Title: Opinion (PDF) (/)

State: florida

Issuer: Florida Supreme Court

Document:

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC10-2101 
____________ 
 
IN RE:  AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF JUDICIAL 
ADMINISTRATION, THE FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, 
THE FLORIDA RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, THE FLORIDA 
PROBATE RULES, THE FLORIDA RULES OF TRAFFIC COURT, THE 
FLORIDA SMALL CLAIMS RULES, THE FLORIDA RULES OF 
JUVENILE PROCEDURE, THE FLORIDA RULES OF APPELLATE 
PROCEDURE, AND THE FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF 
PROCEDURE—E-MAIL SERVICE RULE. 
 
[June 21, 2012] 
 
PER CURIAM. 
This matter is before the Court for consideration of proposed amendments to 
the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and conforming amendments to the 
Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, the 
Florida Probate Rules, the Florida Rules of Traffic Court, the Florida Small Claims 
Rules, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, the Florida Rules of Appellate 
Procedure, and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and Forms.  We have 
jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
 
The chair of The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee 
(the RJA Committee), together with the committee chairs for each body of court 
 
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rules identified above, filed an out-of-cycle report proposing new Florida Rule of 
Judicial Administration 2.516 (Service of Pleadings and Documents), which would 
implement mandatory e-mail service for all cases in Florida.  The committees also 
propose amendments to conform existing court rules to new rule 2.516. We adopt 
the amendments as proposed. 
BACKGROUND 
 
In June 2009, each of The Florida Bar’s rules committees was asked to 
designate one of its members to serve on the Joint E-mail Service Committee (the 
Joint Committee), tasked to explore the possibility of a comprehensive proposal to 
implement e-mail service in Florida.  In preparing its proposals, the Joint 
Committee determined that a single rule addressing e-mail service should be 
placed in the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.  Accordingly, the RJA 
Committee developed new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 (Service 
of Pleadings and Papers).  All of the rules committees have endorsed and approved 
this rule in concept.1  The rules committees also have proposed various 
amendments to conform the other bodies of court rules to rule 2.516.  The Florida 
                                         
 
1.  Although the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee endorsed new rule 
2.516, it also expressed concerns in the original joint report related to making e-
mail service mandatory in criminal cases.  These concerns are discussed later in 
this opinion. 
 
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Bar Board of Governors approved the entire package of proposals by a vote of 36 
to 3. 
 
After the joint report was submitted to the Court, the proposals were 
published for comment.  The Court received several comments from members of 
the Bar, as well as from the Florida Public Defender Association, the Judicial 
Technology Committee of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, the Family 
Law Rules Committee, and the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar.  The RJA 
Committee, on behalf of all the rules committees, filed a response to these 
comments. 
 
While this case was pending before the Court, the rules committees filed a 
joint out-of-cycle report proposing various rule amendments to implement 
mandatory electronic filing procedures in Florida courts.  See In re Amends. to Fla. 
Rules of Civ. Pro., Fla. Rules of Jud. Admin., Fla. Rules of Crim. Pro., Fla. Probate 
Rules, Fla. Small Claims Rules, Fla. Rules of Juv. Pro., Fla. Rules of App. Pro., & 
Fla. Family Law Rules of Pro.—Electronic Filing, No. SC11-399 (Fla. Petition 
filed Feb. 28, 2011) (In re Electronic Filing).  After the oral arguments in this case 
and in In re Electronic Filing, we determined that certain aspects of these cases 
warranted further examination.  Accordingly, we directed the RJA Committee and 
 
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the Florida Courts Technology Commission (FCTC) to convene a workgroup2 and 
submit a supplemental report addressing several specific areas of concern.  See In 
re Electronic Filing, No. SC11-399 (Fla. order entered Dec. 6, 2011).  As is 
relevant here, we directed the workgroup to address how the implementation plan 
(for the new electronic filing procedures) proposed in In re Electronic Filing would 
impact the electronic service requirements proposed here.  The RJA Committee 
and the FCTC filed a supplemental report addressing this concern.  There were no 
comments on the supplemental report. 
After considering the original joint report, the comments filed, the issues 
discussed at oral argument, and the information provided in the supplemental 
report, we adopt new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 as well as the 
conforming amendments to the rules of procedure, as set forth below.   
AMENDMENTS 
 
The central rule adopted in this case is new Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.516 (Service of Pleadings and Papers).  This rule was modeled 
after current Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080 (Service of Pleadings and 
Papers) and includes many of the same provisions and requirements for service.  
                                         
 
2.  The Court’s order indicated that the workgroup should include, but not be 
limited to, representatives from the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, the 
Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the Florida Public Defender 
Association, and the Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers. 
 
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However, new rule 2.516 provides that all documents required or permitted to be 
served on another party must be served by e-mail.  Under subdivision (b)(1) 
(Service by Electronic Mail (―e-mail‖)), upon appearing in a proceeding a lawyer 
must designate a primary e-mail address, and may designate up to two secondary 
e-mail addresses, for receiving service.  Thereafter, service on the lawyer must be 
made by e-mail.  The rule does permit several limited exceptions to this 
requirement.  A lawyer may file a motion to be excused from e-mail service, 
demonstrating that he or she has no e-mail account and lacks access to the Internet 
at the lawyer’s office.3  Similarly, individuals who are not represented by an 
attorney may designate an e-mail address for service if they wish; however, pro se 
litigants are not required to use e-mail service.  Additionally, applications for 
witness subpoenas and documents served by formal notice or required to be served 
in the manner provided for service of formal notice are not required to comply with 
rule 2.516.   
                                         
 
3.  Service on or by attorneys excused from e-mail service and service on or 
by pro se litigants who do not designate an e-mail address must be made in 
accordance with rule 2.516(b)(2).  This subdivision of the rule provides for service 
by delivering a copy of the document or by mailing it to the party or attorney at 
their last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of 
the court. 
 
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Subdivision (b)(1) also includes provisions addressing the time and format 
for e-mail service.  Service by e-mail is deemed complete when the e-mail is sent.4  
Additionally, e-mail service is made by attaching a copy of the document to be 
served in PDF format to an e-mail.  The e-mail must contain the subject line 
―SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT‖ in all capital letters, followed by the case 
number of the relevant proceeding.  The body of the e-mail must identify the court 
in which the proceeding is pending, the case number, the name of the initial party 
on each side, the title of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender’s 
name and telephone number.  The e-mail and attachments together may not exceed 
5 megabytes in size; e-mails that exceed the size requirement must be divided into 
separate e-mails (no one of which may exceed 5 megabytes) and labeled 
sequentially in the subject line. 
 
As noted, the other subdivisions in rule 2.516 closely track the language in 
rule 1.080, modified to reflect the move to e-mail service.  Subdivision (c) 
(Service; Numerous Defendants) describes procedures for service when the parties 
are ―unusually numerous‖; subdivision (d) (Filing) requires that all original 
documents must be filed with the court either before service on the opposing party 
or immediately thereafter; and subdivision (e) (Filing Defined) states that 
                                         
 
4.  Subdivision (b)(1)(D)(iii) provides that e-mail service is treated as 
service by mail for the computation of time. 
 
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documents are deemed ―filed‖ when they are filed with the clerk of court.  
Subdivisions (g) (Service by Clerk) and (h) (Service of Orders) address service of 
notices or other such documents by the clerk, and service of orders or judgments 
entered by the court, respectively.  These subdivisions authorize, but do not 
require, the clerks and the courts to utilize e-mail service if they are equipped to do 
so. 
 
In addition to new rule 2.516, we also amend the rules of procedure to delete 
existing provisions in the rules describing service, and add new language 
referencing rule 2.516.   
IMPLEMENTATION 
 
As originally proposed in the joint report, rule 2.516 was intended to be both 
mandatory and uniform, such that e-mail service would be mandatory in all types 
of cases in Florida.  The rules committees also urged the Court to make e-mail 
service mandatory as soon as practicable. 
 
The Criminal Procedure Rules Committee (CPR Committee) and the Florida 
Public Defender Association (FPDA) have raised concerns about the move to 
mandatory e-mail service in criminal cases.  The CPR Committee and the FPDA 
asserted that, until the Court adopts an electronic filing rule, lawyers in the offices 
of the state attorneys, public defenders, and regional counsel will be required to 
serve paper documents to the court and electronic copies of the same documents on 
 
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opposing counsel.  The commenters also maintained that the public defenders, state 
attorneys, and regional counsel have limited budgets which may not be able to 
support the costs required to immediately upgrade technology and train personnel 
in order to meet the new requirements.   
In the supplemental report submitted to the Court, the workgroup (which 
included representatives from the both the CPR Committee and FPDA) further 
clarified this concern.  The workgroup recommended that attorneys who practice in 
the criminal, traffic, and juvenile court systems should be permitted, but not 
required, to follow e-mail service procedures.  It suggested that mandatory e-mail 
service for practitioners in the criminal, traffic, and juvenile divisions should be 
delayed until electronic filing is mandatory for this group.  See Joint Supplemental 
Report at 15 (Mar. 6, 2012) (on file with the Court in Case Nos. SC10-2101 and 
SC11-399). 
 
We accept the workgroup’s recommendation to delay mandatory e-mail 
service in the criminal, traffic, and juvenile divisions of the trial court until 
electronic filing is also mandatory in these divisions.  Accordingly, the rule 
amendments that we adopt in this case will become effective July 1, 2012, at 12:01 
a.m.; however, they will be implemented as set forth in this opinion.   
 
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First, e-mail service will be mandatory for attorneys practicing in the civil, 
probate, small claims, and family law divisions of the trial courts, as well as in all 
appellate cases, when the rule amendments take effect on July 1, 2012.   
 
Second, when the rules take effect on July 1, attorneys practicing in the 
criminal, traffic, and juvenile divisions5 of the trial court may voluntarily choose to 
serve documents by e-mail under the new procedures, or they may continue to 
operate under the existing rules.  E-mail service will be mandatory for attorneys 
practicing in these divisions on October 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. (the date on which 
electronic filing will be mandatory in these divisions).  See In re Electronic Filing, 
No. SC11-399, slip op. at 22 (Fla. June 21, 2012).   
Finally, we note that, pursuant to rule 2.516(b)(1), self-represented parties 
involved in any type of case in any Florida court, may, but are not required to, 
serve documents by e-mail.  Attorneys excused from e-mail service are also not 
obligated to comply with the new e-mail service requirements. 
CONCLUSION 
Accordingly, we adopt new Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516, 
and amend the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, the Florida Rules of Civil 
Procedure, the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Florida Probate Rules, the 
                                         
 
5.  This includes juvenile delinquency proceedings, dependency and 
termination of parental rights proceedings, and proceedings for families and 
children in need of services. 
 
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Florida Rules of Traffic Court, the Florida Small Claims Rules, the Florida Rules 
of Juvenile Procedure, the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the Florida 
Family Law Rules of Procedure as set forth in the appendix to this opinion.  New 
language is indicated by underscoring; deletions are indicated by struck-through 
type.  The committee notes are offered for explanation only and are not adopted as 
an official part of the rules.   
We also amend the Family Law Forms as set forth in the appendix to this 
opinion, fully engrossed and ready for use on the effective date of the amendments.  
The forms can be accessed and downloaded from this Court’s website at 
www.flcourts.org/gen_public/family/forms_rules/index.shtml.  By adopting the 
amended forms, we express no opinion as to their correctness or applicability.  As 
set forth above, the amendments to the rules and forms shall become effective July 
1, 2012, at 12:01 a.m. 
 
It is so ordered. 
 
CANADY, C.J, and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, POLSTON, LABARGA, and 
PERRY, JJ., concur. 
 
 
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS. 
 
 
Original Proceedings –The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, The Florida 
Rules of Civil Procedure, The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, The Florida 
Probate Rules, The Florida Rules of Traffic Court, The Florida Small Claims 
 
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Rules, The Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, The Florida Rules of Appellate 
Procedure, and The Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure  
 
Kevin D. Johnson, Chair, Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Thompson, Sizemore, 
Gonzalez & Hearing, P.A., Tampa, Florida; Donald E. Scaglione, Chair, Criminal 
Procedure Rules Committee, Brooksville, Florida; John C. Moran, Co-Chair, 
Probate Rules Committee, Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A., West Palm Beach, 
Florida and Tasha K. Pepper-Dickinson, Co-Chair, Probate Rules Committee, 
Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, P.A., West Palm Beach, Florida; Jill M. 
Hampton, Chair, Traffic Court Rules Committee, Orlando, Florida; Judson L. 
Cohen, Chair, Small Claims Rules Committee, Cohen Law Offices, Miami, 
Florida; Joel M. Silvershein, Chair, Juvenile Court Rules Committee, Office of 
State Attorney, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Jamie B. Moses, Chair, Appellate Court 
Rules Committee, Fisher, Rushmer, et al., Orlando, Florida; Ashley McCorvey 
Myers, Chair, Family Law Rules Committee, McCorvey & Myers, Jacksonville, 
Florida,  
 
 
for Petitioners 
 
Charles E. Ray of Charles E. Ray, P.A., Port Saint Lucie, Florida; Lynn W. Rhodes 
of  Lynn W. Rhodes, P.A., Bartow, Florida; Kurt E. Lee of Kirk and Pinkerton, 
P.A., Sarasota, Florida; Steven P. Combs, Chair, Family Law Rules Committee, 
Jacksonville, Florida; Walter C. Jones, IV of Freeman & Jones, LLC, Palm Beach 
Gardens, Florida; Honorable Nancy Daniels, Public Defender, Second Judicial 
Circuit, Tallahassee, Florida; Diane M. Kirigin, General Magistrate, Delray Beach, 
Florida and Matthew B. Capstraw of Norman D. Levin, P.A., Longwood, Florida,  
 
 
Responding with Comments  
 
 
 
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APPENDIX 
 
RULE 1.080.  
SERVICE OF PLEADINGS, AND PAPERSORDERS, 
AND DOCUMENTS 
 
(a) 
Service; When Required. Unless the court otherwise orders, every 
pleading subsequent to the initial pleading and every other paper filed in the action, 
except applications for witness subpoena, shall be served on each party. No service 
need be made on parties against whom a default has been entered, except that 
pleadings asserting new or additional claims against them shall be served in the 
manner provided for service of summons. 
 
(b) 
Service; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be 
made upon a party represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the 
attorney unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. Service on the 
attorney or party shall be made by delivering a copy or mailing it to the attorney or 
the party at the last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the 
clerk of the court. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. Delivery of a 
copy within this rule shall be complete upon: (1) handing it to the attorney or to the 
party, (2) leaving it at the attorney’s or party’s office with a clerk or other person in 
charge thereof, (3) if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place 
therein, (4) if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it 
at the person’s usual place of abode with some person of his or her family above 
15 years of age and informing such person of the contents, or (5) transmitting it by 
facsimile to the attorney’s or party’s office with a cover sheet containing the 
sender’s name, firm, address, telephone number, and facsimile number, and the 
number of pages transmitted. When service is made by facsimile, a copy shall also 
be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs 
when transmission is complete. Service by delivery shall be deemed complete on 
the date of the delivery. 
 
(c) 
Service; Numerous Defendants. In actions when the parties are 
unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service contemplated by these 
rules on motion or on its initiative in such manner as may be found to be just and 
reasonable. 
 
(d) 
Filing. All original papers shall be filed with the court either before 
service or immediately thereafter, unless otherwise provided for by general law or 
 
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other rules. If the original of any bond or other paper is not placed in the court file, 
a certified copy shall be so placed by the clerk. 
 
(e) 
Filing Defined. The filing of papers with the court as required by 
these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the judge may 
permit papers to be filed with the judge, in which event the judge shall note the 
filing date before him or her on the papers and transmit them to the clerk. The date 
of filing is that shown on the face of the paper by the judge’s notation or the clerk’s 
time stamp, whichever is earlier. 
 
(f) 
Certificate of Service. When any attorney shall certify in substance: 
 
―I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or 
names) by (delivery) (mail) (fax) on ..... (date) ...... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attorney‖ 
 
the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance 
with these rules. 
 
(g) 
Service by Clerk. If a party who is not represented by an attorney 
files a paper that does not show service of a copy on other parties, the clerk shall 
serve a copy of it on other parties as provided in subdivision (b). 
 
(h) 
Service of Orders. 
 
(1) 
A copy of all orders or judgments shall be transmitted by the 
court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of the order or 
judgment. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been 
entered except orders setting an action for trial as prescribed in rule 1.440(c) and 
final judgments that shall be prepared and served as provided in subdivision (h)(2). 
The court may require that orders or judgments be prepared by a party, may require 
the party to furnish the court with stamped, addressed envelopes for service of the 
order or judgment, and may require that proposed orders and judgments be 
furnished to all parties before entry by the court of the order or judgment. 
 
(2) 
When a final judgment is entered against a party in default, the 
court shall mail a conformed copy of it to the party. The party in whose favor the 
judgment is entered shall furnish the court with a copy of the judgment, unless it is 
 
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prepared by the court, and the address of the party to be served. If the address is 
unknown, the copy need not be furnished. 
 
(3) 
This subdivision is directory and a failure to comply with it 
does not affect the order or judgment or its finality or any proceedings arising in 
the action. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1971 Amendment. Subdivision (g) is added to cover the situation when a 
party responds by a letter to the clerk and the letter may constitute the party’s 
answer. The clerk is then required to furnish copies to parties who have appeared 
in the action and who are not shown to have received copies. It is not intended to 
apply to those litigious persons appearing in proper person who are familiar with 
the requirements of the rules. Subdivision (h) is added and the first part regulates 
the service of copies of orders. When a party is charged with preparation of an 
order, it requires service of the proposed form on other parties and delivery of 
sufficient copies to the court to be conformed and furnished to all parties after 
entry The second part is intended to notify defendant whose address is known of 
the determination of the action by the court. Failure to comply with either part of 
subdivision (h) does not affect the order or judgment in any manner. 
 
1972 Amendment. Subdivision (h) is amended because confusion has 
resulted in its application. Use of the term ―party‖ has been misconstrued. It must 
be read in conjunction with subdivision (b) of the rule. When service can be made 
on an attorney, it should be made on the attorney. The term ―party‖ is used 
throughout the rules because subdivision (b) makes the necessary substitution of 
the party’s attorney throughout the rules. No certificate of service is required. The 
notation with the names of the persons served with a proposed form is not to be 
signed. The committee intended for the court to know who had been served only. 
Otherwise, the committee would have used the form of certificate of service in 
subdivision (f). Submission of copies and mailing of them by the court has proved 
cumbersome in practice and so it is deleted. The purpose of the rule was to ensure 
that all parties had an opportunity to see the proposed form before entry by the 
court. 
 
1976 Amendment. The amendment made to this rule on July 26, 1972, was 
intended according to the committee notes ―[t]o assure that all parties had an 
opportunity to see the proposed form before entry by the Court.‖ This change 
followed on the heels of the 1971 amendment, which the committee felt had been 
 
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confusing. Two changes have been made to subdivision (h)(1), which have resulted 
in a wholesale redrafting of the rule. First, the provision requiring the submission 
of proposed orders to all counsel prior to entry by the court has been deleted, any 
inaccuracies in an order submitted to the court being remediable either by the 
court’s own vigilance or later application by an interested party. Secondly, the rule 
now requires that conformed copies of any order entered by the court must be 
mailed to all parties of record in all instances (and to defaulted parties in 2 
specified instances), for purposes of advising them of the date of the court’s action 
as well as the substance of such action. Nothing in this new rule is meant to limit 
the power of the court to delegate the ministerial function of preparing orders. 
 
1992 Amendment. Subdivisions (b) and (f) are amended to allow service 
pursuant to this rule to be made by facsimile. ―Facsimile‖ or ―fax‖ is a copy of a 
paper transmitted by electronic means to a printer receiving the transmission at a 
designated telephone number. When service is made by facsimile or fax, a second 
copy must be served by any other method permitted by this rule to ensure that a 
legible copy is received. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
1984 Amendment. The committee is recommending an amendment to rule 
1.530(b) to cure the confusion created by Casto v. Casto, 404 So. 2d 1046 (Fla. 4th 
DCA 1980). That recommendation requires an amendment to rule 1.080(e) 
specifying that the date of filing is that shown on the face of the paper. 
 
Every pleading subsequent to the initial pleading and every other document 
filed in the action must be served in conformity with the requirements of Florida 
Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 1.170.  
COUNTERCLAIMS AND CROSSCLAIMS 
 
(a) – (f) 
[No Change] 
 
(g) 
Crossclaim against Co-Party. A pleading may state as a crossclaim 
any claim by one party against a co-party arising out of the transaction or 
occurrence that is the subject matter of either the original action or a counterclaim 
therein, or relating to any property that is the subject matter of the original action. 
The crossclaim may include a claim that the party against whom it is asserted is or 
 
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may be liable to the crossclaimant for all or part of a claim asserted in the action 
against the crossclaimant. Service of a crossclaim on a party who has appeared in 
the action shall be made pursuant to rule 1.080(b). Service of a crossclaim against 
a party who has not appeared in the action shall be made in the manner provided 
for service of summons. 
 
(h) – (j) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1972 – 1988 Amendments.  [No Change] 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (g) is amended to reflect the relocation of 
the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 1.351. 
PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND THINGS 
WITHOUT DEPOSITION 
 
(a) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Procedure. A party desiring production under this rule shall serve 
notice as provided in rule 1.080 on every other party of the intent to serve a 
subpoena under this rule at least 10 days before the subpoena is issued if service is 
by delivery and 15 days before the subpoena is issued if the service is by mail or e-
mail. The proposed subpoena shall be attached to the notice and shall state the 
time, place, and method for production of the documents or things, and the name 
and address of the person who is to produce the documents or things, if known, and 
if not known, a general description sufficient to identify the person or the particular 
class or group to which the person belongs; shall include a designation of the items 
to be produced; and shall state that the person who will be asked to produce the 
documents or things has the right to object to the production under this rule and 
that the person will not be required to surrender the documents or things. A copy of 
the notice and proposed subpoena shall not be furnished to the person upon whom 
the subpoena is to be served. If any party serves an objection to production under 
this rule within 10 days of service of the notice, the documents or things shall not 
be produced pending resolution of the objection in accordance with subdivision 
(d). 
 
 
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(c) – (f) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1980 Adoption.  [No Change] 
 
1996 – 2010 Amendments.  [No Change] 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is amended to include e-mail service as 
provided in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 1.410. 
SUBPOENA 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) 
For Production of Documentary Evidence. A subpoena may also 
command the person to whom it is directed to produce the books, papers, 
documents, or tangible things designated therein, but the court, upon motion made 
promptly and in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for 
compliance therewith, may (1) quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable 
and oppressive, or (2) condition denial of the motion upon the advancement by the 
person in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable cost of producing 
the books, papers, documents, or tangible things. A party seeking production of 
evidence at trial which would be subject to a subpoena may compel such 
production by serving a notice to produce such evidence on an adverse party as 
provided in rule 1.080(b). Such notice shall have the same effect and be subject to 
the same limitations as a subpoena served on the party. 
 
(d) – (h) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1972 – 1996 Amendments.  [No Change] 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c) is amended to reflect the relocation of 
the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. 
 
 
 
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RULE 1.440. 
SETTING ACTION FOR TRIAL 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) 
Setting for Trial. If the court finds the action ready to be set for trial, 
it shall enter an order fixing a date for trial. Trial shall be set not less than 30 days 
from the service of the notice for trial. By giving the same notice the court may set 
an action for trial. In actions in which the damages are not liquidated, the order 
setting an action for trial shall be served on parties who are in default in 
accordance with rule 1.080(a). 
 
(d) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1972 – 1988 Amendments.  [No Change] 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c) is amended to reflect the relocation of 
the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 1.442. 
PROPOSALS FOR SETTLEMENT 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) 
Form and Content of Proposal for Settlement. 
 
(1) 
[No Change] 
 
(2) 
A proposal shall:  
 
(A) – (F) 
[No Change] 
 
 
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(G) 
include a certificate of service in the form required by 
rule 1.080(f). 
 
(3) – (4) 
[No Change] 
 
(d) – (j) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1996 – 2000 Amendments.  [No Change]  
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c)(2)(G) is amended to reflect the 
relocation of the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 1.510. 
SUMMARY JUDGMENT 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change]  
 
(c) 
Motion and Proceedings Thereon. The motion shall state with 
particularity the grounds upon which it is based and the substantial matters of law 
to be argued and shall specifically identify any affidavits, answers to 
interrogatories, admissions, depositions, and other materials as would be 
admissible in evidence (―summary judgment evidence‖) on which the movant 
relies. The movant shall serve the motion at least 20 days before the time fixed for 
the hearing, and shall also serve at that time a copy of any summary judgment 
evidence on which the movant relies that has not already been filed with the court. 
The adverse party shall identify, by notice mailed to the movant's attorney served 
pursuant to rule 1.080 at least 5 days prior to the day of the hearing, or delivered no 
later than 5:00 p.m. 2 business days prior to the day of the hearing, any summary 
judgment evidence on which the adverse party relies. To the extent that summary 
judgment evidence has not already been filed with the court, the adverse party shall 
serve a copy on the movant by mail at least 5 days prior to the day of the hearing, 
or by delivery to the movant's attorney no later than 5:00 p.m. 2 business days prior 
to the day of hearing. The judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the 
pleadings and summary judgment evidence on file show that there is no genuine 
issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a 
matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered 
 
- 20 - 
on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of 
damages. 
 
(d) – (g) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1976 – 2005 Amendments.  [No Change]  
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (c) is amended to reflect the relocation of 
the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 1.630. 
EXTRAORDINARY REMEDIES 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change]  
 
(d) 
Process. If the complaint shows a prima facie case for relief, the court 
shall issue: 
 
(1) 
a summons in certiorari; 
 
(2) 
an order nisi in prohibition; 
 
(3) 
an alternative writ in mandamus that may incorporate the 
complaint by reference only;  
 
(4) 
a writ of quo warranto; or 
 
(5) 
a writ of habeas corpus. 
 
The writ shall be served in the manner prescribed by law, except the summons in 
certiorari shall be served as provided in rule 1.080(b). 
 
(e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Note 
 
 
- 21 - 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (d)(5) is amended to reflect the relocation of 
the service rule from rule 1.080 to Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. 
 
Court Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
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 current record Florida Bar address, telephone 
number, including area code, primary e-mail address and secondary e-mail 
addresses, if any, 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. 
 
(b) – (c) 
[No Change]  
 
 
 
RULE 2.516 
SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND DOCUMENTS 
 
(a) 
Service; When Required. Unless the court otherwise orders, or a 
statute or supreme court administrative order specifies a different means of service, 
every pleading subsequent to the initial pleading and every other document filed in 
any court proceeding, except applications for witness subpoenas and documents 
served by formal notice or required to be served in the manner provided for service 
of formal notice, must be served in accordance with this rule on each party. No 
 
- 22 - 
service need be made on parties against whom a default has been entered, except 
that pleadings asserting new or additional claims against them must be served in 
the manner provided for service of summons. 
 
(b) 
Service; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be 
made upon a party represented by an attorney, service must be made upon the 
attorney unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. 
 
(1) 
Service by Electronic Mail (―e-mail‖). All documents 
required or permitted to be served on another party must be served by e-mail, 
unless this rule otherwise provides. When, in addition to service by e-mail, the 
sender also utilizes another means of service provided for in subdivision (b)(2), 
any differing time limits and other provisions applicable to that other means of 
service control. 
 
(A) 
Service on Attorneys. Upon appearing in a proceeding, 
an attorney must serve a designation of a primary e-mail address and may 
designate no more than two secondary e-mail addresses. Thereafter, service must 
be directed to all designated e-mail addresses in that proceeding. Every document 
filed by an attorney thereafter must include the primary e-mail address of that 
attorney and any secondary e-mail addresses. If an attorney does not designate any 
e-mail address for service, documents may be served on that attorney at the e-mail 
address on record with The Florida Bar. 
 
(B) 
Exception to E-mail Service on Attorneys. Service by 
an attorney on another attorney must be made by e-mail unless excused by the 
court. Upon motion by an attorney demonstrating that the attorney has no e-mail 
account and lacks access to the Internet at the attorney’s office, the court may 
excuse the attorney from the requirements of e-mail service. Service on and by an 
attorney excused by the court from e-mail service must be by the means provided 
in subdivision (b)(2) of this rule. 
 
(C) 
Service on and by Parties Not Represented by an 
Attorney. Any party not represented by an attorney may serve a designation of a 
primary e-mail address and also may designate no more than two secondary e-mail 
addresses to which service must be directed in that proceeding by the means 
provided in subdivision (b)(1) of this rule. If a party not represented by an attorney 
does not designate an e-mail address for service in a proceeding, service on and by 
that party must be by the means provided in subdivision (b)(2) of this rule. 
 
 
- 23 - 
(D) 
Time of Service. Service by e-mail is complete when it 
is sent. 
 
(i) 
An e-mail is deemed served on the date it is sent. 
 
(ii) 
If the sender learns that the e-mail did not reach 
the address of the person to be served, the sender must immediately send another 
copy by e-mail, or by a means authorized by subdivision (b)(2) of this rule.  
 
(iii) 
E-mail service is treated as service by mail for the 
computation of time. 
 
(E) 
Format of E-mail for Service. Service of a document by 
e-mail is made by attaching a copy of the document in PDF format to an e-mail 
sent to all addresses designated by the attorney or party. 
 
(i) 
All documents served by e-mail must be attached 
to an e-mail message containing a subject line beginning with the words 
―SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT‖ in all capital letters, followed by the case 
number of the proceeding in which the documents are being served. 
 
(ii) 
The body of the e-mail must identify the court in 
which the proceeding is pending, the case number, the name of the initial party on 
each side, the title of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender’s 
name and telephone number. 
 
(iii) 
Any document served by e-mail may be signed by 
the ―/s/‖ format, as long as the filed original is signed in accordance with the 
applicable rule of procedure. 
 
(iv) 
Any e-mail which, together with its attached 
documents, exceeds five megabytes (5MB) in size, must be divided and sent as 
separate e-mails, no one of which may exceed 5MB in size and each of which must 
be sequentially numbered in the subject line. 
 
(2) 
Service by Other Means.  In addition to, and not in lieu of, 
service by e-mail, service may also be made upon attorneys by any of the means 
specified in this subdivision (b)(2). Service on and by all parties who are not 
represented by an attorney and who do not designate an e-mail address, and on and 
by all attorneys excused from e-mail service, must be made by delivering a copy of 
 
- 24 - 
the document or by mailing it to the party or attorney at their last known address 
or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Service by mail 
is complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy within this rule is complete upon: 
 
(A) 
handing it to the attorney or to the party, 
 
(B) 
leaving it at the attorney’s or party’s office with a clerk 
or other person in charge thereof, 
 
(C) 
if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous 
place therein, 
 
(D) 
if the office is closed or the person to be served has no 
office, leaving it at the person’s usual place of abode with some person of his or 
her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents, or 
 
(E) 
transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney’s or party’s 
office with a cover sheet containing the sender’s name, firm, address, telephone 
number, and facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. When service 
is made by facsimile, a copy must also be served by any other method permitted by 
this rule. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is complete. 
 
(F) 
Service by delivery after 5:00 p.m. must be deemed to 
have been made by mailing on the date of delivery. 
 
(c) 
Service; Numerous Defendants. In actions when the parties are 
unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service contemplated by these 
rules on motion or on its own initiative in such manner as may be found to be just 
and reasonable. 
 
(d) 
Filing. All original documents must be filed with the court either 
before service or immediately thereafter, unless otherwise provided for by general 
law or other rules. If the original of any bond or other document is not placed in 
the court file, a certified copy must be so placed by the clerk. 
 
(e) 
Filing Defined. The filing of documents with the court as required by 
these rules must be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the judge may 
permit documents to be filed with the judge, in which event the judge must note 
the filing date before him or her on the documents and transmit them to the clerk. 
 
- 25 - 
The date of filing is that shown on the face of the document by the judge’s notation 
or the clerk’s time stamp, whichever is earlier. 
 
(f) 
Certificate of Service. When any attorney certifies in substance: 
 
―I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or 
names and addresses used for service) by (e-mail) (delivery) (mail) (fax) on ..... 
(date) ….. 
 
________________________ 
Attorney‖ 
 
the certificate is taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance 
with this rule. 
 
(g) 
Service by Clerk. Service of notices and other documents required to 
be made by the clerk must also be done as provided in subdivision (b). 
 
(h) 
Service of Orders. 
 
(1) 
A copy of all orders or judgments must be transmitted by the 
court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of the order or 
judgment. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been 
entered except orders setting an action for trial and final judgments that must be 
prepared and served as provided in subdivision (h)(2). The court may require that 
orders or judgments be prepared by a party, may require the party to furnish the 
court with stamped, addressed envelopes for service of the order or judgment, and 
may require that proposed orders and judgments be furnished to all parties before 
entry by the court of the order or judgment. The court may serve any order or 
judgment by e-mail to all attorneys who have not been excused from e-mail service 
and to all parties not represented by an attorney who have designated an e-mail 
address for service. 
 
(2) 
When a final judgment is entered against a party in default, the 
court must mail a conformed copy of it to the party. The party in whose favor the 
judgment is entered must furnish the court with a copy of the judgment, unless it is 
prepared by the court, with the address of the party to be served. If the address is 
unknown, the copy need not be furnished. 
 
 
- 26 - 
(3) 
This subdivision is directory and a failure to comply with it 
does not affect the order or judgment, its finality, or any proceedings arising in the 
action. 
 
 
 
RULE 3.030.  
SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS 
 
(a) 
Service; When Required. Every pleading subsequent to the initial 
indictment or information on which a defendant is to be tried unless the court 
otherwise orders, and every order not entered in open court, every written motion 
unless it is one about which a hearing ex parte is authorized, and every written 
notice, demand, and similar paper shall be served on each party in conformity with 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516; however, nothing herein shall be 
construed to require that a plea of not guilty shall be in writing. 
 
(b) 
Same; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made 
on a party represented by an attorney, the service shall be made on the attorney 
unless service on the party is ordered by the court. Service on the attorney or on a 
party shall be made by delivering a copy to the party or by mailing it to the party's 
last known address, or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of the 
court who shall place it in the court file. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall 
mean: 
 
(1) 
handing it to the attorney or to the party; or 
 
(2) 
leaving it at the attorney's office with the secretary or other 
person in charge; or 
 
(3) 
if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place 
therein; or 
 
(4) 
if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, 
leaving it at the person's usual place of abode with a family member above 15 
years of age and informing that person of the contents. Service by mail shall be 
considered complete upon mailing; or 
 
(5) 
transmitting it electronically to each party with a cover sheet 
indicating the sender's name, bar number, firm, address, telephone number, 
facsimile or modem number, and the number of pages transmitted. Electronic 
 
- 27 - 
service occurs when transmission of the last page is complete. Service by delivery 
or electronic transmission after 5:00 p.m. shall be deemed to have been made on 
the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. 
 
 
(c) 
Filing. All original papers, copies of which are required to be served 
on parties, must be filed with the court either before service or immediately 
thereafter. 
 
(d) 
Filing with the Court Defined. The filing of pleadings and other 
papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with 
the clerk of the court, except that the judge may permit the papers to be filed with 
him or her, in which event the judge shall note thereon the filing date and transmit 
them to the office of the clerk. Unless any rule expressly provides to the contrary, 
filing of pleadings and other papers with the court may be made by electronic 
transmission provided for and in accordance with the Florida Rules of Judicial 
Administration. 
 
(e) 
Certificate of Service. When any attorney shall in substance certify: 
 
I do certify that a copy (copies) hereof (has) (have) been furnished to (here 
insert name or names) by (delivery) (mail) on ..... (date) ...... 
 
 
 
Attorney 
 
the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of service in compliance with all 
rules of court and law. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 3.070. 
ADDITIONAL TIME AFTER SERVICE BY MAIL OR 
ELECTRONIC MAIL 
 
Whenever a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some 
proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of a notice or other paper 
 
- 28 - 
on the party and the notice or paper is served on the party by mail or electronic 
mail, 3 days shall be added to the prescribed period. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 3.852. 
CAPITAL POSTCONVICTION PUBLIC RECORDS 
PRODUCTION 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change]  
 
(c) 
Filing and Service. 
 
(1) 
[No Change] 
 
(2) 
Service shall be made pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal 
Procedure 3.030(b). 
 
(3) – (4) 
[No Change] 
 
 
(d) – (m) 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 5.030. 
ATTORNEYS 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
 
- 29 - 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041(b) Service of pleadings and papersdocuments.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.110(b), (c) Resident agent.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.505 Attorneys.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
Fla. R. App. P. 9.440 Attorneys.  
 
 
 
RULE 5.040. 
NOTICE 
 
(a) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Informal Notice. When informal notice of a petition or other 
proceeding is required or permitted, it shall be served as provided in rule 5.041(b). 
 
(c) – (d) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change]  
 
2012 Revision: Subdivision (b) revised to reflect amendment to rule 5.041. 
 
Statutory References  
 
[No Change] 
 
 
- 30 - 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.030 Attorneys. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.560 Petition for appointment of guardian of an incapacitated 
person. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.681 Restoration of rights of person with developmental 
disability. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.505 Attorneys. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.070 Process. 
Fla. R. Civ. P. Form 1.902 Summons. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.041. 
SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERSDOCUMENTS 
 
(a) 
Service; When Required. Unless the court orders otherwise, every 
petition or motion for an order determining rights of an interested person, and 
every other pleading or paperdocument filed in the particular proceeding which is 
the subject matter of such petition or motion, except applications for witness 
subpoenas, shall be served on interested persons as set forth in Florida Rule of 
Judicial Administration 2.516 unless these rules, the Florida Probate Code, or the 
Florida Guardianship Law provides otherwise. No service need be made on 
interested persons against whom a default has been entered, or against whom the 
matter may otherwise proceed ex parte, unless a new or additional right or demand 
is asserted. For purposes of this rule an interested person shall be deemed a party 
under rule 2.516. 
 
(b) 
Service; How Made. When service is required or permitted to be 
made on an interested person represented by an attorney, service shall be made on 
the attorney unless service on the interested person is ordered by the court. Except 
when serving formal notice, or when serving a motion, pleading, or other paper in 
the manner provided for service of formal notice, service shall be made by 
delivering or mailing a copy of the motion, pleading, or other paper to the attorney 
 
- 31 - 
or interested person at the last known address or, if no address is known, leaving it 
with the clerk of the court. If the interested person is a minor whose disabilities of 
nonage are not removed, and who is not represented by an attorney, then service 
shall be on the persons designated to accept service of process on a minor under 
chapter 48, Florida Statutes. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing 
except when serving formal notice or when making service in the manner of 
formal notice. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall be complete upon 
 
(1) 
handing it to the attorney or to the interested person; or 
 
(2) 
leaving it at the attorney’s or interested person’s office with a 
clerk or other person in charge thereof; or 
 
(3) 
if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place 
therein; or 
 
(4) 
if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, 
leaving it at the person’s usual place of abode with some person of his or her 
family above 15 years of age and informing that person of the contents; or 
 
(5) 
transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney’s or interested 
person’s office with a cover sheet containing the sender’s name, firm, address, 
telephone number, facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. When 
delivery is made by facsimile, a copy shall also be served by any other method 
permitted by this rule. Facsimile delivery occurs when transmission is complete.  
 
Service by delivery after 4:00 p.m. shall be deemed to have been made on 
the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. 
 
(c) 
Service; Numerous Interested Persons. In proceedings when the 
interested persons are unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service 
contemplated by these rules on motion or on its initiative in a manner as may be 
found to be just and reasonable. 
 
(d) 
Filing. All original papers shall be filed either before service or 
immediately thereafter. If the original of any bond or other paper is not placed in 
the court file, a certified copy shall be so placed by the clerk. 
 
(e) 
Filing With Court Defined. The filing of papers with the court as 
required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the 
 
- 32 - 
judge may permit the papers to be filed with the judge in which event the judge 
shall note the filing date and transmit the papers to the clerk. The date of filing is 
that shown on the face of each paper by the judge’s notation or the clerk’s time 
stamp, whichever is earlier. 
 
(f) 
Certificate of Service. When any attorney shall certify in substance:  
 
―I certify that a copy hereof has been served on (here insert name or names) 
by (delivery) (mail) (fax) on (date). 
 
 
Attorney‖ 
 
the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of service in compliance 
with these rules except in case of formal notice or service in the manner of 
formal notice. A person not represented by an attorney shall certify in the same 
manner, but the certificate must be verified. 
 
(g) 
Service of Orders. 
 
(1) 
A copy of all orders or judgments determining rights of an 
interested person shall be transmitted by the court or under its direction at the time 
of entry of the order or judgment to all interested persons in the particular 
proceeding. 
 
(2) 
This subdivision (g) is directory, and a failure to comply with it 
does not affect the order or judgment or its finality. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Portions of subdivision (b) and all of subdivisions (d), (e), 
(f), and (g) deleted in response to creation of Rule 2.516 of the Rules of Judicial 
Administration. Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
- 33 - 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.030 Attorneys. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.150(c) Order requiring accounting. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.240(a) Notice of administration. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.340(d) Inventory. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.550 Petition to determine incapacity. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.560 Petition for appointment of guardian of an incapacitated 
person. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.681 Restoration of rights of person with developmental 
disability. 
Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.080 Service of pleadings and papers. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.505 Attorneys. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.060. 
REQUEST FOR NOTICES AND COPIES OF 
PLEADINGS  
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
- 34 - 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.340 Inventory. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.341 Estate information. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.120. 
ADMINISTRATOR AD LITEM AND GUARDIAN AD 
LITEM 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) 
Notice. Within 10 days after appointment, the petitioner shall deliver 
or mailserve conformed copies of the petition for appointment of a guardian ad 
litem and order to any guardian, or if there is no guardian, to the living natural 
guardians or the living natural guardian having legal custody of the minor, person 
with a developmental disability, or incapacitated person. 
 
(d) 
Report. The guardian ad litem shall deliver or mailserve conformed 
copies of any written report or finding of the guardian ad litem’s investigation and 
answer filed in the proceedings, petition for compensation and discharge, and the 
notice of hearing on the petition to any guardian, or in the event that there is no 
guardian, to the living natural guardians or the living natural guardian having legal 
custody of the minor, person with a developmental disability, or incapacitated 
person. 
 
(e) 
Service of Petition and Order. Within 10 days after appointment, the 
petitioner for an administrator ad litem shall deliver or mailserve conformed copies 
of the petition for appointment and order to the attorney of record of each 
beneficiary and to each known beneficiary not represented by an attorney of 
record. 
 
(f) – (g) 
[No Change] 
 
 
- 35 - 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1977 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change]  
 
2012 Revision: The phrase ―deliver or mail‖ in subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) 
has been replaced with the word ―serve‖ to comply with other rules relating to 
service of pleadings and documents. Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and documents. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.200. 
PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATION 
 
The petition for administration shall be verified by the petitioner and shall contain: 
 
(a) – (j) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1977 – 2011 Revisions:  [No Change]  
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
- 36 - 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.201 Notice of petition for administration. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.340. 
INVENTORY 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
(d) 
Service. The personal representative shall serve a copy of the 
inventory and all supplemental and amended inventories on the surviving spouse, 
each heir at law in an intestate estate, each residuary beneficiary in a testate estate, 
and any other interested person who may request it in writing. The personal 
representative shall file proof of such service. 
 
(e) – (h) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History  
 
1980 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: The last sentence of subdivision (d) is deleted to remove 
duplicative requirement of filing a proof of service for a document which includes 
a certificate of service as provided in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. If service of the 
inventory is by service in the manner provided for service of formal notice, then 
proof of service should be filed as provided in rule 5.040(a)(5). Committee notes 
revised. 
 
Constitutional Reference 
 
[No Change] 
 
- 37 - 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change]  
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.330 Execution by personal representative. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.360 Elective share. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.405 Proceedings to determine homestead real property. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.342. 
INVENTORY OF SAFE-DEPOSIT BOX 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change]  
 
(c) 
Service. The personal representative shall serve a copy of the 
inventory on the surviving spouse, each heir at law in an intestate estate, each 
residuary beneficiary in a testate estate, and any other interested person who may 
request it in writing. The personal representative shall file proof of such service. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
2003 Revision:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: The last sentence of subdivision (c) is deleted to remove 
duplicative requirement of filing a proof of service for a document which includes 
a certificate of service as provided in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516. If service of the 
inventory is by service in the manner provided for service of formal notice, then 
proof of service should be filed as provided in rule 5.040(a)(5). Committee notes 
revised. 
 
 
- 38 - 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change]  
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.340 Inventory. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.350. 
CONTINUANCE OF UNINCORPORATED BUSINESS 
OR VENTURE 
 
(a) – (d) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 1992 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory Reference  
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.330 Execution by personal representative.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
 
- 39 - 
RULE 5.355. 
PROCEEDINGS FOR REVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT OF 
AGENTS AND COMPENSATION OF PERSONAL 
REPRESENTATIVES AND ESTATE EMPLOYEES  
 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
Rule History 
 
1988 – 2007 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.360. 
ELECTIVE SHARE 
 
(a) – (e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 2010 Out-of-Cycle Report Revisions:  [No Change]   
 
- 40 - 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.340 Inventory. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
Fla. R. App. P. 9.020(h) Definitions. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.370. 
SALES OF REAL PROPERTY WHERE NO POWER 
CONFERRED 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 1996 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions.  
 
- 41 - 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.380. 
COMPULSORY PAYMENT OF DEVISES OR 
DISTRIBUTIVE INTERESTS 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 2003 Revisions:  [No Change]  
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.385. 
DETERMINATION OF BENEFICIARIES AND SHARES  
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
- 42 - 
 
Rule History 
 
1988 – 2007 Revisions:  [No Change]  
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. Rule 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.120 Administrator ad litem and guardian ad litem. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.205(a)(5) Filing evidence of death. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.386. 
ESCHEAT 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1988 – 2003 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
- 43 - 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.385 Determination of beneficiaries and shares. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.400. 
DISTRIBUTION AND DISCHARGE 
 
(a) – (e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1980 – 2007 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.330 Execution by personal representative. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.346 Fiduciary accounting. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.401 Objections to petition for discharge or final accounting. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.250(a)(1)(D) Time standards for trial and appellate 
 
- 44 - 
courts and reporting requirements. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.401. 
OBJECTIONS TO PETITION FOR DISCHARGE OR 
FINAL ACCOUNTING 
 
(a) – (f) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 2007 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.400 Distribution and discharge. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.402. 
NOTICE OF LIEN ON PROTECTED HOMESTEAD 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
 
- 45 - 
Rule History 
 
2005 Revision:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References  
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.403 Proceedings to determine amount of lien on protected 
homestead. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.404 Notice of taking possession of protected homestead. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.405 Proceedings to determine protected homestead real 
property. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.403. 
PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE AMOUNT OF LIEN 
ON PROTECTED HOMESTEAD  
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
2005 Revision:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
- 46 - 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.402 Notice of lien on protected homestead. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.404 Notice of taking possession of protected homestead. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.405 Proceedings to determine protected homestead real 
property. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.405. 
PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE PROTECTED 
HOMESTEAD REAL PROPERTY 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Constitutional Reference 
 
[No Change] 
 
Statutory References  
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
 
- 47 - 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.205(a)(6) Filing evidence of death. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.340 Inventory. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.404 Notice of taking possession of protected homestead.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.406. 
PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE EXEMPT 
PROPERTY 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.420 Disposition of personal property without administration.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.407. 
PROCEEDINGS TO DETERMINE FAMILY 
ALLOWANCE  
 
 
- 48 - 
(a) 
[No Change]  
 
(b) 
Contents. The petition shall be verified by the petitioner and shall: 
 
(1) 
state the names and addresses of the decedent’s surviving 
spouse and the decedent’s lineal heirs who were being supported by the decedent 
or who were entitled to be supported by the decedent at the time of his the 
decedent’s death, stating the dates of birth of those who are minors; and  
 
(2) 
for each person for whom an allowance is sought, state the 
person’s name and relationship to the decedent, the basis on which the allowance is 
claimed, and the amount sought.  
 
(c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
2003 Revision:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Editorial change in (b)(1) for gender neutrality. Committee 
notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.430. 
RESIGNATION OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE 
 
(a) – (k) 
[No Change] 
 
- 49 - 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History  
 
1975 – 2007 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References  
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.310 Disqualification of personal representative; notification. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.330 Execution by personal representative. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.345 Accountings other than personal representatives’ final 
accountings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.346 Fiduciary accounting. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.401 Objections to petition for discharge or final accounting. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.440. 
PROCEEDINGS FOR REMOVAL OF PERSONAL 
REPRESENTATIVE 
 
(a) – (d) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
- 50 - 
Rule History 
 
1980 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.150 Order requiring accounting. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.310 Disqualification of personal representative; notification. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.345 Accountings other than personal representatives’ final 
accountings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.346 Fiduciary accounting. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.460. 
SUBSEQUENT ADMINISTRATION 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1984 – 2003 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
 
- 51 - 
Statutory Reference 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.470. 
ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION  
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.065(b) Notice of civil action or ancillary administration. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.205(a)(2) Filing evidence of death. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.215 Authenticated copy of will. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.240 Notice of administration. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.241 Notice to creditors. 
 
- 52 - 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.475 Ancillary administration, short form. 
Fed. R. Civ. P. 44(a) Proving an official record. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.475. 
ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATION, SHORT FORM 
 
(a) – (f) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1988 – 2005 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.065(b) Notice of civil action or ancillary administration. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.205(a)(2) Filing evidence of death. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.215 Authenticated copy of will. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.240 Notice of administration. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.241 Notice to creditors. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.470 Ancillary administration. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
 
- 53 - 
RULE 5.496. 
FORM AND MANNER OF OBJECTING TO CLAIM 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1992 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.498 Personal representative’s proof of claim. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.499 Form and manner of objecting to personal 
representative’s proof of claim. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.498. 
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S PROOF OF CLAIM 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
  
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History  
 
2005 – 2007 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
- 54 - 
  
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised.  
 
Statutory References  
 
[No Change] 
  
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.499 Form and manner of objecting to personal 
representative’s proof of claim.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.499. 
FORM AND MANNER OF OBJECTING TO PERSONAL 
REPRESENTATIVE’S PROOF OF CLAIM 
 
(a) – (e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
2005 – 2007 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory Reference 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.496 Form and manner of objecting to claim. 
 
- 55 - 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.498 Personal representative’s proof of claim. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.510. 
ESTABLISHMENT AND PROBATE OF LOST OR 
DESTROYED WILL 
 
(a) – (e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1977 – 2003 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory Reference 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.042 Time. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.200 Petition for administration. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.530. 
SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION 
 
(a) – (d) 
[No Change] 
 
 
- 56 - 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1977 – 2011 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.205(a)(3) Filing evidence of death. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.620. 
INVENTORY 
 
(a) – (e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1977 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
- 57 - 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.690 Initial guardianship report. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.700 Objection to guardianship reports. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.630. 
PETITION FOR APPROVAL OF ACTS  
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.636 Settlement of minors’ claims. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
- 58 - 
 
 
 
RULE 5.650. 
RESIGNATION OR DISQUALIFICATION OF 
GUARDIAN; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR  
 
(a) – (k) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.681 Restoration of rights of person with developmental 
disability. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.660. 
PROCEEDINGS FOR REMOVAL OF GUARDIAN 
 
(a) – (e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
- 59 - 
 
1977 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.025 Adversary proceedings.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice.  
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041(b) Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.649 Guardian advocate.  
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.670. 
TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP ON CHANGE OF  
DOMICILE OF RESIDENT WARD 
 
(a) – (h) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1977 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
 
- 60 - 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.680 Termination of guardianship. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.680. 
TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP 
 
(a) – (g) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
  
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.040 Notice. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.552 Voluntary guardianship of property. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.681 Restoration of rights of person with developmental 
disability. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.690. 
INITIAL GUARDIANSHIP REPORT 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
- 61 - 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1991 – 1992 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.620 Inventory. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.700 Objection to guardianship reports. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.695. 
ANNUAL GUARDIANSHIP REPORTS 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2006 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
 
- 62 - 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.552 Voluntary guardianship of property. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.555 Guardianships of minors. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.700 Objection to guardianship reports. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.800(b) Application of revised chapter 744 to existing 
guardianships. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.696. 
ANNUAL ACCOUNTING 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1991 – 2010 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References 
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References  
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
 
- 63 - 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.695 Annual guardianship report. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.700 Objection to guardianship reports. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 5.700. 
OBJECTION TO GUARDIANSHIP REPORTS 
  
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
Rule History 
 
1975 – 2008 Revisions:  [No Change] 
 
2012 Revision: Committee notes revised. 
 
Statutory References  
 
[No Change] 
 
Rule References 
 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.020 Pleadings; verification; motions. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.041 Service of pleadings and papersdocuments. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.060 Request for notices and copies of pleadings. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.180 Waiver and consent. 
Fla. Prob. R. 5.610 Execution by guardian. 
Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516 Service of pleadings and documents. 
 
 
 
RULE 6.370. 
ADDITIONAL TIME AFTER SERVICE BY 
MAILOTHER THAN BY HAND DELIVERY 
 
Whenever a defendant has a right or is required to do some act or take some 
proceedings within a prescribed period after service of a notice or other 
 
- 64 - 
paperdocument and the notice or paperdocument is served by maila method other 
than hand delivery, 5 days shall be added to the prescribed period. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 7.050. 
COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; STATEMENT OF 
CLAIM 
 
(a) 
Commencement. 
 
(1) 
[No Change] 
 
(2) 
Party Not Represented by Attorney to Sign. A party, 
individual, or corporation who or which has no attorney handling such cause shall 
sign that party's statement of claim or other paper and state that party's address and 
telephone number, including area code, and may include an e-mail address. 
However, if the trial court in its discretion determines that the plaintiff is engaged 
in the business of collecting claims and holds such claim being sued upon by 
purchase, assignment, or management arrangement in the operation of such 
business, the court may require that corporation to provide counsel in the 
prosecution of the cause. A corporation may be represented at any stage of the trial 
court proceedings by an officer of the corporation or any employee authorized in 
writing by an officer of the corporation. 
 
(b) 
Parties. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers, including area 
code, of all parties or their attorneys, if any, must be stated on the statement of 
claim. A party not represented by an attorney may include an e-mail address. 
Additionally, attorneys shallmust include their Florida Bar number on all papers 
filed with the court, as well as an e-mail address, in compliance with the Florida 
Rules of Judicial Administration. 
 
(c) – (e) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
- 65 - 
 
Court Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
 
RULE 7.080. 
SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS OTHER 
THAN STATEMENT OF CLAIM 
 
(a) 
[No Change]  
 
(b) 
How Made. When a party is represented by an attorney, service of 
papers other than the statement of claim and notice to appear shall be made on the 
attorney unless the court orders service to be made on the party. When an attorney 
is serving another attorney, service must be made in compliance with the Florida 
Rules of Judicial Administration. In all other instances, sService shallmust be made 
by delivering the paper to the party or the party’s attorney, as the case may be, or 
by mailing it to the party’s last known address. 
 
(c) – (d) 
[No Change] 
 
(e) 
Certificate of Service. 
 
(1) 
When any party or attorney in substance certifies: 
 
―I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or 
names and address or addresses) by (delivery) (mail) (e-mail if an attorney) on ..... 
(date) ...... 
 
 
 
Party or party’s attorney‖ 
 
the certificate is prima facie proof of such service in compliance with all rules of 
court and law. 
 
(2) 
[No Change] 
 
(f) 
[No Change] 
 
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Court Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
 
RULE 8.085.  
PREHEARING MOTIONS AND SERVICE 
 
(a) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Service of Pleadings and Papers. 
 
(1) 
[No Change] 
 
(2) 
How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made 
upon a party represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney 
unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. Unless excused by the court, 
Sservice upon the attorney or party shall be made by electronic mail (e-mail) 
consistent with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
Service on and by all parties who are not represented by an attorney and who do 
not designate an e-mail address, and on and by all attorneys excused from e-mail 
service, must be made by delivering a copy or by mailing it to the attorney or 
party’s last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk 
of the court. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy 
within this rule shall mean: 
 
(A) – (E) 
[No Change] 
 
(3) – (4) 
[No Change] 
 
(5) 
Certificate of Service. When any authorized person shall in 
substance certify: 
 
―I certify that a copy/copies has/have been furnished to (insert name or names) by 
(e-mail) (delivery) (mail) (fax) on (date). 
 
 
 
Title‖ 
 
- 67 - 
 
the certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance 
with all rules of court and law. 
 
(6) 
People Who May Certify Service. Service of pleadings and 
orders required to be served as provided by subdivision (2) may be certified by an 
attorney of record, clerk or deputy clerk, court, or authorized agent of the 
Department of Juvenile Justice in the form provided in subdivision (b)(5). 
 
(c) 
Format for E-mail Service. All documents served by e-mail must be 
attached to an e-mail message containing a subject line beginning with the words 
―SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT‖ in all capital letters, followed by the case 
number of the proceeding in which the documents are being served. The body of 
the e-mail must identify the court in which the proceeding is pending, the case 
number, the name of the parties on each side, the style of the proceeding, the title 
of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender’s name and telephone 
number. Any e-mail which, together with its attachments, exceeds five megabytes 
(5MB) in size, must be divided and sent as separate e-mails, numbered in the 
subject line, no one of which may exceed 5 MB in size. 
 
(c)(d) Time for Service of Motions and Notice of Hearing. Service by e-
mail is complete upon transmission and must be treated as service by mail for the 
computation of time. An e-mail is deemed served on the date of transmission, 
unless the sender learns that the e-mail did not reach the address of the person to be 
served. If e-mail service is excused, A a copy of any written motion which may not 
be heard ex parte and a copy of the notice of the hearing thereof shall be served a 
reasonable time before the time specified for the hearing. 
 
(d)(e) Additional Time After Service by Mail. Whenever service by mail 
is permitted, and a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some 
proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of notice or other paper 
and the notice or paper is served by mail, 5 days shall be added to the prescribed 
period. 
 
(e)(f) Pleading to Be Signed by Attorney. Every written paper or pleading 
of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed in the attorney's individual 
name by such attorney, whose mailing address, primary e-mail address and 
telephone number, including area code, and Florida Bar number shall be stated, 
and who shall be duly licensed to practice law in Florida. The attorney may be 
required by an order of court to vouch for the authority to represent such party and 
 
- 68 - 
to give the address of such party. Except when otherwise specifically provided by 
these rules or applicable statute, pleadings as such need not be verified or 
accompanied by affidavit. 
 
(f)(g) Pleading to Be Signed by Unrepresented Party. A party who has no 
attorney but represents himself or herself shall sign the written pleading or other 
paper to be filed and state his or her primary e-mail address, mailing address, and 
telephone number, including area code. 
 
(g)(h) Effect of Signing Pleading. The signature of a person shall constitute 
a certificate that the paper or pleading has been read; that to the best of the person's 
knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is 
not interposed for delay. If a pleading or paper 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 paper had not been served. 
 
(i) 
Service of Orders. A copy of all orders must be transmitted by the 
court or under its direction to all parties at the time of the entry of the order. The 
court may require that orders be prepared by a party, may require the party to 
furnish the court with stamped addressed envelopes for service of the order or 
judgment, and may require that proposed orders be furnished to all parties before 
entry by the court of the order. The court may serve any order by e-mail to all 
attorneys who were not excused from e-mail service and to all parties not 
represented by an attorney who have designated an e-mail address for service. This 
subdivision is directory, and a failure to comply with it does not affect the order or 
its finality or any proceedings arising in the matter. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 8.225. 
PROCESS, DILIGENT SEARCHES, AND SERVICE OF 
PLEADINGS AND PAPERS 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) 
Notice and Service of Pleadings and Papers. 
 
 
- 69 - 
(1) – (4) 
[No Change] 
 
(5) 
Method of Service. When service is required or permitted to be 
made upon a party or participant represented by an attorney, service shall be made 
upon the attorney unless service upon the party or participant is ordered by the 
court. 
 
(A) 
Excusing of Service. Service is excused if the identity or 
residence of the party or participant is unknown and a diligent search for that 
person has been completed in accordance with law. 
 
(B) 
Service upon the attorney shall be made by delivering a 
copy to the attorney or by mailing it to the attorney’s last known address. 
 
(C) 
Delivery of a copy within this rule shall mean: 
 
(i) 
handing it to the attorney; 
 
(ii) 
leaving it at the attorney’s office with the person in 
charge thereof; 
 
(iii) 
if there is no one in charge of the office, leaving it 
a conspicuous place therein; or 
 
(iv) 
transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney’s or 
party’s office with a cover sheet containing the sender’s name, firm, address, 
telephone number, and facsimile number, the number of pages transmitted, and the 
recipient’s facsimile number. When service is made by facsimile, a copy shall also 
be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs 
when transmission is complete. 
 
(D) 
If the party or participant is not represented by an 
attorney, service of all pleadings or papers shall be upon the party or participant. 
Service may be made by mail to the party’s or participant’s permanent mailing 
address, if one has been provided to the court; to the last known address, if a 
permanent mailing address has not been provided to the court; or by leaving it at 
their usual place of abode with some person of their family above 15 years of age 
and informing such person of the contents. 
 
(E) 
Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. 
 
- 70 - 
 
(6) 
Filing. The filing of pleadings and other papers with the court 
as required by these rules shall be made by filing the original with the clerk of the 
court either before service or immediately thereafter. The court may permit the 
papers to be filed with it, in which event the filing date shall be noted thereon and 
the papers shall be transmitted to the office of the clerk. 
 
(7) 
Certificate of Service. When any authorized person shall in 
substance certify: 
 
―I certify that a copy/copies has/have been furnished to (insert names or 
names) by (delivery) (mail) (fax) on (date). 
 
 
 
Title‖ 
 
this certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance 
with all rules of court and law. The certificate must be signed by the attorney of 
record, clerk or deputy clerk, judicial assistant, or judge. 
 
(B) 
Service by Electronic Mail (―E-mail‖). Service of a 
document by e-mail is made by attaching a copy of the document in PDF format to 
an e-mail sent to all addresses designated by the attorney or party. 
 
(i) 
Service on Attorneys. Upon appearing in a 
proceeding, an attorney must serve a designation of a primary e-mail address and 
may designate no more than two secondary e-mail addresses to which service must 
be directed in that proceeding. Every document filed by an attorney thereafter must 
include the primary e-mail address of that attorney and any secondary e-mail 
addresses. If an attorney does not designate any e-mail address for service, 
documents may be served on that attorney at the e-mail address on record with The 
Florida Bar. 
 
(ii) 
Exception to E-mail Service on Attorneys. 
Service by an attorney on another attorney must be made by e-mail unless excused 
by the court. Upon motion by an attorney demonstrating that the attorney has no e-
mail account and lacks access to the Internet at the attorney’s office, the court may 
excuse the attorney from the requirements of e-mail service. Service on and by an 
attorney excused by the court from e-mail service must be by the means provided 
in subdivision (c)(6) of this rule. 
 
- 71 - 
 
(iii) 
Service on and by Parties Not Represented by 
an Attorney. Any party not represented by an attorney may serve a designation of 
a primary e-mail address and also may designate no more than two secondary e-
mail addresses to which service must be directed in that proceeding. If a party not 
represented by an attorney does not designate an e-mail address for service in a 
proceeding, service on and by that party must be by the means provided in 
subdivision (c)(6) of this rule. 
 
(iv) 
Format of E-mail for Service. All documents 
served by e-mail must be attached to an e-mail message containing a subject line 
beginning with the words ―SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT‖ in all capital 
letters, followed by the case number of the proceeding in which the documents are 
being served. The body of the e-mail must identify the court in which the 
proceeding is pending, the case number, the name of the initial party on each side, 
the title of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender’s name and 
telephone number.  Any e-mail which, together with its attachments, exceeds five 
megabytes (5MB) in size, must be divided and sent as separate e-mails, numbered 
in the subject line, no one of which may exceed 5MB in size. 
 
(v) 
Time of Service. Service by e-mail is complete 
upon transmission and must be treated as service by mail for the computation of 
time. An e-mail is deemed served on the date of transmission, unless the sender 
learns that the e-mail did not reach the address of the person to be served. 
 
(6) 
Service by Other Means. In addition to, and not in lieu of, 
service by e-mail, service may also be made upon attorneys by any of the means 
specified in this subdivision. Service on and by all parties and participants who are 
not represented by an attorney and who do not designate an e-mail address, and on 
and by all attorneys excused from e-mail service, must be made by delivering a 
copy of the document or by mailing it to the party or participant at their permanent 
mailing address if one has been provided to the court or to the party, participant, or 
attorney at their last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it with 
the clerk of the court. Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Delivery of a 
copy within this rule is complete upon: 
 
(A) 
handing it to the attorney or to the party or participant, 
 
(B) 
leaving it at the attorney’s, party’s or participant’s office 
with a clerk or other person in charge thereof, 
 
- 72 - 
 
(C) 
if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous 
place therein, 
 
(D) 
if the office is closed or the person to be served has no 
office, leaving it at the person’s usual place of abode with some person of his or 
her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents, or 
 
(E) 
transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney’s, party’s, or 
participant’s office with a cover sheet containing the sender’s name, firm, address, 
telephone number, and facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. 
When service is made by facsimile, a copy must also be served by any other 
method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is 
complete. 
 
(F) 
Service by delivery after 5:00 p.m. must be deemed as if 
it had been made by mailing on the date of delivery. 
 
(7) 
Filing. All original documents must be filed with the court 
either before service or immediately thereafter. If the original of any bond or other 
document is not placed in the court file, a certified copy must be so placed by the 
clerk. 
 
(8) 
Filing Defined. The filing of documents with the court as 
required by these rules must be made by filing them with the clerk, except that the 
judge may permit documents to be filed with the judge, in which event the judge 
must note the filing date before him or her on the documents and transmit them to 
the clerk. The date of filing is that shown on the face of the document by the 
judge’s notation or the clerk’s time stamp, whichever is earlier. 
 
(9) 
Certificate of Service. When any attorney certifies in 
substance: 
 
―I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to (here insert name or 
names and addresses used for service) by (e-mail) (delivery) (mail) (fax) on ..... 
(date) …... 
 
____________________ 
Attorney‖ 
 
 
- 73 - 
the certificate must be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance 
with this rule. 
 
(10) Service by Clerk. Service of notices and other documents 
required to be made by the clerk must also be done as provided in subdivision (c). 
 
(11) Service of Orders. 
 
(A) 
A copy of all orders or judgments must be transmitted by 
the court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of the order or 
judgment. No service need be made on parties against whom a default has been 
entered except orders setting an action for trial and final judgments that must be 
prepared and served as provided in subdivision (c)(11)(B). The court may require 
that orders or judgments be prepared by a party, may require the party to furnish 
the court with stamped addressed envelopes for service of the order or judgment, 
and may require that proposed orders and judgments be furnished to all parties 
before entry by the court of the order or judgment. The court may serve any order 
or judgment by e-mail to all attorneys who have not been excused from e-mail 
service and to all parties not represented by an attorney who have designated an e-
mail address for service. 
 
(B) 
When a final judgment is entered against a party in 
default, the court must mail a conformed copy of it to the party. The party in whose 
favor the judgment is entered must furnish the court with a copy of the judgment, 
unless it is prepared by the court and with the address of the party to be served. If 
the address is unknown, the copy need not be furnished. 
 
(C) 
This subdivision is directory and a failure to comply with 
it does not affect the order or judgment or its finality or any proceedings arising in 
the action. 
 
 
RULE 8.635. 
PROCESS 
 
(a) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Service of Pleadings and Papers. 
 
(1) 
When Required. Unless the court orders otherwise, or a statute 
or supreme court administrative order specifies a different means of service, every 
 
- 74 - 
pleading subsequent to the initial petition, every order, every written motion, 
unless it is one as to which hearing ex parte is authorized, and every written notice 
filed in the case shall be served on each party; however, nothing herein shall be 
construed to require that a plea be in writing or that an application for witness 
subpoenas be served. 
 
(2) 
How Made. When service is required or permitted to be made 
upon a party represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney 
unless service upon the party is ordered by the court. Service upon the attorney or 
party shall be made by delivering a copy to the attorney or party or by mailing it to 
the attorney or party’s last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it 
with the clerk of the court. Service by mail shall be complete upon mailing. 
Delivery of a copy within this rule shall mean: 
 
(A) 
handing it to the attorney or the party; 
 
(B) 
leaving it at the attorney’s office with the person in 
charge thereof; 
 
(C) 
if there is no one in charge of the office, leaving it in a 
conspicuous place therein; 
 
(D) 
if the office is closed or the person to serve has no office, 
leaving it at the party’s usual place of abode with some person of the family above 
15 years of age and informing such person of the contents thereof; or 
 
(E) 
transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney’s or party’s 
office with a cover sheet containing the sender’s name, firm, address, telephone 
number, and facsimile number, the number of pages transmitted, and the 
recipient’s facsimile number. When service is made by facsimile, a copy shall also 
be served by any other method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs 
when transmission is complete. 
 
(A) 
Service by Electronic Mail (―E-mail‖). Service of a 
document by e-mail is made by attaching a copy of the document in PDF format to 
an e-mail sent to all addresses designated by the attorney or party. Any document 
served by e-mail may be signed by the ―/s/‖ format, so long as the filed original is 
signed in accordance with the applicable rules of court. 
 
 
- 75 - 
(i) 
Service on Attorneys. Upon appearing in any 
proceeding, an attorney must serve a designation of a principal e-mail address and 
may designate no more than two secondary e-mail addresses to which service must 
be directed in that proceeding. Every document filed by an attorney thereafter must 
include in the signature block the principal e-mail address of that attorney and any 
secondary e-mail addresses. If an attorney does not designate any e-mail address 
for service, documents may be served on that attorney at the e-mail address on 
record with The Florida Bar. 
 
(ii) 
Exception to E-mail Service on Attorneys. 
Service by an attorney on another attorney must be made by e-mail unless excused 
by the court. Upon motion by an attorney demonstrating that the attorney has no e-
mail account and lacks access to the Internet at the attorney’s office, the court may 
excuse the attorney from the requirements of e-mail service. Service on and by an 
attorney excused by the court from e-mail service must be by the means provided 
in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this rule. 
 
(iii) 
Service on and by Parties not Represented by 
an Attorney. Any party not represented by an attorney may serve a designation of 
a principal e-mail address and also may designate no more than two secondary e-
mail addresses to which service must be directed in that proceeding by the means 
provided in subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this rule. If a party not represented by an 
attorney does not designate an e-mail address for service in a proceeding, service 
on and by that party must be by the means provided in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this 
rule. 
 
(iv) 
Format of E-mail for Service. All documents 
served by e-mail must be attached to an e-mail message containing a subject line 
beginning with the words ―SERVICE OF COURT DOCUMENT‖ in all capital 
letters, followed by the case number of the proceeding in which the documents are 
being served. The body of the e-mail must identify the court in which the 
proceeding is pending, the case number, the name of the initial party on each side, 
the title of each document served with that e-mail, and the sender’s name and 
telephone number. Any e-mail which, together with its attachments, exceeds five 
megabytes (5MB) in size, must be divided and sent as separate e-mails, numbered 
in the subject line, no one of which may exceed 5MB in size. 
 
(v) 
Time of Service. Service by e-mail is complete 
upon transmission and must be treated as service by mail for the computation of 
time. An e-mail is deemed served on the date of transmission. If the sender learns 
 
- 76 - 
that the e-mail did not reach the address of the person to be served, the sender must 
immediately serve another copy by e-mail, or by a means authorized by 
subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this rule. 
 
(B) 
Service by Other Means. In addition to, and not in lieu 
of, service by e-mail, service may also be made upon attorneys by the means 
specified in this subdivision. Service on and by all parties who are not represented 
by an attorney and who do not designate an e-mail address, and on and by all 
attorneys excused from e-mail service, must be made by delivering a copy of the 
document or by mailing it to the party or attorney at their last known address or, if 
no address is known, by leaving it with the clerk of the court. Service by mail is 
complete upon mailing. Delivery of a copy within this rule is complete upon: 
 
(i) 
handing it to the attorney or to the party; 
 
(ii) 
leaving it at the attorney’s or party’s office with a 
clerk or other person in charge thereof; 
 
(iii) 
if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a 
conspicuous place therein; 
 
(iv) 
if the office is closed or the person to be served has 
no office, leaving it at the person’s usual place of abode with some person of his or 
her family above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents; or 
 
(v) 
transmitting it by facsimile to the attorney’s or 
party’s office with a cover sheet containing the sender’s name, firm, address, 
telephone number, and facsimile number, and the number of pages transmitted. 
When service is made by facsimile, a copy must also be served by any other 
method permitted by this rule. Facsimile service occurs when transmission is 
complete. 
 
(vi) 
Service by delivery after 5:00 p.m. must be 
deemed as if it had been made by mailing on the date of delivery. 
 
(C) 
Numerous Parties. In an action where the parties are 
unusually numerous, the court may regulate the service contemplated by these 
rules on motion or on its own initiative in such manner as may be found to be just 
and reasonable. 
 
 
- 77 - 
(3) 
Filing. All original papers, copies of which are required to be 
served upon parties, must be filed with the court either before service or 
immediately thereafter, unless otherwise provided for by general law or other rules. 
If the original of any bond or document is not placed in the court file, a certified 
copy may be so placed by the clerk. 
 
(4) 
Filing with Court Defined. The filing of pleadings and other 
papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with 
the clerk of court except that the court may permit the papers to be filed with it in 
which event the filing date shall be noted thereon and they shall be transmitted to 
the office of the clerkexcept that the judge may permit documents to be filed with 
the judge, in which event the judge must note the filing date before him or her on 
the documents and transmit them to the clerk. The date of filing is the date shown 
on the face of the document by the judge’s notation or the clerk’s time stamp, 
whichever is earlier. 
 
(5) 
Certificate of Service. When any authorized personattorney 
shall in substance certify: 
 
―I certify that a copy/copies has/have been furnished to (insert name or names) by 
(e-mail) (delivery) (mail) (fax) on (date). 
 
 
 
Title‖ 
 
this certificate shall be taken as prima facie proof of such service in compliance 
with thethis rules of court and law. The certificate must be signed by the attorney 
of record, clerk or deputy clerk, judicial assistant, or judge. 
 
(6) 
Service by Clerk. Service of notices and other documents 
required to be made by the clerk must also be done as provided in subdivision 
(b)(2). 
 
(c) 
Service of Orders. A copy of all orders or judgments must be 
transmitted by the court or under its direction to all parties at the time of entry of 
the order or judgment. The court may require that orders or judgments be prepared 
by a party, may require the party to furnish the court with stamped addressed 
envelopes for service of the order or judgment, and may require that proposed 
orders and judgments be furnished to all parties before entry by the court of the 
order or judgment. The court may serve any order or judgment by e-mail to all 
 
- 78 - 
attorneys who have designated an e-mail address for service and to all parties not 
represented by an attorney who have designated an e-mail address for service. This 
subdivision is directory and a failure to comply with it does not affect the order or 
its finality or any proceedings arising in the action. 
 
 
 
FORM 8.903. 
 
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 
 
I certify that a copy of ..... (document) ..... has been furnished to ..... 
(name(s)) ..... by e-mail/U.S.mail/hand delivery/fax on ..... (date) ..... 
 
 
 
 
(Title) 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 9.420. 
FILING; SERVICE OF COPIES; COMPUTATION OF 
TIME 
 
(a) 
Filing. 
 
(1) 
Generally. Filing may be accomplished by filing with the 
clerk; provided that a justice or judge may accept the documents for filing, and 
shall note the filing date and immediately transmit them to the office of the clerk in 
a manner in conformity with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.516.  
 
(2) 
[No Change]  
 
(b) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) 
Method of Service. If service is required or permitted to be made on a 
party represented by an attorney, service shall be made on the attorney unless 
service on the party is ordered by the court. Service on the attorney or party shall 
be made by delivering a copy to the attorney or party or by mailing it to the 
 
- 79 - 
attorney or party at the last known address or, if no address is known, by leaving it 
with the clerk of the court. Delivery of a copy within this rule shall mean (A) 
handing it to the attorney or to the party, or (B) leaving it at the attorney’s or 
party’s office with the clerk or other person in charge thereof, or (C) if there is no 
one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein, or (D) if the office is 
closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at the attorney’s or 
party’s usual place of abode with some person of the attorney’s or party’s family 
above 15 years of age and informing such person of the contents. Service by mail 
shall be complete on mailing.Service of every document filed in a proceeding 
governed by these rules (including any briefs, motions, notices, responses, 
petitions, and appendices) shall be made in conformity with the requirements of 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516, except that the initial document 
filed in a proceeding governed by these rules (including any notice to invoke 
jurisdiction, notice of appeal, or petition for an original writ) shall be served both 
by e-mail pursuant to rule 2.516(b)(1) and in paper form pursuant to rule 
2.516(b)(2). 
 
(d) 
Proof of Service. A certificate of service by an attorney that complies 
in substance with the requirements of Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.516(f) and a certificate of service by a pro se party that complies in substance 
with the appropriate form below shall be taken as prima facie proof of service in 
compliance with these rules. The certificate shall specify the party each attorney 
represents. 
 
(1) 
Attorney : 
 
I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to ... (here insert name or names) ... 
by ... (delivery)(mail) ... on ...(date) ...  
 
_____________________________  
Attorney for ... (name of party) ...  
... (address and phone number) ...  
Florida Bar No. ....................  
 
(2) 
By Pro Se Inmate: 
 
I certify that I placed this document in the hands of ... (here insert name of 
institution official) ... for mailing to ... (here insert name or names and addresses 
used for service) ... on ... (date) ... 
_____________________________ 
 
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... (name) ... 
... (address) ... 
... (prison identification number) ... 
 
(3)(2)  
By Other Pro Se Litigants:  
 
I certify that a copy hereof has been furnished to ... (here insert name or names and 
addresses used for service) ... by ... (e-mail) (delivery) (mail) ... on ... (date) ...  
 
_______________________ 
... (name) ... 
... (address) ... 
... (phone number) ... 
 
(e) – (f) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
[No Change] 
 
Court Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 12.040. 
ATTORNEYS 
 
(a) – (b) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) 
Scope of Representation.  
 
(1) 
If an attorney appears of record for a particular limited 
proceeding or matter, as provided by this rule, that attorney shall be deemed ―of 
record‖ for only that particular proceeding or matter. Any notice of limited 
appearance filed shall include the name, address, e-mail address(es), and telephone 
number of the attorney and the name, address, and telephone number of the party. 
If the party designates e-mail address(es) for service on and by that party, the 
party’s e-mail address(es) shall also be included. At the conclusion of such 
proceeding or matter, the attorney’s role terminates without the necessity of leave 
 
- 81 - 
of court, upon the attorney filing a notice of completion of limited appearance. The 
notice, which shall be titled ―Termination of Limited Appearance,‖ shall include 
the names and last known addresses of the person(s) represented by the 
withdrawing attorney. 
 
(2) 
[No Change] 
 
(d) 
Preparation of Pleadings or Other Documents. A party who files a 
pleading or other document of record pro se with the assistance of an attorney shall 
certify that the party has received assistance from an attorney in the preparation of 
the pleading or other document. The name, address, and telephone number of the 
party shall appear on all pleadings or other documents filed with the court. If the 
party designates e-mail address(es) for service on and by that party, the party’s e-
mail address(es) shall also be included. 
 
(e) 
Notice of Limited Appearance. Any pleading or other document 
filed by a limited appearance attorney shall state in bold type on the signature page 
of that pleading or other document: ―Attorney for [Petitioner] [Respondent] 
[attorney’s address, e-mail address(es), and telephone number] for the limited 
purpose of [matter or proceeding]‖ to be followed by the name of the petitioner or 
respondent represented and the current address and telephone number of that party. 
If the party designates e-mail address(es) for service on and by that party, the 
party’s e-mail address(es) shall also be included. 
 
(f) 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) are amended to provide e-
mail addresses in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.080. 
SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS 
 
(a) 
Service. 
 
(1) 
Family Law Actions Generally. Service of pleadings and 
papers after commencement of all family law actions except domestic, repeat, 
dating, and sexual violence shall be as set forth in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 
 
- 82 - 
1.080Judicial Administration 2.516, except that rule 1.0802.516 shall also apply to 
service on the party during the attorney’s limited appearance as provided in rule 
12.040(f) and be expanded as set forth in subdivisions (b) and (c) to include 
additional requirements for service of recommended orders and for service on 
defaulted parties. 
 
(2) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Service and Preparation of Orders and Judgments. A copy of all 
orders or judgments involving family law matters except domestic, repeat, dating, 
and sexual violence shall be transmitted by the court or under its direction to all 
parties at the time of entry of the order or judgment. The court may require that 
recommended orders, orders, or judgments be prepared by a party. If the court 
requires that a party prepare the recommended order, order, or judgment, the party 
shall furnish the court with stamped, addressed envelopes to all parties for service 
of the recommended order, order, or judgment. The court may also require that any 
proposed recommended order, order, or judgment that is prepared by a party be 
furnished to all parties no less than 24 hours before submission to the court of the 
recommended order, order, or judgment. 
 
(c) 
Defaulted Parties. No service need be made on parties against whom 
a default has been entered, except that: 
 
(1) 
[No Change] 
 
(2) 
Notice of final hearings or trials and court orders shall be 
served on defaulted parties in the manner provided for service of pleadings and 
papers contained in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080Judicial Administration 
2.516. 
 
(3) 
Final judgments shall be served on defaulted parties as set forth 
in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.080(h)(2)Judicial Administration 2.516(h). 
 
Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
 
- 83 - 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (a)(1) is amended to provide for service on 
the party during the attorney’s limited appearance. Subdivision (a)(1), (c)(2), and 
(c)(3) are amended to provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of 
Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.090. 
TIME 
 
Time shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.090, except 
that an additional 5 days added to the prescribed period after service, as provided 
in rule 1.090(e), shall also apply to service by e-mail. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. The rule is amended to treat e-mail service as service by 
mail for the computation of time in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.516(b)(1)(D)(iii). 
 
 
 
RULE 12.170. 
COUNTERCLAIMS AND CROSSCLAIMS 
 
Counterclaims and crossclaims shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil 
Procedure 1.170, except that service of a crossclaim on a party who has appeared 
in the action, as provided in rule 1.170(g), shall be made pursuant to Florida Rule 
of Judicial Administration 2.516(b). 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.285. 
MANDATORY DISCLOSURE 
 
(a) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Time for Production of Documents. 
 
- 84 - 
 
(1) 
Temporary Financial Hearings. Any document required 
under this rule in any temporary financial relief proceeding shall be served on the 
other party for inspection and copying as follows. 
 
(A) 
[No Change] 
 
(B) 
The responding party shall serve the required documents 
on the party seeking relief on or before 5:00 p.m., 2 business days before the day of 
the temporary financial hearing if served by delivery or 7 days before the day of 
the temporary financial hearing if served by mail or e-mail, unless the documents 
have been received previously by the party seeking relief under subdivision (b)(2) 
of this rule. A responding party shall be given no less than 12 days to serve the 
documents required under this rule, unless otherwise ordered by the court. If the 
45-day period for exchange of documents provided for in subdivision (b)(2) of this 
rule will occur before the expiration of the 12 days, the provisions of subdivision 
(b)(2) control. 
 
(2) 
[No Change] 
 
(c) – (m) 
[No Change] 
 
Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
1997 – 2005 Amendments.  [No Change] 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b)(1)(B) is amended to provide for e-mail 
service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.351. 
PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND THINGS 
WITHOUT DEPOSITION 
 
Production of documents and things without deposition shall be governed by 
Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.351, except that a party desiring production 
 
- 85 - 
under this rule, as provided in rule 1.351(b), shall serve notice as provided in 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 on every other party of the intent to 
serve a subpoena under this rule at least 10 days before the subpoena is issued if 
service is by delivery and 15 days before the subpoena is issued if the service is by 
mail or e-mail. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.410. 
SUBPOENA 
 
Subpoenas shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.410, 
except as follows: 
 
(a) – (c) 
[No Change] 
 
(d) 
Production of Evidence at Trial. A party seeking production of 
evidence at trial, as provided in rule 1.410(c), which would be subject to a 
subpoena, as provided in rule 1.410(c), may compel such production by serving a 
notice to produce such evidence on an adverse party as provided in Florida Rule of 
Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Committee Note 
 
2008 Amendment.  [No Change] 
 
2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.440. 
SETTING ACTION FOR TRIAL 
 
Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.440 shall govern general provisions 
concerning setting an action for trial in family law matters, with the following 
exceptions and additions. 
 
- 86 - 
 
(a) 
Setting for Trial. If the court finds the action ready to be set for trial, 
it shall enter an order setting the action for trial, fixing a date for trial, and setting a 
pretrial conference, if necessary. In the event a default has been entered, reasonable 
notice of not less than 10 days shall be given unless otherwise required by law. In 
actions in which the damages are not liquidated, the order setting an action for trial 
shall be served on parties who are in default in accordance with Florida Rule of 
Judicial Administration 2.516. Trial shall be set within a reasonable time from the 
service of the notice for trial. At the pretrial conference, the parties should be 
prepared, consistent with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.200, to present 
any matter that will prepare the parties for trial and that can expedite the resolution 
of the case. The trial court may also direct the parties to reciprocally exchange and 
file with the court all documents relative to the outcome of the case; a list of all 
witnesses, all issues to be tried, and all undisposed motions; an estimate of the time 
needed to try the case; and any other information the court deems appropriate. Any 
court filings shall be in conformity with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.425. This information should be served and filed no later than 72 hours before 
the pretrial conference or 30 days before the trial. 
 
(b) 
[No Change] 
 
Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
 
 
RULE 12.510. 
SUMMARY JUDGMENT 
 
Summary judgment shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 
1.510, except that service by the adverse party, as set forth in for rule 1.510(c), 
shall be on the movant in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.516. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to state who the adverse party 
serves and provide for service in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.516. 
 
 
- 87 - 
 
 
RULE 12.611. 
CENTRAL GOVERNMENTAL DEPOSITORY 
 
(a) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Payments to Public Officer. 
 
(1) – (2) 
[No Change] 
 
(3) 
Payment may be enforced by the party entitled to it or the court 
may establish a system under which the officer issues a motion for enforcement 
and a notice of hearing in the form approved by the supreme court. The motion and 
notice shall be served on the defaulting party in person or by mailin accordance 
with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. At the hearing the court shall 
enter an appropriate order based on the testimony presented to it. 
 
Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b)(3) is amended to provide for service in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.615 
CIVIL CONTEMPT IN SUPPORT MATTERS 
 
(a) 
[No Change] 
 
(b) 
Motion and Notice. Civil contempt may be initiated by motion. The 
motion must recite the essential facts constituting the acts alleged to be 
contemptuous. No civil contempt may be imposed without notice to the alleged 
contemnor and without providing the alleged contemnor with an opportunity to be 
heard. The civil contempt motion and notice of hearing may be served by mailin 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 provided notice by 
mail is reasonably calculated to apprise the alleged contemnor of the pendency of 
the proceedings. The notice must specify the time and place of the hearing and 
 
- 88 - 
must contain the following language: ―FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE 
HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT OF BODILY 
ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY 
BE HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD.‖ This 
notice must also state whether electronic recording or a court reporter is provided 
by the court or whether a court reporter, if desired, must be provided by the party. 
 
(c) – (g) 
[No Change] 
 
Commentary 
 
[No Change] 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is amended to provide for service in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
RULE 12.630. 
EXTRAORDINARY REMEDIES 
 
Extraordinary remedies shall be governed by Florida Rule of Civil 
Procedure 1.630, except summons in certiorari, as set forth in rule 1.630(d)(5), 
shall be served as provided in Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Committee Notes 
 
2012 Amendment. This rule is amended to provide for service in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(b), Notice of Limited Appearance  
(07/12) 
 
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORM 12.900(b), NOTICE OF LIMITED APPEARANCE (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used to provide notice to the court and the other attorney or party when 
an attorney is making a limited appearance for a client under Florida Family Law Rule of 
Procedure 12.040.   
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing and signing this form, the 
attorney should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the 
action is pending and keep a copy for his or her records. 
 
What should I do next? 
 
A copy of this form must be served on the other party or his or her attorney and on the 
attorney’s client in the manner required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040 and Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.516. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(b), Notice of Limited Appearance (07/12) 
 
- 90 - 
 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE  _______________________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
 
IN AND FOR ___________________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.: ________________________ 
Division: ________________________ 
_______________________________, 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
_______________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
 
NOTICE OF LIMITED APPEARANCE 
 
{Attorney’s name} __________________________________________ files this Notice of Limited 
Appearance on behalf of {name} _____________________________________, [choose one 
only] (     ) Petitioner       (    ) Respondent, for the following limited purpose(s). 
[choose all that apply]: 
 
1. ___  The hearing set for {date} _____________________________, at {time} ___________on 
the issue(s) of {specify} _______________________________________________________.  
 
2. ___ To represent [check one only] (   ) Petitioner (    ) Respondent on the following issues 
throughout the proceedings: 
a. ___ Parental responsibility and time-sharing. 
b. ___ Equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities. 
c. ___ Alimony. 
d. ___ Child support. 
e. ___ Other {specify}: _______________________________________________________  
 
The clerk of the above-styled court is requested to enter this notice of record.   
 
Copies of all future court papers should be served on the undersigned attorney at the address 
listed and on the [choose one only] (   ) Petitioner (   ) Respondent at {name, address, e-mail 
address(es),telephone number, and fax number}  __________________________________ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(b), Notice of Limited Appearance (07/12) 
 
- 91 - 
 
 
I certify that a copy of this notice of limited appearance was: [check all used]    
(    ) e-mailed (    ) mailed (    ) faxed (    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on  
{date} _______________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name: _________________________________  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address: _______________________________ 
City, State, Zip: __________________________ 
Fax Number: ____________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):________________________ 
 
________________________________ 
Signature of Attorney 
Printed Name: ____________________ 
Address: _________________________ 
City, State, Zip: ____________________ 
Telephone Number: _______________ 
E-mail Address(es):_________________ 
Florida Bar Number : _______________  
 
 
 
________________________________ 
Signature of Petitioner/Respondent 
Printed Name: ____________________ 
Address: _________________________ 
City, State, Zip: ____________________ 
Telephone Number: ________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(c), Consent to Limited Appearance by 
Attorney (07/12) 
 
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORM 12.900(c), CONSENT TO LIMITED APPEARANCE BY 
ATTORNEY (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used for a client to give consent when an attorney is making a limited 
appearance for the client under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, the client should 
sign it. The attorney or client should then file it with the clerk of the circuit court in the county 
in which the action is pending. The attorney and client should each keep a copy for his or her 
records. 
 
What should I do next? 
 
A copy of this form must be served on the other party or his or her attorney. Service must be in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(c), Consent to Limited Appearance by Attorney 
(07/12) 
 
- 93 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
 
Division:  
 
                                                                             , 
Petitioner, 
and 
 
                                                                                , 
Respondent. 
 
 
CONSENT TO LIMITED APPEARANCE BY ATTORNEY 
 
{Name} _______________________________________, the [check one only]  
(     ) Petitioner  (     ) Respondent, consents to the limited representation by counsel,  
{attorney’s name} ___________________________________________, for the following limited 
purpose(s) [ check all that apply]: 
 
1. ____The hearing set for {date} ___________________, at {time}________ on the 
issue(s) of {specify} 
___________________________________________________________________. 
 
2. ___To represent [ check one only] (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent on the following 
issues throughout the proceedings: 
a. ___Parental responsibility and time-sharing. 
b. ___ Equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities. 
c. ___ Alimony. 
d. ___ Child support. 
e. ___ Other {specify}: 
_______________________________________________________  
 
The clerk of the above-styled court is requested to enter this notice of record. 
 
I certify that a copy of this consent to limited appearance was: [check all used]  (      ) e-mailed 
(     ) mailed (     ) faxed (     ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} _________.  
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  ________________________________  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address: _____________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  _________________________ 
Telephone Number: _____________________ 
Fax Number: _____________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_________________________ 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(c), Consent to Limited Appearance by Attorney 
(07/12) 
 
- 94 - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                _______________________________________  
Signature of Petitioner/Respondent 
Printed Name: ___________________________ 
Address:  _______________________________ 
City, State, Zip: __________________________ 
Telephone Number: ______________________ 
Fax Number: ____________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________ 
 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS 
BELOW: [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one}  
(      ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} ____________________________________________________________, 
{name of business} _____________________________________________________________, 
{address} _____________________________________________________________________,  
{city} _____________________,{state} ______, {telephone number}______________________. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(d), Termination of Limited Appearance 
(07/12) 
 
- 95 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORM 12.900(d), TERMINATION OF LIMITED APPEARANCE 
(07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used by an attorney who is terminating a limited appearance for a client 
under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, the attorney 
should sign it and then file it with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the action 
is pending. The attorney should keep a copy for his or her records. 
 
What should I do next? 
 
A copy of this form must be served on the other party or his or her attorney and on the 
attorney’s client. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.516. 
 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(d), Termination of Limited Appearance (07/12) 
 
- 96 - 
 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
                                                                      , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                       , 
Respondent. 
 
 
TERMINATION OF LIMITED APPEARANCE 
 
{Attorney’s name}  
 
 
 
 
 
, files this Termination of Limited 
Appearance on behalf of the [check one only] (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent, {name},   ________                                        
______________________________________, and certifies that the proceeding or matter is concluded. 
The clerk of the above-styled court is requested to enter this Notice of Termination of Limited 
Appearance of record. Copies of all future court papers should be served on the [check one only]  
(     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent at: {name, address, e-mail address(es), fax number, and telephone 
number} _____________________________________________________________________________ 
 
. 
 
I certify that a copy of this termination of limited appearance was: [check all used] (   ) e-mailed  
(    ) mailed (    ) faxed (    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} _______ __________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address:  
 
 
 
 
 
City, State, Zip:   
                 
 
 
Fax Number:  
 
 
 
 
 
E-mail Address(es):________________________ 
 
Client Party: 
Name:   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address:  
 
 
 
 
 
City, State, Zip:   
 
                
 
Telephone Number: ______________________ 
Fax Number:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
E-mail Address(es):________________________ 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(d), Termination of Limited Appearance (07/12) 
 
- 97 - 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature of Attorney 
Printed Name:  
 
Address:  
 
City, State, Zip:  
 
Telephone Number:  
 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________ 
Florida Bar Number:  
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(e), Acknowledgment of Assistance by Attorney 
(07/12) 
 
- 98 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.900(e), ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ASSISTANCE BY ATTORNEY (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be added to the signature page of any petition, pleading, or motion when an attorney 
making a limited appearance under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040 has assisted the 
petitioner or respondent in the preparation of the document. The petitioner or respondent should then 
sign the pleading and include his/her name and address. 
 
Where can I get more information? 
 
See the instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.900(b)-(d) and Rule 12.040. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(e), Acknowledgment of Assistance by Attorney (07/12) 
 
- 99 - 
 
{Name},  
 
 
 
 
, [check one only] (     ) Petitioner  
(      ) Respondent, certifies that he/she has received the assistance of the following attorney in the 
preparation of this document. 
 
Attorney Name:  
 
 
 
 
Address:  
 
 
 
 
 
City, State, Zip:  
                               
 
 
Telephone Number:  
 
 
 
 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________ 
Florida Bar Number:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.900(f), Signature Block for Attorney Making Limited 
Appearance (07/12) 
 
- 100 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.900(f), SIGNATURE BLOCK FOR ATTORNEY MAKING LIMITED 
APPEARANCE (07/12) 
 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This signature block should be used on any form filed with the court when the attorney is making a 
limited appearance under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040. 
 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
See Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040(e). 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(f), Signature Block for Attorney Making Limited Appearance 
(07/12) 
 
- 101 - 
Attorney for [check only one] (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent for the limited purpose of: 
{specify matter or proceeding}___________________________________________________________ . 
 
 
 
 
Signature of Attorney  
Printed Name:  
 
Address:  
 
City, State, Zip:  
 
Telephone Number:  
 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________ 
Florida Bar Number : 
 
 
 
Petitioner/Respondent: 
Name: _________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address: _______________________________  
 
 
 
 
City, State, Zip: __________________________   
 
 
 
 
Telephone Number: ______________________ 
E-mail Address(es):________________________
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(g), Agreement Limiting Representation (07/12) 
 
- 102 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.900(g), AGREEMENT LIMITING REPRESENTATION (07/12) 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used as a “rider” or supplemental agreement, in addition to an Attorney-Client fee 
agreement, between the attorney and client when the attorney is making a limited appearance under 
Rules Regulating Florida Bar 4-1.2(c), 4-4.2(b), and 4-4.3(b) and Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 
12.040.  A limited appearance means the attorney is not handling the whole case for the client, but is 
only being retained to do a specific part of the case. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
See Rules Reg. Fla. Bar 4-1.2(c), 4-4.2(b), and 4-4.3(b) and Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.040. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(g), Agreement Limiting Representation (07/12) 
 
- 103 - 
AGREEMENT LIMITING REPRESENTATION 
 
(This agreement is supplemental to the Attorney-Client fee agreement and is limited to addressing the 
consequences of Limited Legal Representation by an attorney in Florida) 
 
TO THE CLIENT:  THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT.  PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY AND MAKE 
CERTAIN THAT YOU UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.  YOU MAY TAKE THIS 
CONTRACT HOME WITH YOU, REVIEW IT WITH ANOTHER ATTORNEY IF YOU WISH, AND ASK ANY 
QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE BEFORE SIGNING.   
 
EMPLOYMENT OF AN ATTORNEY FOR LIMITED REPRESENTATION REQUIRES THAT THE ATTORNEY AND 
CLIENT CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY REVIEW THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES EACH WILL ASSUME. 
ANY LIMITED REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT SHOULD DESCRIBE, IN DETAIL, THE ATTORNEY’S DUTIES IN 
THE CLIENT’S INDIVIDUAL CASE.  
 
1. SERVICES/LIMITED SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION: Client, {name} ______________________, 
employs Attorney, {name}  _______________________________________________to 
provide 
representation only in the limited matter(s) described as follows:  
 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. COMPLIANCE WITH CHAPTER 4 OF THE RULES REGULATING THE FLORIDA BAR:  Although legal 
assistance is limited, an attorney-client relationship exists, and the client is entitled to the standards 
of professional responsibility established by Chapter 4 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar, 
including confidentiality, competence, and diligence. 
 
3. COMPLIANCE WITH FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULE OF PROCEDURE 12.040:  An Attorney hired to 
provide limited representation in court must comply with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 
12.040, as follows: 
a. The attorney will file with the court a Notice of Limited Appearance, Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure Form 12.900(b), signed by the client, specifically limiting the attorney's appearance to 
the particular proceeding or matter in which the attorney appears. 
b. If the attorney seeks to withdraw from representation before the conclusion of a limited 
appearance, the attorney must: 
(1) File a motion with the court setting forth the reasons and serve that motion on the client 
and interested persons, and  
(2) Obtain approval of the court. 
c. At the conclusion of the proceeding or matter, the attorney’s role terminates without the 
necessity of leave of court, on the attorney filing Termination of Limited Appearance, Florida 
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(d). The notice shall include the names and last 
known addresses of the person(s) represented by the withdrawing attorney. 
d. THE CLIENT IS ADVISED THAT ANY OBJECTION TO THE ATTORNEY’S “TERMINATION OF LIMITED 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(g), Agreement Limiting Representation (07/12) 
 
- 104 - 
APPEARANCE” MUST BE MADE IN WRITING BY THE CLIENT BY PROVIDING THE JUDGE, THE 
ATTORNEY, AND EACH OTHER INTERESTED PERSON (OR THEIR ATTORNEY) A COPY AND FILING 
THE ORIGINAL WITH THE CLERK OF COURT. 
 
4. ADDITIONAL SERVICES/REPRESENTATION: The attorney and client may later determine that the 
attorney should provide additional limited services or assume full representation.  The attorney may 
decline to provide additional services.  
a. If the attorney agrees to provide additional services, those additional services should be 
specifically listed in an amendment to this agreement, signed and dated by both the attorney 
and the client.  
b. If the attorney and client agree that the attorney shall serve as the client's attorney of record on 
all matters related to handling the client’s case, the client and the attorney should indicate that 
agreement in an amendment to this agreement, signed and dated by both the attorney and the 
client. 
c. In either case, additional compliance with the notice requirement of Rule 12.040 will be 
required by the attorney. 
d. THE ATTORNEY AND THE CLIENT SHOULD NOT RELY ON VERBAL DISCUSSIONS OR VERBAL 
AGREEMENTS WHEN CHANGING THE TERMS OF THE ATTORNEY’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR 
REPRESENTATION. 
 
5. ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COURT COSTS: The attorney and the client have made a separate 
agreement in writing as to payment of attorneys’ fees and all costs associated with the case and the 
attorney’s representation. 
 
BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND FULLY 
UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE FOREGOING TERMS, AND YOU INTEND TO BE LEGALLY BOUND BY THEM. 
 
   
___________________________ 
__________________________  
Attorney 
 
Client 
 
Name:  __________________________ 
Name: __________________________ 
Address: _________________________ 
Address: _________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  ___________________ 
City, State, Zip:  ____________________ 
Telephone Number: ________________ 
Telephone Number: ________________ 
E-mail Address(es):__________________ 
E-mail Address(es):__________________ 
Florida Bar Number: ________________  
 
 
Date: __________________________ 
Date: __________________________ 
 
I HAVE BEEN PROVIDED A FULLY EXECUTED COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT LIMITING REPRESENTATION 
 
_______________________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(g), Agreement Limiting Representation (07/12) 
 
- 105 - 
Client
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (07/12) 
 
- 106 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.900(h), NOTICE OF RELATED CASES (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d) requires the petitioner in a family law case to file with 
the court a notice of related cases, if any. Your circuit may also require this form to be filed even if there 
are no related cases. A case is considered related if: 
 
 
it involves the same parties, children, or issues and is pending when the family law case is 
filed; or 
 
it affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed; or 
 
an order in the related case may conflict with an order on the same issues in the new case; 
or 
 
an order in the new case may conflict with an order in the earlier case. 
 
This form is used to provide the required notice to the court.  
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. It must be filed with the clerk of the circuit court with 
the initial pleading in the family law case.  
 
What should I do next? 
 
A copy of the form must be served on the presiding judges, either the chief judge or the family law 
administrative judge, and all parties in the related cases. You should also keep a copy for your records. 
Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the 
beginning of these forms.  The words that are in ”bold underline” in these instructions are defined 
there.  For further information, see Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545(d). 
Special notes . . . 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (07/12) 
 
- 107 - 
must also put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (07/12) 
 
- 108 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
 
 
 
Division:   
 
 
 
 
 
_____________________________, 
Petitioner, 
and 
 
_____________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
NOTICE OF RELATED CASES 
 
1. Petitioner submits this Notice of Related Cases as required by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.545(d). A related case may be an open or closed civil, criminal, guardianship, domestic violence, 
juvenile delinquency, juvenile dependency, or domestic relations case. A case is “related” to this 
family law case if it involves any of the same parties, children, or issues and it is pending at the time 
the party files a family case; if it affects the court’s jurisdiction to proceed; if an order in the related 
case may conflict with an order on the same issues in the new case; or if an order in the new case 
may conflict with an order in the earlier litigation. 
 
[check one only] 
___ There are no related cases. 
___ The following are the related cases (add additional pages if necessary): 
 
Related Case No. 1 
Case Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________ 
 Petitioner :________________________________________________________________________                               
Respondent 
 :_______________________________________________________________________ 
Case No.: _________________________________ Division:  ________________________________ 
 
 
Type of Proceeding:  [check all that apply]  
____ Dissolution of Marriage   
 
____ Paternity   
____ Custody   
 
 
 
____ Adoption   
____ Child Support  
 
 
____ Modification/Enforcement/Contempt Proceedings 
____ Juvenile Dependency  
 
____ Juvenile Delinquency   
____ Termination of Parental Rights  
____ Criminal   
____ Domestic/Sexual/Dating/Repeat  
____ Mental Health  
 
   Violence Injunctions  
 
____Other {specify} ___________________________ 
          
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (07/12) 
 
- 109 - 
 
 
 
State where case was decided or is pending: ____ Florida ____ Other: {specify} _________________ 
 
Name of Court where case was decided or is pending (for example, Fifth Circuit Court, Marion 
County, Florida): __________________________________________________________________ 
Title of last Court Order/Judgment (if any): ______________________________________________ 
Date of Court Order/Judgment (if any): _________________________________________________  
 
Relationship of cases [check all that apply]: 
___ pending case involves same parties, children, or issues;  
___ may affect court’s jurisdiction;  
___ order in related case  may conflict with an order in this  case;  
___ order in this case may conflict with previous order in related case. 
 
Statement as to the relationship of the cases:  ____________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Related Case No. 2 
Case Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________ 
 Petitioner:________________________________________________________________________                                
Respondent 
 :_______________________________________________________________________ 
Case No.: _________________________________ Division:  ________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Type of Proceeding:  [check all that apply]  
____ Dissolution of Marriage   
 
____ Paternity   
____ Custody   
 
 
 
____ Adoption   
____ Child Support  
 
 
____ Modification/Enforcement/Contempt Proceedings 
____ Juvenile Dependency  
 
____ Juvenile Delinquency   
____ Termination of Parental Rights  
____ Criminal   
____ Domestic/Sexual/Dating/Repeat  
____ Mental Health 
 
   Violence Injunctions   
 
____Other {specify} _________________________ 
                  
State where case was decided or is pending: ____ Florida ___ _Other: {specify} _________________ 
 
Name of Court where case was decided or is pending (for example, Fifth Circuit Court, Marion 
County, Florida): __________________________________________________________________ 
Title of last Court Order/Judgment (if any): ______________________________________________ 
Date of Court Order/Judgment (if any): _________________________________________________  
 
Relationship of cases [check all that apply]: 
___ pending case involves same parties, children, or issues;  
___ may affect court’s jurisdiction;  
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (07/12) 
 
- 110 - 
___ order in related case  may conflict with an order in this  case;  
___ order in this case may conflict with previous order in related case. 
 
Statement as to the relationship of the cases:  ____________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Related Case No. 3 
Case Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________ 
 Petitioner: ________________________________________________________________________                               
Respondent 
: _______________________________________________________________________ 
Case No.: _________________________________ Division:  ________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Type of Proceeding:  [check all that apply]  
____ Dissolution of Marriage   
 
____ Paternity   
____ Custody   
 
 
 
____ Adoption   
____ Child Support  
 
 
____ Modification/Enforcement/Contempt Proceedings 
____ Juvenile Dependency  
 
____ Juvenile Delinquency   
____ Termination of Parental Rights  
____ Criminal   
____ Domestic/Sexual/Dating/Repeat  
____ Mental Health 
            Violence Injunctions  
 
____Other {specify} _________________________ 
                  
 
State where case was decided or is pending: ____ Florida ____ Other: {specify} _________________ 
 
Name of Court where case was decided or is pending (for example, Fifth Circuit Court, Marion 
County, Florida): __________________________________________________________________ 
Title of last Court Order/Judgment (if any): ______________________________________________ 
Date of Court Order/Judgment (if any): _________________________________________________  
 
Relationship of cases [check all that apply]: 
___ pending case involves same parties, children, or issues;  
___ may affect court’s jurisdiction;  
___ order in related case  may conflict with an order in this  case;  
___ order in this case may conflict with previous order in related case. 
 
Statement as to the relationship of the cases:  ____________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
2.  [check one only] 
___ I do not request coordination of litigation in any of the cases listed above. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (07/12) 
 
- 111 - 
___ I do request coordination of the following cases: ______________________________________
 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
3. [check all that apply] 
___  Assignment to one judge   
___  Coordination of existing cases  
 
will conserve judicial resources and promote an efficient determination of these cases 
 
because:_______________________________________________________________________. 
 
4. The Petitioner acknowledges a continuing duty to inform the court of any cases in this or any other 
state that could affect the current proceeding. 
 
Dated: _________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Petitioner’s Signature 
Printed Name: ______________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Address: ________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
City, State, Zip: ___________________________ 
 
 
 
 
Telephone Number: _______________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
Fax Number:  ____________________________ 
 
 
 
 
E-mail Address(es):________________________ 
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 
I CERTIFY that I delivered a copy of this Notice of Related Cases to the _________________ County 
Sheriff’s Department or a certified process server for service on the Respondent, and [check all used]                     
(     ) e-mailed, (      ) mailed, (     ) hand delivered, a copy to {name}______________________________, 
who is the [check all that apply] (     ) judge assigned to new case, (     ) chief judge or family law 
administrative judge, (      ) {name}__________________________________, a party to the related case, 
(     ) {name} __________________________, a party to the related case on{date}_________________. 
 
 
 
 
 
___________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
Signature of Petitioner/Attorney for Petitioner 
 
 
 
 
Printed Name:________________________ 
 
 
 
 
Address:_____________________________ 
 
 
 
 
City, State, Zip:________________________ 
 
 
 
 
Telephone Number:____________________ 
 
 
 
 
Fax Number: _________________________ 
 
 
 
 
E-mail Address(es):_____________________ 
 
 
 
 
Florida Bar Number: ___________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(h), Notice of Related Cases (07/12) 
 
- 112 - 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (    ) Petitioner (    ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} ____________________________________________________________________, 
{name of business}  ____________________________________________________________________, 
{address}______________________________________________________________________, 
{city} _______________________,{state} _______, {telephone number} _____________________.  
 
Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) 
(07/12) 
 
- 113 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.902(b), FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM) (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used when you are involved in a family law case which requires a financial affidavit 
and your individual gross income is UNDER $50,000 per year unless: 
 
(1) You are filing a simplified dissolution of marriage under rule 12.105 and both parties have 
waived the filing of a financial affidavit; 
(2) You have no minor children, no support issues, and have filed a written settlement agreement 
disposing of all financial issues; or 
(3) The court lacks jurisdiction to determine any financial issues. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should sign the form 
before a notary public or deputy clerk.  You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in 
the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.  
 
What should I do next? 
 
A copy of this form must be served on the other party in your case within 45 days of being served with 
the petition, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers.  Service must be in accordance with 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the 
beginning of these forms.  The words that are in “bold underline” in these instructions are defined 
there.  For further information, see Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285. 
 
Special notes... 
 
If you want to keep your address confidential because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated 
child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence, do not enter the 
address, telephone, and fax information at the bottom of this form.  Instead, file Request for 
Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h). 
 
Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) 
(07/12) 
 
- 114 - 
 
The affidavit must be completed using monthly income and expense amounts.  If you are paid or your 
bills are due on a schedule which is not monthly, you must convert those amounts.  Hints are provided 
below for making these conversions. 
 
Hourly - If you are paid by the hour, you may convert your income to monthly as follows: 
Hourly amount  
x 
Hours worked per week = 
Weekly amount 
Weekly amount  
x 
52 Weeks per year 
  = 
Yearly amount 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12 Months per year 
  = 
Monthly Amount 
Daily - If you are paid by the day, you may convert your income to monthly as follows: 
Daily amount 
 
x 
Days worked per week   = 
Weekly amount 
Weekly amount  
x 
52 Weeks per year 
  = 
Yearly amount 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12 Months per year 
  =  
Monthly Amount 
Weekly - If you are paid by the week, you may convert your income to monthly as follows: 
Weekly amount  
x 
52 Weeks per year 
  =  
Yearly amount 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12 Months per year 
  =  
Monthly Amount 
Bi-weekly - If you are paid every two weeks, you may convert your income to monthly as 
follows: 
Bi-weekly amount 
x 
 
26 
 
  = 
Yearly amount 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12 Months per year  
  = 
Monthly Amount 
Semi-monthly - If you are paid twice per month, you may convert your income to monthly as 
follows: 
Semi-monthly amount  x 
 
2 
 
  =  
Monthly Amount 
 
Expenses may be converted in the same manner. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (07/12) 
 
- 115 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                        COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
 
                                                                      , 
Petitioner, 
and 
 
                                                                       , 
Respondent. 
 
 
FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (SHORT FORM) 
(Under $50,000 Individual Gross Annual Income) 
 
I, {full legal name} 
 
 
 
 
 
, being sworn, certify that the following 
information is true: 
My Occupation:  
 
 
 
 
 Employed by: ___________________________ 
Business Address: ________________________________________________________________ 
Pay rate: $         (    ) every week (    ) every other week (    ) twice a month (    ) monthly  
(    ) other: ____________ 
 
___ Check here if unemployed and explain on a separate sheet your efforts to find employment. 
 
SECTION I.  PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME: 
All amounts must be MONTHLY.  See the instructions with this form to figure out money amounts for 
anything that is NOT paid monthly.  Attach more paper, if needed.  Items included under “other” should 
be listed separately with separate dollar amounts. 
1. $______ Monthly gross salary or wages 
2.  ______  Monthly bonuses, commissions, allowances, overtime, tips, and similar payments 
3. _______Monthly business income from sources such as self-employment, partnerships, close  
 
 
         corporations, and/or independent contracts (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary  
 
         expenses required to produce income) (Attach sheet itemizing such income and expenses.) 
4. _______Monthly disability benefits/SSI 
5. _______Monthly Workers’ Compensation 
6. _______Monthly Unemployment Compensation 
7. _______Monthly pension, retirement, or annuity payments 
8. _______Monthly Social Security benefits 
9. ______  Monthly alimony actually received (Add 9a and 9b) 
  
9a.    From this case:  $ _______ 
       9b.    From other case(s): _______    
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form)(07/12) 
 
- 116 - 
10. _______ Monthly interest and dividends 
11. _______Monthly rental income (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses  
   
 
 
          required to produce income) (Attach sheet itemizing such income and expense items.) 
12. _______ Monthly income from royalties, trusts, or estates 
13. _______ Monthly reimbursed expenses and in-kind payments to the extent that they  
 
    
 
          reduce personal living expenses 
14. _______ Monthly gains derived from dealing in property (not including nonrecurring gains) 
15. _______ Any other income of a recurring nature (list source) _________________________ 
16. __________________________________________________________________________ 
17. $ _______ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME (Add lines 1–16) 
 
 
PRESENT MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS: 
18. $______Monthly federal, state, and local income tax (corrected for filing status and  allowable   
 
 
         dependents and income tax liabilities) 
a. Filing Status ____________ 
b. Number of dependents claimed _______ 
19. _______ Monthly FICA or self-employment taxes 
20. _______ Monthly Medicare payments 
21. _______ Monthly mandatory union dues 
22. _______ Monthly mandatory retirement payments 
23. _______ Monthly health insurance payments (including dental insurance), excluding portion  
   
 
          paid for any minor children of this relationship 
24. _______ Monthly court-ordered child support actually paid for children from another  
   
 
          relationship 
25. _______Monthly court-ordered alimony actually paid (Add 25a and 25b) 
                 25a. from this case:  $ _______ 
                 25b. from other case(s):  _______   
26. $_______ TOTAL DEDUCTIONS ALLOWABLE UNDER SECTION 61.30, FLORIDA STATUTES 
  
            (Add lines 18 through 25). 
27. $_______ PRESENT NET MONTHLY INCOME  (Subtract line 26 from line 17)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (07/12) 
 
- 117 - 
SECTION II.  AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES 
A. HOUSEHOLD: 
Mortgage or rent   
$ _______ 
Property taxes  
 
$_______ 
Utilities  
 
 
$_______ 
Telephone   
 
$ _______ 
Food  
 
 
$ _______ 
Meals outside home  
$_______     
Maintenance/Repairs  
$ _______   
 Other: __________  
$_______ 
 
B. AUTOMOBILE 
Gasoline  
 
 
$ _______       
Repairs  
 
 
$_______       
Insurance   
 
$_______ 
 
C. CHILD(REN)’S EXPENSES 
Day care  
 
 
$ _______ 
Lunch money  
 
$_______ 
Clothing  
 
 
$ _______ 
Grooming   
 
$_______ 
      
Gifts for holidays  
 
$ _______ 
 
Medical/Dental (uninsured) $ _______        
Other: ______________        $ _______                
 
D. INSURANCE 
Medical/Dental 
  
$ _______ 
Child(ren)’s medical/dental $ _______ 
 
Life   
 
  
$ _______ 
 
Other:                                 
$ _______ 
 
 
 
E. OTHER EXPENSES NOT LISTED ABOVE 
Clothing 
 
 
$ _______      
Medical/Dental (uninsured) $_______      
Grooming  
 
$ _______ 
Entertainment 
 
$_______  
Gifts 
 
 
$_______     
Religious organizations 
$_______      
Miscellaneous 
 
$_______ 
Other: ______________ 
$ _______ 
____________________ 
$_______   
____________________ 
$_______  
____________________ 
$_______  
____________________ 
$_______  
____________________ 
$_______  
 
 
F.  PAYMENTS TO CREDITORS 
CREDITOR:       
 
MONTHLY 
 
 
 
 
PAYMENT 
____________________ 
$_______                                         
____________________ 
$_______                                         
____________________ 
$_______ 
____________________ 
$_______                                         
____________________ 
$_______   
____________________ 
$_______                                         
____________________ 
$_______                                         
____________________ 
$_______     
____________________ 
$_______                                         
____________________ 
$_______   
____________________ 
$_______  
 
28. $_______ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (add ALL monthly amounts in A through F above) 
 
 
SUMMARY 
29. $_______ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY NET INCOME (from line 27 of SECTION I.  INCOME) 
30. $_______ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES  (from line 28 above) 
 
 
31. $_______ SURPLUS (If line 29 is more than line 30, subtract line 30 from line 29. This is the amount    
 
             of your surplus.  Enter that amount here.) 
32. ($_______) (DEFICIT) (If line 30 is more than line 29, subtract line 29 from line 30. This is the amount  
 
              of your deficit.  Enter that amount here.) 
 
SECTION III.  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
Use the nonmarital column only if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage and you believe an item 
is “nonmarital,” meaning it belongs to only one of you and should not be divided.  You should indicate 
to whom you believe the item(s) or debt belongs.  (Typically, you will only use this column if 
property/debt was owned/owed by one spouse before the marriage.  See the “General Information for 
Self-Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms and section 61.075(1), Florida 
Statutes, for definitions of “marital” and “nonmarital” assets and liabilities.) 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (07/12) 
 
- 118 - 
 
A. ASSETS: 
 
DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S).  List a description of each separate item 
owned by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution 
of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check 
the line next to any asset(s) which you are requesting the judge 
award to you. 
 
 
 
 
Current 
Fair 
Market 
Value 
 
Nonmarital 
(check correct 
column) 
 
husband 
 
wife 
 
 
Cash (on hand) 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash (in banks or credit unions) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stocks, Bonds, Notes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate: (Home) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Other) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobiles 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other personal property 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement plans (Profit Sharing, Pension, IRA, 401(k)s, etc.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____Check here if additional pages are attached. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets  (add next column) 
 
$   
 
 
 
 
 
B. LIABILITIES: 
 
DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S).  List a description of each separate debt 
owed by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution 
of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check 
the line next to any debt(s) for which you believe you should be 
responsible. 
 
 
 
 
Current 
Amount 
Owed 
 
Nonmarital 
(check correct 
column) 
 
husband 
wife 
 
 
Mortgages on real estate: First mortgage on home 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Second mortgage on home 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other mortgages 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto loans 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge/credit card accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (07/12) 
 
- 119 - 
 
DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S).  List a description of each separate debt 
owed by you (and/or your spouse, if this is a petition for dissolution 
of marriage). LIST ONLY LAST 4 DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. Check 
the line next to any debt(s) for which you believe you should be 
responsible. 
 
 
 
 
Current 
Amount 
Owed 
 
Nonmarital 
(check correct 
column) 
 
husband 
wife 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____Check here if additional pages are attached. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debts   (add next column) 
 
$                 
 
 
 
 
 
C. CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES: 
INSTRUCTIONS:  If you have any POSSIBLE assets (income potential, accrued vacation or sick leave, 
bonus, inheritance, etc.) or POSSIBLE liabilities (possible lawsuits, future unpaid taxes, contingent 
tax liabilities, debts assumed by another), you must list them here. 
  
Contingent Assets 
 
Check the line next to any contingent asset(s) which you are requesting the 
judge award to you. 
 
 
 
 
Possible 
Value 
 
Nonmarital 
(check correct 
column) 
 husband 
 
wife 
 
 
 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contingent Assets 
 
$                  
 
 
 
 
  
Contingent Liabilities 
 
Check the line next to any contingent debt(s) for which you believe you 
should be responsible. 
 
 
 
 
Possible 
Amount 
Owed 
 
 
Nonmarital 
(check correct 
column) 
 husband 
 
wife 
 
 
 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contingent Liabilities 
 
$                
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION IV.  CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET 
(Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, MUST be 
filed with the court at or prior to a hearing to establish or modify child support. This requirement cannot 
be waived by the parties.) 
 
[Check one only] 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (07/12) 
 
- 120 - 
____ 
A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS or WILL BE filed in this case. This case involves the 
establishment or modification of child support. 
____ 
A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS NOT being filed in this case.  The establishment or 
modification of child support is not an issue in this case. 
 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: (    ) e-mailed (     ) mailed (     ) faxed  (      ) 
hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ________________________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _____________________________ 
Address: ____________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  _______________________ 
Fax Number: _________________________ 
E-mail Address(es): _____________________ 
 
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this 
affidavit and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or 
imprisonment. 
 
Dated:                                                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature of Party 
Printed Name:  ________________________________ 
Address: ___________________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  ______________________________ 
Fax Number: ________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es): ____________________________ 
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY OF              
                                         
 
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on   
             by  
. 
 
 
 
 
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK  
 
 
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of 
notary or deputy clerk.] 
____ Personally known 
____ Produced identification 
Type of identification produced   
 
 
                                              
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form) (07/12) 
 
- 121 - 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (    ) Petitioner (    ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} 
, 
{name of business} _______________________________________________________________, 
{address}  
 
 
 
 
______________________________,  
{city}  
,{state} ________ {telephone number}   
 
. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) 
(07/12) 
 
- 122 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULE OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.902(c), FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (LONG FORM)(07/12) 
 
 
When should this form be used? 
This form should be used when you are involved in a family law case which requires a financial affidavit 
and your individual gross income is $50,000 OR MORE per year unless: 
 
(1) You are filing a simplified dissolution of marriage under rule 12.105 and both parties have 
waived the filing of financial affidavits; 
(2) you have no minor children, no support issues, and have filed a written settlement agreement 
disposing of all financial issues; or 
(3) the court lacks jurisdiction to determine any financial issues. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should sign the form 
before a notary public or deputy clerk.  You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit 
court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. 
 
What should I do next? 
A copy of this form must be served on the other party in your case within 45 days of being served with 
the petition, if it is not served on him or her with your initial papers.   Service must be in accordance 
with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
Where can I look for more information? 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the 
beginning of these forms.  The words that are in “bold underline” in these instructions are defined 
there.  For further information, see Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285. 
 
Special notes... 
If you want to keep your address confidential because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated 
child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery, or domestic violence do not enter the 
address, telephone, and fax information at the bottom of this form.  Instead, file Request for 
Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h). 
 
The affidavit must be completed using monthly income and expense amounts.  If you are paid or your 
bills are due on a schedule which is not monthly, you must convert those amounts.  Hints are provided 
below for making these conversions. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) 
(07/12) 
 
- 123 - 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) 
(07/12) 
 
- 124 - 
Hourly - If you are paid by the hour, you may convert your income to monthly as follows: 
Hourly amount   
x 
Hours worked per week  
 = 
 Weekly amount 
Weekly amount  
x  
52 Weeks per year  
 
 =  
 Yearly amount 
Yearly amount   
÷ 
12 Months per year  
 
 =  
 Monthly Amount 
Daily - If you are paid by the day, you may convert your income to monthly as follows: 
Daily amount 
 
x 
Days worked per week   
 =  
Weekly amount 
Weekly amount  
x 
52 Weeks per year  
 
 = 
Yearly amount 
Yearly amount   
÷ 
12 Months per year 
  
 = 
Monthly Amount 
Weekly - If you are paid by the week, you may convert your income to monthly as follows: 
Weekly amount  
x 
52 Weeks per year 
 
 = 
Yearly amount 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12 Months per year 
 
 = 
Monthly Amount 
Bi-weekly - If you are paid every two weeks, you may convert your income to monthly as 
follows: 
Bi-weekly amount  
x  
 
26 
 
 
 = 
Yearly amount 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12 Months per year 
 
 = 
Monthly Amount 
Semi-monthly - If you are paid twice per month, you may convert your income to monthly as 
follows: 
Semi-monthly amount x 
 
2 
 
 
= 
Monthly Amount 
 
Expenses may be converted in the same manner. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer.  If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 125 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
 
, 
              Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
 
, 
           Respondent. 
 
FAMILY LAW FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT (LONG FORM) 
($50,000 or more Individual Gross Annual Income) 
 
I, {full legal name}                               
                                                                           , being sworn, certify 
that the following information is true: 
 
SECTION I.  INCOME 
 
1. My age is: ___________________                                   
2. My occupation is: ________________________________________________________________ 
3. I am currently 
       [Check all that apply] 
a. ____ Unemployed 
Describe your efforts to find employment, how soon you expect to be employed, and the pay 
you expect to receive: __________________________________________________________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
b. ____ Employed by: ____________________________________________________________ 
Address: ____________________________________________________________________ 
City, State, Zip code: ________________________________ Telephone Number: _________ 
Pay rate: $ ______ (    ) every week (    ) every other week (    ) twice a month  
(    ) monthly (    ) other: ________________________________________________________ 
 
If you are expecting to become unemployed or change jobs soon, describe the change you 
expect and why and how it will affect your income: _________________________________ 
 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
____ Check here if you currently have more than one job.  List the information above for the 
second job(s) on a separate sheet and attach it to this affidavit.
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
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c. _____ Retired.  Date of retirement: _______________________________________________ 
                             
Employer from whom retired:  ___________________________________________________ 
 
Address: _____________________________________________________________________ 
 
City, State, Zip code: _______________________________ Telephone Number: __________ 
 
LAST YEAR’S GROSS INCOME:  
 
Your Income 
 
Other Party’s Income (if known) 
YEAR_____  
 
$ _______ 
 
$ _______ 
 
 
 
PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME: 
All amounts must be MONTHLY.  See the instructions with this form to figure out money amounts for 
anything that is NOT paid monthly.  Attach more paper, if needed.  Items included under “other” should 
be listed separately with separate dollar amounts. 
 
1. $______ Monthly gross salary or wages 
2. _______ Monthly bonuses, commissions, allowances, overtime, tips, and similar payments 
3. _______ Monthly business income from sources such as self-employment, partnerships, close  
   
 
         corporations, and/or independent contracts (Gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary    
 
         expenses required to produce income.)(Attach sheet itemizing such income and expenses.) 
4. _______ Monthly disability benefits/SSI 
5. _______ Monthly Workers’ Compensation 
6. _______ Monthly Unemployment Compensation 
7. _______ Monthly pension, retirement, or annuity payments 
8. _______ Monthly Social Security benefits 
9. _______ Monthly alimony actually received (Add 9a and 9b) 
          9a. From this case:  $________                 
          9b. From other case(s): ________    
10. _______ Monthly interest and dividends 
11. _______ Monthly rental income (gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to    
 
          produce income) (Attach sheet itemizing such income and expense items.) 
12. _______ Monthly income from royalties, trusts, or estates 
13. _______ Monthly reimbursed expenses and in-kind payments to the extent that they reduce  
 
 
          personal living expenses (Attach sheet itemizing each item and amount.) 
14. _______ Monthly gains derived from dealing in property (not including nonrecurring gains) 
 
                 Any other income of a recurring nature (identify source) 
15. _______________________________________________________________________________ 
16. _______________________________________________________________________________ 
17. $_________ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY GROSS INCOME (Add lines 1 through 16).    
 
PRESENT MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS: 
All amounts must be MONTHLY.  See the instructions with this form to figure out money amounts for 
anything that is NOT paid monthly. 
18. $_______ Monthly federal, state, and local income tax (corrected for filing status and allowable  
 
 
            dependents and income tax liabilities) 
             a. Filing Status   
 
 
 
             b. Number of dependents claimed  
 
 
19. _______     Monthly FICA or self-employment taxes 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
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20. _______     Monthly Medicare payments 
21. _______ Monthly mandatory union dues 
22. _______ Monthly mandatory retirement payments 
23. _______ Monthly health insurance payments (including dental insurance), excluding portion paid for 
 
          any minor children of this relationship 
24. _______ Monthly court-ordered child support actually paid for children from another relationship 
25. _______ Monthly court-ordered alimony actually paid (Add 25a and 25b) 
         25a. from this case: $ _________          
         25b. from other case(s): _________ 
 
26. $______ TOTAL DEDUCTIONS ALLOWABLE UNDER SECTION 61.30, FLORIDA STATUTES  
 
          (Add lines 18 through 25).     
 
27. $______ PRESENT NET MONTHLY INCOME  
         (Subtract line 26 from line 17). 
 
SECTION II.  AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES 
Proposed/Estimated Expenses.  If this is a dissolution of marriage case and your expenses as listed 
below do not reflect what you actually pay currently, you should write “estimate” next to each amount 
that is estimated. 
HOUSEHOLD: 
1. $______ Monthly mortgage or rent payments 
2. _______ Monthly property taxes (if not included in mortgage) 
3. _______ Monthly insurance on residence (if not included in mortgage) 
4. _______ Monthly condominium maintenance fees and homeowner’s association fees 
5. _______ Monthly electricity 
6. _______ Monthly water, garbage, and sewer 
7. _______ Monthly telephone 
8. _______ Monthly fuel oil or natural gas 
9. _______ Monthly repairs and maintenance 
10. _______ Monthly lawn care 
11. _______ Monthly pool maintenance 
12. _______ Monthly pest control 
13. _______ Monthly misc. household 
14. _______ Monthly food and home supplies 
15. _______ Monthly meals outside home 
16. _______ Monthly cable t.v. 
17. _______ Monthly alarm service contract 
18. _______ Monthly service contracts on appliances 
19. _______ Monthly maid service 
Other: 
20. __________________________________________________________________________________
21. __________________________________________________________________________________
22. __________________________________________________________________________________
23. __________________________________________________________________________________
24. __________________________________________________________________________________
25. $_______ SUBTOTAL (add lines 1 through 24).
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 128 - 
AUTOMOBILE: 
26. $______ Monthly gasoline and oil  
27. _______ Monthly repairs 
28. _______ Monthly auto tags and emission testing 
29. _______ Monthly insurance 
30. _______ Monthly payments (lease or financing)           
31. _______ Monthly rental/replacements 
32. _______ Monthly alternative transportation (bus, rail, car pool, etc.) 
33. _______ Monthly tolls and parking 
34. _______ Other: _________________________________________________  
35. $_______ SUBTOTAL (add lines 26 through 34) 
 
MONTHLY EXPENSES FOR CHILDREN COMMON TO BOTH PARTIES: 
36. $______ Monthly nursery, babysitting, or day care 
37. _______ Monthly school tuition 
38. _______ Monthly school supplies, books, and fees 
39. _______ Monthly after school activities 
40. _______ Monthly lunch money 
41. _______ Monthly private lessons or tutoring 
42. _______ Monthly allowances 
43. _______ Monthly clothing and uniforms 
44. _______ Monthly entertainment (movies, parties, etc.) 
45. _______ Monthly health insurance 
46. _______ Monthly medical, dental, prescriptions (nonreimbursed only) 
47. _______ Monthly psychiatric/psychological/counselor 
48. _______ Monthly orthodontic 
49. _______ Monthly vitamins 
50. _______ Monthly beauty parlor/barber shop 
51. _______ Monthly nonprescription medication 
52. _______ Monthly cosmetics, toiletries, and sundries 
53. _______ Monthly gifts from child(ren) to others (other children, relatives, teachers, etc.) 
54. _______ Monthly camp or summer activities 
55. _______ Monthly clubs (Boy/Girl Scouts, etc.) 
56. _______ Monthly time-sharing expenses 
57. _______ Monthly miscellaneous 
58. $_______ SUBTOTAL (add lines 36 through 57) 
 
MONTHLY EXPENSES FOR CHILD(REN) FROM ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP  
(other than court-ordered child support) 
59. $________________________________________________________________________________ 
60. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
61. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
62. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
63. $_______ SUBTOTAL (add lines 59 through 62)
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
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MONTHLY INSURANCE: 
64. $______ Health insurance, excluding portion paid for any minor child(ren) of this relationship 
65. _______ Life insurance 
66. _______ Dental insurance 
Other: 
 
67. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
68. __________________________________________________________________________________
69. $_______ SUBTOTAL (add lines 64 through 68)
OTHER MONTHLY EXPENSES NOT LISTED ABOVE: 
70. $______ Monthly dry cleaning and laundry 
71. _______ Monthly clothing 
72. _______ Monthly medical, dental, and prescription (unreimbursed only) 
73. _______ Monthly psychiatric, psychological, or counselor (unreimbursed only) 
74. _______ Monthly non-prescription medications, cosmetics, toiletries, and sundries 
75. _______ Monthly grooming 
76. _______ Monthly gifts 
77. _______ Monthly pet expenses 
78. _______ Monthly club dues and membership 
79. _______ Monthly sports and hobbies 
80. _______ Monthly entertainment 
81. _______ Monthly periodicals/books/tapes/CDs 
82. _______ Monthly vacations 
83. _______ Monthly religious organizations 
84. _______ Monthly bank charges/credit card fees 
85. _______ Monthly education expenses 
86. ______   Other: (include any usual and customary expenses not otherwise mentioned in the items    
 
          listed above)______________________________________________________________ 
87. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
88. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
89. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
90. $_______ SUBTOTAL (add lines 70 through 89)
 
MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO CREDITORS:  (only when payments are currently made by you on outstanding 
balances). List only last 4 digits of account numbers. 
MONTHLY PAYMENT AND NAME OF CREDITOR(s): 
 
 
91. $_________________________________________________________________________________ 
92. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
93. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
94. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
95. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
96. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
97. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
98. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
99. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
100. 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
101. 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
102. 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
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103. 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
104. 
$_______ SUBTOTAL (add lines 91 through 103) 
 
105. 
$_______TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES: 
 
                   (add lines 25, 35, 58, 63, 69, 90, and 104 of Section II,  
 Expenses) 
   
 
SUMMARY 
106. 
$_______ TOTAL PRESENT MONTHLY NET INCOME (from line 27 of SECTION I.  INCOME) 
 
107. 
$_______ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (from line 105 above) 
 
108. 
$_______ SURPLUS (If line 106 is more than line 107, subtract line 107 from line 106.  This is the  
 
                    amount of your surplus.  Enter that amount here.) 
 
109. 
($______)(DEFICIT) (If line 107 is more than line 106, subtract line 106 from line 107.  This is  
 
 
      the amount of your deficit.  Enter that amount here.) 
SECTION III.  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
A. ASSETS  (This is where you list what you OWN.) 
INSTRUCTIONS: 
STEP 1:  In column A, list a description of each separate item owned by you (and/or your spouse, if 
this is a petition for dissolution of marriage).  Blank spaces are provided if you need to list more than 
one of an item.  
STEP 2: If this is a petition for dissolution of marriage, check the line in Column A next to any item 
that you are requesting the judge award to you. 
STEP 3:  In column B, write what you believe to be the current fair market value of all items listed.   
STEP 4:  Use column C only if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage and you believe an item 
is “nonmarital,” meaning it belongs to only one of you and should not be divided.  You should 
indicate to whom you believe the item belongs.  (Typically, you will only use Column C if property 
was owned by one spouse before the marriage.  See the “General Information for Self-Represented 
Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms and section 61.075(1), Florida Statutes, for 
definitions of “marital” and “nonmarital” assets and liabilities.) 
 
A 
ASSETS:  DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S) 
 
LIST ONLY LAST FOUR DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. 
Check the line next to any asset(s) which you are requesting the judge award 
to you. 
 
  
     B 
Current 
  Fair 
Market 
Value 
 
C 
Nonmarital 
(Check correct 
column) 
 
husband 
 
wife 
 
 
Cash (on hand) 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash (in banks or credit unions) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stocks/Bonds 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 131 - 
 
 
Notes (money owed to you in writing) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money owed to you (not evidenced by a note) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate: (Home) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Other) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Automobiles 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Boats 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other vehicles 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retirement plans (Profit Sharing, Pension, IRA, 401(k)s, etc.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Furniture & furnishings in home 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Furniture & furnishings elsewhere 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collectibles 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 132 - 
 
 
B. LIABILITIES/DEBTS (This is where you list what you OWE.) 
INSTRUCTIONS: 
STEP 1:  In column A, list a description of each separate debt owed by you (and/or your spouse, if 
this is a petition for dissolution of marriage).  Blank spaces are provided if you need to list more than 
one of an item. 
STEP 2: If this is a petition for dissolution of marriage, check the line in Column A next to any debt(s) 
for which you believe you should be responsible. 
STEP 3:  In column B, write what you believe to be the current amount owed for all items listed. 
STEP 4:  Use column C only if this is a petition for dissolution of marriage and you believe an item 
is “nonmarital,” meaning the debt belongs to only one of you and should not be divided.  You 
should indicate to whom you believe the debt belongs. (Typically, you will only use Column C if the 
debt was owed by one spouse before the marriage.  See the “General Information for Self-
Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms and section 61.075(1), Florida 
Statutes, for definitions of “marital” and “nonmarital” assets and liabilities.) 
 
 
Jewelry 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance (cash surrender value) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sporting and entertainment (T.V., stereo, etc.) equipment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets  (add column B) 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 133 - 
 
 
A 
LIABILITIES:  DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S) 
 
LIST ONLY LAST FOUR DIGITS OF ACCOUNT NUMBERS. 
Check the line next to any debt(s) for which you believe you should be 
responsible. 
 
 
B 
Current 
Amount 
Owed 
 
C 
Nonmarital 
(Check correct 
column) 
 
husband 
 
wife 
 
 
Mortgages on real estate: First mortgage on home 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Second mortgage on home 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other mortgages 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge/credit card accounts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto loan 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auto loan 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank/Credit Union loans 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money you owe (not evidenced by a note) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Judgments 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debts  (add column B)  
 
$    
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 134 - 
 
C. NET WORTH  (excluding contingent assets and liabilities) 
 
$_______Total Assets (enter total of Column B in Asset Table; Section A) 
   
$_______Total Liabilities (enter total of Column B in Liabilities Table; Section B)   
$_______TOTAL NET WORTH (Total Assets minus Total Liabilities)  
 
     (excluding contingent assets and liabilities)   
 
  
 
 
D. CONTINGENT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 
INSTRUCTIONS: 
If you have any POSSIBLE assets (income potential, accrued vacation or sick leave, bonus, 
inheritance, etc.) or POSSIBLE liabilities (possible lawsuits, future unpaid taxes, contingent tax 
liabilities, debts assumed by another), you must list them here. 
  
A 
Contingent Assets 
 
Check the line next to any contingent asset(s) which you are requesting the 
judge award to you. 
 
B 
 
Possible 
Value 
 
C 
Nonmarital 
(Check correct 
column) 
 
husband 
wife 
 
 
 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contingent Assets 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
  
A 
Contingent Liabilities 
 
Check the line next to any contingent debt(s) for which you believe you 
should be responsible. 
 
 
 
B 
 
Possible 
Amount 
Owed 
 
 
C 
Nonmarital 
(Check correct 
column) 
 husband 
wife 
 
 
 
 
$ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contingent Liabilities 
 
$  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 135 - 
 
 
E. CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET.  Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), 
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, MUST be filed with the court at or prior to a hearing to 
establish or modify child support. This requirement cannot be waived by the parties. 
       [Check one only] 
       ____A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS or WILL BE filed in this case. This case involves the       
establishment or modification of child support. 
       ____A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet IS NOT being filed in this case. The establishment or   
modification of child support is not an issue in this case. 
 
I certify that a copy of this financial affidavit was [check all used]: (    ) e-mailed (     ) mailed, (     ) faxed  
(    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ____________________. 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _____________________________ 
Address: ____________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  _______________________ 
Fax Number: _________________________ 
E-mail Address(es): _____________________ 
 
 
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims made in this 
affidavit and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or 
imprisonment. 
 
Dated:  ______________________ 
 
__________________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature of Party 
Printed Name:  ______________________________ 
Address: ___________________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  ______________________________ 
Fax Number: ________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es): ____________________________ 
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY OF  
 
 
 
 
 
                                         
 
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on   
 
 by  
. 
 
 
 
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK  
 
 
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of 
notary or deputy clerk] 
       __    Personally known 
       __ Produced identification 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 136 - 
Type of identification produced 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form) (07/12) 
 
- 137 - 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: 
 [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}  
___________________________________________________________, 
{name of business} ______________________________________________________________, 
{address}  
 
 
 
 
_____________________________,  
{city}  
____,{state}  
_, {telephone number}   
. 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 138 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.902(e), CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
You should complete this worksheet if child support is being requested in your case.  If you know the 
income of the other party, this worksheet should accompany your financial affidavit.  If you do not 
know the other party’s income, this form must be completed after the other party files his or her 
financial affidavit, and serves a copy on you. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  You should file the original with the clerk of the circuit 
court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records. 
 
What should I do next? 
 
A copy of this form must be served on the other party in your case. Service must be in accordance with 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the 
beginning of these forms.  The words that are in “bold underline” in these instructions are defined 
there.  For further information, see section 61.30, Florida Statutes. 
 
Special notes... 
 
If you want to keep your address confidential because you are the victim of sexual battery, aggravated 
child abuse, aggravated stalking, harassment, aggravated battery or domestic violence, do not enter the 
address, telephone, and fax information at the bottom of this form.  Instead, file Request for 
Confidential Filing of Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.980(h). 
 
The chart below contains the guideline amounts that you should use when calculating child support.  
This amount is based on the number of children and the combined income of the parents, and it is 
divided between the parents in direct proportion to their income or earning capacity.  From time to 
time, some of the amounts in the child support guidelines chart will change.  Be sure you have the most 
recent version of the chart before using it. 
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 139 - 
Because the guidelines are based on monthly amounts, it may be necessary to convert some income and 
expense figures from other frequencies to monthly.  You should do this as follows: 
 
If payment is twice per month 
Payment amount 
x 
2       = 
  Monthly amount 
 
If payment is every two weeks 
Payment amount 
x 
26     = 
 Yearly amount due 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12     = 
 Monthly amount 
 
If payment is weekly 
Weekly amount  
x 
52     = 
Yearly amount due 
Yearly amount  
÷ 
12     = 
Monthly amount 
 
If you or the other parent request that the court award an amount that is different than the guideline 
amount, you must also complete and attach a Motion to Deviate from Child Support Guidelines, Florida 
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.943. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer.  If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines 
Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 140 - 
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES CHART 
Combined 
Monthly 
Available 
Income 
 
One 
Child 
 
Two 
Children 
 
Three 
Children 
 
Four 
Children 
 
Five 
Children 
 
Six 
Children 
 
800.00 
190 
211 
213 
216 
218 
220 
850.00 
202 
257 
259 
262 
265 
268 
900.00 
213 
302 
305 
309 
312 
315 
950.00 
224 
347 
351 
355 
359 
363 
1000.00 
235 
365 
397 
402 
406 
410 
1050.00 
246 
382 
443 
448 
453 
458 
1100.00 
258 
400 
489 
495 
500 
505 
1150.00 
269 
417 
522 
541 
547 
553 
1200.00 
280 
435 
544 
588 
594 
600 
1250.00 
290 
451 
565 
634 
641 
648 
1300.00 
300 
467 
584 
659 
688 
695 
1350.00 
310 
482 
603 
681 
735 
743 
1400.00 
320 
498 
623 
702 
765 
790 
1450.00 
330 
513 
642 
724 
789 
838 
1500.00 
340 
529 
662 
746 
813 
869 
1550.00 
350 
544 
681 
768 
836 
895 
1600.00 
360 
560 
701 
790 
860 
920 
1650.00 
370 
575 
720 
812 
884 
945 
1700.00 
380 
591 
740 
833 
907 
971 
1750.00 
390 
606 
759 
855 
931 
996 
1800.00 
400 
622 
779 
877 
955 
1022 
1850.00 
410 
638 
798 
900 
979 
1048 
1900.00 
421 
654 
818 
923 
1004 
1074 
1950.00 
431 
670 
839 
946 
1029 
1101 
2000.00 
442 
686 
859 
968 
1054 
1128 
2050.00 
452 
702 
879 
991 
1079 
1154 
2100.00 
463 
718 
899 
1014 
1104 
1181 
2150.00 
473 
734 
919 
1037 
1129 
1207 
2200.00 
484 
751 
940 
1060 
1154 
1234 
2250.00 
494 
767 
960 
1082 
1179 
1261 
2300.00 
505 
783 
980 
1105 
1204 
1287 
2350.00 
515 
799 
1000 
1128 
1229 
1314 
2400.00 
526 
815 
1020 
1151 
1254 
1340 
2450.00 
536 
831 
1041 
1174 
1279 
1367 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines 
Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 141 - 
Combined 
Monthly 
Available 
Income 
 
One 
Child 
 
Two 
Children 
 
Three 
Children 
 
Four 
Children 
 
Five 
Children 
 
Six 
Children 
 
2500.00 
547 
847 
1061 
1196 
1304 
1394 
2550.00 
557 
864 
1081 
1219 
1329 
1420 
2600.00 
2650.00 
2700.00               
2750.00                 
2800.00 
2850.00 
568 
578 
588 
597 
607 
616 
880 
896 
912 
927 
941 
956 
1101 
1121 
1141 
1160 
1178 
1197 
1242 
1265 
1287 
1308 
1328 
1349 
1354 
1379 
1403 
1426 
1448 
1471 
1447 
1473 
1500 
1524 
1549 
1573 
2900.00 
626 
971 
1215 
1370 
1494 
1598 
2950.00 
635 
986 
1234 
1391 
1517 
1622 
3000.00 
644 
1001 
1252 
1412 
1540 
1647 
3050.00 
654 
1016 
1271 
1433 
1563 
1671 
3100.00 
663 
1031 
1289 
1453 
1586 
1695 
3150.00 
673 
1045 
1308 
1474 
1608 
1720 
3200.00 
682 
1060 
1327 
1495 
1631 
1744 
3250.00 
691 
1075 
1345 
1516 
1654 
1769 
3300.00 
701 
1090 
1364 
1537 
1677 
1793 
3350.00 
710 
1105 
1382 
1558 
1700 
1818 
3400.00 
720 
1120 
1401 
1579 
1723 
1842 
3450.00 
729 
1135 
1419 
1599 
1745 
1867 
3500.00 
738 
1149 
1438 
1620 
1768 
1891 
3550.00 
748 
1164 
1456 
1641 
1791 
1915 
3600.00 
757 
1179 
1475 
1662 
1814 
1940 
3650.00 
767 
1194 
1493 
1683 
1837 
1964 
3700.00 
776 
1208 
1503 
1702 
1857 
1987 
3750.00 
784 
1221 
1520 
1721 
1878 
2009 
3800.00 
793 
1234 
1536 
1740 
1899 
2031 
3850.00 
802 
1248 
1553 
1759 
1920 
2053 
3900.00 
811 
1261 
1570 
1778 
1940 
2075 
3950.00 
819 
1275 
1587 
1797 
1961 
2097 
4000.00 
828 
1288 
1603 
1816 
1982 
2119 
4050.00 
837 
1302 
1620 
1835 
2002 
2141 
4100.00 
846 
1315 
1637 
1854 
2023 
2163 
4150.00 
854 
1329 
1654 
1873 
2044 
2185 
4200.00 
863 
1342 
1670 
1892 
2064 
2207 
4250.00 
872 
1355 
1687 
1911 
2085 
2229 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines 
Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 142 - 
Combined 
Monthly 
Available 
Income 
 
One 
Child 
 
Two 
Children 
 
Three 
Children 
 
Four 
Children 
 
Five 
Children 
 
Six 
Children 
 
4300.00 
881 
1369 
1704 
1930 
2106 
2251 
4350.00 
889 
1382 
1721 
1949 
2127 
2273 
4400.00 
898 
1396 
1737 
1968 
2147 
2295 
4450.00 
907 
1409 
1754 
1987 
2168 
2317 
4500.00 
916 
1423 
1771 
2006 
2189 
2339 
4550.00 
924 
1436 
1788 
2024 
2209 
2361 
4600.00 
933 
1450 
1804 
2043 
2230 
2384 
4650.00 
942 
1463 
1821 
2062 
2251 
2406 
4700.00 
951 
1477 
1838 
2081 
2271 
2428 
4750.00 
959 
1490 
1855 
2100 
2292 
2450 
4800.00 
968 
1503 
1871 
2119 
2313 
2472 
4850.00 
977 
1517 
1888 
2138 
2334 
2494 
4900.00 
986 
1530 
1905 
2157 
2354 
2516 
4950.00 
993 
1542 
1927 
2174 
2372 
2535 
5000.00 
1000 
1551 
1939 
2188 
2387 
2551 
5050.00 
1006 
1561 
1952 
2202 
2402 
2567 
5100.00 
1013 
1571 
1964 
2215 
2417 
2583 
5150.00 
1019 
1580 
1976 
2229 
2432 
2599 
5200.00 
1025 
1590 
1988 
2243 
2447 
2615 
5250.00 
1032 
1599 
2000 
2256 
2462 
2631 
5300.00 
1038 
1609 
2012 
2270 
2477 
2647 
5350.00 
1045 
1619 
2024 
2283 
2492 
2663 
5400.00 
1051 
1628 
2037 
2297 
2507 
2679 
5450.00 
1057 
1638 
2049 
2311 
2522 
2695 
5500.00 
1064 
1647 
2061 
2324 
2537 
2711 
5550.00 
1070 
1657 
2073 
2338 
2552 
2727 
5600.00 
1077 
1667 
2085 
2352 
2567 
2743 
5650.00 
1083 
1676 
2097 
2365 
2582 
2759 
5700.00 
1089 
1686 
2109 
2379 
2597 
2775 
5750.00 
1096 
1695 
2122 
2393 
2612 
2791 
5800.00 
1102 
1705 
2134 
2406 
2627 
2807 
5850.00 
1107 
1713 
2144 
2418 
2639 
2820 
5900.00 
1111 
1721 
2155 
2429 
2651 
2833 
5950.00 
1116 
1729 
2165 
2440 
2663 
2847 
6000.00 
1121 
1737 
2175 
2451 
2676 
2860 
6050.00 
1126 
1746 
2185 
2462 
2688 
2874 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines 
Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 143 - 
Combined 
Monthly 
Available 
Income 
 
One 
Child 
 
Two 
Children 
 
Three 
Children 
 
Four 
Children 
 
Five 
Children 
 
Six 
Children 
 
6100.00 
1131 
1754 
2196 
2473 
2700 
2887 
6150.00 
1136 
1762 
2206 
2484 
2712 
2900 
6200.00 
1141 
1770 
2216 
2495 
2724 
2914 
6250.00 
1145 
1778 
2227 
2506 
2737 
2927 
6300.00 
1150 
1786 
2237 
2517 
2749 
2941 
6350.00 
1155 
1795 
2247 
2529 
2761 
2954 
6400.00 
1160 
1803 
2258 
2540 
2773 
2967 
6450.00 
1165 
1811 
2268 
2551 
2785 
2981 
6500.00 
1170 
1819 
2278 
2562 
2798 
2994 
6550.00 
1175 
1827 
2288 
2573 
2810 
3008 
6600.00 
1179 
1835 
2299 
2584 
2822 
3021 
6650.00 
1184 
1843 
2309 
2595 
2834 
3034 
6700.00 
1189 
1850 
2317 
2604 
2845 
3045 
6750.00 
1193 
1856 
2325 
2613 
2854 
3055 
6800.00 
1196 
1862 
2332 
2621 
2863 
3064 
6850.00 
1200 
1868 
2340 
2630 
2872 
3074 
6900.00 
1204 
1873 
2347 
2639 
2882 
3084 
6950.00 
1208 
1879 
2355 
2647 
2891 
3094 
7000.00 
1212 
1885 
2362 
2656 
2900 
3103 
7050.00 
1216 
1891 
2370 
2664 
2909 
3113 
7100.00 
1220 
1897 
2378 
2673 
2919 
3123 
7150.00 
1224 
1903 
2385 
2681 
2928 
3133 
7200.00 
1228 
1909 
2393 
2690 
2937 
3142 
7250.00 
1232 
1915 
2400 
2698 
2946 
3152 
7300.00 
1235 
1921 
2408 
2707 
2956 
3162 
7350.00 
1239 
1927 
2415 
2716 
2965 
3172 
7400.00 
1243 
1933 
2423 
2724 
2974 
3181 
7450.00 
1247 
1939 
2430 
2733 
2983 
3191 
7500.00 
1251 
1945 
2438 
2741 
2993 
3201 
7550.00 
1255 
1951 
2446 
2750 
3002 
3211 
7600.00 
1259 
1957 
2453 
2758 
3011 
3220 
7650.00 
1263 
1963 
2461 
2767 
3020 
3230 
7700.00 
1267 
1969 
2468 
2775 
3030 
3240 
7750.00 
1271 
1975 
2476 
2784 
3039 
3250 
7800.00 
1274 
1981 
2483 
2792 
3048 
3259 
7850.00 
1278 
1987 
2491 
2801 
3057 
3269 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines 
Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 144 - 
Combined 
Monthly 
Available 
Income 
 
One 
Child 
 
Two 
Children 
 
Three 
Children 
 
Four 
Children 
 
Five 
Children 
 
Six 
Children 
 
7900.00 
1282 
1992 
2498 
2810 
3067 
3279 
7950.00 
1286 
1998 
2506 
2818 
3076 
3289 
8000.00 
1290 
2004 
2513 
2827 
3085 
3298 
8050.00 
1294 
2010 
2521 
2835 
3094 
3308 
8100.00 
1298 
2016 
2529 
2844 
3104 
3318 
8150.00 
1302 
2022 
2536 
2852 
3113 
3328 
8200.00 
1306 
2028 
2544 
2861 
3122 
3337 
8250.00 
1310 
2034 
2551 
2869 
3131 
3347 
8300.00 
1313 
2040 
2559 
2878 
3141 
3357 
8350.00 
1317 
2046 
2566 
2887 
3150 
3367 
8400.00 
1321 
2052 
2574 
2895 
3159 
3376 
8450.00 
1325 
2058 
2581 
2904 
3168 
3386 
8500.00 
1329 
2064 
2589 
2912 
3178 
3396 
8550.00 
1333 
2070 
2597 
2921 
3187 
3406 
8600.00 
1337 
2076 
2604 
2929 
3196 
3415 
8650.00 
1341 
2082 
2612 
2938 
3205 
3425 
8700.00 
1345 
2088 
2619 
2946 
3215 
3435 
8750.00 
1349 
2094 
2627 
2955 
3224 
3445 
8800.00 
1352 
2100 
2634 
2963 
3233 
3454 
8850.00 
1356 
2106 
2642 
2972 
3242 
3464 
8900.00 
1360 
2111 
2649 
2981 
3252 
3474 
8950.00 
1364 
2117 
2657 
2989 
3261 
3484 
9000.00 
1368 
2123 
2664 
2998 
3270 
3493 
9050.00 
1372 
2129 
2672 
3006 
3279 
3503 
9100.00 
1376 
2135 
2680 
3015 
3289 
3513 
9150.00 
1380 
2141 
2687 
3023 
3298 
3523 
9200.00 
1384 
2147 
2695 
3032 
3307 
3532 
9250.00 
1388 
2153 
2702 
3040 
3316 
3542 
9300.00 
1391 
2159 
2710 
3049 
3326 
3552 
9350.00 
1395 
2165 
2717 
3058 
3335 
3562 
9400.00 
1399 
2171 
2725 
3066 
3344 
3571 
9450.00 
1403 
2177 
2732 
3075 
3353 
3581 
9500.00 
1407 
2183 
2740 
3083 
3363 
3591 
9550.00 
1411 
2189 
2748 
3092 
3372 
3601 
9600.00 
1415 
2195 
2755 
3100 
3381 
3610 
9650.00 
1419 
2201 
2763 
3109 
3390 
3620 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines 
Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 145 - 
Combined 
Monthly 
Available 
Income 
 
One 
Child 
 
Two 
Children 
 
Three 
Children 
 
Four 
Children 
 
Five 
Children 
 
Six 
Children 
 
9700.00 
1422 
2206 
2767 
3115 
3396 
3628 
9750.00 
1425 
2210 
2772 
3121 
3402 
3634 
9800.00 
1427 
2213 
2776 
3126 
3408 
3641 
9850.00 
1430 
2217 
2781 
3132 
3414 
3647 
9900.00 
1432 
2221 
2786 
3137 
3420 
3653 
9950.00 
1435 
2225 
2791 
3143 
3426 
3659 
10000.00 
1437 
2228 
2795 
3148 
3432 
3666 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 146 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                               JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                  COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
 
 
 
 
, 
                        Petitioner, 
                               and 
 
 
 
 
 
, 
                     Respondent. 
 
 
NOTICE OF FILING CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET 
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that {name}                                                           _______, is filing his/her 
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet attached and labeled Exhibit 1. 
 
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 
 
I certify that a copy of this Notice of Filing with the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet was 
[check all used]: (    ) e-mailed (     ) mailed (    ) faxed (     ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed 
below on {date}  
 
__________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _____________________________ 
Address: ____________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  _______________________ 
Fax Number: _________________________ 
E-mail Address(es): _____________________ 
 
 
 
 
Signature of Party or his/her Attorney 
Printed Name:  _________________________ 
Address: ____________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  _______________________ 
Fax Number: _________________________ 
E-mail Address(es): _____________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 147 - 
Florida Bar Number: ____________________ 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 148 - 
 
 
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET 
 
 
 
A. FATHER 
 
B. MOTHER 
 
TOTAL 
 
1. Present Net Monthly Income 
        Enter the amount from line 27, Section I of  
        Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
        12.902(b) or (c), Financial Affidavit. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Basic Monthly Obligation  
         There is (are) {number}_____ minor child(ren) 
         common to the parties.   
         Using the total amount from line 1, enter the  
         appropriate amount from the child support 
         guidelines chart. 
  
 
 
 
 
3.  Percent of Financial Responsibility 
      Divide the amount on line 1A by the total  
      amount on line 1 to get Father’s percentage of 
      financial responsibility. Enter answer on line 3A. 
      Divide the amount on line 1B by the total   
      amount on line 1 to get Mother’s percentage of 
      financial responsibility. Enter answer on line 3B. 
 
 
 
% 
 
 % 
 
 
4. Share of Basic Monthly Obligation 
        Multiply the number on line 2 by the  
        percentage on line 3A to get Father’s share 
        of basic obligation. Enter answer on line 4A. 
        Multiply the number on line 2 by the  
        percentage on line 3B to get Mother’s share 
        of basic obligation. Enter answer on line 4B. 
    
 
 
 
 
Additional Support — Health Insurance, Child Care & Other 
 
 
5. a.  100% of Monthly Child Care Costs 
           [Child care costs should not exceed the level 
           required to provide quality care from a  
           licensed source.  See section 61.30(7), Florida   
           Statutes, for more information.] 
 
  
  
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 149 - 
 
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET 
 
 
 
A. FATHER 
 
B. MOTHER 
 
TOTAL 
 
b. Total Monthly Child(ren)’s Health Insurance  
       Cost  
       [This is only amounts actually paid for   
        health insurance on the child(ren).]         
 
 
 
c. Total Monthly Child(ren)’s Noncovered 
Medical, Dental and Prescription 
Medication Costs 
 
 
 
 
d. Total Monthly Child Care & Health Costs  
        [Add lines 5a + 5b +5c]. 
 
 
 
 
6.  Additional Support Payments 
 Multiply the number on line 5d by the 
percentage on line 3A to determine the Father’s 
share. Enter answer on line 6A. Multiply the 
number on line 5d by the percentage on line 3B 
to determine the Mother’s share. 
Enter answer on line 6B. 
          
 
 
 
 
Statutory Adjustments/Credits 
 
 
7.  a.  Monthly child care payments actually made 
 
 
 
 
b. Monthly health insurance payments actually 
made 
 
 
 
c. Other payments/credits actually made for 
any noncovered medical, dental and  
prescription medication expenses of the 
child(ren) not ordered to be separately paid 
on a percentage basis. 
       (See section 61.30 (8), Florida Statutes) 
 
 
 
 
8. Total Support Payments actually made 
 (Add 7a though 7c) 
 
 
 
 
9. MINIMUM CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION FOR 
EACH PARENT  
[Line 4 plus line 6; minus line 8] 
 
 
 
   Substantial Time-Sharing (GROSS UP METHOD) If each parent exercises time-sharing at least 20 
percent of the overnights in the year (73 overnights in the year), complete Nos. 10 through 21 
 
A. FATHER 
B. MOTHER 
TOTAL 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 150 - 
 
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET 
 
 
 
A. FATHER 
 
B. MOTHER 
 
TOTAL 
10. Basic Monthly Obligation x 150%  
[Multiply line 2 by 1.5] 
 
 
 
11. Increased Basic Obligation for each parent. 
Multiply the number on line 10 by the 
percentage on line 3A to determine the 
Father’s share. Enter answer on line 11A.  
Multiply the number on line 10 by the 
percentage on line 3B to determine the 
Mother’s share. Enter answer on line 11B. 
  
 
 
 
 
12. Percentage of overnight stays with each parent.  
The child(ren) spend(s) ______overnight stays 
with the Father each year.  Using the number 
on the above line, multiply it by 100 and divide 
by 365.  Enter this number on line 12A. 
The child(ren) spend(s) _____ overnight stays 
with the Mother each year.  Using the number 
on the above line, multiply it by 100 and divide 
by 365.  Enter this number on line 12B. 
 
 
 
% 
 
% 
 
13. Parent’s support multiplied by other Parent’s 
percentage of overnights.  
[Multiply line 11A by line 12B.  Enter this 
number in 13A.  Multiply line 11B by line 12A. 
Enter this number in 13B.] 
 
 
 
Additional Support — Health Insurance, Child Care & Other 
 14. a.  Total Monthly Child Care Costs  
           [Child care costs should not exceed the level   
          required to provide quality care from a 
          licensed source.  See section 61.30(7),  
          Florida Statutes, for more information.] 
 
 
 
 
b. Total Monthly Child(ren)’s Health Insurance 
Cost 
        [This is only amounts actually paid for health   
        insurance on the child(ren).] 
 
 
 
 
c.  Total Monthly Child(ren)’s Noncovered   
Medical, Dental and Prescription 
Medication Costs. 
 
 
 
d. Total Monthly Child Care & Health Costs 
        [Add lines 14a + 14b + 14c.] 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 151 - 
 
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET 
 
 
 
A. FATHER 
 
B. MOTHER 
 
TOTAL 
15.  Additional Support Payments. 
       Multiply the number on line 14d by the  
       percentage on line 3A to determine the  
       Father’s share. Enter answer on line 15A. 
       Multiply the number on line 14d by the 
       percentage on line 3B to determine the 
       Mother’s share.  Enter answer on line 15B. 
 
 
 
 
Statutory Adjustments/Credits 
 16.    a.   Monthly child care payments actually 
                made 
 
 
 
b. 
   Monthly health insurance payments actually 
made 
 
 
 
c.    Other payments/credits actually made for 
any noncovered medical, dental and 
prescription medication expenses of the 
child(ren) not ordered to be separately  
paid on a percentage basis.  
        [See section 61.30(8), Florida Statutes] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17.  Total Support Payments actually made 
       [Add 16a though 16c] 
 
 
 
18. Total Additional Support Transfer Amount 
      [Line 15 minus line 17; enter any negative  
      number as zero) 
 
 
 
 
19.  Total Child Support Owed from Father to 
Mother  [Add line 13A plus line 18A] 
 
 
 
 
20.  Total Child Support Owed from Mother to 
Father [Add line 13B plus line 18B] 
 
 
 
 
21. Actual Child Support to Be Paid.  
      [Comparing lines 19 and 20, Subtract the   
      smaller amount owed from the larger amount 
      owed and enter the result in the column for  
      the parent that owes the larger amount of  
      support] 
 
$                                                   
 
 
 
ADJUSTMENTS TO GUIDELINES AMOUNT.  If you or the other parent is requesting the Court to award a 
child support amount that is more or less than the child support guidelines, you must complete and file 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 152 - 
Motion to Deviate from Child Support Guidelines, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 
12.943.
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (07/12) 
 
- 153 - 
       [check one only] 
a. ____ Deviation from the guidelines amount is requested.  The Motion to Deviate from Child              
Support Guidelines, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.943, is attached. 
b. ____ Deviation from the guidelines amount is NOT requested.  The Motion to Deviate from 
Child Support Guidelines, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.943, is not 
attached. 
 
 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (   ) Petitioner (    ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}  
, 
{name of business} _________________________________________________________________, 
{address}  
____________________________________________________________________,  
{city}  _____________________,{state} ,______ {telephone number}________________________. 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons:  Personal Service on an 
Individual (07/12) 
 
- 154 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.910(a), SUMMONS: PERSONAL SERVICE ON AN INDIVIDUAL (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used to obtain personal service on the other party when you begin your lawsuit. 
Service is required for all documents filed in your case.  Service means giving a copy of the required 
papers to the other party using the procedure that the law requires.  Generally, there are two ways to 
make service:  (1) personal service, or (2) service by e-mail, mail, or hand delivery. A third method for 
service is called constructive service; however, the relief a court may grant may be limited in a case 
where constructive service has been used. 
 
The law requires that certain documents be served by personal service if personal service is possible. 
Personal service means that a summons (this form) and a copy of the forms you are filing with the court 
that must be personally served are delivered by a deputy sheriff or private process server 
 
 
directly to the other party, or 
 
to someone over the age of fifteen with whom the other party lives. 
 
Personal service is required for all petitions, including petitions for modification. You cannot serve these 
papers on the other party yourself or by mail or hand delivery. Personal service must be made by the 
sheriff’s department in the county where the other party lives or works or by a private process server 
certified in the county where the other party lives or works. 
 
In many counties, there are private process servers who, for a fee, will personally serve the summons 
and other documents that require personal service.  You should look under process servers in the yellow 
pages of the telephone book for a list of private process servers in your area. You may use a private 
process server to serve any paper required to be personally served in a family law case except a petition 
for injunction for protection against domestic or repeat violence. 
 
How do I start? 
 
When you begin your lawsuit, you need to complete this form (summons) and a Process Service 
Memorandum, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b). The forms should be typed 
or printed legibly in black ink.  Next, you will need to take these forms and, if you have not already done 
so, file your petition with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you live. You should keep a 
copy of the forms for your records. The clerk will sign the summons, and then the summons, a copy of 
the papers to be served, and the process service memorandum must be delivered to the appropriate 
sheriff’s office or to a private process server for service on the other party. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons:  Personal Service on an 
Individual (07/12) 
 
- 155 - 
 
IF THE OTHER PARTY LIVES IN THE COUNTY WHERE SUIT IS FILED:  Ask the clerk in your county about 
any local procedures regarding service.  Generally, if the other party lives in the county in which you are 
filing suit and you want the sheriff’s department to serve the papers, you will file the summons along 
with a Process Service Memorandum, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b), 
with the clerk and the clerk will forward those papers to the sheriff for service.  Make sure that you 
attach a copy of the papers you want personally served to the summons. You may also need to provide 
the sheriff with a stamped envelope addressed to you.  This will allow the sheriff to send the proof of 
service to you, after the sheriff serves your papers on the other party.  However, in some counties the 
sheriff may send the proof of service directly to the clerk. If you are instructed to supply a self-
addressed, stamped envelope and you receive the proof of service, you should file the proof of service 
with the clerk after you receive it from the sheriff.  Also, you will need to find out how much the sheriff 
charges to serve the papers. Personal checks are not accepted. You should attach to the summons a 
cashier’s check or money order made payable to the sheriff, and either give it to the clerk for delivery to 
the sheriff or send all of the paperwork and the fee to the sheriff yourself. The clerk will tell you which 
procedure to use. The costs for service may be waived if you are indigent. 
 
If you want a private process server to serve the other party, you should still bring the summons to the 
clerk’s office and have the clerk sign it for you.  You should deliver the summons, along with the copy of 
your initial petition and any other papers to be served, and a Process Service Memorandum, Florida 
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b), to the private process server. The private process 
server will charge you a fee for serving the papers.  After service is complete, proof of service by the 
private process server must be filed with the clerk. You should discuss how this will occur with the 
private process server. 
 
IF THE OTHER PARTY LIVES IN ANOTHER COUNTY:  If the other party lives in another county, service 
needs to be made by a sheriff in the county where the other party lives or by a private process server 
certified in the county where the other party lives.  Make sure that you attach a copy of the papers you 
want personally served to the summons as well as the Process Service Memorandum, Florida Supreme 
Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b). If you want the sheriff to serve the papers, the clerk may 
send your papers to that sheriff’s office for you, or you may have to send the papers yourself. The clerk 
will tell you which procedure to use.  Either way, you will need to provide the sheriff with a stamped 
envelope addressed to you.  This will allow the sheriff to send the proof of service to you, after the 
sheriff serves your papers on the other party.  You should file the proof of service with the clerk after 
you receive it from the sheriff.  Also, you will need to find out how much the sheriff charges to serve the 
papers.  Personal checks are not accepted.  You should attach to the summons a cashier’s check or 
money order made payable to the sheriff, and either give it to the clerk for delivery to the sheriff or send 
all of the paperwork and the fee to the sheriff yourself.  The clerk will tell you which procedure to use.  
The costs for service may be waived if you are indigent. 
 
If you want a private process server to serve the other party, you should still bring the summons to the 
clerk’s office where the clerk will sign it for you. You should deliver the summons, along with the copy of 
your initial petition and any other papers to be served, and a Process Service Memorandum, Florida 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons:  Personal Service on an 
Individual (07/12) 
 
- 156 - 
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.910(b), to the private process server. The private process 
server will charge you a fee for serving the papers.  After service is complete, proof of service by the 
private process server must be filed with the clerk. You should discuss how this will occur with the 
private process server. 
 
IF THE OTHER PARTY CANNOT BE LOCATED OR DOES NOT LIVE IN FLORIDA:  If, after you have made a 
diligent effort to locate the other party, you absolutely cannot locate the other party, you may serve the 
other party by publication. Service by publication is also known as constructive service. You may also be 
able to use constructive service if the other party does not live in Florida.  However, Florida courts have 
only limited jurisdiction over a party who is served by constructive service and may have only limited 
jurisdiction over a party living outside of Florida regardless of whether that party is served by 
constructive or personal service; that is, the judge’s power to order the other party to do certain things 
may be limited.  For example, the judge may be able to grant your request for a divorce, but the judge 
may not be able to address issues such as child support, spousal support (alimony), or division of 
property or debts. 
 
Regardless of the type of service used, if the other party once lived in Florida but is living outside of 
Florida now, you should include in your petition a statement regarding the length of time the party lived 
in Florida, if any, and when.  For example: Respondent last lived in Florida from {date}                              to  
{date}                                               . 
 
This area of the law is very complex and you may need to consult with an attorney regarding the 
proper type of service to be used in your case if the other party does not live in Florida or cannot be 
located. 
 
What happens when the papers are served on the other party? 
 
The date and hour of service are written on the original summons and on all copies of it by the person 
making the service.  The person who delivers the summons and copies of the petition must file a proof 
of service with the clerk or provide a proof of service to you for filing with the court.  It is your 
responsibility to make sure the proof of service has been returned to the clerk and placed in your case 
file. 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the 
beginning of these forms. For further information regarding service of process, see chapters 48 and 49, 
Florida Statutes, and rule 1.070, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as the instructions for Notice of 
Action for Dissolution of Marriage (No Child or Financial Support), Florida Supreme Court Approved 
Family Law Form 12.913(a)(1), Notice of Action for Family Cases with Minor Child(ren), Florida 
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a)(2), Affidavit of Diligent Service and Inquiry, 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(b), and Affidavit of Diligent Search, Florida Family 
Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.913(c). 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons:  Personal Service on an 
Individual (07/12) 
 
- 157 - 
Special notes... 
If you have been unable to obtain proper service on the other party within 120 days after filing your 
lawsuit, the court will dismiss your lawsuit against the other party unless you can show the court a good 
reason why service was not made within 120 days. For this reason, if you had the local sheriff serve the 
papers, you should check with the clerk every couple of weeks after completing the service papers to 
see if service has been completed. You may need to supply the sheriff with a new or better address. If 
you had a private process server or a sheriff in another county serve the papers, you should be in 
contact with that person or sheriff until you receive proof of service from that person or sheriff. You 
should then file the proof of service with the clerk immediately. 
 
If the other party fails to respond, i.e., fails to file a written response with the court, within 20 days after 
the service of the summons, you are entitled to request a default. See the instructions to Motion for 
Default, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922 (a), and Default, Florida Supreme 
Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(b), for further information. You will need to file an Affidavit of 
Military Service, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(b), before a default may be 
granted. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons: Personal Service on an Individual (07/12) 
 
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
                                                                      , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                       , 
Respondent. 
 
 
 
SUMMONS: PERSONAL SERVICE ON AN INDIVIDUAL 
 ORDEN DE COMPARECENCIA: SERVICIO PERSONAL EN UN INDIVIDUO 
 
CITATION: L’ASSIGNATION PERSONAL SUR UN INDIVIDUEL 
 
 
TO/PARA/A: {enter other party’s full legal name}  
, 
{address (including city and state)/location for service}  
. 
 
 
IMPORTANT 
 
A lawsuit has been filed against you.  You have 20 calendar days after this summons is served on you to 
file a written response to the attached complaint/petition with the clerk of this circuit court, located at: 
{street address}  
. 
A phone call will not protect you.  Your written response, including the case number given above and 
the names of the parties, must be filed if you want the Court to hear your side of the case. 
If you do not file your written response on time, you may lose the case, and your wages, money, and 
property may be taken thereafter without further warning from the Court.  There are other legal 
requirements.  You may want to call an attorney right away.  If you do not know an attorney, you may 
call an attorney referral service or a legal aid office (listed in the phone book). 
If you choose to file a written response yourself, at the same time you file your written response to the 
Court, you must also serve a copy of your written response on the party serving this summons at: 
{Name and address of party serving summons}  
 
 
. 
 
If the party serving summons has designated e-mail address(es) for service or is represented by an 
attorney, you may designate e-mail address(es) for service by or on you.  Service must be in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons: Personal Service on an Individual (07/12) 
 
- 159 - 
Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit 
Court’s office.  You may review these documents, upon request. 
You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address.  (You may file 
Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 
12.915.)  Future papers in this lawsuit will be served at the address on record at the clerk’s office. 
WARNING:  Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure 
of documents and information.  Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or 
striking of pleadings. 
 
 
IMPORTANTE 
 
Usted ha sido demandado legalmente.  Tiene veinte (20) dias, contados a partir del recibo de esta 
notificacion, para contestar la demanda adjunta, por escrito, y presentarla ante este tribunal.  Localizado 
en:                                                                                .  Una llamada telefonica no lo protegera.  Si usted desea 
que el tribunal considere su defensa, debe presentar su respuesta por escrito, incluyendo el numero del 
caso y los nombres de las partes interesadas.  Si usted no contesta la demanda a tiempo, pudiese perder 
el caso y podria ser despojado de sus ingresos y propiedades, o privado de sus derechos, sin previo aviso 
del tribunal.  Existen otros requisitos legales.  Si lo desea, usted puede consultar a un abogado 
inmediatamente.  Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a una de las oficinas de asistencia legal que 
aparecen en la guia telefonica. 
Si desea responder a la demanda por su cuenta, al mismo tiempo en que presente su respuesta ante el 
tribunal, usted debe enviar por correo o entregar una copia de su respuesta a la persona denominada 
abajo. 
Si usted elige presentar personalmente una respuesta por escrito, en el mismo momento que usted 
presente su respuesta por escrito al Tribunal, usted debe enviar por correo o llevar una copia de su 
respuesta por escrito a la parte entregando esta orden de comparencencia a: 
Nombre y direccion de la parte que entrega la orden de comparencencia:  
 
 
. 
Copias de todos los documentos judiciales de este caso, incluyendo las ordenes, estan disponibles en 
la oficina del Secretario de Juzgado del Circuito *Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office+.  Estos documentos 
pueden ser revisados a su solicitud. 
Usted debe de manener informada a la oficina del Secretario de Juzgado del Circuito de su direccion 
actual.  (Usted puede presentar            el Formulario: Ley de Familia de la Florida 12.915, Florida 
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail 
Address.)  Los papelos que se presenten en el futuro en esta demanda judicial seran env ados por 
correo a la direccion que este registrada en la oficina del Secretario. 
ADVERTENCIA: Regla 12.285 (Rule 12.285), de las Reglas de Procedimiento de Ley de Familia de la 
Florida [Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure], requiere cierta revelacion automatica de documentos 
e informacion.  El incumplimient, puede resultar en sanciones, incluyendo la desestimacion o 
anulacion de los alegatos. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a), Summons: Personal Service on an Individual (07/12) 
 
160 
 
 
IMPORTANT 
 
Des poursuites judiciaries ont ete entreprises contre vous. Vous avez 20 jours consecutifs a partir de la 
date de l’assignation de cette citation pour deposer une reponse ecrite a la plainte ci-jointe aupres de ce 
tribunal.  Qui se trouve a: {L’Adresse}                      
                            .  Un simple coup de telephone 
est insuffisant pour vous proteger; vous etes obliges de deposer votre reponse ecrite, avec mention du 
numero de dossier ci-dessus et du nom des parties nommees ici, si vous souhaitez que le tribunal 
entende votre cause. Si vous ne deposez pas votre reponse ecrite dans le delai requis, vous risquez de 
perdre la cause ainsi que votre salaire, votre argent, et vos biens peuvent etre saisis par la suite, sans 
aucun preavis ulterieur du tribunal.  Il y a d’autres obligations juridiques et vous pouvez requerir les 
services immediats d’un avocat.  Si vous ne connaissez pas d’avocat, vous pourriez telephoner a un 
service de reference d’avocats ou a un bureau d’assistance juridique (figurant a l’annuaire de 
telephones). 
Si vous choisissez de deposer vous-meme une reponse ecrite, il vous faudra egalement, en 
meme temps que cette formalite, faire parvenir ou expedier une copie au carbone ou une photocopie 
de votre reponse ecrite a la partie qui vous depose cette citation. 
 
Nom et adresse de la partie qui depose cette citation:                                                                                          
Les photocopies de tous les documents tribunals de cette cause, y compris des arrets, sont disponible 
au bureau du greffier.  Vous pouvez revue ces documents, sur demande. 
Il faut aviser le greffier de votre adresse actuelle.  (Vous pouvez deposer Florida Supreme Court 
Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address.)  Les 
documents de l’avenir de ce proces seront envoyer a l’adresse que vous donnez au bureau du greffier. 
ATTENTION: La regle 12.285 des regles de procedure du droit de la famille de la Floride exige que l’on 
remette certains renseignements et certains documents a la partie adverse. Tout refus de les fournir 
pourra donner lieu a des sanctions, y compris le rejet ou la suppression d’un ou de plusieurs actes de 
procedure. 
 
THE STATE OF FLORIDA 
TO EACH SHERIFF OF THE STATE:  You are commanded to serve this summons and a copy of the 
complaint in this lawsuit on the above-named person. 
 
DATED:  
 
 
 
 
 
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT 
(SEAL) 
 
By:  
 
      Deputy Clerk 
 
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and E-
mail Address (07/12) 
 
- 161 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW 
FORM 12.915, 
         DESIGNATION OF CURRENT MAILING AND E-MAIL ADDRESS (07/12) 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used to inform the clerk and the other party of your current mailing and e-mail 
address(es) or any change of address.  It is very important that the court and the other party in your 
case have your correct address. 
 
A party not represented by an attorney may choose to designate e-mail address(es) for service.  A 
primary and up to two secondary e-mail addresses can be designated.  If you do so and the other party 
is represented by an attorney or has also designated e-mail address(es) for service, e-mail will be the 
exclusive means of service. 
 
If there is any change in your mailing or e-mail address(es), you must complete a new form, file it with 
the clerk, and serve a copy on any other party or parties in your case. 
 
What should I do next? 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should file the original 
with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your 
records.   A copy of this form must be served on any other party in your case.  Service must be in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the 
beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there. 
 
Special notes... 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address 
(07/12) 
 
- 162 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
                                                                      , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                       , 
Respondent. 
 
DESIGNATION OF CURRENT MAILING AND E-MAIL ADDRESS 
I, {full legal name}  
, being sworn, certify that 
 my current mailing address is: {Street}  
 
{City} 
 
 
 
, {State}  
 {Zip}   
 {Telephone No.}  
 
{Fax No.}  
 
 
. 
 
I designate as my current e-mail address(es):________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
I understand that I must keep the clerk’s office and the opposing party or parties notified of my 
current mailing and e-mail address(es) and that all future papers in this lawsuit will be served at the 
address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. 
 I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: (    ) e-mailed (     ) mailed (      ) faxed   
(     ) hand-delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date}__________________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _____________________________ 
Address: ____________________________ 
City, State, Zip:  _______________________ 
Fax Number: _________________________ 
E-mail Address(es): _____________________ 
 
 
 
 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915, Designation of Current Mailing and E-mail Address 
(07/12) 
 
- 163 - 
 
Dated: _______________ 
 
 
_____________________________________________  
 
Signature of Party 
 
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY OF                                          
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on                                by  
. 
 
 
 
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK 
 
 
                                                [Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or clerk.] 
 
       _ 
Personally known 
 
       _ 
Produced identification 
Type of identification produced   
 
 
 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}  
, 
{name of business} _______________________________________________________________, 
{street}  
 
 
 
 
________________________________________________,  
{city}                                                          ,{state}   
, {telephone number}____________________. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, 
12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate, and 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate 
(07/12) 
 
- 164 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORMS 12.920(a), MOTION FOR REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE, 
12.920(b), ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE, and 
12.920(c), NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE GENERAL MAGISTRATE (07/12) 
 
When should these forms be used? 
 
A general magistrate is an attorney appointed by a judge to take testimony and recommend decisions 
on certain matters connected with a divorce. These recommendations are then reviewed by the judge 
and are generally approved unless contrary to the law or the facts of the case. The primary purposes of 
having general magistrates hear family law matters are to reduce the costs of litigation and to speed up 
cases. Either party may request that their case, or portions of their case, be heard by a general 
magistrate by filing Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 
Form 12.920(a). You must also prepare an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law 
Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), to submit to the judge assigned to your case. 
 
Many times, the court, either on its own motion or under current administrative orders of the court, 
may refer your case to a general magistrate. Even in those instances, you may be required to prepare 
and submit an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
12.920(b), to the judge. 
 
Once a general magistrate has been appointed to your case, the general magistrate will assign a time 
and place for a hearing as soon as reasonably possible after the referral is made. The general magistrate 
will give notice of that hearing to each of the parties directly or will direct a party or attorney in the case 
to file and serve a notice of hearing on the other party. If you are asked to send the notice of hearing, 
you will need to use the form entitled Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate, Florida Family Law 
Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c). Regardless of who prepares the notice of hearing, the moving party 
(the one who requested referral to the general magistrate) is required to have the notice properly 
served on the other party. 
 
These forms should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, you should file the 
original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your 
records. 
 
What should I do next? 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, 
12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate, and 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate 
(07/12) 
 
- 165 - 
If you are filing a Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 
Form 12.920(a), you need to send or deliver your motion directly to the judge assigned to your case, 
along with an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
12.920(b), and an addressed, stamped envelope for each party in the case. The judge will then either 
grant or deny the motion, usually without a hearing. 
 
If you are required to submit an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure Form 12.920(b), to the judge assigned to your case, you will need to send or deliver the order 
directly to the judge, along with addressed, stamped envelopes for each party in the case. 
 
The party who prepares any of these forms must file the original with the clerk of the circuit court.  A 
copy of the motion must be served on any other party in your case.  Service must be in accordance with 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the 
beginning of these forms. The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there. 
For further information, see Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.490. 
 
Special notes... 
 
IMPORTANT: After the judge refers your case to a general magistrate, either party (including the party 
who was required to prepare and submit the Order of Referral) may object to the referral within 10 
days of the date that the referral is made (if the Order of Referral is served by mail, the parties have 
an additional 5 days within which to object to the referral). Every litigant is entitled to have his or her 
case heard by a judge. However, before you decide to object to an Order of Referral to General 
Magistrate, you should consider the potential extra costs and time delays that may result from having a 
judge hear your case instead of a general magistrate. You may want to speak with an attorney in your 
area who can assist you in making a more informed decision regarding whether you should file an 
objection to an Order of Referral to General Magistrate. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 166 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
 
Case No: ________________________ 
 
Division: ________________________ 
 
_________________________________, 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
_________________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
 
 
MOTION FOR REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE 
 
I, {full legal name}  
 
 
 
 
 
, request that the Court enter an order 
referring this case to a general magistrate.  The case should be referred to a general magistrate on the 
following issues: {explain} 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: (    ) e-mailed (     ) mailed (     ) faxed 
(     ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ____________________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name: ____________________________ 
Address:  __________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _____________________ 
Fax Number: _______________________ 
E-mail Address(es):___________________ 
__________________________________ 
Signature of Party or his/her attorney: 
Printed Name: ______________________ 
Address: __________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _____________________ 
Telephone Number: _________________ 
Fax Number:________________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 167 - 
E-mail Address(es):__________________ 
Florida Bar Number:_________________ 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: 
 [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}  
, 
{name of business}  ____________________________________________________________________, 
{address}  
 
 
 
 
_____________________________________________,  
{city}  _____________________,{state}  
, {telephone number}____________________________.  
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 168 - 
 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
 
Case No: ________________________ 
 
Division: ________________________ 
 
_________________________________, 
Petitioner, 
and 
 
_________________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
 
 
ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE 
 
THIS CASE IS REFERRED TO THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE on the following issues: 
 
1. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
2. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
3. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
4. __________________________________________________________________________________ 
AND ANY OTHER MATTER RELATED THERETO. 
 
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above issues are referred to General Magistrate  
{name} _______________________________________________________________________________, 
for further proceedings, under rule 12.490 of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and current 
administrative orders of the Court.  Financial Affidavits, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
12.902(b) or (c), shall be filed in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.  The 
General Magistrate is authorized to administer oaths and conduct hearings, which may include taking of 
evidence, and shall file a report and recommendations that contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, 
and the name of the court reporter, if any. 
The General Magistrate shall assign a time for the proceedings as soon as reasonably possible after this 
referral is made and shall give notice to each of the parties either directly or by directing counsel or a 
party to file and serve a notice of hearing. 
Counties within the State of Florida may have different rules.  Please consult the (   ) Clerk of the Court 
(    ) Family Law Intake Staff (    ) other __________________________________________ relating to 
this procedure. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 169 - 
A REFERRAL TO A GENERAL MAGISTRATE REQUIRES THE CONSENT OF ALL PARTIES. YOU ARE 
ENTITLED TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD BY A JUDGE.  IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THIS MATTER 
HEARD BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE REFERRAL 
WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE TIME OF SERVICE OF THIS ORDER.  IF THE TIME SET FOR THE HEARING IS LESS 
THAN 10 DAYS AFTER SERVICE OF THIS ORDER, THE OBJECTION MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE 
HEARING.  IF THIS ORDER IS SERVED WITHIN THE FIRST 20 DAYS AFTER SERVICE OF PROCESS, THE 
TIME TO FILE AN OBJECTION IS EXTENDED TO THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A RESPONSIVE PLEADING IS 
DUE.  FAILURE TO FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION WITHIN THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD IS DEEMED TO 
BE A CONSENT TO THE REFERRAL. 
 
If either party files a timely objection, this matter shall be returned to the undersigned judge with a 
notice stating the amount of time needed for hearing. 
 
REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE SHALL BE BY 
EXCEPTIONS AS PROVIDED IN RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE.  A 
RECORD, WHICH INCLUDES A TRANSCRIPT, MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT EXCEPTIONS. 
 
YOU ARE ADVISED THAT IN THIS CIRCUIT: 
a. ____ electronic recording is provided by the court.  A party may provide a court reporter                    
 
at that party’s expense. 
b. ____ a court reporter is provided by the court. 
 
SHOULD YOU WISH TO SEEK REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE 
GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU MUST FILE EXCEPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA 
FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE.  YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A 
RECORD SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT YOUR EXCEPTIONS, OR YOUR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE DENIED. A 
RECORD ORDINARILY INCLUDES A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF ALL RELEVANT PROCEEDINGS.  THE 
PERSON SEEKING REVIEW MUST HAVE THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED IF NECESSARY FOR THE COURT'S 
REVIEW. 
 
ORDERED on  ___________________________. 
 
 
 
 
 
CIRCUIT JUDGE 
 
COPIES TO: 
Petitioner (or his or her attorney) 
Respondent (or his or her attorney) 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 170 - 
General Magistrate 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 171 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
  
 Case No: ________________________ 
 Division: ________________________ 
 
_________________________________, 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
_________________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE GENERAL MAGISTRATE 
 
[fill in all blanks] 
TO: 
_________________________________________________________ 
 
There will be a hearing before General Magistrate {name of general magistrate}___________________, 
on {date} ____________, at {time} ___ m., in Room _________ of the ____________________________ 
Courthouse, on the following issues: _______________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
_____hour(s) _____ minutes have been reserved for this hearing. 
PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY. 
 
If the matter before the General Magistrate is a Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement, FAILURE TO 
APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR 
YOUR ARREST.  IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A 
HEARING IS HELD. 
 
PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY. 
 
This part to be filled out by the court or filled in with information you have obtained from the court: 
 
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} 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 172 - 
at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon 
receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less 
than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. 
SHOULD YOU WISH TO SEEK REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE 
GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU MUST FILE EXCEPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA 
FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE.  YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A 
RECORD SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT YOUR EXCEPTIONS, OR YOUR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE DENIED. A 
RECORD ORDINARILY INCLUDES A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF ALL RELEVANT PROCEEDINGS. THE 
PERSON SEEKING REVIEW MUST HAVE THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED IF NECESSARY FOR THE COURT’S 
REVIEW. 
 
YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED THAT IN THIS CIRCUIT: 
 
a. _____electronic recording is provided by the court. A party may provide a court 
 
reporter at that party’s expense. 
b. _____ a court reporter is provided by the court. 
 
If you are represented by an attorney or plan to retain an attorney for this matter you should notify the 
attorney of this hearing. 
 
If this matter is resolved, the moving party shall contact the General Magistrate’s Office to cancel this 
hearing. 
 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]:  (   ) e-mailed (    ) mailed (    ) faxed  
(    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ______________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _______________________________________ 
Address: ______________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _________________________________ 
Fax Number: ___________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________________ 
 
 
 
____________________________________________ 
Signature of Party or his/her Attorney 
Printed Name: ________________________________ 
Address:  ____________________________________ 
City, State, Zip:________________________________ 
Telephone Number: ___________________________ 
Fax Number: _________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):____________________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (07/12) 
 
- 173 - 
Florida Bar Number: ___________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}____________________________________________________________________, 
{name of business} _____________________________________________________________________, 
{address} ____________________________________________________________________________, 
{city} ________________________{state} _________, {telephone number}________________________. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), Notice of Service of Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories (07/12) 
 
- 174 - 
 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORM 12.930(a), NOTICE OF SERVICE OF STANDARD FAMILY LAW 
INTERROGATORIES (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
You should use this form to tell the court that you are asking the other party in your case to answer 
certain standard questions in writing.  These questions are called interrogatories, and they must relate 
to your case. The standard family law interrogatories are designed to supplement the information 
provided in the Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You 
should carefully read the standard interrogatory forms, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
12.930(b) and (c), to determine which questions, if any, the other party needs to answer in order to 
provide you with information not covered by the financial affidavit forms. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must indicate whether you are sending the 
interrogatories for original and enforcement proceedings or the interrogatories for modification 
proceedings. You must also indicate which questions you are asking the other party to answer.  After 
completing this form you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where 
your case was filed and keep a copy for your records. 
 
What should I do next? 
 
You must serve the other party with a copy of this form along with an original and a copy of the 
appropriate interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b) or (c), if service is by 
mail or hand delivery.  You must serve a copy of this form and a copy of the interrogatories if service is 
by e-mail.  Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
                        You may want to inform the other party of the following information: 
 
As a general rule, within 30 days after service of interrogatories, the other party must answer the 
questions in writing and serve you with the answers.  Service of the answers must be in compliance with 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.  His or her answers may be written on as many separate 
sheets of paper as necessary. He or she should number each page and indicate which question(s) he or 
she is answering, and be sure to make a copy for him/herself.  All answers to these questions are made 
under oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness. Each question must be answered separately and as 
completely as the available information permits. The original of the answers to the interrogatories is to 
be provided to the requesting party.  Do not file the original or a copy with the clerk of the circuit court 
except as provided in Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.340(e). 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), Notice of Service of Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories (07/12) 
 
- 175 - 
The other party may object to a question by writing the legal reason for the objection in the space 
provided. He or she may also ask the court for a protective order granting him or her permission not to 
answer certain questions and protecting him or her from annoyance, embarrassment, apprehension, or 
undue burden or expense. If the other party fails to either answer or object to the questions within 30 
days, he or she may be subject to court sanctions. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the 
beginning of these forms. The words that are bold underline in these instructions are defined there.  
For further information, see Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.280, 12.285, 12.340, and 12.380, 
and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.280, 1.340, and 1.380. 
 
Special notes... 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories 
(07/12) 
- 176 - 
 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
                                                                      , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                     , 
Respondent. 
 
 
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES 
 
I, {full legal name}  
 
 
 
 
 
, have on {date}  
, 
served upon {name of person served}  
, 
to be answered under oath within 30 days after service, the Standard Family Law Interrogatories for 
[check one only] 
        (     )  Original or Enforcement Proceedings   (     ) Modification Proceedings 
 
I am requesting that the following standard questions be answered: [check all that apply] 
        ____1   
        __  2 
        ___  3 
        __  4 
         __  5 
        __  6 
        __  7 
Background  
Education 
Employment 
Assets 
Liabilities Miscellaneous Long Form 
Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Affidavit 
 
In addition, I am requesting that the attached {#}  
                                                           questions be 
answered. 
 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: (     ) e-mailed  (     ) mailed (     ) faxed   
(     ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date}__________________________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _________________________________ 
Address: ________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: ___________________________ 
Fax Number: _____________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_________________________ 
        _______________________________________ 
        Signature of Party or his/her Attorney 
        Printed Name: ____________________________ 
        Address:  ________________________________ 
        City, State, Zip:____________________________ 
        Telephone Number: _______________________ 
        Fax Number: _____________________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories 
(07/12) 
- 177 - 
        E-mail Address(es):_________________________ 
        Florida Bar Number:________________________ 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW: 
 [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (    ) Petitioner (    ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}  
, 
{name of business} _________________________________________________________________, 
{address}  
 
 
 
 
________________________________________________,  
{city}   
_______,{state}  
 
, {telephone number}  
 
. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for 
Original or Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 178 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.930(b), STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES FOR ORIGINAL 
OR ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used to ask the other party in your case to answer certain standard questions in 
writing. These questions are called interrogatories, and they must relate to your case.  If the other party 
fails to answer the questions, you may ask the judge to order the other party to answer the questions.  
(You cannot ask these questions before the petition has been filed.) 
 
The questions in this form should be used in original proceedings or enforcement proceedings and are 
meant to supplement the information provided in the Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should read all of the questions in this form to determine which 
questions, if any, the other party needs to answer in order to provide you with information not covered 
in the financial affidavit forms. If there are questions to which you already know the answer, you may 
choose not to ask them. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must complete the box at the beginning of this 
form to indicate which questions you are requesting that the other party answer.   
 
You must serve the other party with an original and a copy of these interrogatories and a copy of the 
Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
12.930(a), if by mail or hand delivery. You must serve an original of these interrogatories and a copy of 
the Notice, if by e-mail. Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
You should also keep a copy for your records. You should not file this form with the clerk of the circuit 
court.  However, you must file the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida 
Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.930(a), to tell the court that you have sent this form to the other 
party. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants found at the 
beginning of these forms.  The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there.  
For further information, see the instructions for Notice of Service of Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a),  Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure 12.280, 12.285, 12.340, and 12.380; and Florida Rules of Civil Procedure  1.280, 1.340, and 
1.380. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for 
Original or Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 179 - 
 
Special notes... 
 
In addition to the standard questions in this form, you may ask up to 10 additional questions.  You 
should type or print legibly your additional questions on a separate sheet of paper and attach it to this 
form.  If you want to ask more than 10 additional questions, you will need to get permission from the 
judge. 
 
You may want to inform the other party of the following information:  As a general rule, within 30 days 
after service of interrogatories, the other party must answer the questions in writing and serve you with 
the answers.  Service of the answers must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.516.  His or her answers shall be written in the blank space provided after each separately numbered 
interrogatory.  If sufficient space is not provided, the answering party may attach additional papers with 
the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the interrogatories.  He or she should be sure to 
make a copy for him/herself.  All answers to these questions are made under oath or affirmation as to 
their truthfulness.  Each question must be answered separately and as completely as the available 
information permits.  The original of the answers to the interrogatories is to be provided to the 
requesting party.  DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL OR A COPY WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT EXCEPT AS 
PROVIDED BY FLORIDA RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 1.340(e) AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 
REQUIREMENTS OF FLORIDA RULE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 2.425.  The other party may object 
to a question by writing the legal reason for the objection in the space provided.  He or she may also ask 
the court for a protective order granting him or her permission not to answer certain questions and 
protecting him or her from annoyance, embarrassment, apprehension, or undue burden or expense. If 
the other party fails to either answer or object to the questions within 30 days, he or she may be subject 
to court sanctions. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 180 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
      
                                                                        , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                         , 
Respondent. 
 
 
STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES 
FOR ORIGINAL OR ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS 
 
 
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PARTY SERVING THESE INTERROGATORIES 
I am requesting that the following standard questions be answered: [check all that apply] 
____1 
Background 
Information 
____2 
Education 
____3 
Employment 
____4 
Assets 
____ 5 
Liabilities  
____6 
Miscellaneous 
____7 
Long Form 
Affidavit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   In addition, I am requesting that the attached {#} _________________ questions be answered. 
 
 
The answers to the following questions are intended to supplement the information provided in 
the Financial Affidavits, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should answer 
the group of questions indicated in the above shaded box. The questions should be answered in the 
blank space provided below each separately numbered question. If sufficient space is not provided, you 
may attach additional papers with the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the 
interrogatories.  You should be sure to make a copy for yourself. Each question must be answered 
separately and as completely as the available information permits. All answers are to be made under 
oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness. 
 
AFTER YOU ANSWER THE INTERROGATORIES, DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL WITH THE CLERK OF THE 
COURT.  ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE COURT FILE BECOMES PUBLIC RECORD. 
INSTEAD, SERVE THE ORIGINAL OF THE ANSWERS TO THE INTERROGATORIES ON THE OTHER PARTY 
AND FILE FORM 12.930(d), NOTICE OF SERVICE OF ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORIES, WITH THE CLERK. 
 
I, {name of person answering interrogatories}  
, 
being sworn, certify that the following information is true: 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 181 - 
 
1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 
a. State your full legal name and any other name by which you have been known. 
b. State your present residence and telephone numbers. 
 
2. EDUCATION: 
a. List all business, commercial, and professional licenses that you have obtained. 
b. List all of your education including, but not limited to, vocational or specialized training, 
including the following: 
(1) name and address of each educational institution. 
(2) dates of attendance. 
(3) degrees or certificates obtained or anticipated dates of same. 
 
3. EMPLOYMENT: 
a. For each place of your employment or self-employment during the last 3 years, state the 
following: 
(1) name, address, and telephone number of your employer. 
(2) dates of employment. 
(3) job title and brief description of job duties. 
(4) starting and ending salaries. 
(5) name of your direct supervisor. 
(6) all benefits received, including, for example, health, life, and disability insurance; expense 
account; use of automobile or automobile expense reimbursement; reimbursement for 
travel, food, or lodging expenses; payment of dues in any clubs or associations; and pension 
or profit sharing plans. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 182 - 
b. Other than as an employee, if you have been engaged in or associated with any business, 
commercial, or professional activity within the last 3 years that was not detailed above, state for 
each such activity the following: 
(1) name, address, and telephone number of each activity. 
(2) dates you were connected with such activity. 
(3) position title and brief description of activities. 
(4) starting and ending compensation. 
(5) name of all persons involved in the business, commercial, or professional activity with you. 
(6) all benefits and compensation received, including, for example, health, life, and disability 
insurance; expense account; use of automobile or automobile expense reimbursement; 
reimbursement for travel, food, or lodging expenses; payment of dues in any clubs or 
associations; and pension or profit sharing plans. 
 
c. If you have been unemployed at any time during the last 3 years, state the dates of 
unemployment. If you have not been employed at any time in the last 3 years, give the 
information requested above in question 3.a for your last period of employment. 
4. ASSETS: 
a. Real Estate.  State the street address, if any, and if not, the legal description of all real property 
that you own or owned during the last 3 years.  For each property, state the following: 
(1) the names and addresses of any other persons or entities holding any interest and their 
percentage of interest. 
(2) the purchase price, the cost of any improvements made since it was purchased, and the 
amount of any depreciation taken. 
(3) the fair market value on the date of your separation from your spouse. 
(4) the fair market value on the date of the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage. 
 
b. Tangible Personal Property.  List all items of tangible personal property that are owned by you 
or in which you have had any interest during the last 3 years including, but not limited to, motor 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 183 - 
vehicles, tools, furniture, boats, jewelry, art objects or other collections, and collectibles whose 
fair market value exceeds $100. For each item, state the following: 
(1) the percentage and type of interest you hold. 
(2) the names and addresses of any other persons or entities holding any interest. 
(3) the date you acquired your interest. 
(4) the purchase price. 
(5) the present fair market value. 
(6) the fair market value on the date of your separation from your spouse. 
(7) the fair market value on the date of the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage. 
 
c. Intangible Personal Property.  Other than the financial accounts (checking, savings, money 
market, credit union accounts, retirement accounts, or other such cash management accounts) 
listed in the answers to interrogatories 4.d and 4.e below, list all items of intangible personal 
property that are owned by you or in which you have had any ownership interest (including closed 
accounts) within the last 3 years, including but not limited to, partnership and business interests 
(including good will), deferred compensation accounts unconnected with retirement, including but 
not limited to stock options, sick leave, and vacation pay, stocks, stock funds, mutual funds, bonds, 
bond funds, real estate investment trust, receivables, certificates of deposit, notes, mortgages, 
and debts owed to you by another entity or person. For each item, state the following: 
(1) the percentage and type of interest you hold. 
(2) the names and addresses of any other persons or entities holding any interest and the 
names and addresses of the persons and entities who are indebted to you. 
(3) the date you acquired your interest. 
(4) the purchase price, acquisition cost, or loaned amount. 
(5) the fair market value or the amounts you claim are owned by or owed to you: 
(a) presently, at the time of answering these interrogatories. 
(b) on the date of your separation from your spouse. 
(c) on the date of the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (4.c) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years.  DO NOT FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE. However, if the date of 
acquisition, the purchase price and the market valuations are not clearly reflected in the 
periodic statements which are furnished then these questions must be answered separately. 
You do not have to resubmit any periodic statements previously furnished under rule 12.285 
(Mandatory Disclosure). 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 184 - 
d. Retirement Accounts: List all information regarding each retirement account/plan, including but 
not limited to defined benefit plans, 401k, 403B, IRA accounts, pension plans, Florida 
Retirement System plans (FRS), Federal Government plans, money purchase plans, HR10 
(Keogh) plans, profit sharing plans, annuities, employee savings plans, etc. that you have 
established and/or that have been established for you by you, your employer, or any previous 
employer.  For each account, state the following: 
(1) the name and last 4 digits of the account number of each account/plan and where it is 
located.  
(2) the type of account/plan. 
(3) the name and address of the fiduciary plan administrator/service representative. 
(4) the fair market value of your interest in each account/plan. 
(a) present value. 
(b) value on the date of separation. 
(c) value on the date of filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage 
(5) whether you are vested or not vested; and if vested, in what amount, as of a certain date 
and the schedule of future vesting.  
(6) the date at which you became/become eligible to receive some funds in this account/plan. 
(7) monthly benefits of the account/plan if no fair market value is ascertained. 
(8) beneficiary(ies) and/or alternate payee(s). 
 
e. Financial Accounts.  For all financial accounts (checking, savings, money market, credit union 
accounts, or other such cash management accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, in which 
you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in 
your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the 
following: 
(1) name and address of each institution. 
(2) name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3) the last 4 digits of account numbers. 
(4) name of each person authorized to make withdrawals from the accounts.  
(5) highest balance within each of the preceding 3 years. 
(6) lowest balance within each of the preceding 3 years. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (4.e) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years.  DO NOT FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE. You do not have to resubmit 
account statements previously furnished pursuant to rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
f. Closed Financial Accounts.  For all financial accounts (checking, savings, money market, credit 
union accounts, or other such cash management accounts) closed within the last 3 years, in 
which you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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held in your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, 
give the following: 
(1) name and address of each institution. 
(2) name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3) the last 4 digits of  account numbers. 
(4) name of each person authorized to make withdrawals from the accounts. 
(5) date account was closed. 
 
g. Trust.  For any interest in an estate, trust, insurance policy, or annuity, state the following: 
(1) If you are the beneficiary of any estate, trust, insurance policy, or annuity, give for each one 
the following: 
(a) identification of the estate, trust, insurance policy, or annuity. 
(b) the nature, amount, and frequency of any distributions of benefits. 
(c) the total value of the beneficiaries’ interest in the benefit. 
(d) whether the benefit is vested or contingent. 
(2) If you have established any trust or are the trustee of a trust, state the following: 
(a) the date the trust was established. 
(b) the names and addresses of the trustees. 
(c) the names and addresses of the beneficiaries. 
(d) the names and addresses of the persons or entities who possess the trust documents. 
(e) each asset that is held in each trust, with its fair market value. 
h. Canceled Life Insurance Policies.  For all policies of life insurance within the preceding 3 years 
that you no longer hold, own, or have any interest in, state the following: 
(1) name of company that issued the policy and last 4 digits of policy number. 
(2) name, address, and telephone number of agent who issued the policy. 
(3) amount of coverage. 
(4) name of insured. 
(5) name of owner of policy. 
(6) name of beneficiaries. 
(7) premium amount. 
(8) date the policy was surrendered. 
(9) amount, if any, of monies distributed to the owner. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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i. 
Name of Accountant, Bookkeeper, or Records Keeper.  State the names, addresses, and 
telephone numbers of your accountant, bookkeeper, and any other persons who possess your 
financial records, and state which records each possesses. 
j. 
Safe Deposit Boxes, Lock Boxes, Vaults, Etc.  For all safe deposit boxes, lock boxes, vaults, or 
similar types of depositories, state the following: 
(1) The names and addresses of all banks, depositories, or other places where, at any time 
during the period beginning 3 years before the initiation of the action, until the date of your 
answering this interrogatory, you did any of the following: 
(a) had a safe deposit box, lock box, or vault. 
(b) were a signatory or co-signatory on a safe deposit box, lock box, or vault. 
(c) had access to a safe deposit box, lock box, or vault. 
(d) maintained property. 
(2) The box or identification numbers and the name and address of each person who has had 
access to any such depository during the same time period. 
(3) All persons who have possession of the keys or combination to the safe deposit box, lock 
box, or vault. 
(4) Any items removed from any safe deposit boxes, lock boxes, vaults, or similar types of 
depositories by you or your agent during that time, together with the present location and 
fair market value of each item. 
(5) All items in any safe deposit boxes, lock boxes, vaults, or similar types of depositories and 
fair market value of each item. 
5. LIABILITIES: 
a. Loans, Liabilities, Debts, and Other Obligations.  For all loans, liabilities, debts, and other 
obligations (other than credit cards and charge accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, 
indicate for each the following: 
(1) name and address of the creditor. 
(2) name in which the obligation is or was incurred. 
(3)  last 4 digits of loan or account number, if any. 
(4) nature of the security, if any. 
(5) payment schedule. 
(6) present balance and current status of your payments. 
(7) total amount of arrearage, if any. 
(8) balance on the date of your separation from your spouse. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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(9) balance on the date of the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (5.a) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years. DO NOT FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE.   You do not have to resubmit 
account statements previously furnished under rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
 
b. Credit Cards and Charge Accounts.  For all financial accounts (credit cards, charge accounts, or 
other such accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, in which you have had any legal or 
equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own name 
individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following: 
(1) name and address of the creditor. 
(2) name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3) names of each person authorized to sign on the accounts. 
(4) last 4 digits of account numbers. 
(5) present balance and current status of your payments. 
(6) total amount of arrearage, if any. 
(7) balance on the date of your separation from your spouse. 
(8) balance on the date of the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage. 
(9) highest and lowest balance within each of the preceding 3 years. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (5.b) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 3 
years. DO NOT FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE.  You do not have to resubmit account 
statements previously furnished under rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
c. Closed Credit Cards and Charge Accounts.  For all financial accounts (credit cards, charge 
accounts, or other such accounts) closed with no remaining balance, within the last 3 years, in 
which you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was 
held in your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, 
give the following: 
(1) name and address of each creditor. 
(2) name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3)  last 4 digits of account numbers. 
(4) names of each person authorized to sign on the accounts. 
(5) date the balance was paid off. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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(6) amount of final balance paid off. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (5.c) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years.   DO NOT FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE. You do not have to resubmit 
account statements previously furnished under rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
6. MISCELLANEOUS: 
a. If you are claiming an unequal distribution of marital property or enhancement or appreciation 
of nonmarital property, state the amount claimed and all facts upon which you rely in your 
claim. 
b. If you are claiming an asset or liability is nonmarital, list the asset or liability and all facts upon 
which you rely in your claim. 
c. If the mental or physical condition of a spouse or child is an issue, identify the person and state 
the name and address of all health care providers involved in the treatment of that person for 
said mental or physical condition. 
d. Detail your proposed parenting plan for the minor child(ren), including your proposed time-
sharing schedule.  Alternatively, attach a copy of your proposed parenting plan. 
e. If you are claiming that the other parent’s  time-sharing with the minor child(ren) should be 
limited,  supervised, or otherwise restricted, or that you should have sole parental responsibility 
for the minor child(ren), with or without time-sharing with the other parent, or that you should 
have ultimate responsibility over specific aspects of the child(ren)’s welfare or that these 
responsibilities should be divided between you and the other parent, state your reasons and all 
facts which you rely upon to support your claim. 
 
7. LONG FORM AFFIDAVIT:  If you filed the short form affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 
Form 12.902(b), and you were specifically requested in the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories to file the Long Form Affidavit, Form 12.902(c), you must do so within the time to 
serve the answers to these interrogatories. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]:  (    ) e-mailed (    ) mailed (    ) faxed    
(    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} ____________________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _______________________________________ 
Address: ______________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _________________________________ 
Fax Number: ___________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________________ 
 
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the answers to these 
interrogatories and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or 
imprisonment. 
 
Dated:                                                    
 
 
____________________________________________ 
Signature of Party 
Printed Name: ________________________________ 
Address:  ____________________________________ 
City, State, Zip:________________________________ 
Telephone Number: ___________________________ 
Fax Number: _________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):____________________________ 
 
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY OF  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on                                by  
. 
 
 
 
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK 
 
 
 
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or 
deputy clerk.] 
        
Personally known 
        
Produced identification 
Type of identification produced   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or 
Enforcement Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}  
, 
{name of business} __________________________________________________________________, 
{address}  _________________________________________________________________________, 
{city}   
___________,{state}  
___, {telephone number}  
 
. 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for 
Modification Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.930(c), STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES FOR 
MODIFICATION PROCEEDINGS (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used to ask the other party in your case to answer certain standard questions in 
writing. These questions are called interrogatories, and they must relate to your case.  If the other party 
fails to answer the questions, you may ask the judge to order the other party to answer the questions.  
(You cannot ask these questions before the petition has been filed.) 
 
The questions in this form should be used in modification proceedings and are meant to supplement 
the information provided in the Financial Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
12.902(b) or (c). You should read all of the questions in this form to determine which questions, if any, 
the other party needs to answer in order to provide you with information not covered in the financial 
affidavit forms. If there are questions to which you already know the answer, you may choose not to ask 
them. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. You must complete the box at the beginning of this 
form to indicate which questions you are requesting that the other party answer.  
 
You must serve the other party with an original and a copy of these interrogatories and a copy of the 
Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 
12.930(a), if by mail or hand delivery.  You must serve an original of these interrogatories and a copy of 
the Notice, if by e-mail.  Service must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.516.    
 
You should also keep a copy for your records. You should not file this form with the clerk of the circuit 
court. However, you must file the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law Interrogatories, Florida 
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), to tell the court that you have sent this form to the other 
party. 
 
After you receive the completed answers to the interrogatories, DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL OR A COPY 
WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT UNLESS THE ANSWERS ARE ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE BY THE COURT 
AND ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FLORIDA RULE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 2.425 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for 
Modification Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the 
beginning of these forms.  The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined there.  
For further information, see the instructions for Notice of Service of Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(a), Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure 12.280, 12.285, 12.340, and 12.380; and  Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.280, 1.340, and 
1.380. 
 
Special notes 
 
In addition to the standard questions in this form, you may ask up to 10 additional questions.  You 
should type or print legibly your additional questions on a separate sheet of paper and attach it to this 
form.  If you want to ask more than 10 additional questions, you will need to get permission from the 
judge. 
 
You may want to inform the other party of the following information:  As a general rule, within 30 days 
after service of interrogatories, the other party must answer the questions in writing and serve you with 
the answers.  Service of the answers must be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 
2.516.  His or her answers shall be written in the blank space provided after each separately numbered 
interrogatory.  If sufficient space is not provided, the answering party may attach additional papers with 
the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the interrogatories.  He or she should be sure to 
make a copy for him/herself.  All answers to these questions are made under oath or affirmation as to 
their truthfulness.  Each question must be answered separately and as completely as the available 
information permits.  The original of the answers to the interrogatories is to be provided to the 
requesting party.  DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL OR A COPY WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT 
UNLESS THE ANSWERS ARE ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE BY THE COURT AND ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH 
THE REQUIREMENTS OF FLORIDA RULE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 2.425. The other party may 
object to a question by writing the legal reason for the objection in the space provided.  He or she may 
also ask the court for a protective order granting him or her permission not to answer certain questions 
and protecting him or her from annoyance, embarrassment, apprehension, or undue burden or 
expense. If the other party fails to either answer or object to the questions within 30 days, he or she 
may be subject to court sanctions. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law Rules 
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms 
also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every 
form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
      
                                                                        , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                         , 
Respondent. 
 
 
STANDARD FAMILY LAW INTERROGATORIES 
FOR MODIFICATION PROCEEDINGS 
 
 
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PARTY SERVING THESE INTERROGATORIES 
I am requesting that the following standard questions be answered: [check all that apply] 
____1 
Background 
Information 
____2 
Education 
____3 
Employment 
____4 
Assets 
____ 5 
Liabilities  
____6 
Miscellaneous 
____7 
Long Form 
Affidavit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   In addition, I am requesting that the attached {#} _________________ questions be answered. 
 
 
The answers to the following questions are intended to supplement the information provided in the 
Financial Affidavits, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c). You should answer the 
group of questions indicated in the above shaded box. The questions should be answered in the blank 
space provided below each separately numbered question. If sufficient space is not provided, you may 
attach additional papers with the answers and refer to them in the space provided in the 
interrogatories.  You should be sure to make a copy for yourself. Each question must be answered 
separately and as completely as the available information permits. All answers are to be made under 
oath or affirmation as to their truthfulness. 
 
AFTER YOU ANSWER THE INTERROGATORIES, DO NOT FILE THE ORIGINAL WITH THE CLERK OF THE 
COURT.  ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE COURT FILE BECOMES PUBLIC RECORD. 
INSTEAD, SERVE THE ORIGINAL OF THE ANSWERS TO THE INTERROGATORIES ON THE OTHER PARTY 
AND FILE FORM 12.930(d), NOTICE OF SERVICE OF ANSWERS TO INTERROGATORIES, WITH THE CLERK. 
 
I, {name of person answering interrogatories}  
, 
being sworn, certify that the following information is true: 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: 
a. State your full legal name and any other name by which you have been known. 
b. State your present residence and telephone numbers. 
 
2. EDUCATION: 
a. List all business, commercial, and professional licenses that you have obtained since the entry of 
the Final Judgment sought to be modified. 
b. List all of your education since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified   
  
     
including, but not limited to, vocational or specialized training, including the following: 
(1) name and address of each educational institution. 
(2) dates of attendance. 
(3) degrees or certificates obtained or anticipated dates of same. 
 
 
 
 
 
3. EMPLOYMENT: 
a. For each place of your employment or self-employment since the entry of the Final Judgment 
sought to be modified, state the following: 
(1) name, address, and telephone number of your employer. 
(2) dates of employment. 
(3) job title and brief description of job duties. 
(4) starting and ending salaries. 
(5) name of your direct supervisor. 
(6) all benefits received, including, for example, health, life, and disability insurance; expense 
account; use of automobile or automobile expense reimbursement;  reimbursement for 
travel, food, or lodging expenses; payment of dues in any clubs or associations; and pension 
or profit sharing plans. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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b. Other than as an employee, if you have been engaged in or associated with any business, 
commercial, or professional activity since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified 
that was not detailed above, state for each such activity the following: 
(1) name, address, and telephone number of each activity. 
(2) dates you were connected with such activity. 
(3) position title and brief description of activities. 
(4) starting and ending compensation. 
(5) name of all persons involved in the business, commercial, or professional activity with you. 
(6) all benefits and compensation received, including, for example, health, life, and disability 
insurance; expense account; use of automobile or automobile expense reimbursement; 
reimbursement for travel, food, or lodging expenses; payment of dues in any clubs or 
associations; and pension or profit sharing plans. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
c. If you have been unemployed at any time since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be 
modified, state the dates of unemployment. If you have not been employed at any time since 
the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, give the information requested above in 
question 3.a for your last period of employment. 
 
 
 
 
4.      ASSETS: 
a. Real Estate.  State the street address, if any, and if not, the legal description of all real property 
that you own or owned during the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought 
to be modified, if shorter.  For each property, state the following: 
(1) the names and addresses of any other persons or entities holding any interest and their 
percentage of interest. 
(2)  the present fair market value. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
b. Tangible Personal Property.  List all items of tangible personal property that are owned by you 
or in which you have had any interest during the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles, tools, 
furniture, boats, jewelry, art objects or other collections, and collectibles whose fair market 
value exceeds $100. For each item, state the following: 
(1) the percentage and type of interest you hold. 
(2) the names and addresses of any other persons or entities holding any interest. 
(3) the present fair market value. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
c. Intangible Personal Property.  Other than the financial accounts (checking, savings, money 
market, credit union accounts, retirement accounts, or other such cash management accounts) 
listed in the answers to interrogatories 4.d and 4.e below, list all items of intangible personal 
property that are owned by you or in which you have had any ownership interest (including closed 
accounts) within the last 3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if 
shorter, including but not limited to, partnership and business interests (including good will), 
deferred compensation accounts unconnected with retirement, including but not limited to stock 
options, sick leave, and vacation pay, stocks, stock funds, mutual funds, bonds, bond funds, real 
estate investment trust, receivables, certificates of deposit, notes, mortgages, and debts owed to 
you by another entity or person. For each item, state the following: 
(1) the percentage and type of interest you hold. 
(2) the names and addresses of any other persons or entities holding any interest and the 
names and addresses of the persons and entities who are indebted to you 
(3) the present fair market value or the amounts you claim are owned by or owed to you, at the 
time of answering these interrogatories. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (4.c) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter.  DO NOT 
FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE. However, if the date of acquisition, the purchase 
price and the market valuations are not clearly reflected in the periodic statements which are 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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furnished, then these questions must be answered separately. You do not have to resubmit 
any periodic statements previously furnished under rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
d. Retirement Accounts: List all information regarding each retirement account/plan, including but 
not limited to defined benefit plans, 401k, 403B, IRA accounts, pension plans, Florida 
Retirement System plans (FRS), Federal Government plans, money purchase plans, HR10 
(Keogh) plans, profit sharing plans, annuities, employee savings plans, etc. that you have 
established and/or that have been established for you by you, your employer, or any previous 
employer.  For each account, state the following: 
(1) the name and last 4 digits of the account number of each account/plan and where it is 
located.  
(2) the type of account/plan. 
(3) the name and address of the fiduciary plan administrator/service representative. 
(4) the present fair market value of your interest in each account/plan. 
(5) whether you are vested or not vested; and if vested, in what amount, as of a certain date 
and the schedule of future vesting.  
(6) the date at which you became/become eligible to receive some funds in this account/plan. 
(7) monthly benefits of the account/plan if no fair market value is ascertained. 
(8) beneficiary(ies) and/or alternate payee(s). 
 
 
e. Financial Accounts.  For all financial accounts (checking, savings, money market, credit union 
accounts, or other such cash management accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, in which 
you have had any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in 
your own name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the 
following: 
(1) name and address of each institution. 
(2) name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3) last 4 digits of account numbers. 
(4) names of each person authorized to make withdrawals from the accounts.  
(5) highest balance within each of the preceding 3 years, or since the entry of the Final 
Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter. 
(6) lowest balance within each of the preceding 3 years, or since the entry of the Final 
Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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You may comply with this interrogatory (4.e) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter.  DO NOT 
FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE. You do not have to resubmit account statements 
previously furnished pursuant to rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
 
 
f. Closed Financial Accounts.  For all financial accounts (checking, savings, money market, credit 
union accounts, or other such cash management accounts) closed within the last 3 years, or 
since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter, in which you have had 
any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own 
name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following: 
(1) name and address of each institution. 
(2) name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3) last 4 digits of account numbers. 
(4) name of each person authorized to make withdrawals from the accounts. 
(5) date account was closed. 
 
g. Trust.  For any interest in an estate, trust, insurance policy, or annuity, state the following: 
(1) If you are the beneficiary of any estate, trust, insurance policy, or annuity, give for each one 
the following: 
(a) identification of the estate, trust, insurance policy, or annuity. 
(b) the nature, amount, and frequency of any distributions of benefits. 
(c) the total value of the beneficiaries’ interest in the benefit. 
(d) whether the benefit is vested or contingent. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
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(2) If you have established any trust or are the trustee of a trust, state the following: 
(a) the date the trust was established. 
(b) the names and addresses of the trustees. 
(c) the names and addresses of the beneficiaries. 
(d) the names and addresses of the persons or entities who possess the trust documents. 
(e) each asset that is held in each trust, with its fair market value. 
 
h. Name of Accountant, Bookkeeper, or Records Keeper.  State the names, addresses, and 
telephone numbers of your accountant, bookkeeper, and any other persons who possess your 
financial records, and state which records each possesses. 
 
5. LIABILITIES: 
a. Loans, Liabilities, Debts, and Other Obligations.  For all loans, liabilities, debts, and other 
obligations (other than credit cards and charge accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, 
indicate for each the following: 
(1) name and address of the creditor. 
(2) name in which the obligation is or was incurred. 
(3) last 4 digits of loan or account number, if any. 
(4) nature of the security, if any. 
(5) payment schedule. 
(6) present balance and current status of your payments. 
(7) total amount of arrearage, if any. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (5.a) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter. DO NOT 
FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE.   You do not have to resubmit account 
statements previously furnished under rule 12.285 Mandatory Disclosure). 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 200 - 
 
 
b. Credit Cards and Charge Accounts.  For all financial accounts (credit cards, charge accounts, or 
other such accounts) listed in your Financial Affidavit, in which you have had any legal or 
equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own name 
individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following: 
(1) name and address of the creditor. 
(2) name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3) name of each person authorized to sign on the accounts. 
(4) last 4 digits of account numbers. 
(5) present balance and current status of your payments. 
(6) total amount of arrearage, if any. 
(7) highest and lowest balance within each of the preceding 3 years, or since the entry of the 
Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter. 
You may comply with this interrogatory (5.b) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 3 
years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter. DO NOT FILE 
THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE.  You do not have to resubmit account statements 
previously furnished under rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
 
c. Closed Credit Cards and Charge Accounts.  For all financial accounts (credit cards, charge 
accounts, or other such accounts) closed with no remaining balance, within the last 3 years, or 
since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter, in which you have had 
any legal or equitable interest, regardless of whether the interest is or was held in your own 
name individually, in your name with another person, or in any other name, give the following: 
(1)  name and address of each creditor. 
(2)  name in which the account is or was maintained. 
(3)  last 4 digits of account numbers. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 201 - 
(4)  name of each person authorized to sign on the accounts. 
(5)  date the balance was paid off. 
(6)  amount of final balance paid off. 
 
You may comply with this interrogatory (5.c) by providing copies of all periodic (monthly, 
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual) account statements for each such account for the preceding 
3 years, or since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, if shorter.   DO NOT 
FILE THESE DOCUMENTS IN THE COURT FILE. You do not have to resubmit account statements 
previously furnished under rule 12.285 (Mandatory Disclosure). 
 
 
 
 
 
6. MISCELLANEOUS: 
a. If you are claiming a diminished earning capacity since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to 
be modified as grounds to modify alimony or deviate from the child support established in your 
case, describe in detail how your earning capacity is lowered and state all facts upon which you 
rely in your claim.  If unemployed, state how, why, and when you lost your job. 
b. If you are claiming a change in mental or physical condition since the entry of the Final 
Judgment sought to be modified as grounds to modify alimony or change the child support 
established in your case, describe in detail how your mental and/or physical capacity has 
changed and state all facts upon which you rely in your claim.  Identify the change in your 
mental and/or physical capacity, and state the name and address of all health care providers 
involved in the treatment of this mental or physical condition. 
c. If you are requesting a change in shared or sole parental responsibility, ultimate decision-
making, the time-sharing schedule, the parenting plan, or any combination thereof, for the 
minor child(ren), describe in detail the change in circumstances since the entry of the Final 
Judgment sought to be modified that you feel justify the requested change.  State when the 
change of circumstances occurred, how the change or circumstances affects the child(ren), and 
why it is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the Court make the requested change.  
Attach your proposed parenting plan. 
d. If you do not feel the requested change in shared or sole parental responsibility, ultimate 
decision-making, the time-sharing schedule, the parenting plan, or any combination thereof,  for 
the minor child(ren) is in their best interests, or if you feel there has not been a change in 
circumstances since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified, describe in detail 
any facts since the entry of the Final Judgment sought to be modified that you feel justify the 
Court denying the requested change.  State what requested change, if any, in shared or sole 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 202 - 
parenting responsibility, ultimate decision-making, the time-sharing schedule, or of the 
parenting plan is justified or agreeable to you and why it is in the best interests of the child(ren). 
 
 
7. LONG FORM AFFIDAVIT:  If you filed the Short Form Affidavit, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 
Form 12.902(b), and you were specifically requested in the Notice of Service of Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories to file the Long Form Affidavit, Form12.902(c), you must do so within the time to 
serve the answers to these interrogatories. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: (    ) e-mailed (    ) mailed (    ) faxed  
(    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date}____________________________. 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _______________________________________ 
Address: ______________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _________________________________ 
Fax Number: ___________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________________ 
 
  I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the answers to these 
interrogatories and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or 
imprisonment. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Modification 
Proceedings (07/12) 
 
- 203 - 
 
 
Dated:                                                    
 
 
 
 
Signature of Party 
 
 
 
                                Printed Name:  _________________________________ 
Address: ______________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _________________________________ 
  Fax Number: ___________________________________ 
    E-mail Address(es):_______________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY OF  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on                                by  
. 
 
 
 
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK 
 
 
 
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or 
deputy clerk.] 
        
Personally known 
        
Produced identification 
Type of identification produced   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} (     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}  
, 
{name of business} __________________________________________________________________, 
{address}  
 
 
 
 
_________________________________________________,  
{city}   
_____________,{state}   
, {telephone number}  
 
.
 
Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932,  Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory 
Disclosure (07/12) 
 
- 204 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORM 
12.932, CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH MANDATORY DISCLOSURE 
(07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
Mandatory disclosure requires each party in a dissolution of marriage case to provide the other party 
with certain financial information and documents.  These documents must be served on the other party 
within 45 days of service of the petition for dissolution of marriage or supplemental petition for 
modification on the respondent.  The mandatory disclosure rule applies to all original and supplemental 
dissolution of marriage cases, except simplified dissolution of marriage cases and cases where the 
respondent is served by constructive service and does not answer.  You should use this form to notify 
the court and the other party that you have complied with the mandatory disclosure rule. 
 
Each party must provide the other party with the documents listed in section 2 of this form if the 
relief being sought is permanent regardless of whether it is an initial or supplemental proceeding.  
ONLY THE ORIGINAL OF THE COMPLETED FORM IS FILED WITH THE COURT. EXCEPT FOR THE 
FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT AND CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET, NO DOCUMENTS SHALL BE 
FILED IN THE COURT FILE WITHOUT A PRIOR COURT ORDER. THE DOCUMENTS LISTED ON THE FORM 
ARE TO BE GIVEN TO THE OTHER PARTY.  If your individual gross annual income is under $50,000, you 
should complete the Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 
Form 12.902(b).  If your individual gross annual income is $50,000 or more, you should complete the 
Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c).   
 
In addition, there are separate mandatory disclosure requirements that apply to temporary financial 
hearings, which are listed in section 1 of this form.  The party seeking temporary financial relief must 
serve these documents on the other party with the notice of temporary financial hearing.  The 
responding party must serve the required documents on the party seeking temporary relief. Service by 
e-mail or mail shall be at least 7 days before the temporary financial relief hearing.   Service by delivery 
shall be no later than 5:00 p.m., 2 business days before the hearing.  Any documents that have already 
been served under the requirements for temporary or initial proceedings do not need to be reserved 
again in the same proceeding. If a supplemental petition is filed, seeking modification, then the 
mandatory disclosure requirements begin again. 
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should file the original 
with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your 
records.  A copy of this form must be served on any other party in your case.  Service must be in 
accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932,  Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory 
Disclosure (07/12) 
 
- 205 - 
 
What should I do next? 
 
After you have provided the other party all of the financial information and documents and have filed 
this form certifying that you have complied with this rule, you are under a continuing duty to promptly 
give the other party any information or documents that change your financial status or that make the 
information already provided inaccurate.  You should not file with the clerk any of the documents listed 
in the certificate of compliance other than the financial affidavit and the child support guidelines 
worksheet.  Refer to the instructions regarding the petition in your case to determine how you should 
proceed after filing this form. 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at 
the beginning of these forms.  The words that are in bold underline in these instructions are defined 
there.  For further information, see Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.  
 
Special notes… 
 
You may provide copies of required documents; however, the originals must be produced for 
inspection if the other party requests to see them. 
 
Although the financial affidavits are based on individual gross income, either party may ask the other 
party to complete the Family Law Financial Affidavit (Long Form), Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure Form 12.902(c), by serving the appropriate interrogatory form. (See Standard Family Law 
Interrogatories, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.930(b) (original proceedings) or (c) 
(modification proceedings)). 
 
Any portion of the mandatory disclosure rule may be modified by order of the judge or agreement of 
the parties.  Therefore, you and your spouse may agree that you will not require each other to 
produce the documents required under the mandatory disclosure rule.  This exception does not apply 
to the Financial Affidavit, Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c), which is required in all 
cases and cannot be waived. 
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer.  If a nonlawyer helps you fill out 
these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida Family Law 
Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these 
forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page 
of every form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932,  Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure 
(07/12) 
 
- 206 - 
 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.: 
 
Division:  
 
 
                                                                      , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                       , 
Respondent. 
 
 
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH MANDATORY DISCLOSURE 
 
 
ONLY THE ORIGINAL OF THIS COMPLETED FORM IS 
 
FILED WITH THE COURT.  EXCEPT FOR THE FINANCIAL 
 
AFFIDAVIT AND CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES WORKSHEET, 
 
NO DOCUMENTS SHALL BE FILED IN THE COURT FILE 
 
WITHOUT A PRIOR COURT ORDER. THE DOCUMENTS  
 
LISTED BELOW ARE TO BE GIVEN TO THE OTHER PARTY. 
 
 
I, {full legal name}  
 
 
 
 
 
 
, certify that I have 
complied with the mandatory disclosure required by Florida Family Law Rule 12.285 as follows: 
 
1. FOR TEMPORARY FINANCIAL RELIEF, ONLY: 
The date the following documents were served:  
 
 
 
 
            . 
[Check all that apply] 
a. ____  Financial Affidavit  
 
           (     ) Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) (short form) 
 
           (     ) Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c) (long form) 
b. ____ All personal (1040) federal tax, gift tax, and intangible personal property tax     
    
 
  returns for the preceding year; or  
          (     ) Transcript of tax return as provided by IRS form 4506-T; or 
          (     ) IRS forms W-2, 1099, and K-1 for the past year because the income tax return  
 
   for the past year has not been prepared. 
c. ____   Pay stubs or other evidence of earned income for the 3 months before the 
 
service of the financial affidavit. 
 
2. FOR INITIAL, SUPPLEMENTAL, AND PERMANENT FINANCIAL RELIEF: 
The date the following documents were served:  
 
 
 
 
            . 
[Check all that apply] 
a. ____ Financial Affidavit  
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932,  Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure 
(07/12) 
 
- 207 - 
          (     ) Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) (short form) 
          (     ) Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(c) (long form) 
b. ____ All personal (1040) federal and state income tax returns, gift tax returns, and  
 
intangible personal property tax returns for the preceding 3 years;  
           (     ) IRS forms W-2, 1099, and K-1 for the past year because the income tax return  
 
for the past year has not been prepared. 
c. ____  Pay stubs or other evidence of earned income for the 3 months before the service 
 
of the financial affidavit. 
d. ___        A statement identifying the source and amount of all income for the 3 months 
 
before the service of the financial affidavit, if not reflected on the pay stubs  
 
produced. 
e. ___      All loan applications and financial statements prepared for any purpose or used 
 
for any purpose within the 12 months preceding the service of the financial 
 
affidavit. 
f. ___      All deeds to real estate in which I presently own or owned an interest within the 
 
past 3 years. All promissory notes in which I presently own or owned an interest 
 
within the last 12 months. All present leases in which I own an interest. 
g. ___     All periodic statements for the last 3 months for all checking accounts and for 
 
the last year for all savings accounts, money market funds, certificates of 
 
deposit, etc. 
h. ___     All brokerage account statements for the last 12 months. 
i. 
___  
Most recent statement for any pension, profit sharing, deferred compensation, 
 
or retirement plan (for example, IRA, 401(k), 403(b), SEP, KEOGH, etc.) and 
 
summary plan description for any such plan in which I am a participant or 
 
alternate payee. 
j. 
___       The declaration page, the last periodic statement, and the certificate for any 
 
group insurance for all life insurance policies insuring my life or the life of me 
 
or my spouse. 
k. ___  
All health and dental insurance cards covering either me or my spouse and/or 
 
our dependent child(ren). 
l. 
___       Corporate, partnership, and trust tax returns for the last 3 tax years, in which I 
 
have an ownership or interest greater than or equal to 30%. 
m. ___        All credit card and charge account statements and other records showing my 
 
(our) indebtedness as of the date of the filing of this action and for the prior 3 
 
months. All promissory notes on which I presently owe or owed within the 
 
past year.  All lease agreements I presently owe. 
n. ___        All premarital and marital agreements between the parties to this case. 
o. ___        If a modification proceeding, all written agreements entered into between the 
 
parties at any time since the order to be modified was entered. 
p. ___        All documents and tangible evidence relating to claims for an unequal 
 
distribution of marital property, enhancement or appreciation in nonmarital 
 
property, or nonmarital status of an asset or debt. 
q. ___        Any court order directing that I pay or receive spousal support (alimony) or child 
 
support. 
 
 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]:  (    ) e-mailed (    ) mailed 
(    ) faxed (    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date}_________________. 
 
 
 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932,  Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure 
(07/12) 
 
- 208 - 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _______________________________________ 
Address: ______________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _________________________________ 
Fax Number: ___________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________________ 
 
 
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the accuracy of my compliance 
with the mandatory disclosure requirements of Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285 
and that, unless otherwise indicated with specificity, this disclosure is complete.  I further 
understand that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement or incomplete 
disclosure includes fines and/or imprisonment. 
 
____________________________________ 
Signature of Party 
Printed Name: _________________________ 
Address:  _____________________________ 
City, State, Zip:_________________________ 
Telephone Number: ____________________ 
Fax Number: __________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):______________________ 
 
 
 
STATE OF FLORIDA 
COUNTY OF  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on                                by  
. 
 
 
 
 
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK 
 
 
 
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of 
notary or clerk.] 
       _ 
Personally known 
       _ 
Produced identification  
Type of identification produced   
 
 
 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS 
BELOW: [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one}  
(     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} ________________________________________________________, 
{name of business} ______________________________________________________________, 
{address}________________________________________________________________,  
{city}________________________,{state}______, {telephone number}___________________.  
 
Instructions to Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(b), Notice to Payor (07/12) 
 
- 209 - 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORM 12.996(b), NOTICE TO PAYOR (07/12) 
 
When should this form be used? 
 
This form should be used when an Income Deduction Order has been entered by the Court 
which is to take effect immediately.   
 
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. After completing this form, the original of this 
form should be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which the action is 
pending. You should keep a copy for your own records.   
 
What should I do next? 
 
A copy of this form, and a copy of the Income Deduction Order, must be sent to the obligor’s 
payor by certified mail, return receipt requested. The return receipt should be sent to the 
person that prepared this form so that it can filed with the clerk along with Florida Family Law 
Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(c), Notice of Filing Return Receipt.   
 
A copy of this form must also be served on the other party or his or her attorney. Service must 
be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
 
Where can I look for more information? 
 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” 
found at the beginning of these forms.  The words that are in “bold underline” in these 
instructions are defined there. For further information, see section 61.1301, Florida Statutes. 
 
Special Instructions... 
 
The Obligor’s social security number must be written on the copies of the Notice to Payor that 
are mailed to the Obligor’s Payor and served on the other party or his or her attorney.  The 
social security number should not be written on the copy of the Notice to Payor filed with the 
court.  
 
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill 
out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida 
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping 
you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the 
bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(b), Notice to Payor (07/12) 
 
- 210 - 
 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.:  
 
Division:  
 
                                                                      , 
Petitioner, 
 
and 
 
                                                                       , 
Respondent. 
 
NOTICE TO PAYOR 
 
TO: 
 
Name of Obligor’s Payor:  
 
Payor’s Address: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RE: 
 
Obligor 
 
 
Obligee 
Name: 
 
 
 
 
Address: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligor’s social security number:_________________________________. 
NOTE:  The Obligor’s social security number should be placed on the copy of the Notice to 
Payor that is mailed to the Obligor’s Payor.  This line should be left blank on the original 
Notice to Payor filed with the court. 
 
YOU, THE PAYOR, ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that, under section 61.1301, Florida Statutes, you 
have the responsibilities and rights set forth below with regard to the accompanying Income 
Deduction Order and/or any attachment(s): 
 
1. You are required to deduct from the obligor’s income the amount specified in the income 
deduction order, and in the case of a delinquency the amount specified in the notice of 
delinquency, and to pay that amount to the State of Florida Disbursement Unit.  The amount 
actually deducted plus all administrative charges shall not be excess of the amount allowed 
under section 303(b) of the Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. §1673(b) as amended. 
 
2. You must implement income deduction no later than the first payment date which occurs 
more than 14 days after the date the income deduction order was served on you, and you 
shall conform the amount specified in the income deduction order or, in Title IV-D cases, the 
income deduction notice, to the obligor’s pay cycle. The court should request at the time of 
the order that the payment cycle will reflect that of the obligor. 
 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(b), Notice to Payor (07/12) 
 
- 211 - 
 
3. You must forward, within 2 days after each date the obligor is entitled to payment from you, 
to the State of Florida Disbursement Unit, the amount deducted from the obligor’s income, 
a statement as to whether the amount totally or partially satisfies the periodic amount 
specified in the income deduction order, or in Title IV-D cases, income deduction notice, and 
the specific date each deduction is made.  If the IV-D agency is enforcing the order, you shall 
make these notifications to the agency. 
 
4. If you fail to deduct the proper amount from the obligor’s income, you are liable for the 
amount you should have deducted, plus costs, interest, and reasonable attorneys’ fees; 
 
5. You may collect up to $5 against the obligor’s income to reimburse you for administrative 
costs for the first income deduction and up to $2 for each deduction thereafter. 
 
6. The notice to payor, or, in Title IV-D cases, income deduction notice, and in the case of a 
delinquency, the notice of delinquency, are binding on you until further notice by the 
obligee, IV-D agency, or the court or until you no longer provide income to the obligor. 
 
7. When you no longer provide income to the obligor, you shall notify the obligee and provide 
the obligor’s last known address and the name and address of the obligor’s new payor, if 
known. If you violate this provision, you are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for 
the first violation or $500 for any subsequent violation. If the IV-D agency is enforcing the 
order, you shall make these notifications to the agency instead of the obligee. Penalties shall 
be paid to the obligee or the IV-D agency, whichever is enforcing the income deduction 
order. 
 
8. You shall not discharge, refuse to employ, or take disciplinary action against an obligor 
because of the requirement for income deduction. A violation of this provision subjects you 
to a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for the first violation or $500 for any subsequent 
violation.  Penalties shall be paid to the obligee or the IV-D agency, whichever is enforcing 
the income deduction, if any alimony or child support obligation is owing.  If no alimony or 
child support obligation is owing, the penalty shall be paid to the obligor. 
 
9. The obligor may bring a civil action in the courts of this state against a payor who refuses to 
employ, discharges, or otherwise disciplines an obligor because of income deduction.  The 
obligor is entitled to reinstatement of all wages and benefits lost, plus reasonable attorneys’ 
fees and costs incurred. 
 
10. The requirement for income deduction has priority over all other legal processes under state 
law pertaining to the same income and that payment, as required by the notice to payor or 
the income deduction notice, is a complete defense by the payor against any claims of the 
obligor or his or her creditors as to the sum paid. 
 
11. When you receive notices to payor or income deduction notices requiring that the income 
of two or more obligors be deducted and sent to the same depository, the payor may 
combine the amounts that are to be paid to the depository in a single payment as long as 
the payments attributable to each obligor are clearly identified. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(b), Notice to Payor (07/12) 
 
- 212 - 
 
 
12. If you receive more than one notice to payor or income deduction notice against the same 
obligor, the payor shall contact the court or, in Title IV-D cases, the Title IV-D agency for 
further instructions. 
 
13. In a Title IV-D case, if an obligation to pay current support is reduced or terminated due to 
the emancipation of a child and the obligor owes an arrearage, retroactive support, 
delinquency, or costs, income deduction continues at the rate in effect immediately prior to 
emancipation until all arrearages, retroactive support, delinquencies, and costs are paid in 
full or until the amount of withholding is modified. 
 
14. All notices to the obligee shall be sent to the address provided in this notice to payor, or any 
place thereafter the obligee requests in writing. 
 
15. An employer who employed 10 or more employees in any quarter during the preceding 
state fiscal year or who was subject to and paid tax to the Department of Revenue in an 
amount of $20,000 or more shall remit support payments deducted pursuant to an income 
deduction order or income deduction notice and provide associated case data to the State 
Disbursement Unit by electronic means approved by the department.  Payors who are 
required to remit support payments electronically can find more information on how to do 
so by accessing the State Disbursement Unit’s website at www.floridasdu.com and clicking 
on “Payments.”  Payment options include Expert Pay, Automated Clearing House (ACH) 
credit through your financial institution, www.myfloridasdu.com, or Western Union.  Payors 
may contact the SDU Customer Service Employer telephone line at 1-888-833-0743.  
 
16. Additional information regarding the implementation of this Notice to Payor may be found 
at www.florida.sdu.com.  
 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]: (    ) e-mailed (    ) mailed 
(    ) faxed (    ) hand delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date}_____________________. 
 
 
Other party or his/her attorney: 
Name:  _______________________________________ 
Address: ______________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _________________________________ 
Fax Number: ___________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
____________________________________________ 
Signature of Party or his/her attorney 
Printed Name: ________________________________ 
Address:  ____________________________________ 
City, State, Zip:________________________________ 
Telephone Number: ___________________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(b), Notice to Payor (07/12) 
 
- 213 - 
 
Fax Number: _________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_____________________________ 
Florida Bar Number:___________________________ 
 
 
 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS 
BELOW:  
[fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the {choose only one} (   ) Petitioner (   ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual}   
 
 
 
 
________________________________, 
{name of business} ______________________________________________________________,   
{street}  
 
__________________________________________________________,  
{city}  _________________________, {state}              , {telephone number}________________.                                  
 
 
 
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(c), Notice of Filing Return Receipt  
(07/12)  
 
- 214 - 
 INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE 
FORM 12.996(c) NOTICE OF FILING RETURN RECEIPT (07/12)  
 
When should this form be used?  
This form should be used when an Income Deduction Order, Florida Family Law Rules of 
Procedure Form 12.996(a), is entered by the court and a Notice to Payor, Florida Family Law 
Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(b), has been sent by certified mail to the obligor’s payor. When 
the post office returns the return receipt to you showing that the obligor’s payor has received 
the Notice to Payor, you should type or print this form in black ink. After completing this form, 
you should sign it and attach the return receipt you received from the post office. The original of 
this form (and the attached return receipt) should be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in 
the county in which the action is pending. You should keep a copy for your own records.  
What should I do next?  
A copy of this form must also be served on the other party or his or her attorney. Service must 
be in accordance with Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.  
Where can I look for more information?  
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” 
found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “bold underline” in these 
instructions are defined there. For further information, see section 61.1301, Florida Statutes.  
Special notes...  
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill 
out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, Florida 
Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping 
you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the 
bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete. 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(c), Notice of Filing Return Receipt (07/12)  
 
- 215 - 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR ______________________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
 
 
Case No: ________________________ 
 
Division: ________________________ 
 
_________________________________, 
Petitioner, 
and 
 
_________________________________, 
Respondent. 
 
 
NOTICE OF FILING RETURN RECEIPT 
 
{Name} ________________________________________________________________, the 
[check only one] (    )Petitioner (     )Respondent, files the attached Return Receipt in reference 
to the Notice to Payor sent by certified mail to {Payor’s name} __________________________, 
the [check only one] (    ) Petitioner’s (    ) Respondent’s employer.  
 
I certify that a copy of this document was [check all used]:  (    ) e-mailed (    ) mailed (    ) faxed 
(    ) hand delivered to the persons(s) listed below on {date} ____________________________. 
 
Other party or his/her attorney:  
Name:  _______________________________________ 
Address: ______________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: _________________________________ 
Fax Number: ___________________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):_______________________________ 
 
________________________________________________ 
Signature of Party or his/her Attorney 
Printed Name: ___________________________ 
Address: ________________________________ 
City, State, Zip: ___________________________ 
Telephone Number: _______________________ 
Fax Number: _____________________________ 
E-mail Address(es):______________________ 
Florida Bar Number:________________________ 
 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.996(c), Notice of Filing Return Receipt (07/12)  
 
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IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE BLANKS 
BELOW: [fill in all blanks] This form was prepared for the: {choose only one} 
(     ) Petitioner (     ) Respondent 
This form was completed with the assistance of: 
{name of individual} _________________________________________________________,  
{name of business} ___________________________________________________________, 
{street} _____________________________________________________________________,  
{city} ______________________, {state} ______, {telephone number} ___________________.