmit the proposals with modifications to the committee for editorial 
comment only. The supreme court may set a hearing on any proposals, or consider 
them on the recommendations and comments as submitted. If a hearing is set, 
notice shall be given to the chief judge of the circuit from which the proposals 
originated, the executive director of The Florida Bar, the chair of the Rules of 
Judicial Administration Committee of The Florida Bar, any local bar associations, 
and any interested persons who made comments on the specific proposals to be 
considered. The supreme court shall act on the proposals promptly after the 
recommendations are received or heard. 
 
(E) If a local court rule is approved by the supreme court, it shall become 
effective on the date set by that court. 
 
(F) A copy of all local court rules approved by the supreme court shall be 
indexed and recorded by the clerk of the circuit court in each county of the circuit 
where the rules are effective. A set of the recorded copies shall be readily available 
for inspection as a public record, and copies shall be provided to any requesting 
party for the cost of duplication. The chief judge of the circuit may provide for the 
publication of the rules. The clerk of the supreme court shall furnish copies of each 
approved local court rule to the executive director of The Florida Bar. 
 
(2) Any judge or member of The Florida Bar who believes that an 
administrative order promulgated under subdivision (b)(2) of this rule is a court 
 
 
- 29 - 
rule or a local rule as defined in rule 2.120, rather than an administrative order, 
may apply to the Supreme Court Local Rules Advisory Committee for a decision 
on the question. The decisions of the committee concerning the determination of 
the question shall be reported to the supreme court, and the court shall follow the 
procedure set forth in subdivision (D) above in considering the recommendation of 
the committee. 
 
(3) All administrative orders of a general and continuing nature, and all others 
designated by the chief judge, shall be indexed and recorded by the clerk of the 
circuit court in each county where the orders are effective. A set of the recorded 
copies shall be readily available for inspection as a public record, and copies shall 
be provided to any requesting party for the cost of duplication. The chief judge 
shall, on an annual basis, direct a review of all local administrative orders to ensure 
that the set of copies maintained by the clerk remains current and does not conflict 
with supreme court or local rules. 
 
(4) All local court rules entered pursuant to this section shall be numbered 
sequentially for each respective judicial circuit. 
 
(f)  Duty to Rule within a Reasonable Time. Every judge has a duty to rule 
upon and announce an order or judgment on every matter submitted to that judge 
within a reasonable time. Each judge shall maintain a log of cases under 
advisement and inform the chief judge of the circuit at the end of each calendar 
month of each case that has been held under advisement for more than 60 days. 
 
(g) Duty to Expedite Priority Cases. Every judge has a duty to expedite 
priority cases to the extent reasonably possible. Priority cases are those cases that 
have been assigned a priority status or assigned an expedited disposition schedule 
by statute, rule of procedure, case law, or otherwise. Particular attention shall be 
given to all juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and to 
cases involving families and children in need of services. 
 
(h) Neglect of Duty. The failure of any judge, clerk, prosecutor, public defender, 
attorney, court reporter, or other officer of the court to comply with an order or 
directive of the chief judge shall be considered neglect of duty and shall be 
reported by the chief judge to the chief justice of the supreme court. The chief 
justice may report the neglect of duty by a judge to the Judicial Qualifications 
Commission, and neglect of duty by other officials to the governor of Florida or 
other appropriate person or body. 
 
 
 
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(i)  Status Conference after Compilation of Record in Death Case. In any 
proceeding in which a defendant has been sentenced to death, the circuit judge 
assigned to the case shall take such action as may be necessary to ensure that a 
complete record on appeal has been properly prepared. To that end, the judge shall 
convene a status conference with all counsel of record as soon as possible after the 
record has been prepared pursuant to rule of appellate procedure 9.200(d) but 
before the record has been transmitted. The purpose of the status conference shall 
be to ensure that the record is complete. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
1996 Court Commentary. Rule 2.050(h) should be read in conjunction with 
Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.140(b)(4)(A). 
 
1997 Court Commentary. [Rule 2.050(b)(10)]. The refresher course may be a 
six-hour block during any Florida Court Education Council approved course 
offering sponsored by any approved Florida judicial education provider, including 
the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies or the Florida Conference of 
Circuit Judges. The block must contain instruction on the following topics: penalty 
phase, jury selection, and rule 3.850 proceedings. 
 
Failure to complete the refresher course during the three-year judicial education 
reporting period will necessitate completion of the original “Handling Capital 
Cases” course. 
 
2002 Court Commentary. Recognizing the inherent differences in trial and 
appellate court dockets, the last sentence of subdivision (g) is intended to conform 
to the extent practicable with appellate rule 9.146(g), which requires appellate 
courts to give priority to appeals in juvenile dependency and termination of 
parental rights cases, and in cases involving families and children in need of 
services. 
 
RULE 2.220. 
CONFERENCE OF COUNTY COURT JUDGES 
 
(a) Creation. There shall be a “Conference of County Court Judges of Florida,” 
consisting of the duly commissioned county court judges of the State of Florida. 
 
(b) Purpose. The purpose of the conference shall be: 
 
(1) the betterment of the judicial system of the state; 
 
 
- 31 - 
 
(2) the improvement of procedure and practice in the several courts; and 
 
(3) to conduct conferences and institutes for continuing judicial education and 
to provide forums in which the county court judges of Florida may meet and 
discuss mutual problems and solutions. 
 
(c) 
 Officers. Management of the conference shall be vested in the officers of the 
conference, an executive committee, and a board of directors. 
 
(1) The officers of the conference shall be: 
 
(A) the president, president-elect, immediate past president, secretary, and 
treasurer, who shall be elected at large; and 
 
(B) one vice-president elected from each appellate court district. 
 
(2) The executive committee shall consist of the officers of the conference and 
an executive secretary. 
 
(3) The board of directors shall consist of the executive committee and a 
member elected from each judicial circuit. 
 
(4) There shall be an annual meeting of the conference. 
 
(5) Between annual meetings of the conference, the affairs of the conference 
shall be managed by the executive committee. 
 
(d) Authority. The conference may adopt a constitution and by-laws, the 
provisions of which shall not be inconsistent with this rule. 
 
RULE 2.225. 
JUDICIAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 
 
(a) Creation and Responsibilities. There is hereby created the Judicial 
Management Council of Florida, which shall be charged with the following 
responsibilities: 
 
(1) The comprehensive study and formulation of recommendations on issues 
related to the efficient and effective administration of justice that have statewide 
 
 
- 32 - 
impact, affect multiple levels of the court system, or affect multiple constituencies 
in the court and justice community. 
 
(A) Issues that may be examined by the Judicial Management Council include, 
but are not limited to: 
 
(i) the organization, jurisdiction, and management of the courts; 
 
(ii) the qualifications, selection process, compensation, disciplinary process, 
and removal process for judicial officers; 
 
(iii) administrative policies and programs of the court system; 
 
(iv) state and local budgets for the courts and related entities, and the balance 
of funding between state and local government; 
 
(v) available revenues that are currently or may be used to support the courts, 
including fines, forfeitures, filing fees, add-ons, surcharges, and liens; 
 
(vi) rules of court and rulemaking process; 
 
(vii) legislative issues, including changes in the statutes or the constitution; 
and 
 
(viii) the policies, procedures, and programs of other entities that are 
involved in court proceedings, or otherwise affect the work of the courts. 
 
(B) Issues may become part of the Judicial Management Council’s agenda by: 
 
(i) referral from the chief justice; 
 
(ii) referral from the supreme court; or 
 
(iii) identification by the Judicial Management Council on its own initiative 
based on the recommendations of members; input from judges, the bar, court 
personnel, or other sources; input from public hearings; referral of issues by the 
Florida Legislature, either informally or through the passage of legislation; or 
referral of issues by the governor, cabinet, or executive branch agencies. 
 
 
 
- 33 - 
(C) The chief justice and the supreme court shall consider referring significant 
new issues or problems with implications for judicial branch organization, policy, 
or budgeting to the Judicial Management Council, prior to the creation of any new 
committees. 
 
(2) The development and recommendation of the long-range strategic plan and 
quality management and accountability program for the judicial branch, which are 
required pursuant to article III, section 19, of the Florida Constitution. 
 
(3) The development of recommendations to all Constitutional Revision 
Commissions. 
 
(4) To review and respond to the work of other commissions, task forces, 
councils, and committees of the judicial, legislative and executive branches, and 
The Florida Bar, which may consider matters having policy, funding, or 
operational implications for the judicial branch and the justice system. 
 
(5) To provide a liaison with private sector entities with an interest in the court 
system, including the Florida Council of 100. 
 
(b) Schedule of Reports. 
 
(1) The Judicial Management Council shall prepare an annual report on its 
activities, along with recommendations on substantive legislation and budget 
resources, which shall be presented to the chief justice and the supreme court on 
October 1 of each year. 
 
(2) The Judicial Management Council shall prepare a biennial review of the 
judicial branch’s long-range strategic plan and formulate recommendations for a 2-
year operational plan based on such review, which shall be presented to the chief 
justice on July 1 of each even-numbered year. 
 
(3) The Judicial Management Council may prepare other reports as it deems 
necessary, which shall be presented to the chief justice or the supreme court upon 
completion. 
 
(c) 
 Supreme Court Action on Recommendation by the Judicial 
Management Council. The chief justice or the supreme court may take any or all 
 
 
- 34 - 
of the following actions on recommendations made by the Judicial Management 
Council: 
 
(1) Direct that action be taken to influence or change administrative policy, 
management practices, rules, or programs that are the subject of the 
recommendations. 
 
(2) Include the recommendation in the State Courts System’s legislative agenda 
or budget requests. 
 
(3) Refer the recommendation back to the Judicial Management Council with an 
indication that: 
 
(A) the Judicial Management Council shall undertake further study; 
 
(B) the supreme court takes no position on the issue and encourages the 
Judicial Management Council to take whatever further action on the matter the 
Judicial Management Council deems appropriate; or 
 
(C) the supreme court disapproves of the recommendation and directs either 
reassessment of the recommendation or no further action by the Judicial 
Management Council. 
 
(4) Refer the recommendation to other entities, such as the Florida Legislature, 
the governor, the cabinet, executive branch agencies, or The Florida Bar, as the 
supreme court deems appropriate. 
 
(d) Membership and Organization. The membership of the Judicial 
Management Council shall be appointed with the intention of ensuring diversity 
and representation of groups involved in or affected by the judicial system. 
 
(1) There shall be 21 official members of the Judicial Management Council, to 
be appointed by the chief justice, which shall include: 
 
(A) one supreme court justice; 
 
(B) two district court of appeal judges, to be nominated by the Florida 
Conference of District Court of Appeal Judges; 
 
 
 
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(C) two circuit court judges, one of whom shall be an active chief judge, to be 
nominated by the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges; 
 
(D) two county court judges, to be nominated by the Conference of County 
Court Judges; 
 
(E) one state attorney, to be nominated by the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys 
Association; 
 
(F) one public defender, to be nominated by the Florida Public Defenders 
Association; 
 
(G) the attorney general or the attorney general’s designee; 
 
(H) one clerk of court, to be nominated by the Florida Association of Court 
Clerks; 
 
(I) two representatives of The Florida Bar, one of whom shall be a member of 
the board of governors, to be nominated by the board of governors; 
 
(J) one representative of the governor’s legal office, to be designated by the 
governor; 
 
(K) one member of the Florida Senate and one member of the House of 
Representatives; 
 
(L) four public members; and 
 
(M) one member of the Florida Council of 100, to be nominated by the Florida 
Council of 100. 
 
(2) The legislative members shall serve as ad hoc, voting members, whose 
absence shall not be considered for purposes of determining whether a quorum is 
present at meetings. 
 
(3) The chief justice may appoint no more than 8 members at large who shall 
serve as voting members for a term of 3 years. 
 
(4) The chief justice or the chief justice’s designee shall serve as chair of the 
Judicial Management Council. 
 
 
- 36 - 
 
(5) To ensure continuity through the Judicial Management Council’s 
development of a long range strategic plan for the judicial branch, the original 
members of the council shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. The members’ 
terms thereafter shall be on a staggered, multi-year basis, to be designated by 
future administrative orders of the chief justice. 
 
(6) The Judicial Management Council shall establish a committee structure and 
procedures that ensure broad-based involvement of and input from interested 
constituencies. The Judicial Council shall have the authority and resources to 
improve its inclusiveness through a variety of means, such as: 
 
(A) establishing committees or subcommittees that include persons who are 
not members of the Council but whose input may be needed on selected issues; 
 
(B) referring matters to existing groups or committees, such as committees of 
The Florida Bar, for comment and recommendations; 
 
(C) conducting focus groups, workshops, and town hall type meetings; 
 
(D) conducting public hearings; and 
 
(E) conducting surveys. 
 
(7) The Judicial Management Council shall explore and recommend appropriate 
protocols for information sharing and coordination of work by the various 
committees that have been created by the court system. When appropriate, the 
Judicial Management Council shall include such committees in the process of 
developing the long-range strategic plan. 
 
(e) 
 Staff Support and Funding. The Office of the State Courts Administrator 
shall provide primary staff support to the Judicial Management Council. Adequate 
staffing and other resources shall be made available to the Office of the State 
Courts Administrator to ensure the effective and efficient completion of tasks 
assigned to the Judicial Management Council. Sufficient resources shall also be 
provided for meetings of the Judicial Management Council and its committees or 
subcommittees, and other expenses necessary to the satisfactory completion of its 
work. 
 
 
 
 
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RULE 2.230. 
TRIAL COURT BUDGET COMMISSION 
 
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish a Trial Court Budget 
Commission that will have the responsibility for developing and overseeing the 
administration of trial court budgets in a manner which ensures equity and fairness 
in state funding among the 20 judicial circuits. 
 
(b) Responsibilities. The Trial Court Budget Commission is charged with 
specific responsibility to:
 
 
(1) establish budgeting and funding policies and procedures consistent with 
judicial branch plans and policies, directions from the supreme court, and in 
consideration of input from supreme court committees and from the Florida 
Conference of Circuit Judges and the Florida Conference of County Court Judges; 
 
(2) make recommendations to the supreme court on the trial court component of 
the annual judicial branch budget request; 
 
(3) advocate for the trial court component of the annual judicial branch budget 
request and associated statutory changes; 
 
(4) make recommendations to the supreme court on funding allocation formulas 
and budget implementation and criteria as well as associated accountability 
mechanisms based on actual legislative appropriations; 
 
(5) monitor trial court expenditure trends and revenue collections to identify 
unanticipated budget problems and to ensure the efficient use of resources; 
 
(6) recommend statutory and rule changes related to trial court budgets; 
 
(7) develop recommended responses to findings on financial audits and reports 
from the Supreme Court Inspector General, Auditor General, Office of Program 
Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, and other governmental entities 
charged with auditing responsibilities regarding trial court budgeting when 
appropriate; 
 
(8) recommend to the supreme court trial court budget reductions required by 
the legislature; 
 
(9) identify potential additional sources of revenue for the trial courts; and 
 
 
- 38 - 
 
(10) recommend to the supreme court legislative pay plan issues for trial court 
personnel, except the commission shall not make recommendations as to pay or 
benefits for judges. 
 
(c) 
 Operational Procedures. The Trial Court Budget Commission will establish 
operating procedures necessary to carry out its responsibilities as outlined in 
subdivision (b), subject to final approval by the supreme court. These procedures 
shall include: 
 
(1) a method for ensuring input from interested constituencies, including the 
chief judges and trial court administrators of the trial courts, other members of the 
trial court judiciary, the Judicial Management Council, and other judicial branch 
committees and commissions; and 
 
(2) a method for appeal of the decisions of the Trial Court Budget Commission. 
Appeals may be made only by a chief judge on behalf of a circuit. Appeals may be 
heard only by the Trial Court Budget Commission unless the appeal is based on the 
failure of the commission to adhere to its operating procedures, in which case the 
appeal may be made to the supreme court. 
 
(d) Action by Supreme Court or Chief Justice on Recommendations of Trial 
Court Budget Commission. The supreme court or chief justice, as appropriate, 
may take any or all of the following actions on recommendations made by the Trial 
Court Budget Commission: 
 
(1) The adoption of the recommendations of the commission made in 
accordance with the discharge of its responsibilities listed in subdivision (b) in 
whole. 
 
(2) The adoption of the recommendations in part and referral of specific issues 
or questions back to the commission for further study or alternative 
recommendations. 
 
(e) 
 Membership and Organization. The Trial Court Budget Commission will 
be composed of 21 voting members appointed by the chief justice who will 
represent the interests of the trial courts generally rather than the individual 
interests of a particular circuit or division. The respective chairpersons of the 
Conference of Circuit Court Judges and the Conference of County Court Judges 
 
 
- 39 - 
shall serve as ex officio nonvoting members of the Commission. The chief justice 
will make appointments to ensure that the broad interests of the trial courts are 
represented by including members who have experience in different divisions, who 
have expertise in court operations or administrative matters, and who offer 
geographic, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. 
 
(1) The membership must include 14 trial court judges and 7 trial court 
administrators. 
 
(2) The chief justice will appoint 1 member to serve as chair and 1 member to 
serve as vice chair, each for a 2-year term. 
 
(3) A supreme court justice will be appointed by the chief justice to serve as 
supreme court liaison. 
 
(4) No circuit will have more than 2 members on the commission. 
 
(5) The original members of the commission will be appointed as follows: 
 
(A) 7 members shall be appointed for a 2-year term; 
 
(B) 7 members shall be appointed for a 4-year term; and 
 
(C) 7 members shall be appointed for one 6-year term. 
 
All subsequent members will each be appointed for one 6-year term. In the 
event of a vacancy, the chief justice will appoint a new member to serve for the 
remainder of the departing member’s term. 
 
(6) The commission may establish subcommittees as necessary to satisfactorily 
carry out its responsibilities. Subcommittees may make recommendations only to 
the commission as a whole. The chair of the commission may appoint a non-
commission member to serve on a subcommittee. 
 
(f)  Staff Support and Funding. The Office of the State Courts Administrator 
will provide primary staff support to the commission. Adequate staffing and 
resources will be made available to the Office of the State Courts Administrator to 
ensure the commission is able to fulfill its responsibilities as outlined in the rule. 
Sufficient resources will also be provided for the commission and its 
subcommittees to meet and otherwise complete its work. 
 
 
- 40 - 
 
RULE 2.235. 
DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL BUDGET  
 
 
   
COMMISSION 
 
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish a District Court of Appeal 
Budget Commission with responsibility for developing and overseeing the 
administration of district court budgets in a manner which ensures equity and 
fairness in state funding among the 5 districts. 
 
(b) Responsibilities. The District Court of Appeal Budget Commission is 
charged with specific responsibility to: 
 
(1) establish budgeting and funding policies and procedures consistent with 
judicial branch plans and policies, directions from the supreme court, and in 
consideration of input from supreme court committees; 
 
(2) make recommendations to the supreme court on a unitary district court 
component of the annual judicial branch budget request; 
 
(3) advocate for the district court component of the annual judicial branch 
budget request; 
 
(4) make recommendations to the supreme court on funding allocation formulas 
and/or criteria as well as associated accountability mechanisms based on actual 
legislative appropriations; 
 
(5) monitor district court expenditure trends and revenue collections to identify 
unanticipated budget problems and to ensure the efficient use of resources; 
 
(6) recommend statutory and rule changes related to district court budgets; 
 
(7) develop recommended responses to findings on financial audits and reports 
from the Supreme Court Inspector General, Auditor General, Office of Program 
Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, and other governmental entities 
charged with auditing responsibilities regarding district court budgeting when 
appropriate; 
 
(8) recommend to the supreme court district court budget reductions required by 
the legislature; 
 
 
 
- 41 - 
(9) identify potential additional sources of revenue for the district courts; and 
 
(10) recommend to the supreme court legislative pay plan issues for district 
court personnel. 
 
(c) 
 Operational Procedures. The District Court of Appeal Budget Commission 
will establish operating procedures necessary to carry out its responsibilities as 
outlined in subdivision (b), subject to final approval by the supreme court. These 
procedures shall include: 
 
(1) a method for ensuring input from interested constituencies, including the 
chief judges, marshals, and clerks of the district courts, other members of the 
district court judiciary, the Judicial Management Council, and other judicial branch 
committees and commissions; and 
 
(2) a method for appeal of the decisions of the District Court of Appeal Budget 
Commission. Appeals may be made only by a chief judge on behalf of the district. 
Appeals may be heard only by the District Court of Appeal Budget Commission 
unless the appeal is based on the failure of the commission to adhere to its 
operating procedures, in which case the appeal may be made to the supreme court. 
 
(d) Action by Supreme Court or Chief Justice on Recommendations of 
District Court of Appeal Budget Commission. The supreme court or chief 
justice, as appropriate, may take any or all of the following actions on 
recommendations made by the District Court of Appeal Budget Commission: 
 
(1) The adoption of the recommendations of the commission made in 
accordance with the discharge of its responsibilities listed in subdivision (b) in 
whole. 
 
(2) The adoption of the recommendations in part and referral of specific issues 
or questions back to the commission for further study or alternative 
recommendations. 
 
(e) 
 Membership and Organization. The District Court of Appeal Budget 
Commission will be composed of 5 members appointed by the chief justice who 
will represent the interests of the district courts generally rather than the individual 
interests of a particular district. 
 
 
 
- 42 - 
(1) The membership shall include the chief judge of each district court of 
appeal, who shall serve for his or her term as chief judge. 
 
(2) The chief justice will appoint 1 member to serve as chair and 1 member to 
serve as vice chair, each for a one-year term, or until the member’s term on the 
commission expires. 
 
(3) The commission may establish subcommittees as necessary to satisfactorily 
carry out its responsibilities. Subcommittees may make recommendations only to 
the commission as a whole. The chair of the commission may appoint a non-
commission member to serve on a subcommittee. 
 
(f)  Staff Support and Funding. The Office of the State Courts Administrator 
will provide primary staff support to the commission. Adequate staffing and 
resources will be made available to the Office of the State Courts Administrator to 
ensure the commission is able to fulfill its responsibilities as outlined in this rule. 
Sufficient resources will also be provided for the commission and its 
subcommittees to meet and otherwise complete its work. 
 
RULE 2.240. 
DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR ADDITIONAL   
   
JUDGES 
 
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to set forth uniform criteria used by the 
supreme court in determining the need for additional judges, except supreme court 
justices, and the necessity for decreasing the number of judges, pursuant to article 
V, section 9, Florida Constitution. These criteria form the primary basis for the 
supreme court’s determination of need for additional judges. Unforeseen 
developments, however, may have an impact upon the judiciary resulting in needs 
which cannot be foreseen or predicted by statistical projections. The supreme 
court, therefore, may also consider any additional information found by it to be 
relevant to the process. In establishing criteria for the need for additional appellate 
court judges, substantial reliance has been placed on the findings and 
recommendations of the Commission on District Court of Appeal Performance and 
Accountability. See In re Report of the Comm’n on Dist. Court of Appeal 
Performance and Accountability—Rule of Judicial Admin. 2.035, 933 So. 2d 1136 
(Fla. 2006). 
 
(b) Criteria. 
 
(1) Trial Courts. 
 
 
 
- 43 - 
(A) The following thresholds have been established based upon caseload 
statistics supplied to the state courts administrator by the clerks of the circuit 
courts. Courts either at or projected to be at the thresholds are presumed to have a 
need for one or more additional judges. The thresholds are not an optimal level but 
reflect that the courts are operating above capacity. 
 
(i) The circuit court threshold is 1,865 case filings per circuit judge. These 
case filings include circuit criminal (includes worthless checks), civil (includes 
habeas corpus), juvenile dependency and delinquency, domestic relations 
(including child support), probate, guardianship, and mental health cases. 
 
(ii) The county court threshold is 6,114 case filings per county judge. These 
case filings include criminal misdemeanor, county civil (including small claims 
and landlord-tenant), violations of county or municipal ordinances, DUI, and other 
criminal traffic cases; they do not include worthless check cases. 
 
(B) Other factors may be utilized in the determination of the need for one or 
more additional judges. These other factors may indicate that need for an 
additional judge(s) even though a court may not have achieved the presumptive 
threshold. Conversely, the absence of these other factors may mitigate the need for 
one or more additional judges. These other factors include: 
 
(i) County judge availability to serve and county judge service in circuit 
court. 
 
(ii) The use and availability of senior judges to serve on a particular court. 
 
(iii) The availability and use of supplemental hearing officers. 
 
(iv) The extent of use of alternative dispute resolution. 
 
(v) The number of jury trials. 
 
(vi) Foreign language interpretations. 
 
(vii) The geographic size of a circuit, including travel times between 
courthouses in a particular jurisdiction. 
 
 
 
- 44 - 
(viii) Law enforcement activities in the court’s jurisdiction, including any 
substantial commitment of additional resources for state attorneys, public 
defenders, and local law enforcement. 
 
(ix) The availability and use of case-related support staff and case 
management policies and practices. 
 
(x) The nature and complexity of cases coming before the courts in the 
jurisdiction. 
 
(xi) Caseload trends. 
 
(2) District Courts of Appeal. 
 
(A) The criteria for determining the need to certify the need for increasing or 
decreasing the number of judges on a district court of appeal shall include the 
following factors: 
 
(i) workload factors to be considered include: trends in case filings; trends in 
changes in case mix; trends in the backlog of cases ready for assignment and 
disposition; trends in the relative weight of cases disposed on the merits per judge; 
and changes in statutes, rules of court, and case law that directly or indirectly 
impact judicial workload.  
 
(ii) efficiency factors to be considered include: a court's ability to stay current 
with its caseload, as indicated by measurements such as trend in clearance rate; 
trends in a court's percentage of cases disposed within the time standards set forth 
in the Rules of Judicial Administration and explanation/justification for cases not 
resolved within the time standards; and a court's utilization of resources, case 
management techniques and technologies to maximize the efficient adjudication of 
cases, research of legal issues, and preparation and distribution of decisions. 
 
(iii) effectiveness factors to be considered include the extent to which each 
judge has adequate time to: thoroughly research legal issues, review briefs and 
memoranda of law, participate in court conferences on pending cases, hear and 
dispose of motions, and prepare correspondence, orders, judgments and opinions; 
expedite appropriate cases; prepare written opinions when warranted; develop, 
clarify, and maintain consistency in the law within that district; review all 
decisions rendered by the court; perform administrative duties relating to the court; 
 
 
- 45 - 
and participate in the administration of the justice system through work in 
statewide committees. 
 
(iv) professionalism factors to be considered include: the extent to which 
judges report that they have time to participate, including teaching, in education 
programs designed to increase the competency and efficiency of the judiciary and 
justice system as well as the competency of lawyers; provide guidance and 
instruction for the professional development of court support staff; and participate 
in appropriate activities of the legal profession at both the state and local levels to 
improve the relationship between the bench and bar, to enhance lawyer 
professionalism, and to improve the administration of justice. 
 
(B) The court will presume that there is a need for an additional appellate court 
judgeship in any district for which a request is made and where the relative weight 
of cases disposed on the merits per judge would have exceeded 280 after 
application of the proposed additional judge(s). 
 
 (i) The relative weight of cases disposed on the merits shall be determined 
based upon case disposition statistics supplied to the state courts administrator by 
the clerks of the district courts of appeal, multiplied by the relative case weights 
established pursuant to subdivision (b)(2)(B)(ii), and divided by 100. 
 
(ii) The Commission on District Court of Appeal Performance and 
Accountability shall review the workload trends of the district courts of appeal and 
consider adjustments in the relative case weights every four years.  
 
(c) Additional Trial Court Workload Factors. Because summary statistics 
reflective of the above criteria do not fully measure judicial workload, the supreme 
court will receive and consider, among other things, information about the time to 
perform and volume of the following activities, which also comprise the judicial 
workload of a particular jurisdiction: 
 
(1) review appellate court decisions; 
 
(2) research legal issues; 
 
(3) review briefs and memoranda of law; 
 
(4) participate in court conferences on pending cases; 
 
 
- 46 - 
 
(5) hear and dispose of motions; 
 
(6) prepare correspondence, orders, judgments, and decisional opinions; 
 
(7) review presentence investigative reports and predispositional reports in 
delinquency and dependency cases; 
 
(8) review petitions and motions for post-conviction relief; 
 
(9) perform administrative duties relating to the court; 
 
(10) participate in meetings with those involved in the justice system; and 
 
(11) participate in educational programs designed to increase the competency 
and efficiency of the judiciary. 
 
(d) Certification Process.  The process by which certification of the need to 
increase or decrease the number of judges shall include: 
 
 (1) The state courts administrator will distribute a compilation of summary 
statistics and projections to each chief judge at a time designated by the chief 
justice. 
 
 (2)  Each chief judge shall submit to the chief justice a request for any increase 
or decrease in the number of judges:
 
 
  (A) Trial Courts. Each chief judge will then consider these criteria, additional 
workload factors, and summary statistics, and submit to the chief justice a request 
for any increases or decreases under article V, section 9, of the Florida Constitution 
that the chief judge feels are required. 
 
  (B) District Courts. Each chief judge will then consider the criteria of this rule 
and the summary statistics; if a new judge is requested, the chief judge shall 
prepare a report showing the need for a new judge based upon the application of 
the criteria in this rule. 
 
   (i) Any request for a new district court judge shall be submitted to the 
District Court of Appeal Budget Commission for review and approval. 
 
 
 
- 47 - 
   (ii) The chief judge of a district court of appeal shall submit the report 
showing the need together with the approval of the District Court of Appeal 
Budget Commission to the chief justice. 
 
(3) The chief justice and the state courts administrator may then visit the chief 
judge and other representatives of the court submitting the request as well as 
representatives of The Florida Bar and the public to gather additional information 
and clarification about the need in the particular jurisdiction. 
 
(4) The chief justice will submit recommendations to the supreme court, which 
will thereafter certify to the legislature its findings and recommendations 
concerning such need. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
 1983 Adoption. Article V, section 9, of the Florida Constitution authorizes the 
establishment, by rule, of uniform criteria for the determination of the need for 
additional judges, except supreme court justices, the necessity for decreasing the 
number of judges and for increasing, decreasing, or redefining appellate districts 
and judicial circuits. Each year since the adoption of article V in 1972, this court, 
pursuant to section 9, has certified its determination of need to the legislature based 
upon factors and criteria set forth in our certification decisions. This rule is 
intended to set forth criteria and workload factors previously developed, adopted, 
and used in this certification process, as summarized and specifically set forth in In 
re Certificate of Judicial Manpower, 428 So. 2d 229 (Fla. 1983); In re Certificate 
of Judicial Manpower, 396 So. 2d 172 (Fla. 1981); and In re Certification, 370 So. 
2d 365 (Fla. 1979). 
 
 2004 Amendment. Subdivision (b)(2) was amended to provide more specific 
criteria and workload factors to be used in determining the need for increasing or 
decreasing the number of judges on the District Courts of Appeal. In addition, the 
caseload level at which the court will presume that there is a need for an additional 
appellate judge has been increased from 250 to 350 filings per judge. 
 
 2006 Amendment.  Subdivision (a) is amended to be consistent with the 2006 
adoption of rule 2.036 relating to the criteria for determining the necessity and for 
increasing, decreasing, or redefining appellate districts and judicial circuits, 
pursuant to article V, section 9, Florida Constitution. The Court adopts the 
Commission on District Court of Appeal Performance and Accountability's 
conclusion that a single case filing threshold is insufficient to capture the 
 
 
- 48 - 
intricacies that make up judicial workload in the district courts. The Commission's 
alternative to the 350-filings-per-judge threshold is a weighted case dispositions 
per judge, which the Commission determined to be a meaningful measure of 
judicial workload. 
 The relative weighted caseload is determined by surveying a representative 
sample of judges on the relative degree of judicial effort put into each category of 
cases based upon an agreed typical case having a value of 100. Each category was 
assigned a relative weight number based upon the statewide average of the weight 
calculated through the survey. These weights were then applied to each court's 
dispositions on the merits to determine the weighted caseload value and divided by 
100. 
 This approach accommodates the important distinction between the number of 
cases filed and the judicial effort required to dispose of those cases. While the 
number of cases continues to increase, trends in the types of cases filed have 
dramatically changed the nature of the work that the district court judges handle. 
The weighted caseload approach not only accommodates the differences in types 
of cases by measuring their relative workload demands for judges, but it also 
accommodates the work performed by legal support staff. 
 Subdivision (b)(2)(B) establishes a presumption that the relative weight of cases 
disposed on the merits should fall below 280 per judge. Chief judges must consider 
the impact that the addition of a judge would have on this measure when applied to 
their courts' dispositions on the merits for the previous year. 
 Every four years the Commission will measure the relative judicial effort 
associated with the cases disposed on the merits for the year immediately 
preceding. This will be accomplished by asking a representative sample of judges 
to approximate the relative weight of cases in relation to a mid-ranked case. The 
resulting weights will then be applied to each court's dispositions on the merits to 
determine the weighted caseload value per judge. 
 
RULE 2.241. DETERMINATION OF THE NECESSITY TO INCREASE,  
 
 
DECREASE, OR REDEFINE APPELLATE DISTRICTS 
 
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish uniform criteria for the 
supreme court’s determination of necessity for increasing, decreasing, or 
redefining appellate districts as required by Article V, section 9, of the Florida 
constitution. This rule also provides for an assessment committee and a 
certification process to assist the court both in certifying to the legislature its 
findings and recommendations concerning such need and in making its own rules 
affecting appellate court structure and jurisdiction. 
 
 
 
- 49 - 
(b) Assessment Committee. At least once during every eight-year period, 
beginning after review year 2006, the chief justice shall appoint a committee that 
shall assess the capacity of the district courts to effectively fulfill their 
constitutional and statutory duties. The committee shall make a recommendation to 
the supreme court concerning the decisions that it should make during the process 
described in subdivision (c). 
 
(1) The assessment committee shall consist of three members from each 
district: one attorney, one district judge, and one circuit judge. 
 
(2) The committee should be appointed no later than August 31 of the year 
prior to the review year. It must report its recommendations to the chief justice in 
writing no later than July 1 of the review year. 
 
(3) The chief justice shall select the chair of the committee. 
 
(4) Prior to the preparation of its report, the committee shall solicit written 
input from the public and shall hold at least one public hearing. 
 
(5) The Office of the State Courts Administrator, in consultation with the 
clerks and marshals of the district courts of appeal, shall provide staff support to 
the committee. 
 
(6) The chief justice shall submit the committee’s recommendations to the 
supreme court. On or before November 15 of the review year, the supreme court 
shall certify to the legislature its findings and recommendations. 
 
(c) 
 Certification Process. The certification process balances the potential 
impact and disruption caused by changes in appellate districts against the need to 
address circumstances that limit the quality and efficiency of, and public 
confidence in, the appellate review process. Given the impact and disruption that 
can arise from any alteration in judicial structure, prior to recommending a change 
in districts, the assessment committee and the supreme court shall consider less 
disruptive adjustments including, but not limited to, the addition of judges, the 
creation of branch locations, geographic or subject-matter divisions within 
districts, deployment of new technologies, and increased ratios of support staff per 
judge. 
 
 
 
- 50 - 
(1) The supreme court shall certify a necessity to increase, decrease, or redefine 
appellate districts when it determines that the appellate review process is adversely 
affected by circumstances that present a compelling need for the certified change. 
 
(2) The supreme court may certify a necessity to increase, decrease, or redefine 
appellate districts when it determines that the appellate review process would be 
improved significantly by the certified change. 
 
(d) Criteria. The following criteria shall be considered by the supreme court and 
the assessment committee: 
 
(1) Effectiveness. The factors to be considered for this criterion are the extent to 
which: 
 
(A) each court expedites appropriate cases; 
 
(B) each court’s workload permits its judges to prepare written opinions when 
warranted; 
 
(C) each court functions in a collegial manner; 
 
(D) each court’s workload permits its judges to develop, clarify, and maintain 
consistency in the law within that district, including consistency between written 
opinions and per curiam affirmances without written opinions; 
 
(E) each court’s workload permits its judges to harmonize decisions of their 
court with those of other district courts or to certify conflict when appropriate; 
 
(F) each court’s workload permits its judges to have adequate time to review 
all decisions rendered by the court; 
 
(G) each court is capable of accommodating changes in statutes or case law 
impacting workload or court operations; and 
 
(H) each court’s workload permits its judges to serve on management 
committees for that court and the judicial system. 
 
(2) Efficiency. The factors to be considered for this criterion are the extent to 
which: 
 
 
 
- 51 - 
(A) each court stays current with its caseload, as indicated by measurements 
such as the clearance rate; 
 
(B) each court adjudicates a high percentage of its cases within the time 
standards set forth in the Rules of Judicial Administration and has adequate 
procedures to ensure efficient, timely disposition of its cases; and 
 
(C) each court utilizes its resources, case management techniques, and other 
technologies to improve the efficient adjudication of cases, research of legal issues, 
and preparation and distribution of decisions. 
 
(3) Access to Appellate Review. The factors to be considered for this criterion 
are the extent to which: 
 
(A) litigants, including self-represented litigants, have meaningful access to a 
district court for mandatory and discretionary review of cases, consistent with due 
process; 
 
(B) litigants are afforded efficient access to the court for the filing of 
pleadings and for oral argument when appropriate; and 
 
(C) orders and opinions of a court are available in a timely and efficient 
manner. 
 
(4) Professionalism. The factors to be considered for this criterion are the 
extent to which: 
 
(A) each court’s workload permits its judges to have adequate time and 
resources to participate in continuing judicial education opportunities and to stay 
abreast of the law in order to maintain a qualified judiciary; 
 
(B) each court is capable of recruiting and retaining qualified staff attorneys, 
clerk’s office staff, and other support staff; and 
 
(C) each court’s staff has adequate time to participate in continuing education 
and specialized training opportunities. 
 
(5) Public Trust and Confidence. The factors to be considered for this 
criterion are the extent to which: 
 
 
 
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(A) each court’s workload permits its judges to have adequate time to conduct 
outreach to attorneys and the general public within the district; 
 
(B) each court provides adequate access to oral arguments and other public 
proceedings for the general public within its district; 
 
(C) each court’s geographic territory fosters public trust and confidence; 
 
(D) each court’s demographic composition fosters public trust and confidence; 
and 
 
(E) each court attracts an adequate, diverse group of well-qualified applicants 
for judicial vacancies within its district, including applicants from all circuits 
within the district. 
 
District Court of Appeal Workload and Jurisdiction Committee Notes 
2006 Adoption. Article V, section 9 of the Florida constitution states that: 
The supreme court shall establish by rule uniform criteria for the 
determination of the need for additional judges except supreme court 
justices, the necessity for decreasing the number of judges and for 
increasing, decreasing or redefining appellate districts. If the supreme 
court finds that a need exists for . . . increasing, decreasing or 
redefining appellate districts . . . , it shall, prior to the next regular 
session of the legislature, certify to the legislature its findings and 
recommendations concerning such need. 
(Emphasis added.) Thus, the constitution uses only “need” when describing the 
uniform criteria for certifying additional judges, but uses both “necessity” and 
“need” when describing the uniform criteria for increasing, decreasing, or 
redefining appellate districts. The supreme court has never determined whether this 
language compels differing tests for the two certifications. Subdivision (c) of this 
rule uses the phrase “certify a necessity.” The Committee on District Court of 
Appeal Workload and Jurisdiction determined that the two standards set forth in 
that subdivision recognize the supreme court’s obligation to recommend a change 
to the structure of the district courts when circumstances reach the level of 
necessity that compels a change, but also recognize the court’s discretion to 
recommend a change to the structure of the district courts when improvements are 
needed. 
 
 
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The criteria set forth in this rule are based on studies of the workload, 
jurisdiction, and performance of the appellate courts, and the work of the 
Committee on District Court of Appeal Workload and Jurisdiction in 2005. In 
establishing these criteria, substantial reliance was placed on empirical research 
conducted by judicial branch committees and on other statistical data concerning 
cases, caseloads, timeliness of case processing, and manner for disposition of 
cases, collected by the Office of the State Courts Administrator Office as required 
by section 25.075, Florida Statutes (2004), and Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.030(e)(2). 
The workload and jurisdiction committee considered the impact of computer 
technology on appellate districts. It is clear that, at this time or in the future, 
technology can be deployed to allow litigants efficient access to a court for filing 
of pleadings and for participation in oral argument, and that it can expand the 
general public’s access to the courts. It is possible that technology will 
substantially alter the appellate review process in the future and that appellate 
courts may find that technology permits or even requires different districting 
techniques. This rule was designed to allow these issues to be addressed by the 
assessment committee and the supreme court without mandating any specific 
approach. 
The five basic criteria in subdivision (d) are not listed in any order of priority. 
Thus, for example, the workload and jurisdiction committee did not intend 
efficiency to be a more important criterion than engendering public trust and 
confidence. 
Subdivision (d)(2)(A) recognizes that the court currently provides the legislature 
with an annual measurement of the appellate courts’ “clearance rate,” which is the 
ratio between the number of cases that are resolved during a fiscal year and the 
new cases that are filed during the same period. Thus, a clearance rate of one 
hundred percent reflects a court that is disposing of pending cases at approximately 
the same rate that new cases arrive. Given that other measurements may be 
selected in the future, the rule does not mandate sole reliance on this measurement. 
Subdivision (d)(5)(E) recognizes that a district court’s geographic territory may 
be so large that it limits or discourages applicants for judicial vacancies from 
throughout the district and creates the perception that a court’s judges do not 
reflect the makeup of the territory. 
 
RULE 2.245. 
CASE REPORTING SYSTEM FOR TRIAL COURTS 
 
 
 
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(a) Reporting. The clerk of the circuit court shall report the activity of all cases 
before all courts within the clerk’s jurisdiction to the supreme court in the manner 
and on the forms established by the office of the state courts administrator and 
approved by order of the court. In those jurisdictions where separate offices of the 
clerk of the circuit court and clerk of the county court have been established by 
law, the clerk of the circuit court shall report the activity of all cases before the 
circuit court, and the clerk of the county court shall report the activity of all cases 
before the county court. 
 
(b) Uniform Case Numbering System. 
 
(1) The clerk of the circuit court and the clerk of the county court, where that 
separate office exists, shall use the Uniform Case Numbering System. The uniform 
case number shall appear upon the case file, the docket and minute books (or their 
electronic equivalent), and the complaint. 
 
(2) The office of the state courts administrator shall distribute to the respective 
clerks of the circuit and county courts appropriate instructions regarding the nature 
and use of the Uniform Case Numbering System. 
 
RULE 2.250. 
TIME STANDARDS FOR TRIAL AND APPELLATE  
   
COURTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 
 
(a) Time Standards. The following time standards are hereby established as a 
presumptively reasonable time period for the completion of cases in the trial and 
appellate courts of this state. It is recognized that there are cases that, because of 
their complexity, present problems that cause reasonable delays. However, most 
cases should be completed within the following time periods: 
 
(1) Trial Court Time Standards. 
 
(A) Criminal. 
 
Felony — 180 days (arrest to final disposition) 
 
Misdemeanor — 90 days (arrest to final disposition) 
 
(B) Civil. 
 
Jury cases — 18 months (filing to final disposition) 
 
 
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Non-jury cases — 12 months (filing to final disposition) 
 
Small claims — 95 days (filing to final disposition) 
 
(C) Domestic Relations. 
 
Uncontested — 90 days (filing to final disposition) 
 
Contested — 180 days (filing to final disposition) 
 
(D) Probate. 
 
Uncontested, no federal estate tax return — 12 months (from issuance of 
letters of administration to final discharge) 
 
Uncontested, with federal estate tax return — 12 months (from the return’s 
due date to final discharge) 
 
Contested — 24 months (from filing to final discharge) 
 
(E) Juvenile Delinquency. 
 
Disposition hearing — 120 days (filing of petition or child being taken into 
custody to hearing) 
 
Disposition hearing (child detained) — 36 days (date of detention to hearing) 
 
(F) Juvenile Dependency. 
 
Disposition hearing (child sheltered) — 88 days (shelter hearing to 
disposition) 
 
Disposition hearing (child not sheltered) — 120 days (filing of petition for 
dependency to hearing) 
 
(G) Permanency Proceedings. 
 
Permanency hearing — 12 months (date child is sheltered to hearing) 
 
 
 
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(2) Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal Time Standards: 
Rendering a decision — within 180 days of either oral argument or the submission 
of the case to the court panel for a decision without oral argument 
 
(3) Florida Bar Referee Time Standards: Report of referee — within 180 
days of being assigned to hear the case 
 
(4) Circuit Court Acting as Appellate Court: 
 
Ninety days from submission of the case to the judge for review 
 
(b) Reporting of Cases. The time standards require that the following 
monitoring procedures be implemented: 
 
All pending cases in circuit and district courts of appeal exceeding the time 
standards shall be listed separately on a report submitted quarterly to the chief 
justice. The report shall include for each case listed the case number, type of case, 
case status (active or inactive for civil cases and contested or uncontested for 
domestic relations and probate cases), the date of arrest in criminal cases, and the 
original filing date in civil cases. The Office of the State Courts Administrator will 
provide the necessary forms for submission of this data. The report will be due on 
the 15th day of the month following the last day of the quarter. 
 
RULE 2.255. 
STATEWIDE GRAND JURY 
 
(a) Procedure. The chief judge of each judicial circuit shall cause a list of those 
persons whose names have been drawn and certified for jury duty in each of the 
counties within that circuit to be compiled. The lists shall be taken from the male 
and female population over the age of 18 years and having the other constitutional 
and statutory qualifications for jury duty in this state not later than the last day of 
the first week of December of each year. From the lists so compiled, the chief 
judge shall cause to be selected, by lot and at random, and by any authorized 
method including mechanical, electronic, or electrical device, a list of prospective 
grand jurors from each county whose number shall be determined on the basis of 3 
jurors for each 3,000 residents or a fraction thereof in each county. The lists from 
which the names are drawn may be, but are not required to be, the same lists from 
which petit and grand juries are drawn in each county and circuit. After 
compilation, the statewide grand jury lists shall be submitted to the state courts 
administrator not later than February 15 of each year. 
 
 
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(b) Population. For the purposes of this rule, the population of each county shall 
be in accordance with the latest United States Decennial Census as set forth in the 
Florida Statutes. 
 
(c) 
 Excuses. 
 
(1) The judge appointed to preside over the statewide grand jury may issue an 
order appointing the chief judge of the judicial circuit where a prospective grand 
juror resides to determine whether service on the statewide grand jury will result in 
an unreasonable personal or financial hardship because of the location or projected 
length of the grand jury investigation. 
 
(2) The chief judge of the circuit shall determine whether a prospective grand 
juror fails to meet the qualifications of a juror in the county where the person 
resides. The determination shall be made only for those prospective grand jurors 
who contact the chief judge and request disqualification. 
 
(3) The chief judge of the circuit shall excuse any prospective grand juror who 
requests and is qualified for exemption from grand jury service pursuant to general 
law, or from service as a juror in the county where the person resides. The chief 
judge shall inform the judge appointed to preside over the statewide grand jury 
without delay of any determination. 
 
RULE 2.260. 
CHANGE OF VENUE 
 
(a) Preliminary Procedures. Prior to entering an order to change venue to a 
particular circuit in a criminal case or in any other case in which change of venue 
will likely create an unusual burden for the transferee circuit, the chief judge in the 
circuit in which the case originated shall contact the chief judge in the circuit to 
which the case is intended to be moved to determine the receiving county’s ability 
to accommodate the change of venue. It is the intent of this rule that the county 
identified to receive the case shall do so unless the physical facilities or other 
resources in that county are such that moving the case to that county would either 
create an unsafe situation or adversely affect the operations of that court. Any 
conflict between the circuits regarding a potential change of venue shall be referred 
to the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court for resolution. 
 
 
 
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(b) Presiding Judge. The presiding judge from the originating court shall 
accompany the change of venue case, unless the originating and receiving courts 
agree otherwise. 
 
(c) 
 Reimbursement of Costs. As a general policy the county in which an action 
originated shall reimburse the county receiving the change of venue case for any 
ordinary expenditure and any extraordinary but reasonable and necessary 
expenditure that would not otherwise have been incurred by the receiving county. 
For purposes of this section, ordinary expenditure, extraordinary expenditure, and 
nonreimbursable expenditure are defined as follows:
 
 
(1) Ordinary expenditures include: 
 
(A) juror expenses not reimbursed by the State of Florida; 
 
(B) court reporter expenses, including appearances by either official or 
freelance reporters, transcripts, and other expenses associated with the creation of a 
court record; 
 
(C) court interpreters; 
 
(D) maintenance of evidence, including the cost of handling, storing, or 
maintaining the evidence beyond the expenses normally incurred by the receiving 
county; 
 
(E) services and supplies purchased as a result of the change of venue; 
 
(F) overtime expenditures for regular court and clerk staff attributable to the 
change of venue; and 
 
(G) trial-related expenses, including conflict attorney fees; all expert, law 
enforcement, or ordinary witness costs and expenses; and investigator expenses. 
 
(2) Extraordinary but reasonable and necessary expenses include: 
 
(A) security-related expenditures, including overtime for security personnel; 
 
(B) facility remodeling or renovation; and 
 
 
 
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(C) leasing or renting of space or equipment. 
 
Except in emergencies or unless it is impracticable to do so, a receiving county 
should give notice to the chief judge and clerk of the county in which the action 
originated before incurring any extraordinary expenditures. 
 
(3) Nonreimbursable expenses include: 
 
(A) normal operating expenses, including the overhead of the receiving 
county; and 
 
(B) equipment that is purchased and kept by the receiving county that can be 
used for other purposes or cases. 
 
(d) Documentation of Costs. No expenses shall be submitted for reimbursement 
without supporting documentation, such as a claim, invoice, bill, statement, or time 
sheet. Any required court order or approval of costs shall also be sent to the 
originating court. 
 
(e) 
 Timing of Reimbursement. Unless both counties agree to other terms, 
reimbursement of all expenses by the originating county shall be paid or disputed 
in writing on or before the sixtieth day after the receipt of the claim for 
reimbursement. Payment of a disputed amount shall be made on or before the 
sixtieth day after the resolution of this dispute. Any amount subject to dispute shall 
be expeditiously resolved by authorized representatives of the court administrator’s 
office of the originating and receiving counties. 
 
(f)  Media Relations. Procedures to accommodate the media shall be developed 
by the receiving county immediately upon notice of the change of venue when the 
change of venue is reasonably expected to generate an unusual amount of 
publicity. These procedures must be approved by the chief judge of the receiving 
circuit and implemented pursuant to administrative order by the presiding judge. 
The presiding judge shall obtain the concurrence of the chief judge before entering 
any orders that vary from or conflict with existing administrative orders of the 
receiving circuit. 
 
(g) Case File. The clerk of the circuit court in the originating county shall 
forward the original case file to the clerk in the receiving county. The receiving 
clerk shall maintain the file and keep it secure until the trial has been concluded. 
During the trial, any documents or exhibits that have been added shall be properly 
 
 
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marked and added to the file in a manner consistent with the policy and procedures 
of the receiving county. After the conclusion of the trial, the file shall be returned 
to the clerk in the county of origin. 
 
RULE 2.265. 
MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS 
 
(a) References to Abolished Municipal Courts. All references to a municipal 
court or municipal judge in rules promulgated by the supreme court, in the Florida 
Statutes, and in any municipal ordinance shall be deemed to refer, respectively, to 
the county court or county court judge. 
 
(b) Costs in County Courts. The chief judge of a circuit shall by administrative 
order establish a schedule of costs, in conformity with any provisions of law, to be 
assessed against a defendant in the county court and paid to the county for 
violations of municipal ordinances which are prosecuted in county court. The costs 
shall be assessed as a set dollar amount per conviction, not to exceed $50 
excluding any other statutory costs. 
 
(c) 
 Collection of Outstanding Fines. All cases for which outstanding fines, 
civil penalties, and costs are being collected by a municipality shall be retained by 
the municipality until collected or until the offender defaults on payment. If a 
default occurs, the municipality may institute summary claims proceedings to 
collect the outstanding fines. 
 
(d) Judicial Notice of Municipal Ordinances. The judges of the county courts 
may take judicial notice of any municipal ordinance if a certified copy of the 
ordinance has been filed in the office of the clerk of circuit court or, in those 
counties having a clerk of the county court, filed in that office, and if a certified 
copy of the ordinance is presented to the court. 
 
(e) 
 Style of Municipal Ordinance Cases. All prosecutions for violations of 
municipal ordinances in county court shall have the following style: City of 
.................... v. .................... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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PART III.   JUDICIAL OFFICERS 
 
RULE 2.310. 
JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE, REMOVAL, RETIREMENT,  
   
AND SUSPENSION 
 
(a) Filing. Any recommendations to the supreme court from the Judicial 
Qualifications Commission pursuant to article V, section 12, of the Florida 
Constitution shall be in writing. The original and 7 copies shall be filed with the 
clerk of the court, and a copy shall be served expeditiously on the justice or judge 
against whom action is sought. 
 
(b) Procedure. 
 
(1) Promptly upon the filing of a recommendation from the commission, the 
court shall determine whether the commission’s recommendation complies with all 
requirements of the constitution and the commission’s rules. Upon determining 
that the recommendation so complies, and unless the court otherwise directs, an 
order shall issue directing the justice or judge to show cause in writing why the 
recommended action should not be taken. 
 
(2) The justice or judge may file a response in writing within the time set by the 
court in its order to show cause, and the commission may serve a reply within 20 
days from service of the response. 
 
(3) If requested by the commission, or by a justice or judge at the time of filing 
a response, the court may allow oral argument on the commission’s 
recommendation. 
 
(c) 
 Costs. The supreme court may award reasonable and necessary costs, 
including costs of investigation and prosecution, to the prevailing party. Neither 
attorneys’ fees nor travel expenses of commission personnel shall be included in an 
award of costs. Taxable costs may include: 
 
(1) court reporters’ fees, including per diem fees, deposition costs, and costs 
associated with the preparation of the transcript and record; and 
 
(2) witness expenses, including travel and out-of-pocket expenses. 
 
RULE 2.320. 
CONTINUING JUDICIAL EDUCATION 
 
 
 
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(a) Purpose. This rule sets forth the continuing education requirement for all 
judges in the state judicial system. 
 
(b) Education Requirements. 
 
(1) Applicability. All Florida county, circuit, and appellate judges and Florida 
supreme court justices shall comply with these judicial education requirements. 
Retired judges who have been approved by the supreme court to be assigned to 
temporary active duty as authorized by section 25.073, Florida Statutes (1991), 
shall also comply with the judicial education requirement. 
 
(2) Minimum Requirements. Each judge and justice shall complete a 
minimum of 30 credit hours of approved judicial education programs every 3 
years. Two hours must be in the area of judicial ethics. In addition to the 30-hour 
requirement, every judge new to a level of trial court must complete the Florida 
Judicial College program in that judge’s first year of judicial service following 
selection to that level of court; every new appellate court judge or justice must, 
within 2 years following selection to that level of court, complete an approved 
appellate-judge program. Credit for teaching a course for which mandatory judicial 
education credit is available will be allowed on the basis of 2 1/2 hours’ credit for 
each instructional hour taught, up to a maximum of 5 hours per year. 
 
(3) Mediation Training. Prior to conducting any mediation, a senior judge shall 
have completed a minimum of one judicial education course offered by the Florida 
Court Education Council. The course shall specifically focus on the areas where 
the Code of Judicial Conduct or the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-
Appointed Mediators could be violated. 
 
(c) 
 Course Approval. The Florida Court Education Council, in consultation 
with the judicial conferences, shall develop approved courses for each state court 
jurisdiction. Courses offered by other judicial and legal education entities must be 
approved by the council before they may be submitted for credit. 
 
(d) Waiver. The Florida Court Education Council is responsible for establishing 
a procedure for considering and acting upon waiver and extension requests on an 
individual basis. 
 
(e) 
 Reporting Requirements and Sanctions. The Florida Court Education 
Council shall establish a procedure for reporting annually to the chief justice on 
compliance with this rule. Each judge shall submit to the Legal Affairs and 
 
 
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Education Division of the Office of the State Courts Administrator an annual 
report showing the judge’s attendance at approved courses. Failure to comply with 
the requirements of this rule will be reported to the chief justice of the Florida 
supreme court for such administrative action as deemed necessary. The chief 
justice may consider a judge’s or justice’s failure to comply as neglect of duty and 
report the matter to the Judicial Qualifications Commission. 
 
RULE 2.330. 
DISQUALIFICATION OF TRIAL JUDGES 
 
(a) Application. This rule applies only to county and circuit judges in all matters 
in all divisions of court. 
 
(b) Parties. Any party, including the state, may move to disqualify the trial 
judge assigned to the case on grounds provided by rule, by statute, or by the Code 
of Judicial Conduct. 
 
(c) 
 Motion. A motion to disqualify shall: 
 
(1) be in writing; 
 
(2) allege specifically the facts and reasons upon which the movant relies as the 
grounds for disqualification; and 
 
(3) be sworn to by the party by signing the motion under oath or by a separate 
affidavit. 
 
The attorney for the party shall also separately certify that the motion and the 
client’s statements are made in good faith. In addition to filing with the clerk, the 
movant shall immediately serve a copy of the motion on the subject judge as set 
forth in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080. 
 
(d) Grounds. A motion to disqualify shall show: 
 
(1) that the party fears that he or she will not receive a fair trial or hearing 
because of specifically described prejudice or bias of the judge; or 
 
(2) that the judge before whom the case is pending, or some person related to 
said judge by consanguinity or affinity within the third degree, is a party thereto or 
is interested in the result thereof, or that said judge is related to an attorney or 
counselor of record in the cause by consanguinity or affinity within the third 
 
 
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degree, or that said judge is a material witness for or against one of the parties to 
the cause. 
 
(e) 
 Time. A motion to disqualify shall be filed within a reasonable time not to 
exceed 10 days after discovery of the facts constituting the grounds for the motion 
and shall be promptly presented to the court for an immediate ruling. Any motion 
for disqualification made during a hearing or trial must be based on facts 
discovered during the hearing or trial and may be stated on the record, provided 
that it is also promptly reduced to writing in compliance with subdivision (c) and 
promptly filed. A motion made during hearing or trial shall be ruled on 
immediately. 
 
(f)  Determination — Initial Motion. The judge against whom an initial motion 
to disqualify under subdivision (d)(1) is directed shall determine only the legal 
sufficiency of the motion and shall not pass on the truth of the facts alleged. If the 
motion is legally sufficient, the judge shall immediately enter an order granting 
disqualification and proceed no further in the action. If any motion is legally 
insufficient, an order denying the motion shall immediately be entered. No other 
reason for denial shall be stated, and an order of denial shall not take issue with the 
motion. 
 
(g) Determination — Successive Motions. If a judge has been previously 
disqualified on motion for alleged prejudice or partiality under subdivision (d)(1), 
a successor judge shall not be disqualified based on a successive motion by the 
same party unless the successor judge rules that he or she is in fact not fair or 
impartial in the case. Such a successor judge may rule on the truth of the facts 
alleged in support of the motion. 
 
(h) Prior Rulings. Prior factual or legal rulings by a disqualified judge may be 
reconsidered and vacated or amended by a successor judge based upon a motion 
for reconsideration, which must be filed within 20 days of the order of 
disqualification, unless good cause is shown for a delay in moving for 
reconsideration or other grounds for reconsideration exist. 
 
(i)  Judge’s Initiative. Nothing in this rule limits the judge’s authority to enter 
an order of disqualification on the judge’s own initiative. 
 
(j)  Time for Determination. The judge shall rule on a motion to disqualify 
immediately, but no later than 30 days after the service of the motion as set forth in 
subdivision (c). If not ruled on within 30 days of service, the motion shall be 
 
 
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deemed granted and the moving party may seek an order from the court directing 
the clerk to reassign the case. 
 
PART IV.   JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS AND RECORDS 
 
RULE 2.410. 
POSSESSION OF COURT RECORDS 
 
No person other than judges and authorized court employees shall remove court 
records as defined in rule 2.430 from the clerk’s office except by order of the chief 
judge or chief justice upon a showing of good cause. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
1996 Adoption. This rule was written as a result of the problems being 
encountered in the removal of files from clerks’ offices. While the purpose of the 
rule is to discourage the removal of court files, it is not intended to prohibit chief 
judges or the chief justice from issuing for good cause a general order providing 
that attorneys or authorized individuals may be allowed to check out files on a 
routine basis to assist in the administrative efficiency of a court. We note that 
section 28.13, Florida Statutes (1995), similarly prohibits the removal of files from 
clerks’ offices. 
 
RULE 2.420. 
PUBLIC ACCESS TO JUDICIAL BRANCH RECORDS 
 
(a) Scope and Purpose. Subject to the rulemaking power of the Florida 
Supreme Court provided by article V, section 2, Florida Constitution, the following 
rule shall govern public access to the records of the judicial branch of government. 
The public shall have access to all records of the judicial branch of government, 
except as provided below. 
 
(b) Definitions. 
 
(1) “Records of the judicial branch” are all records, regardless of physical form, 
characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received in connection with the 
transaction of official business by any judicial branch entity and consist of: 
 
(A) “court records,” which are the contents of the court file, including the 
progress docket and other similar records generated to document activity in a case, 
transcripts filed with the clerk, documentary exhibits in the custody of the clerk, 
 
 
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and electronic records, videotapes, or stenographic tapes of depositions or other 
proceedings filed with the clerk, and electronic records, videotapes, or 
stenographic tapes of court proceedings; and 
 
(B) “administrative records,” which are all other records made or received 
pursuant to court rule, law, or ordinance, or in connection with the transaction of 
official business by any judicial branch entity. 
 
(2) “Judicial branch” means the judicial branch of government, which includes 
the state courts system, the clerk of court when acting as an arm of the court, The 
Florida Bar, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, the Judicial Qualifications 
Commission, and all other entities established by or operating under the authority 
of the supreme court or the chief justice. 
 
(3) “Custodian.” The custodian of all administrative records of any court is the 
chief justice or chief judge of that court, except that each judge is the custodian of 
all records that are solely within the possession and control of that judge. As to all 
other records, the custodian is the official charged with the responsibility of 
maintaining the office having the care, keeping, and supervision of such records. 
All references to “custodian” mean the custodian or the custodian’s designee. 
 
(c) 
 Exemptions. The following records of the judicial branch shall be 
confidential: 
 
(1) Trial and appellate court memoranda, drafts of opinions and orders, court 
conference records, notes, and other written materials of a similar nature prepared 
by judges or court staff acting on behalf of or at the direction of the court as part of 
the court’s judicial decision-making process utilized in disposing of cases and 
controversies before Florida courts unless filed as a part of the court record; 
 
(2) Memoranda or advisory opinions that relate to the administration of the 
court and that require confidentiality to protect a compelling governmental interest, 
including, but not limited to, maintaining court security, facilitating a criminal 
investigation, or protecting public safety, which cannot be adequately protected by 
less restrictive measures. The degree, duration, and manner of confidentiality 
imposed shall be no broader than necessary to protect the compelling governmental 
interest involved, and a finding shall be made that no less restrictive measures are 
available to protect this interest. The decision that confidentiality is required with 
 
 
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respect to such administrative memorandum or written advisory opinion shall be 
made by the chief judge; 
 
(3)(A) Complaints alleging misconduct against judges until probable cause is 
established; 
 
(B) Complaints alleging misconduct against other entities or individuals 
licensed or regulated by the courts, until a finding of probable cause or no probable 
cause is established, unless otherwise provided. Such finding should be made 
within the time limit set by law or rule. If no time limit is set, the finding should be 
made within a reasonable period of time; 
 
(4) Periodic evaluations implemented solely to assist judges in improving their 
performance, all information gathered to form the bases for the evaluations, and 
the results generated therefrom; 
 
(5) Only the names and qualifications of persons applying to serve or serving as 
unpaid volunteers to assist the court, at the court’s request and direction, shall be 
accessible to the public. All other information contained in the applications by and 
evaluations of persons applying to serve or serving as unpaid volunteers shall be 
confidential unless made public by court order based upon a showing of materiality 
in a pending court proceeding or upon a showing of good cause; 
 
(6) Copies of arrest and search warrants and supporting affidavits retained by 
judges, clerks, or other court personnel until execution of said warrants or until a 
determination is made by law enforcement authorities that execution cannot be 
made; 
 
(7) All records made confidential under the Florida and United States 
Constitutions and Florida and federal law; 
 
(8) All records presently deemed to be confidential by court rule, including the 
Rules for Admission to the Bar, by Florida Statutes, by prior case law of the State 
of Florida, and by the rules of the Judicial Qualifications Commission; 
 
(9) Any court record determined to be confidential in case decision or court rule 
on the grounds that 
 
(A) confidentiality is required to 
 
 
 
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(i) prevent a serious and imminent threat to the fair, impartial, and orderly 
administration of justice; 
 
(ii) protect trade secrets; 
 
(iii) protect a compelling governmental interest; 
 
(iv) obtain evidence to determine legal issues in a case; 
 
(v) avoid substantial injury to innocent third parties; 
 
(vi) avoid substantial injury to a party by disclosure of matters protected by a 
common law or privacy right not generally inherent in the specific type of 
proceeding sought to be closed; 
 
(vii) comply with established public policy set forth in the Florida or United 
States Constitution or statutes or Florida rules or case law; 
 
(B) the degree, duration, and manner of confidentiality ordered by the court 
shall be no broader than necessary to protect the interests set forth in subdivision 
(A); 
 
(C) no less restrictive measures are available to protect the interests set forth in 
subdivision (A); and 
 
(D) except as provided by law or rule of court, reasonable notice shall be given 
to the public of any order closing any court record. 
 
(10) The names and any identifying information of judges mentioned in an 
advisory opinion of the Committee on Standards of Conduct for Judges. 
 
(d) Judicial Review of Denial of Access Request. Expedited review of denials 
of access to records of the judicial branch shall be provided through an action for 
mandamus, or other appropriate appellate remedy, in the following manner: 
 
(1) Where a judge who has denied a request for access to records is the 
custodian, the action shall be filed in the court having appellate jurisdiction to 
review the decisions of the judge denying access. Upon order issued by the 
appellate court, the judge denying access to records shall file a sealed copy of the 
requested records with the appellate court. 
 
 
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(2) All other actions under this rule shall be filed in the circuit court of the 
circuit in which such denial of access occurs. 
 
(e) 
 Procedure. Requests and responses to requests for access to records under 
this rule shall be made in a reasonable manner. 
 
(1) Requests for access to records shall be in writing and shall be directed to the 
custodian. The request shall provide sufficient specificity to enable the custodian to 
identify the requested records. The reason for the request is not required to be 
disclosed. 
 
(2) The custodian shall be solely responsible for providing access to records of 
the custodian’s entity. The custodian shall determine whether the requested record 
is subject to this rule and, if so, whether the record or portions of the record are 
exempt from disclosure. The custodian shall determine the form in which the 
record is provided. If the request is denied, the custodian shall state in writing the 
basis for the denial. 
 
(3)  Fees for copies of records in all entities in the judicial branch of 
government, except for copies of court records, shall be the same as those provided 
in section 119.07, Florida Statutes (2001). 
 
Committee Note 
 
1995 Amendment. This rule was adopted to conform to the 1992 addition of 
article I, section 24, to the Florida Constitution. Amendments to this rule were 
adopted in response to the 1994 recommendations of the Study Committee on 
Confidentiality of Records of the Judicial Branch. 
 
Subdivision (b) has been added by amendment and provides a definition of 
“judicial records” that is consistent with the definition of “court records” contained 
in rule 2.075(a)(1) and the definition of “public records” contained in chapter 119, 
Florida Statutes. The word “exhibits” used in this definition of judicial records is 
intended to refer only to documentary evidence and does not refer to tangible items 
of evidence such as firearms, narcotics, etc. Judicial records within this definition 
include all judicial records and data regardless of the form in which they are kept. 
Reformatting of information may be necessary to protect copyrighted material. 
Seigle v. Barry, 422 So. 2d 63 (Fla. 4th DCA 1982), review denied, 431 So. 2d 988 
(Fla. 1983). 
 
 
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The definition of “judicial records” also includes official business information 
transmitted via an electronic mail (e-mail) system. The judicial branch is presently 
experimenting with this new technology. For example, e-mail is currently being 
used by the judicial branch to transmit between judges and staff multiple matters in 
the courts including direct communications between judges and staff and other 
judges, proposed drafts of opinions and orders, memoranda concerning pending 
cases, proposed jury instructions, and even votes on proposed opinions. All of this 
type of information is exempt from public disclosure under rules 2.051(c)(1) and 
(c)(2). With few exceptions, these examples of e-mail transmissions are sent and 
received between judicial officials and employees within a particular court’s 
jurisdiction. This type of e-mail is by its very nature almost always exempt from 
public record disclosure pursuant to rule 2.051(c). In addition, official business e-
mail transmissions sent to or received by judicial officials or employees using dial-
in equipment, as well as the use of on-line outside research facilities such as 
Westlaw, would also be exempt e-mail under rule 2.051(c). On the other hand, we 
recognize that not all e-mail sent and received within a particular court’s 
jurisdiction will fall into an exception under rule 2.051(c). The fact that a non-
exempt e-mail message made or received in connection with official court business 
is transmitted intra-court does not relieve judicial officials or employees from the 
obligation of properly having a record made of such messages so they will be 
available to the public similar to any other written communications. It appears that 
official business e-mail that is sent or received by persons outside a particular 
court’s jurisdiction is largely non-exempt and is subject to recording in some form 
as a public record. Each court should develop a means to properly make a record of 
non-exempt official business e-mail by either electronically storing the mail or by 
making a hard copy. It is important to note that, although official business 
communicated by e-mail transmissions is a matter of public record under the rule, 
the exemptions provided in rule 2.051(c) exempt many of these judge/staff 
transmissions from the public record. E-mail may also include transmissions that 
are clearly not official business and are, consequently, not required to be recorded 
as a public record. Each court should also publish an e-mail address for public 
access. The individual e-mail addresses of judicial officials and staff are exempt 
under rule 2.051(c)(2) to protect the compelling interests of maintaining the 
uninterrupted use of the computer for research, word-processing, preparation of 
opinions, and communication during trials, and to ensure computer security. 
 
Subdivision (c)(3) was amended by creating subparts (a) and (b) to distinguish 
between the provisions governing the confidentiality of complaints against judges 
 
 
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and complaints against other individuals or entities licensed or regulated by the 
Supreme Court. 
 
Subdivision (c)(5) was amended to make public the qualifications of persons 
applying to serve or serving the court as unpaid volunteers such as guardians ad 
litem, mediators, and arbitrators and to make public the applications and 
evaluations of such persons upon a showing of materiality in a pending court 
proceeding or upon a showing of good cause. 
 
Subdivision (c)(9) has also been amended. Subdivision (c)(9) was adopted to 
incorporate the holdings of judicial decisions establishing that confidentiality may 
be required to protect the rights of defendants, litigants, or third parties; to further 
the administration of justice; or to otherwise promote a compelling governmental 
interest. Barron v. Florida Freedom Newspapers, Inc., 531 So.2d 113 (Fla.1988); 
Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. Lewis, 426 So.2d 1 (Fla.1982). Such 
confidentiality may be implemented by court rule, as well as by judicial decision, 
where necessary for the effective administration of justice. See, e.g., Fla.R.Crim.P. 
3.470, (Sealed Verdict); Fla.R.Crim.P. 3.712, (Presentence Investigation Reports); 
Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.280(c), (Protective Orders). 
 
Subdivision (c)(9)(D) requires that, except where otherwise provided by law or 
rule of court, reasonable notice shall be given to the public of any order closing a 
court record. This subdivision is not applicable to court proceedings. Unlike the 
closure of court proceedings, which has been held to require notice and hearing 
prior to closure, see Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. Lewis, 426 So. 2d 1 
(Fla.1982), the closure of court records has not required prior notice. Requiring 
prior notice of closure of a court record may be impractical and burdensome in 
emergency circumstances or when closure of a court record requiring 
confidentiality is requested during a judicial proceeding. Providing reasonable 
notice to the public of the entry of a closure order and an opportunity to be heard 
on the closure issue adequately protects the competing interests of confidentiality 
and public access to judicial records. See Florida Freedom Newspapers, Inc. v. 
Sirmons, 508 So.2d 462 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987), approved, Barron v. Florida 
Freedom Newspapers, Inc., 531 So.2d 113 (Fla.1988); State ex rel. Tallahassee 
Democrat v. Cooksey, 371 So.2d 207 (Fla. 1st DCA 1979). Subdivision (c)(9)(D), 
however, does not preclude the giving of prior notice of closure of a court record, 
and the court may elect to give prior notice in appropriate cases. 
 
2002 Court Commentary 
 
 
 
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The custodian is required to provide access to or copies of records but is not 
required either to provide information from records or to create new records in 
response to a request. Op. Atty. Gen. Fla. 80-57 (1980); Wootton v. Cook, 590 
So.2d 1039 (Fla. 1st DCA 1991); Seigle v. Barry, 422 So.2d 63 (Fla. 4th DCA 
1982). 
 
The writing requirement is not intended to disadvantage any person who may 
have difficulty writing a request; if any difficulty exists, the custodian should aid 
the requestor in reducing the request to writing. 
 
It is anticipated that each judicial branch entity will have policies and procedures 
for responding to public records requests. 
 
The 1995 commentary notes that the definition of “judicial records” added at that 
time is consistent with the definition of “court records” contained in rule 
2.075(a)(1) and the definition of “public records” contained in chapter 119, Florida 
Statutes. Despite the commentary, these definitions are not the same. The 
definitions added in 2002 are intended to clarify that records of the judicial branch 
include court records as defined in rule 2.075(a)(1) and administrative records. The 
definition of records of the judicial branch is consistent with the definition of 
“public records” in chapter 119, Florida Statutes. 
 
2005 Court Commentary 
 
Under courts’ inherent authority, appellate courts may appoint a special 
magistrate to serve as commissioner for the court to make findings of fact and 
oversee discovery in review proceedings under subdivision (d) of this rule. Cf. 
State ex rel. Davis v. City of Avon Park, 158 So. 159 (Fla. 1934) (recognizing 
appellate courts’ inherent authority to do all things reasonably necessary for 
administration of justice within the scope of courts’ jurisdiction, including the 
appointment of a commissioner to make findings of fact); Wessells v. State, 737 
So. 2d 1103 (Fla. 1st DCA 1998) (relinquishing jurisdiction to circuit court for 
appointment of a special master to serve as commissioner for court to make 
findings of fact). 
 
RULE 2.430. 
RETENTION OF COURT RECORDS 
 
(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this rule: 
 
 
 
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(1) “Court records” mean the contents of the court file, including the progress 
docket and other similar records generated to document activity in a case, 
transcripts filed with the clerk, documentary exhibits in the custody of the clerk, 
and electronic records, video tapes, or stenographic tapes of depositions or other 
proceedings filed with the clerk, and electronic records, videotapes or stenographic 
tapes of court proceedings. 
 
(2) “After a judgment has become final” means: 
 
(A) when a final order, final judgment, final docket entry, final dismissal, or 
nolle prosequi has been entered as to all parties, no appeal has been taken, and the 
time for appeal has expired; or 
 
(B) when a final order, final judgment, or final docket entry has been entered, 
an appeal has been taken, the appeal has been disposed of, and the time for any 
further appellate proceedings has expired. 
 
(3) “Permanently recorded” means that a document has been microfilmed, 
optically imaged, or recorded onto an electronic record keeping system in 
accordance with standards adopted by the Division of Library and Information 
Services of the Department of State. 
 
(b) Required Consent. Disposal of court records under this rule is subject to 
obtaining any consent required by law from the Division of Library and 
Information Services of the Department of State. 
 
(c) 
 Permanently Recorded Records. Court records, except exhibits, that have 
been permanently recorded in accordance with standards adopted by the Division 
of Library and Information Services of the Department of State, may be destroyed 
or otherwise disposed of by the clerk at any time after a judgment has become 
final. 
 
(d) Records Not Permanently Recorded. No court records under this 
subdivision shall be destroyed or disposed of until the final order, final docket 
entry, or final judgment is permanently recorded for, or recorded in, the public 
records. The time periods shall not apply to any action in which the court orders 
the court records to be kept until the court orders otherwise. When an order is 
entered to that effect, the progress docket and the court file shall be marked by the 
clerk with a legend showing that the court records are not to be destroyed or 
disposed of without a further order of court. Any person may apply for an order 
 
 
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suspending or prohibiting destruction or disposition of court records in any 
proceeding. Court records, except exhibits, that are not permanently recorded may 
be destroyed or disposed of by the clerk after a judgment has become final in 
accordance with the following schedule: 
 
(1) For trial courts 
 
(A) 60 days — Parking tickets and noncriminal traffic infractions after 
required audits have been completed. 
 
(B) 2 years — Proceedings under the Small Cl
aims Rules, Medical Mediation 
Proceedings. 
 
(C) 5 years — Misdemeanor actions, criminal traffic violations, ordinance 
violations, civil litigation proceedings in county court other than those under the 
Small Claims Rules, and civil proceedings in circuit court except marriage 
dissolutions and adoptions. 
 
(D) 10 years — Probate, guardianship, and mental health proceedings. 
 
(E) 10 years — Felony cases in which no information or indictment was filed 
or in which all charges were dismissed, or in which the state announced a nolle 
prosequi, or in which the defendant was adjudi
cated not guilty. 
 
(F) 75 years — Juvenile proceedings containing an order permanently 
depriving a parent of custody of a child, and adoptions, and all felony cases not 
previously destroyed. 
 
(G) Juvenile proceedings not otherwise provided for in this subdivision shall 
be kept for 5 years after the last entry or until the child reaches the age of majority, 
whichever is later. 
 
(H) Marriage dissolutions — 10 years from the last record activity. The court 
may authorize destruction of court records not involving alimony, support, or 
custody of children 5 years from the last record activity. 
 
(2) For district courts of appeal 
 
(A) 2 years — noncriminal court records. 
 
 
 
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(B) 5 years — Criminal court records. 
 
(3) For the Supreme Court 
 
(A) 5 years — All cases disposed of by order not otherwise provided for in 
this rule. 
 
(B) 10 years — Cases disposed of by order involving individuals licensed or 
regulated by the court and noncriminal court records involving the unauthorized 
practice of law. 
 
(e) 
 Records to Be Retained Permanently. The following court records shall be 
permanently recorded or permanently retained:
 
 
(1) progress dockets, and other similar records generated to document activity in 
a case, and 
 
(2) court records of the supreme court in which the case was disposed of by 
opinion. 
 
(f)  Court Reporters’ Notes. Court reporters or persons acting as court reporters 
for judicial or discovery proceedings shall retain the original notes or electronic 
records of the proceedings or depositions until the times specified below: 
 
(1) 2 years from the date of preparing the transcript — Judicial proceedings, 
arbitration hearings, and discovery proceedings when an original transcript has 
been prepared. 
 
(2) 10 years — Judicial proceedings in felony cases when a transcript has not 
been prepared. 
 
(3) 5 years — All other judicial proceedings, arbitration hearings, and discovery 
proceedings when a transcript has not been prepared. 
 
When an agreement has been made between the reporter and any other person and 
the person has paid the reasonable charges for storage and retention of the notes, 
the notes or records shall be kept for any longer time agreed on. All reporters’ 
notes shall be retained in a secure place in Florida. 
 
(g) Exhibits. 
 
 
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(1) Exhibits in criminal proceedings shall be disposed of as provided by law. 
 
(2) All other exhibits shall be retained by the clerk until 90 days after a 
judgment has become final. If an exhibit is not withdrawn pursuant to subdivision 
(i) within 90 days, the clerk may destroy or dispose of the exhibits after giving the 
parties or their attorneys of record 30 days’ notice of the clerk’s intention to do so. 
Exhibits shall be delivered to any party or attorney of record calling for them 
during the 30-day time period. 
 
(h) Disposition Other Than Destruction. Before destruction or disposition of 
court records under this rule, any person may apply to the court for an order 
requiring the clerk to deliver to the applicant the court records that are to be 
destroyed or disposed of. All parties and the Division of Library and Information 
Services of the Department of State shall be given notice of the application by the 
applicant. The court shall dispose of that court record as appropriate. 
 
(i)  Release of Court Records. This rule does not limit the power of the court to 
release exhibits or other parts of court records that are the property of the person or 
party initially placing the items in the court records. The court may require copies 
to be substituted as a condition to releasing the court records under this 
subdivision. 
 
(j)  Right to Expunge Records. Nothing in this rule shall affect the power of the 
court to order records expunged. 
 
(k) Sealed Records. No record which has been sealed from public examination 
by order of court shall be destroyed without hearing after such notice as the court 
shall require. 
 
RULE 2.440. 
RETENTION OF JUDICIAL BRANCH   
 
 
   
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS 
 
(a) Definitions. 
 
(1) “Judicial branch” means the j
udicial branch of government, which includes 
the state courts system, the clerk of court when acting as an arm of the court, The 
Florida Bar, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, the Judicial Qualifications 
Commission, and all other entities established by or operating under the authority 
of the supreme court or the chief justice. 
 
 
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(2) “Records of the judicial branch” means all records, regardless of physical 
form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received in connection 
with the transaction of official business by any judicial branch entity and consists 
of: 
 
(A) “court records,” which means the contents of the court file, including the 
progress docket and other similar records generated to document activity in a case, 
transcripts filed with the clerk, documentary exhibits in the custody of the clerk, 
and electronic records, videotapes, or stenographic tapes of depositions or other 
proceedings filed with the clerk, and electronic records, videotapes, or 
stenographic tapes of court proceedings; and 
 
(B) “administrative records,” which means all other records made or received 
pursuant to court rule, law, or ordinance, or in connection with the transaction of 
official business by any judicial branch entity. 
 
(b) Retention Requirements. Administrative records in the judicial branch shall 
be retained in accordance with the Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule 
approved by the supreme court. 
 
2002 Commentary 
 
This rule does not apply to court records and files that are governed by rule 
2.075. This rule applies to administrative records. 
 
To provide a consistent schedule for retention of administrative records in the 
judicial branch, the Supreme Court Workgroup on Public Records recommended 
that the Court adopt the Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule. This 
schedule uses the legislatively authorized Department of State retention schedules, 
as appropriate, and includes a schedule for other records that are unique to the 
judicial branch. 
 
RULE 2.450. 
TECHNOLOGICAL COVERAGE OF JUDICIAL  
 
   
PROCEEDINGS 
 
(a) Electronic and Still Photography Allowed. Subject at all times to the 
authority of the presiding judge to: (i) control the conduct of proceedings before 
the court; (ii) ensure decorum and prevent distractions; and (iii) ensure the fair 
administration of justice in the pending cause, electronic media and still 
 
 
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photography coverage of public judicial proceedings in the appellate and trial 
courts of this state shall be allowed in accordance with the following standards of 
conduct and technology promulgated by the Supreme Court of Florida. 
 
(b) Equipment and Personnel. 
 
(1) At least 1 portable television camera, operated by not more than 1 camera 
person, shall be permitted in any trial or appellate court proceeding. The number of 
permitted cameras shall be within the sound discretion and authority of the 
presiding judge. 
 
(2) Not more than 1 still photographer, using not more than 2 still cameras, shall 
be permitted in any proceeding in a trial or appellate court. 
 
(3) Not more than 1 audio system for radio broadcast purposes shall be 
permitted in any proceeding in a trial or appellate court. Audio pickup for all media 
purposes shall be accomplished from existing audio systems present in the court 
facility. If no technically suitable audio system exists in the court facility, 
microphones and related wiring essential for media purposes shall be unobtrusive 
and shall be located in places designated in advance of any proceeding by the chief 
judge of the judicial circuit or district in which the court facility is located. 
 
(4) Any “pooling” arrangements among the media required by these limitations 
on equipment and personnel shall be the sole responsibility of the media without 
calling upon the presiding judge to mediate any dispute as to the appropriate media 
representative or equipment authorized to cover a particular proceeding. In the 
absence of advance media agreement on disputed equipment or personnel issues, 
the presiding judge shall exclude all contesting media personnel from a 
proceeding. 
 
(c) 
 Sound and Light Criteria. 
 
(1) Only television photographic and audio equipment that does not produce 
distracting sound or light shall be used to cover judicial proceedings. No artificial 
lighting device of any kind shall be used in connection with the television camera. 
 
(2) Only still camera equipment that does not produce distracting sound or light 
shall be used to cover judicial proceedings. No artificial lighting device of any kind 
shall be used in connection with a still camera. 
 
 
 
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(3) It shall be the affirmative duty of media personnel to demonstrate to the 
presiding judge adequately in advance of any proceeding that the equipment sought 
to be used meets the sound and light criteria enunciated in this rule. A failure to 
obtain advance judicial approval for equipment shall preclude its use in any 
proceeding. 
 
(d) Location of Equipment Personnel. 
 
(1) Television camera equipment shall be positioned in such location in the 
court facility as shall be designated by the chief judge of the judicial circuit or 
district in which such facility is situated. The area designated shall provide 
reasonable access to coverage. If and when areas remote from the court facility that 
permit reasonable access to coverage are provided, all television camera and audio 
equipment shall be positioned only in such area. Videotape recording equipment 
that is not a component part of a television camera shall be located in an area 
remote from the court facility. 
 
(2) A still camera photographer shall position himself or herself in such location 
in the court facility as shall be designated by the chief judge of the judicial circuit 
or district in which such facility is situated. The area designated shall provide 
reasonable access to coverage. Still camera photographers shall assume a fixed 
position within the designated area and, once established in a shooting position, 
shall act so as not to call attention to themselves through further movement. Still 
camera photographers shall not be permitted to move about in order to obtain 
photographs of court proceedings. 
 
(3) Broadcast media representatives shall not move about the court facility 
while proceedings are in session, and microphones or taping equipment once 
positioned as required by subdivision (b)(3) shall not be moved during the 
pendency of the proceeding. 
 
(e) 
 Movement During Proceedings. News media photographic or audio 
equipment shall not be placed in or removed from the court facility except before 
commencement or after adjournment of proceedings each day, or during a recess. 
Neither television film magazines nor still camera film or lenses shall be changed 
within a court facility except during a recess in the proceeding. 
 
(f)  Courtroom Light Sources. With the concurrence of the chief judge of a 
judicial circuit or district in which a court facility is situated, modifications and 
 
 
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additions may be made in light sources existing in the facility, provided such 
modifications or additions are installed and maintained without public expense. 
 
(g) Conferences of Counsel. To protect the attorney-client privilege and the 
effective right to counsel, there shall be no audio pickup or broadcast of 
conferences that occur in a court facility between attorneys and their clients, 
between co-counsel of a client, or between counsel and the presiding judge held at 
the bench. 
 
(h) Impermissible Use of Media Material. None of the film, videotape, still 
photographs, or audio reproductions developed during or by virtue of coverage of a 
judicial proceeding shall be admissible as evidence in the proceeding out of which 
it arose, in any proceeding subsequent or collateral thereto, or upon retrial or 
appeal of such proceedings. 
 
(i)  Appellate Review. Review of an order excluding the electronic media from 
access to any proceeding, excluding coverage of a particular participant, or upon 
any other matters arising under these standards shall be pursuant to Florida Rule of 
Appellate Procedure 9.100(d). 
 
Court Commentary 
 
1994 Amendment. This rule was copied from Canon 3A(7) of the Code of 
Judicial Conduct. Canon 3A(7) represented a departure from former Canon 3A(7) 
[ABA Canon 35]. The former canon generally proscribed electronic media and still 
photography coverage of judicial proceedings from within and in areas 
immediately adjacent to the courtroom, with three categories of exceptions — (a) 
use for judicial administration, (b) coverage of investitive, ceremonial, and 
naturalization proceedings, and (c) use for instructional purposes in educational 
institutions. Subject to the limitations and promulgation of standards as mentioned 
therein, the revised canon constituted a general authorization for electronic media 
and still photography coverage for all purposes, including the purposes expressed 
as exceptions in the former canon. Limited only by the authority of the presiding 
judge in the exercise of sound discretion to prohibit filming or photographing of 
particular participants, consent of participants to coverage is not required. The text 
of the rule refers to public judicial proceedings. This is in recognition of the 
authority reposing in the presiding judge, upon the exercise of sound discretion, to 
hold certain judicial proceedings or portions thereof in camera, and in recognition 
 
 
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of the fact that certain proceedings or portions thereof are made confidential by 
statute. The term “presiding judge” includes the chief judge of an appellate 
tribunal. 
 
PART V.   PRACTICE OF LAW 
 
A.   ATTORNEYS 
 
RULE 2.505 
ATTORNEYS 
 
(a) Scope and Purpose. All persons in good standing as members of The 
Florida Bar shall be permitted to practice in Florida. Attorneys of other states who 
are not members of The Florida Bar in good standing shall not engage in the 
practice of law in Florida except to the extent permitted by rule 2.510. 
 
(b) Persons Employed by the Court. Except as provided in this subdivision, no 
full-time employee of the court shall practice as an attorney in any court or before 
any agency of government while continuing in that position. Any attorney 
designated by the chief justice or chief judge may represent the court, any court 
employee in the employee’s official capacity, or any judge in the judge’s official 
capacity, in any proceeding in which the court, employee, or judge is an interested 
party. An attorney formerly employed by a court shall not represent anyone in 
connection with a matter in which the attorney participated personally and 
substantially while employed by the court, unless all parties to the proceeding 
consent after disclosure. 
 
(c) 
 Attorney Not to Be Surety. No attorneys or other officers of court shall 
enter themselves or be taken as bail or surety in any proceeding in court. 
 
(d) Stipulations. No private agreement or consent between parties or their 
attorneys concerning the practice or procedure in an action shall be of any force 
unless the evidence of it is in writing, subscribed by the party or the party’s 
attorney against whom it is alleged. Parol agreements may be made before the 
court if promptly made a part of the record or incorporated in the stenographic 
notes of the proceedings, and agreements made at depositions that are incorporated 
in the transcript need not be signed when signing of the deposition is waived. This 
rule shall not apply to settlements or other substantive agreements. 
 
 
 
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(e) 
 Appearance of Attorney. An attorney may appear in a proceeding in any of 
the following ways: 
 
(1) By serving and filing, on behalf of a party, the party’s first pleading or paper 
in the proceeding. 
 
(2) By substitution of counsel, but only by order of court and with written 
consent of the client, filed with the court. The court may condition substitution 
upon payment of, or security for, the substituted attorney’s fees and expenses, or 
upon such other terms as may be just. 
 
(3) By filing with the court and serving upon all parties a notice of appearance 
as counsel for a party that has already appeared in a proceeding pro se or as co-
counsel for a party that has already appeared in a proceeding by non-withdrawing 
counsel. 
 
(f)  Termination of Appearance of Attorney. The appearance of an attorney 
for a party in a proceeding shall terminate only in one of the following ways:
 
 
(1) Withdrawal of Attorney. By order of court, where the proceeding is 
continuing, upon motion and hearing, on notice to all parties and the client, such 
motion setting forth the reasons for withdrawal and the client’s last known address. 
 
(2) Substitution of Attorney. By order of court, under the procedure set forth 
in subdivision (e)(2) of this rule. 
 
(3) Termination of Proceeding. Automatically, without order of court, upon 
the termination of a proceeding, whether by final order of dismissal, by final 
adjudication, or otherwise, and following the expiration of any applicable time for 
appeal, where no appeal is taken. 
 
(4) Filing of Notice of Completion. For limited representation proceedings 
under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040, automatically, by the filing 
of a notice of completion titled “Termination of Limited Appearance” pursuant to 
rule 12.040(c). 
 
(g) Law Student Participation. Eligible law students shall be permitted to 
participate as provided under the conditions of chapter 11 of the Rules Regulating 
The Florida Bar as amended from time to time. 
 
 
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(h) Attorney as Agent of Client. In all matters concerning the prosecution or 
defense of any proceeding in the court, the attorney of record shall be the agent of 
the client, and any notice by or to the attorney or act by the attorney in the 
proceeding shall be accepted as the act of or notice to the client. 
 
 
Court Commentary 
 
1997 Amendment. Originally, the rule provided that the follow-up filing had to 
occur within ten days. In the 1997 amendment to the rule, that requirement was 
modified to provide that the follow-up filing must occur “immediately” after a 
document is electronically filed. The “immediately thereafter” language is 
consistent with language used in the rules of procedure where, in a somewhat 
analogous situation, the filing of a document may occur after service. See, e.g., 
Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080(d) (“All original papers shall be filed with 
the court either before service or immediately thereafter.”) (emphasis added). 
“Immediately thereafter” has been interpreted to mean “filed with reasonable 
promptness.” Miami Transit Co. v. Ford, 155 So. 2d 360 (Fla. 1963). 
 
The use of the words “other person” in this rule is not meant to allow a nonlawyer 
to sign and file pleadings or other papers on behalf of another. Such conduct would 
constitute the unauthorized practice of law. 
 
2003 Amendment. Rule Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.12(c), which addresses 
the imputed disqualification of a law firm, should be looked to in conjunction with 
the rule 2.060(b) restriction on representation by a former judicial staff attorney or 
law clerk. 
 
RULE 2.510. 
FOREIGN ATTORNEYS 
 
(a) Eligibility. Upon filing a verified motion with the court, an attorney who is 
an active member in good standing of the bar of another state and currently eligible 
to practice law in a state other than Florida may be permitted to appear in particular 
cases in a Florida court upon such conditions as the court may deem appropriate, 
provided that a member of The Florida Bar in good standing is associated as an 
attorney of record. In determining whether to permit a foreign attorney to appear 
pursuant to this rule, the court may consider, among other things, information 
provided under subdivision (b)(3) concerning discipline in other jurisdictions. No 
attorney is authorized to appear pursuant to this rule if the attorney (1) is a Florida 
resident; (2) is a member of The Florida Bar but is ineligible to practice law; (3) 
 
 
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has previously been disciplined or held in contempt by reason of misconduct 
committed while engaged in representation permitted pursuant to this rule 
provided, however, the contempt is final and has not been reversed or abated; (4) 
has failed to provide notice to The Florida Bar or pay the filing fee as required in 
subdivision (b)(7); or (5) is engaged in a “general practice” before Florida courts. 
For purposes of this rule, more than 3 appearances within a 365-day period in 
separate representations shall be presumed to be a “general practice.” In cases 
involving indigent clients, the court may waive the filing fee for good cause 
shown. 
 
(b) Contents of Verified Motion. A form verified motion accompanies this rule 
and shall be utilized by the foreign attorney. The verified motion required by 
subdivision (a) shall include: 
 
(1) a statement identifying all jurisdictions in which the attorney is an active 
member in good standing and currently eligible to practice law; 
 
(2) a statement identifying by date, case name, and case number all other 
matters in Florida state courts in which pro hac vice admission has been sought in 
the preceding 5 years, and whether such admission was granted or denied; 
 
(3) a statement identifying all jurisdictions in which the attorney has been 
disciplined in any manner in the preceding 5 years and the sanction imposed, or in 
which the attorney has pending any disciplinary proceeding, including the date of 
the disciplinary action and the nature of the violation; 
 
(4) a statement identifying the date on which the legal representation at issue 
commenced, and the party or parties represented; 
 
(5) a statement that all applicable provisions of these rules and the Rules 
Regulating The Florida Bar have been read, and that the verified motion complies 
with those rules; 
 
(6) the name, record bar address, and membership status of the Florida Bar 
member or members associated for purposes of the representation; 
 
(7) a certificate indicating service of the verified motion upon all counsel of 
record in the matter in which leave to appear pro hac vice is sought and upon The 
Florida Bar at its Tallahassee office accompanied by a nonrefundable $250.00 
filing fee made payable to The Florida Bar or notice of the waiver of the fee; and 
 
 
- 85 - 
 
(8) a verification by the attorney seeking to appear pursuant to this rule and the 
signature of the Florida Bar member or members associated for purposes of the 
representation. 
 
 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE __________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR _______________, COUNTY, FLORIDA 
______________________ 
 
 
Case No.________________ 
Plaintiff 
Division ________________ 
VS. 
________________________ 
Defendant 
VERIFIED MOTION FOR ADMISSION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE 
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA RULE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 
2.510 
 
Comes 
now 
_______________________________________, 
Movant 
herein, and respectfully represents the following: 
 
1.  Movant resides at  
 
(Street Address) 
________________________, _______________________, ____________ 
               (City) 
 
 
 
(County) 
 
 
(State) 
_____________, ________________________ , ______________________ 
(Zip Code) 
(Telephone with area code) 
(Social Security Number) 
and is not a resident of the State of Florida. 
 
2.  Movant is an attorney and a member of the law firm of (or practices law 
under 
the 
name 
of)___________________________________ 
___________________________________________________, with offices 
at ___________________________________, _______________________, 
(Street Address) 
 
 
 
 
(City) 
 
 
- 86 - 
_________________, _____________, ___________, _________________. 
       
(County) 
 
(State) 
     (Zip Code) 
(Telephone) 
 
3.  Movant has been retained personally or as a member of the above-named 
law firm on _______________________ by ___________________ 
(Date Representation Commenced)  (Name of Party or Parties) 
_____________________________________________________________ 
to provide legal representation in connection with the above-styled matter now 
pending before the above-named court of the State of Florida. 
 
4.  Movant is an active member in good standing and currently eligible to 
practice law in the following jurisdiction(s): (attach additional sheet if necessary) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.  There are no disciplinary proceedings pending against Movant, except as 
provided below (give jurisdiction of disciplinary action, date of disciplinary action, 
nature of the violation and the sanction, if any, imposed): 
(attach additional sheet if necessary) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.  Within the past five (5) years, Movant has not been subject to any 
disciplinary proceedings, except as provided below (give jurisdiction of 
disciplinary action, date of disciplinary action, nature of the violation and the 
sanction, if any, imposed): 
(attach additional sheet if necessary) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 87 - 
7.  Movant has never been subject to any suspension proceedings, except as 
provided below (give jurisdiction of disciplinary action, date of disciplinary action, 
nature of the violation and the sanction, if any, imposed): 
(attach additional sheet if necessary) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.  Movant has never been subject to any disbarment proceedings, except as 
provided below (give jurisdiction of disciplinary action, date of disciplinary action, 
nature of the violation and the sanction, if any, imposed): 
(attach additional sheet if necessary) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9.  Movant, either by resignation, withdrawal, or otherwise, never has 
terminated or attempted to terminate Movant’s office as an attorney in order to 
avoid administrative, disciplinary, disbarment, or suspension proceedings. 
 
10.  Movant is not an inactive member of The Florida Bar. 
 
11.  Movant is not now and has never been a member of The Florida Bar. 
 
12.  Movant is not a suspended member of The Florida Bar. 
 
13.  Movant is not a disbarred member of The Florida Bar nor has Movant 
received a disciplinary resignation from The Florida Bar. 
 
14.  Movant has not previously been disciplined or held in contempt by 
reason of misconduct committed while engaged in representation pursuant to 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.510, except as provided below (give date 
of disciplinary action or contempt, reasons therefor, and court imposing contempt): 
(attach additional sheet if necessary) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 88 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.  Movant has filed motion(s) to appear as counsel in Florida state courts 
during the past five (5) years in the following matters: (
attach additional sheet if 
necessary) 
Date of Motion    Case Name   Case Number  Court  Motion Granted/Denied 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16.  Local counsel of record associated with Movant in this matter is 
_______________________________ who is an active member in good  
   (Name and Florida Bar Number) 
standing of The Florida Bar and has offices 
at ___________________________________________________________, 
(Street Address) 
_______________________, ___________________, Florida, __________ 
                (City) 
 
 
(County) 
 
 
 
(Zip Code) 
________________________________________. 
(Telephone with area code) 
(If local counsel is not an active member of The Florida Bar in good standing, 
please 
provide 
information 
as 
to 
local 
counsel’s 
membership 
status.___________________________________) 
 
17.  Movant has read the applicable provisions of Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.510 and Rule 1-3.10 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and 
certifies that this verified motion complies with those rules. 
 
18.  Movant agrees to c
omply with the provisions of the Florida Rules of 
Professional Conduct and consents to the jurisdiction of the courts and the Bar of 
the State of Florida. 
 
WHEREFORE, Movant respectfully requests permission to appear in this 
court for this cause only. 
 
 
 
- 89 - 
DATED this ___________ day of ____________________________, 
20____. 
_________________________ 
Movant 
STATE OF ______________________ 
COUNTY OF ______________________ 
 
I, ________________________________, do hereby swear or affirm under 
penalty of perjury that I am the Movant in the above-styled matter; that I have read 
the foregoing Motion and know the contents thereof, and the contents are true of 
my own knowledge and belief. 
_________________________ 
Movant/Affiant 
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of 
_____________, 20__, by __________________________ who is personally 
known to me or who has produced _____________________ as identification and 
who did take an oath. 
_____ day of ___________, 20__. 
_______________________________Notary Public 
Notary Public (Signature) 
_______________________________ 
(Printed or Typed Name) 
Commission Number:_____________ 
My commission expires:
             
I hereby consent to be associated as local counsel of record in this cause 
pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.510. 
 
DATED this ___________ day of ____________________________, 
20____. 
 
 
- 90 - 
_________________________ 
Local Counsel of Record 
_________________________ 
Florida Bar Number 
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing motion was 
furnished by U.S. mail to PHV Admissions, The Florida Bar, 651 East Jefferson 
Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2333 accompanied by payment of the $250.00 
filing fee made payable to The Florida Bar and to  
 
 
 
 
 
Name and Address of All Counsel of Record and of Parties Not Represented 
by Counsel this __________ day of ______________________________, 20____. 
_________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Movant 
 
 
B.   PRACTICE AND LITIGATION PROCEDURES 
 
RULE 2.515. 
SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEYS AND PARTIES 
 
(a) Attorney Signature. Every pleading and other paper of a party represented 
by an attorney shall be signed by at least 1 attorney of record in that attorney’s 
individual name whose address, telephone number, including area code, and 
Florida Bar number shall be stated, and who shall be duly licensed to practice law 
in Florida or who shall have received permission to appear in the particular case as 
provided in rule 2.510. The attorney may be required by the court to give the 
address of, and to vouch for the attorney’s authority to represent, the party. Except 
when otherwise specifically provided by an applicable rule or statute, pleadings 
need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney shall 
constitute a certificate by the attorney that the attorney has read the pleading or 
other paper; that to the best of the attorney’s knowledge, information, and belief 
there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay. If a 
pleading is not signed or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this rule, it 
may be stricken and the action may proceed as though the pleading or other paper 
had not been served. 
 
 
 
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(b) Pro Se Litigant Signature. A party who is not represented by an attorney 
shall sign any pleading or other paper and state the party’s address and telephone 
number, including area code. 
 
(c) 
 Form of Signature. 
 
(1) The signatures required on pleadings and papers by subdivisions (a) and (b) 
of this rule may be: 
 
(A) original signatures; 
 
(B) original signatures that have been reproduced by electronic means, such as 
on electronically transmitted documents or photocopied documents; or 
 
(C) any other signature format authorized by general law, so long as the clerk 
where the proceeding i
s pending has the capability of receiving and has obtained 
approval from the Supreme Court of Florida to accept pleadings and papers with 
that signature format. 
 
(2) An attorney, party, or other person who files a pleading or paper by 
electronic transmission that does not contain the original signature of that attorney, 
party, or other person shall file that identical pleading or paper in paper form 
containing an original signature of that attorney, party, or other person (hereinafter 
called the follow-up filing) immediately thereafter. The follow-up filing is not 
required if the Supreme Court of Florida has entered an order directing the clerk of 
court to discontinue accepting the follow-up filing. 
 
RULE 2.520. 
PAPER 
 
(a) Type and Size. All pleadings, motions, petitions, briefs, notices, orders, 
judgments, decrees, opinions, and other papers and official documents filed in any 
court shall be filed on recycled paper measuring 8 1/2 by 11 inches. For purposes 
of this rule, paper is recycled if it contains a minimum content of 50 percent waste 
paper. Xerographic reduction of legal-size (8 1/2 by 14 inches) documents to letter 
size (8 1/2 by 11 inches) is prohibited. 
 
(b) Exhibits. Any exhibit or attachment filed with pleadings or papers may be 
filed in its original size. 
 
 
 
- 92 - 
(c) 
 Recording Space. On all papers and documents prepared and filed by the 
court or by any party to a proceeding which are to be recorded in the public records 
of any county, including but not limited to final money judgments and notices of 
lis pendens, a 3-inch by 3-inch space at the top right-hand corner on the first page 
and a 1-inch by 3-inch space at the top right-hand corner on each subsequent page 
shall be left blank and reserved for use by the clerk of court. 
 
(d) Exceptions to Recording Space. Any papers or documents created by 
persons or entities over which the filing party has no control, including but not 
limited to wills, codicils, trusts, or other testamentary documents; documents 
prepared or executed by any public officer; documents prepared, executed, 
acknowledged, or proved outside of the State of Florida; or documents created by 
State or Federal government agencies, may be filed without the space required by 
this rule. 
 
(e) 
 Noncompliance. No clerk of court shall refuse for filing any document or 
paper because of noncompliance with this rule. However, upon request of the clerk 
of court, noncomplying documents shall be resubmitted in accordance with this 
rule. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
1989 Adoption. Rule 2.055 is new. This rule aligns Florida’s court system with 
the federal court system and the court systems of the majority of our sister states by 
requiring in subdivision (a) that all pleadings, motions, petitions, briefs, notices, 
orders, judgments, decrees, opinions, or other papers filed with any Florida court 
be submitted on paper measuring 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Subdivision (e) provides a 1-
year transition period from the effective date of January 1, 1990, to January 1, 
1991, during which time filings that tradi
tionally have been accepted on legal-size 
paper will be accepted on either legal- or letter-size paper. The 1-year transition 
period was provided to allow for the depletion of inventories of legal-size paper 
and forms. The 1-year transition period was not intended to affect compliance with 
Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.210(a)(1), which requires that typewritten 
appellate briefs be filed on paper measuring 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Nor was it 
intended that the requirement of Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.210(a)(1) 
that printed briefs measure 6 by 9 inches be affected by the requirements of 
subdivision (a). 
 
 
 
- 93 - 
Subdivision (b), which recognizes an exception for exhibits or attachments, is 
intended to apply to documents such as wills and traffic citations which 
traditionally have not been generated on letter-size paper. 
 
Subdivision (c) was adopted to ensure that a 1 1/2 inch square at the top right-
hand corner of all filings is reserved for use by the clerk of court. Subdivision (d) 
was adopted to ensure that all papers and documents submitted for filing will be 
considered filed on the date of submission regardless of paper size. Subdivision (d) 
also ensures that after the 1-year transition period of subdivision (e), filings that are 
not in compliance with the rule are resubmitted on paper measuring 8 1/2 by 11 
inches. 
 
This rule is not intended to apply to those instruments and documents presented 
to the clerk of the circuit court for recording in the Official Records under section 
28.222, Florida Statutes (1987). It is also not intended to apply to matters 
submitted to the clerk of the circuit court in the capacity as ex officio clerk of the 
board of county commissioners pursuant to article VIII, section (1)(d), Florida 
Constitution. 
 
1996 Amendment. Subdivision (c) was amended to make the blank space 
requirements for use by the clerk of the court consistent with section 695.26, 
Florida Statutes (1995). Subdivision (e) was eliminated because the transition 
period for letter-size and recycled paper was no longer necessary. 
 
RULE 2.525. 
ELECTRONIC FILING 
 
(a) Definition. “Electronic transmission of documents” means the transmission 
by electronic signals, to or from a court or clerk of the court, of information which 
when received can be transformed and stored or reproduced on paper, microfilm, 
magnetic storage device, optical imaging system, or other electronic record 
keeping system authorized by the Supreme Court of Florida in a format sufficient 
to communicate the information on the original document in a readable format. 
 
(b) Application. Any court or clerk of the court may accept the electronic 
transmission of documents for filing after the clerk, together with input from the 
chief judge of the circuit, has obtained approval of the procedures and program for 
doing so from the Supreme Court of Florida. 
 
(c) 
 Documents Affected. 
 
 
 
- 94 - 
(1) All documents that are court records, as defined in rule 2.430(a)(1), may be 
filed by electronic transmission provided that: 
 
(A) the clerk of court has the ability to accept and retain such documents; 
 
(B) the clerk of court or the chief judge of the circuit has requested permission 
to accept documents filed by electronic transmission; and 
 
(C) the Supreme Court of Florida has entered an order granting permission to 
the clerk of court to accept documents filed by electronic transmission. 
 
Any attorney, party, or other person who files a document by electronic 
transmission shall, immediately thereafter, file the identical document, in paper 
form, with an original signature of the attorney, party, or other person if a signature 
is otherwise required by these rules (hereinafter called the follow-up filing). 
 
(2) The follow-up filing of any document that has previously been filed by 
electronic transmission may be discontinued if: 
 
(A) after a 90-day period of accepting electronically filed documents, the clerk 
of court or the chief judge of the circuit certifies to the Supreme Court of Florida 
that the electronic filing system is efficient, reliable, and meets the demands of all 
parties; 
 
(B) the clerk of court or the chief judge of the circuit requests permission to 
discontinue that portion of the rule requiring a follow-up filing of documents in 
paper form, except as otherwise required by general law, statute, or court rule; and 
 
(C) the Supreme Court of Florida enters an order directing the clerk of court to 
discontinue accepting the follow-up filing. 
 
(d) Service. 
 
(1) Electronic transmission may be used by a court for the service of all orders 
of whatever nature provided the clerk, together with input from the chief judge of 
the circuit, has obtained approval from the Supreme Court of Florida of the 
specific procedures and program to be used in transmitting the orders. All other 
requirements for the service of such an order shall be met. 
 
 
 
- 95 - 
(2) Any document electronically transmitted to a court or clerk of the court shall 
also be served on all parties and interested persons in accordance with the 
applicable rules of court. 
 
(e) 
 Transmission Difficulties. Any attorney, party, or other person who elects 
to file any document by electronic transmission shall be responsible for any delay, 
disruption, interruption of the electronic signals, and readability of the document, 
and accepts the full risk that the document may not be properly filed with the clerk 
as a result. 
 
(f)  Administration. 
 
(1) Any clerk of the court who, after obtaining Supreme Court of Florida 
approval, accepts for filing documents that have been electronically transmitted 
shall: 
 
(A) provide electronic or telephonic access to its equipment during regular 
business hours; and 
 
(B) accept electronic transmission of documents up to 10 pages in length. 
 
(2) All attorneys, parties, or other persons using this rule to file documents are 
required to make arrangements with the court or clerk of the court for the payment 
of any charges authorized by general law or the Supreme Court of Florida before 
filing any document by electronic transmission. 
 
(3) The filing date for an electronically transmitted document shall be the date 
the last page thereof is received by the court or clerk of the court. 
 
(4) Any court or clerk of the court may extend the hours of access or increase 
the page limitations set forth in this subdivision. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
1997 Amendment. Originally, the rule provided that the follow-up filing had to 
occur within ten days. In the 1997 amendment to the rule, that requirement was 
modified to provide that the follow-up filing must occur “immediately” after a 
document is electronically filed. The “immediately thereafter” language is 
consistent with language used in the rules of procedure where, in a somewhat 
analogous situation, the filing of a document may occur after service. See, e.g., 
 
 
- 96 - 
Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080(d) (“All original papers shall be filed with 
the court either before service or immediately thereafter.”) (emphasis added). 
“Immediately thereafter” has been interpreted to mean “filed with reasonable 
promptness.” Miami Transit Co. v. Ford, 155 So.2d 360 (Fla.1963). 
 
The use of the words “other person” in this rule is not meant to allow a 
nonlawyer to sign and file pleadings or other papers on behalf of another. Such 
conduct would constitute the unauthorized practice of law. 
 
RULE 2.530. 
COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT 
 
(a) Definition. Communication equipment means a conference telephone or 
other electronic device that permits all those appearing or participating to hear and 
speak to each other, provided that all conversation of all parties is audible to all 
persons present. 
 
(b) Use by All Parties. A county or circuit court judge may, upon the court’s 
own motion or upon the written request of a party, direct that communication 
equipment be used for a motion hearing, pretrial conference, or a status conference. 
A judge must give notice to the parties and consider any objections they may have 
to the use of communication equipment before directing that communication 
equipment be used. The decision to use communication equipment over the 
objection of parties will be in the sound discretion of the trial court, except as 
noted below. 
 
(c) 
 Use Only by Requesting Party. A county or circuit court judge may, upon 
the written request of a party upon reasonable notice to all other parties, permit a 
requesting party to participate through communication equipment in a scheduled 
motion hearing; however, any such request (except in criminal, juvenile, and 
appellate proceedings) must be granted, absent a showing of good cause to deny 
the same, where the hearing is set for not longer than 15 minutes. 
 
(d) Testimony. 
 
(1) Generally. A county or circuit court judge may, if all the parties consent, 
allow testimony to be taken through communication equipment. 
 
(2) Procedure. Any party desiring to present testimony through communication 
equipment shall, prior to the hearing or trial at which the testimony is to be 
presented, contact all parties to determine whether each party consents to this form 
 
 
- 97 - 
of testimony. The party seeking to present the testimony shall move for permission 
to present testimony through communication equipment, which motion shall set 
forth good cause as to why the testimony should be allowed in this form. 
 
(3) Oath. Testimony may be taken through communication equipment only if a 
notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the witness’s 
jurisdiction is present with the witness and administers the oath consistent with the 
laws of the jurisdiction. 
 
(4) Confrontation Rights. In juvenile and criminal proceedings the defendant 
must make an informed waiver of any confrontation rights that may be abridged by 
the use of communication equipment. 
 
(5) Video Testimony. If the testimony to be presented utilizes video 
conferencing or comparable two-way visual capabilities, the court in its discretion 
may modify the procedures set forth in this rule to accommodate the technology 
utilized. 
 
(e) 
 Burden of Expense. The cost for the use of the communication equipment is 
the responsibility of the requesting party unless otherwise directed by the court. 
 
(f)  Override of Family Violence Indicator. Communications equipment may 
be used for a hearing on a petition to override a family violence indicator under 
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.650. 
 
RULE 2.535. 
COURT REPORTING 
 
(a) Definition. “Court reporting” means the act of making a verbatim record of 
the spoken word, whether by the use of written symbols, stenomask equipment, or 
electronic devices, in any proceedings pending in any of the courts of this state, 
including all discovery proceedings conducted in connection therewith, and all 
proceedings required by statute to be reported by a certified or official court 
reporter. It does not mean either the act of taking witness statements not intended 
for use in court as substantive evidence, or the act of electronic recording and 
transcription of proceedings as provided for in subdivision (g)(3). 
 
(b) When Court Reporting Required. Any proceeding shall be reported on the 
request of any party. The party so requesting shall pay the reporting fees, but this 
requirement shall not preclude the taxation of costs as authorized by law. 
 
 
 
- 98 - 
(c) 
 Record. When trial proceedings are being reported, no part of the 
proceedings shall be omitted unless all of the parties agree to do so and the court 
approves the agreement. When a deposition is being reported, no part of the 
proceedings shall be omitted unless all of the parties and the witness so agree. 
When a party or a witness seeks to terminate or suspend the taking of a deposition 
for the time necessary to seek a court order, the court reporter shall discontinue 
reporting the testimony of the witness. 
 
(d) Fees. The chief judge shall have the discretion to adopt an administrative 
order establishing maximum fees for court reporting services not covered in the 
plan adopted pursuant to subdivision (g). Any such order must make a specific 
factual finding that the setting of such maximum fees is necessary to ensure access 
to the courts. Such finding shall include consideration of the number of court 
reporters in the county or circuit, any past history of fee schedules, and any other 
relevant factors. 
 
(e) 
 Transcripts. Transcripts of all judicial proceedings, including depositions, 
shall be uniform in and for all courts throughout the state. The form, size, spacing, 
and method of printing transcripts are as follows:
 
 
(1) All proceedings shall be printed on paper 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches in size 
and bound on the left. 
 
(2) There shall be no fewer than 25 printed lines per page with all lines 
numbered 1 through 25, respectively, and with no more than a double space 
between lines. 
 
(3) Font size or print shall be 9 or 10 pica, 12-point courier, or 12-point Times 
New Roman print with no less than 56 characters per line on questions and 
answers unless the text of the speaker ends short of marginal requirements. 
 
(4) Colloquy material shall begin on the same line following the identification 
of the speaker, with no more than 2 spaces between the identification of the 
speaker and the commencement of the colloquy. The identification of the speaker 
in colloquy shall begin no more than 10 spaces from the left margin, and carry-
over colloquy shall be indented no more than 5 spaces from the left margin. 
 
(5) Each question and answer shall begin on a separate line no more than 5 
spaces from the left margin with no more than 5 spaces from the “Q” or “A” to the 
text. Carry-over question and answer lines shall be brought to the left margin. 
 
 
- 99 - 
 
(6) Quoted material shall begin no more than 10 spaces from the left margin 
with carry-over lines beginning no more than 10 spaces from the left margin. 
 
(7) Indentations of no more than 10 spaces may be used for paragraphs, and all 
spaces on a line as herein provided shall be used unless the text of the speaker ends 
short of marginal requirements. 
 
(8) One-line parentheticals may begin at any indentation. Parentheticals 
exceeding 1 line shall begin no more than 10 spaces from the left margin, with 
carry-over lines being returned to the left margin. 
 
(9) Individual volumes of a transcript, including depositions, shall be no more 
than 200 pages in length, inclusive of the index. 
 
(10) Deviation from these standards shall not constitute grounds for limiting use 
of transcripts in the trial or appellate courts. 
 
(f)  Reporter as Officer of Court. A court reporter is an officer of the court for 
all purposes while acting as a reporter in a judicial proceeding or discovery 
proceeding. The court reporter shall comply with all rules and statutes governing 
the proceeding that are applicable to court reporters. 
 
(g) Court Reporting Services Provided in Mental Health Proceedings or at 
Public Expense. 
 
(1) When Reporting Required. All criminal and juvenile proceedings, and any 
other judicial proceedings required by law or court rule to be reported at public 
expense, shall be reported. 
 
(2) Circuit Plan. The chief judge, after consultation with the circuit court and 
county court judges in the circuit, shall enter an administrative order developing 
and implementing a circuit-wide plan for the court reporting of all proceedings 
required to be reported at public expense using either full or part time court 
employees or independent contractors. The plan shall ensure that all court 
reporting services are provided by qualified persons. This plan may provide for 
multiple service delivery strategies if they are necessary to ensure the efficient 
provision of court reporting services. Each circuit’s plan for court reporting 
services shall be developed after consideration of guidelines issued by the Office 
of the State Courts Administrator. 
 
 
- 100 - 
 
(3) Electronic Recording and Transcription of Proceedings Without Court 
Reporters. A chief judge may enter a circuit-wide administrative order, which 
shall be recorded, authorizing the electronic recording and subsequent transcription 
by persons other than court reporters, of any judicial proceedings, including 
depositions, that are otherwise required to be reported by a court reporter. 
Appropriate procedures shall be prescribed in the order which shall: 
 
(A) set forth responsibilities for the court’s support personnel to ensure a 
reliable record of the proceedings; 
 
(B) provide a means to have the recording transcribed, either in whole or in 
part, when necessary for an appeal or for further use in the trial court; and 
 
(C) provide for the safekeeping of such recordings. 
 
The presiding judge in a specific case, however, may require a court reporter, if 
available, or either party may provide and pay for the cost of a court reporter. Such 
court reporter shall be subject to the orders of the court and directions to transcribe 
the record from all parties. 
 
(4) Grand Jury Proceedings. Testimony in grand jury proceedings shall be 
reported by a court reporter, but shall not be transcribed unless required by order of 
court. Other parts of grand jury proceedings, including deliberations and voting, 
shall not be reported. The court reporter’s work product, including stenographic 
notes, electronic recordings, and transcripts, shall be filed with the clerk of the 
court under seal. 
 
(h) Court Reporting Services in Capital Cases. On or before January 1, 2001, 
the chief judge, after consultation with the circuit court judges in the circuit, shall 
enter an administrative order developing and implementing a circuit-wide plan for 
court reporting in all trials in which the state seeks the death penalty and in capital 
postconviction proceedings. The plan shall require the use of all measures 
necessary to expedite the preparation of the transcript, including but not limited to: 
 
(1) where available, the use of a court reporter who has the capacity to provide 
real-time transcription of the proceedings; 
 
 
 
- 101 - 
(2) if real-time transcription services are not available, the use of a computer-
aided transcription qualified court reporter; 
 
(3) the use of scopists, text editors, alternating court reporters, or other means to 
expedite the finalization of the certified transcript; and 
 
(4) the imposition of reasonable restrictions on work assignments by employee or 
contract court reporters to ensure that transcript production in capital cases is given 
a priority. 
 
RULE 2.540. 
NOTICES TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 
 
All notices of court proceedings to be held in a public facility, and all process 
compelling appearance at such proceedings, shall include the following: 
 
“If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order 
to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the 
provision of certain assistance. Please contact [identify applicable court 
personnel by name, address, and telephone number] within 2 working days of 
your receipt of this [describe notice]; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 
711.” 
 
RULE 2.545. 
CASE MANAGEMENT 
 
(a) Purpose. Judges and lawyers have a professional obligation to conclude 
litigation as soon as it is reasonably and justly possible to do so. However, parties 
and counsel shall be afforded a reasonable time to prepare and present their case. 
 
(b) Case Control. The trial judge shall take charge of all cases at an early stage 
in the litigation and shall control the progress of the case thereafter until the case is 
determined. The trial j
udge shall take specific steps to monitor and control the pace 
of litigation, including the following: 
 
(1) assuming early and continuous control of the court calendar; 
 
(2) identifying priority cases as assigned by statute, rule of procedure, case law, 
or otherwise; 
 
(3) implementing such docket control policies as may be necessary to advance 
priority cases to ensure prompt resolution; 
 
 
- 102 - 
 
(4) identifying cases subject to alternative dispute resolution processes; 
 
(5) developing rational and effective trial setting policies; and 
 
(6) advancing the trial setting of priority cases, older cases, and cases of greater 
urgency. 
 
(c) 
 Priority Cases. 
 
(1) In all noncriminal cases assigned a priority status by statute, rule of 
procedure, case law, or otherwise, any party may file a notice of priority status 
explaining the nature of the case, the source of the priority status, any deadlines 
imposed by law on any aspect of the case, and any unusual factors that may bear 
on meeting the imposed deadlines. 
 
(2) If, in any noncriminal case assigned a priority status by statute, rule of 
procedure, case law, or otherwise, a party is of the good faith opinion that the case 
has not been appropriately advanced on the docket or has not received priority in 
scheduling consistent with its priority case status, that party may seek review of 
such action by motion for review to the chief judge or to the chief judge’s 
designee. The filing of such a motion for review will not toll the time for seeking 
such other relief as may be afforded by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. 
 
(d) Related Cases. 
 
(1) The petitioner in a family case shall file with the court a notice of related 
cases, if related cases are known or reasonably ascertainable. A case is related 
when: 
 
(A) it involves any of the same parties, children, or issues and it is pending at 
the time the party files a family case; or 
 
(B) it affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed; or 
 
(C) an order in the related case may conflict with an order on the same issues 
in the new case; or 
 
(D) an order in the new case may conflict with an order in the earlier litigation. 
 
 
 
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(2) “Family cases” include dissolution of marriage, annulment, support 
unconnected with dissolution of marriage, paternity, child support, UIFSA, 
custodial care of and access to children, adoption, name change, declaratory 
judgment actions related to premarital, marital, or postmarital agreements, civil 
domestic, repeat violence, dating violence, and sexual violence injunctions, 
juvenile dependency, termination of parental rights, juvenile delinquency, 
emancipation of a minor, CINS/FINS, truancy, and modification and enforcement 
of orders entered in these cases. 
 
(3) The notice of related cases shall identify the caption and case number of the 
related case, contain a brief statement of the relationship of the actions, and contain 
a statement addressing whether assignment to one judge or another method of 
coordination will conserve judicial resources and promote an efficient 
determination of the actions. 
 
(4) The notice of related cases shall be filed with the initial pleading by the 
filing attorney or self-represented petitioner. 
 
(5) Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceedings in 
this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding. 
 
(6) Whenever it appears to a party that two or more pending cases present 
common issues of fact and that assignment to one judge or another method of 
coordination will significantly promote the efficient administration of justice, 
conserve judicial resources, avoid inconsistent results, or prevent multiple court 
appearances by the same parties on the same issues, the party may file a notice of 
related cases requesting coordination of the litigation. 
 
(7) The notice of related cases shall be served on all parties in the related cases, 
the presiding judges, and the chief judge or family law administrative judge. 
 
(e) 
 Continuances. All judges shall apply a firm continuance policy. 
Continuances should be few, good cause should be required, and all requests 
should be heard and resolved by a judge. All motions for continuance shall be in 
writing unless made at a trial and, except for good cause shown, shall be signed by 
the party requesting the continuance. All motions for continuance in priority cases 
shall clearly identify such priority status and explain what effect the motion will 
have on the progress of the case. 
 
 
 
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RULE 2.550. 
CALENDAR CONFLICTS 
 
(a) Guidelines. In resolving calendar conflicts between the state courts of 
Florida or between a state court and a federal court in Florida, the following 
guidelines must be considered: 
 
(1) Any case priority status established by statute, rule of procedure, case law, 
or otherwise shall be evaluated to determine the effect that resolving a calendar 
conflict might have on the priority case or cases. 
 
(2) Juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases are generally to 
be given preference over other cases, except for speedy trial and capital cases. 
 
(3) Criminal cases are generally to be given preference over civil cases. 
 
(4) Jury trials are generally to be given preference over non-jury trials. 
 
(5) Appellate arguments, hearings, and conferences are generally to be given 
preference over trial court proceedings. 
 
(6) The case in which the trial date has been first set generally should take 
precedence. 
 
(b) Additional Circumstances. Factors such as cost, numbers of witnesses and 
attorneys involved, travel, length of trial, age of case, and other relevant matters 
may warrant deviation from these case guidelines. 
 
(c) 
 Notice and Agreement; Resolution by Judges. When an attorney is 
scheduled to appear in 2 courts at the same time and cannot arrange for other 
counsel to represent the clients’ interests, the attorney shall give prompt written 
notice of the conflict to opposing counsel, the clerk of each court, and the presiding 
judge of each case, if known. If the presiding judge of the case cannot be 
identified, written notice of the conflict shall be given to the chief judge of the 
court having jurisdiction over the case, or to the chief judge’s designee. The judges 
or their designees shall confer and undertake to avoid the conflict by agreement 
among themselves. Absent agreement, conflicts should be promptly resolved by 
the judges or their designees in accordance with the above case guidelines. 
 
 
 
 
 
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Committee Notes 
 
1996 Adoption. The adoption of this rule was prompted by the Resolution of the 
Florida State-Federal Judicial Council Regarding Calendar Conflicts Between 
State and Federal Courts, which states as follows: 
 
WHEREAS, the great volume of cases filed in the state and federal courts of 
Florida creates calendar conflicts between the state and federal courts of Florida 
which should be resolved in a fair, efficient and orderly manner to allow for 
judicial efficiency and economy; and 
 
WHEREAS, the Florida State-Federal Judicial Council which represents the 
Bench and Bar of the State of Florida believes that it would be beneficial to 
formally agree upon and publish recommended procedures and priorities for 
resolving calendar conflicts between the state and federal courts of Florida; 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED 
 
In resolving calendar conflicts between the state and federal courts of Florida, 
the following case priorities should be considered: 
 
1. Criminal cases should prevail over civil cases. 
 
2. Jury trials should prevail over non-jury trials. 
 
3. Appellate arguments, hearings, and conferences should prevail over trials. 
 
4. The case in which the trial date has been first set should take precedence. 
 
5. Circumstances such as cost, numbers of witnesses and attorneys involved, 
travel, length of trial, age of case and other relevant matters may warrant 
deviation from this policy. Such matters are encouraged to be resolved through 
communication between the courts involved. 
 
Where an attorney is scheduled to appear in two courts — trial or appellate, 
state or federal — at the same time and cannot arrange for other counsel in his 
or her firm or in the case to represent his or her client’s interest, the attorney 
shall give prompt written notice to opposing counsel, the clerk of each court, 
and the presiding judge of each case, if known, of the conflict. If the presiding 
judge of a case cannot be identified, written notice of the conflict shall be given 
 
 
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to the chief judge of the court having jurisdiction over the case, or to his or her 
designee. The judges or their designees shall confer and undertake to avoid the 
conflict by agreement among themselves. Absent agreement, conflicts should be 
promptly resolved by the judges or their designees in accordance with the above 
case priorities. 
 
In jurisdictions where calendar conflicts arise with frequency, it is 
recommended that each court involved consider appointing a calendar conflict 
coordinator to assist the judges in resolving calendar conflicts by obtaining 
information regarding the conflicts and performing such other ministerial duties 
as directed by the judges. 
 
REVISED AND READOPTED at Miami, Florida, this 13th day of January, 
1995. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
2002 Court Commentary. As provided in subdivision (c), when a scheduling 
conflict involves different courts, the presiding judges should confer and undertake 
to agree on a resolution, using the guidelines provided in this rule. 
 
RULE 2.555. 
INITIATION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS 
 
(a) Major Statutory Offense. Law enforcement officers, at the time of the 
filing of a complaint with the clerk of court, shall designate whether the most 
serious charge on the complaint is a felony or a misdemeanor. The state attorney or 
the state attorney’s designee, at the time of the filing of an original information or 
an original indictment with the clerk of court, shall designate whether the most 
serious offense on the information or the indictment is a felony or misdemeanor. 
Complaints, original informations, and original indictments on which the most 
serious charge is a felony shall be filed with the clerk of the circuit court. 
 
(b) Ordinance Violations. In cases when the state attorney has the 
responsibility for the prosecution of county or municipal ordinance violations, 
where such ordinances have state statutory equivalents, the state attorney or the 
state attorney’s designee shall set forth at the top of the face of the accusatory 
instrument the exact statute number of the single most serious offense charged. 
 
(c) 
 Information or Indictment after County Court Proceedings Begun. 
When action in a criminal case has been initiated in county court, and subsequently 
 
 
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the state attorney files a direct information or the grand jury indicts the defendant, 
the state attorney or the state attorney’s designee shall notify the clerk without 
delay. 
 
RULE 2.560. 
APPOINTMENT OF INTERPRETERS FOR  
             
NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS 
 
 (a)  Criminal or Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings. In any criminal or juvenile 
delinquency proceeding in which a non-English-speaking person is the accused, an 
interpreter for the non-English-speaking person shall be appointed. In any criminal 
or juvenile delinquency proceeding in which a non-English-speaking person is a 
victim, an interpreter shall be appointed unless the court finds that the victim does 
not require the services of a court-appointed interpreter. 
  
 (b) Other Proceedings. In all other proceedings in which a  non-English-
speaking person is a litigant, an interpreter for the non-English-speaking litigant 
shall be appointed if the court determines that the litigant's inability to comprehend 
English deprives the litigant of an understanding of the court proceedings, that a 
fundamental interest is at stake (such as in a civil commitment, termination of 
parental rights, paternity, or dependency proceeding), and that no alternative to the 
appointment of an interpreter exists. 
 
 (c) Witnesses. In any proceeding in which a non-English-speaking person is a 
witness, the appointment of an interpreter shall be governed by the applicable 
provisions of the Florida Evidence Code. 
 
 (d) Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In making 
determinations regarding the appointment of an interpreter, the court should ensure 
compliance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 
 
 (e) Qualifications of Interpreter. 
 
  (1) Appointment of Interpreters when Certified or Duly Qualified 
Interpreters Are Available. Whenever possible, a certified or duly qualified 
interpreter, as defined in the Rules for Certification and Regulation of Court 
Interpreters, shall be appointed. 
   
 (2) Appointment of Interpreters when Certified or Duly Qualified 
Interpreters Are Unavailable. If, after diligent search, a certified or duly 
qualified interpreter is not available, an interpreter who is neither certified nor duly 
 
 
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qualified may be appointed if the judge or hearing officer presiding over the 
proceeding finds that: 
 
  (A) good cause exists for the appointment of an interpreter who is neither 
certified nor duly qualified, such as the prevention of burdensome delay, the 
request or consent of the non-English-speaking person, or other unusual 
circumstance; and 
 
  (B) the proposed interpreter is competent to interpret in the proceedings. 
 
 (3) On-the-Record Objections or Waivers in Criminal and  
Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings. In any criminal or juvenile delinquency 
proceeding in which the interpreter is neither certified nor duly qualified, the court 
shall advise the accused, on the record, that the proposed interpreter is not certified 
or duly qualified pursuant to the Rules for Certification and Regulation of Court 
Interpreters. The accused's objection to the appointment of a proposed interpreter, 
or the accused's waiver of the appointment of a certified or duly qualified 
interpreter, shall also be on the record. 
 
 (4) Additional on-the-Record Findings, Objections, and Waivers Required at 
Subsequent Proceedings. The appointment of an interpreter who is neither 
certified nor duly qualified shall be limited to a specific proceeding and shall not 
be extended to subsequent proceedings in a case without additional findings of 
good cause and qualification as required by subdivision (e)(2) of this rule, and 
additional compliance with the procedures for on-the-record objections or waivers 
provided for in subdivision (e)(3) of this rule.  
 
 (f) Privileged Communications. Whenever a person communicates through an 
interpreter to any person under circumstances that would render the 
communication privileged and such person could not be compelled to testify as to 
the communication, the privilege shall also apply to the interpreter.