Supreme Court of Florida

_____________

No. SC13-2384

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IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL

PROCEDURE.

[December 11, 2014]

PER CURIAM.

The Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee (Committee) has filed a “fasttrack” out-of-cycle report proposing amendments to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 

in response to statutory changes. See Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.140(e). We have 

jurisdiction.1

The Committee proposes amendments to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.110 

and forms 1.944, 1.996(a), and 1.996(b). The Committee also proposes new rule 1.115 

and several new forms. According to the report, the amended and new rules and forms 

are in response to legislation regarding mortgage foreclosure actions. Chapter 2013-173, 

Laws of Florida, created new section 702.015, Florida Statutes. This statutory provision 

sets forth new pleading requirements for mortgage foreclosure complaints intended to 

 

1. Art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.
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“expedite the foreclosure process by ensuring initial disclosure of a plaintiff’s status and 

the facts supporting that status, thereby ensuring the availability of documents necessary 

to the prosecution of the case.” Ch. 2013-173, § 3, Laws of Fla. Chapter 2013-173 also 

amended section 702.10, Florida Statutes (2012), relating to orders to show cause why a 

judgment of foreclosure should not be entered and hearings held thereon. Ch. 2013-173, 

§ 6, Law of Fla. The legislation became effective on June 7, 2013. Ch. 2013-173, § 10, 

Laws of Fla. The new pleading requirements are effective as to cases filed on or after 

July 1, 2013, and the new show cause provisions apply to cases pending on the effective 

date of the act. Ch. 2013-173, § 8, Laws of Fla.

After considering the proposed amendments and reviewing the relevant 

legislation, we amend the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and forms as reflected in the 

appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring; deletions are 

indicated by struck-through type. The amendments shall take effect immediately upon 

the release of this opinion. Because the amendments were not published for comment 

prior to adoption, interested persons shall have sixty days from the date of this opinion in 

which to file comments with the Court.2

 

2. All comments must be filed with the Court on or before February 9, 2015, with 

a certificate of service verifying that a copy has been served on the Committee Chair, 

Kevin B. Cook, Rogers Towers, P.A., 818 A1A N., Suite 208, Ponte Vedra Beach, 

Florida 32082-8217, kcook@rtlaw.com, and on the Bar Staff Liaison to the Committee, 

Ellen Sloyer, 651 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300, 

esloyer@flabar.org, as well as a separate request for oral argument if the person filing 

the comment wishes to participate in oral argument, which may be scheduled in this 
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It is so ordered.

LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON, and 

PERRY, JJ., concur.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS. 

Original Proceeding – Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 

Kevin Bayly Cook, Chair, Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Roger Towers, P.A., Ponte 

Vedra Beach, Florida; Thomas Howell Bateman, III, Past Chair, Civil Procedure Rules 

Committee, Messer Caparello, P.A., Tallahassee, Florida; John F. Harkness, Jr., 

Executive Director and Ellen H. Sloyer, Bar Staff Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, 

Florida, 

for Petitioner

 

case. The Committee Chair has until March 2, 2015, to file a response to any comments 

filed with the Court. If filed by an attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar, the 

comment must be electronically filed via the Portal in accordance with In re Electronic 

Filing in the Supreme Court of Florida via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, Fla. 

Admin. Order No. AOSC13-7 (Feb. 18, 2013). If filed by a non-lawyer or a lawyer not 

licensed to practice in Florida, the comment must be electronically filed via e-mail in 

accordance with In re Mandatory Submission of Electronic Copies of Documents, Fla. 

Admin. Order No. AOSC04-84 (Sept. 13, 2004). Electronically filed documents must 

be submitted in Microsoft Word 97 or higher. Any person unable to submit a comment 

electronically must mail or hand deliver the originally signed comment to the Florida 

Supreme Court, Office of the Clerk, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-

1927. No additional copies are required or will be accepted.
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APPENDIX

RULE 1.110. GENERAL RULES OF PLEADING

(a) [No change]

(b) Claims for Relief. A pleading which sets forth a claim for relief, 

whether an original claim, counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party claim must state 

a cause of action and shall contain (1) a short and plain statement of the grounds 

upon which the court's jurisdiction depends, unless the court already has 

jurisdiction and the claim needs no new grounds of jurisdiction to support it, (2) a 

short and plain statement of the ultimate facts showing that the pleader is entitled 

to relief, and (3) a demand for judgment for the relief to which the pleader deems 

himself or herself entitled. Relief in the alternative or of several different types 

may be demanded. Every complaint shall be considered to pray for general relief.

When filing an action for foreclosure of a mortgage on residential real property the 

complaint shall be verified. When verification of a document is required, the 

document filed shall include an oath, affirmation, or the following statement:

“Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the facts 

alleged therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.”

(c) – (h) [No change]

Committee Notes

1971 Amendment. Subdivision (h) is added to cover a situation usually 

arising in divorce judgment modifications, supplemental declaratory relief actions, 

or trust supervision. When any subsequent proceeding results in a pleading in the 

strict technical sense under rule 1.100(a), response by opposing parties will follow 

in the same course as though the new pleading were the initial pleading in the 

action. The time for answering and authority for defenses under rule 1.140 will 

apply. The last sentence exempts post judgment motions under rules 1.480(c), 

1.530, and 1.540, and similar proceedings from its purview.

2014 Amendment. The last two paragraphs of rule 1.110(b) regarding 

pleading requirements for certain mortgage foreclosure actions were deleted and 

incorporated in new rule 1.115.
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RULE 1.115. PLEADING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES

(a) Claim for Relief. A claim for relief that seeks to foreclose a 

mortgage or other lien on residential real property, including individual units of 

condominiums and cooperatives designed principally for occupation by one to four 

families which secures a promissory note, must: (1) contain affirmative allegations 

expressly made by the claimant at the time the proceeding is commenced that the 

claimant is the holder of the original note secured by the mortgage; or (2) allege 

with specificity the factual basis by which the claimant is a person entitled to 

enforce the note under section 673.3011, Florida Statutes.

(b) Delegated Claim for Relief. If a claimant has been delegated the 

authority to institute a mortgage foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled 

to enforce the note, the claim for relief shall describe the authority of the claimant 

and identify with specificity the document that grants the claimant the authority to 

act on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note. The term “original note” or 

“original promissory note” means the signed or executed promissory note rather 

than a copy of it. The term includes any renewal, replacement, consolidation, or 

amended and restated note or instrument given in renewal, replacement, or 

substitution for a previous promissory note. The term also includes a transferrable 

record, as defined by the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act in section

668.50(16), Florida Statutes.

(c) Possession of Original Promissory Note. If the claimant is in 

possession of the original promissory note, the claimant must file under penalty of 

perjury a certification contemporaneously with the filing of the claim for relief for 

foreclosure that the claimant is in possession of the original promissory note. The 

certification must set forth the location of the note, the name and title of the 

individual giving the certification, the name of the person who personally verified 

such possession, and the time and date on which the possession was verified. 

Correct copies of the note and all allonges to the note must be attached to the 

certification. The original note and the allonges must be filed with the court before 

the entry of any judgment of foreclosure or judgment on the note.

(d) Lost, Destroyed, or Stolen Instrument. If the claimant seeks to 

enforce a lost, destroyed, or stolen instrument, an affidavit executed under penalty 

of perjury must be attached to the claim for relief. The affidavit must: (1) detail a 

clear chain of all endorsements, transfers, or assignments of the promissory note 

that is the subject of the action; (2) set forth facts showing that the claimant is 

entitled to enforce a lost, destroyed, or stolen instrument pursuant to section
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673.3091, Florida Statutes; and (3) include as exhibits to the affidavit such copies 

of the note and the allonges to the note, audit reports showing receipt of the 

original note, or other evidence of the acquisition, ownership, and possession of the 

note as may be available to the claimant. Adequate protection as required under 

section 673.3091(2), Florida Statutes, shall be provided before the entry of final 

judgment.

(e) Verification. When filing an action for foreclosure on a mortgage for 

residential real property the claim for relief shall be verified by the claimant 

seeking to foreclose the mortgage. When verification of a document is required, 

the document filed shall include an oath, affirmation, or the following statement:

“Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, 

and the facts alleged therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge 

and belief.”
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FORM 1.944(a). MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

(When location of original note known)

COMPLAINT

Plaintiff, A. B., sues defendant, C. D., and alleges:

1. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage on real property in 

.................. County, Florida.

2. On .....(date)....., defendant executed and delivered a promissory note 

and a mortgage securing payment of the note to .....(plaintiff or plaintiff’s 

predecessor.....The mortgage was recorded on .....(date)....., in Official Records 

Book .......... at page .......... of the public records of .................... County, Florida, 

and mortgaged the property described in the mortgage then owned by and in 

possession of the mortgagor, a copy of the mortgage containing a copy of and the 

note being attached.

3. Plaintiff owns and holds the note and mortgage. (Select a, b, or c)

(a) Plaintiff is the holder of the original note secured by the mortgage.

(b) Plaintiff is a person entitled to enforce the note under applicable law 

because .....(allege specific facts)......

(c) Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage 

foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note. The 

document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to act on behalf of the person 

entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows ................................

4. The property is now owned by defendant who holds possession.

5. Defendant has defaulted under the note and mortgage by failing to pay 

the payment due .....(date)....., and all subsequent payments .....(allege other 

defaults as applicable).......

6. Plaintiff declares the full amount payable under the note and mortgage 

to be due.
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7. Defendant owes plaintiff $.......... that is due on principal on the note 

and mortgage, interest from .....(date)....., and title search expense for ascertaining 

necessary parties to this action. 

8. Plaintiff is obligated to pay plaintiff’s attorneys a reasonable fee for 

their services. Plaintiff is entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees under .....(allege 

statutory and/or contractual bases, as applicable)......

WHEREFORE, plaintiff demands judgment foreclosing the mortgage, for 

costs (and, when applicable, for attorneys’ fees), and, if the proceeds of the sale are 

insufficient to pay plaintiff’s claim, a deficiency judgment.

NOTE: An action for foreclosure of a mortgage on residential real property must 

contain an oath, affirmation, or the following statement as required by rule 

1.115(e).

VERIFICATION

Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the 

facts alleged therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Executed on this .....(date).....

__________________________

[Person Signing Verification]

CERTIFICATION OF POSSESSION OF ORIGINAL NOTE

The undersigned hereby certifies:

1. That plaintiff is in possession of the original promissory note upon 

which this action is brought.

2. The location of the original promissory note is: .....(location)......

3. The name and title of the person giving the certification is: .....(name 

and title)......
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4. The name of the person who personally verified such possession is: 

.....(name)......

5. The time and date on which possession was verified were: .....(time 

and date)......

6. Correct copies of the note (and, if applicable, all endorsements, 

transfers, allonges, or assignments of the note) are attached to this certification.

7. I give this statement based on my personal knowledge.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing 

Certification of Possession of Original Note and that the facts stated in it are true.

Executed on .....(date)......

_________________________________

[Person Signing Certification]

NOTE: This form is for installment payments with acceleration. It omits 

allegations about junior encumbrances, unpaid taxes, unpaid insurance premiums, 

other nonmonetary defaults, and for a receiver. They must be added when proper

appropriate. CopiesA copy of the note and mortgage must be attached. This form 

may require modification. This form is designed to incorporate the pleading 

requirements of section 702.015, Florida Statutes (2013) and rule 1.115. It is also 

designed to conform to section 673.3011, Florida Statutes (2013), except that part 

of section 673.3011, Florida Statutes, which defines a person entitled to enforce an 

instrument under section 673.3091, Florida Statutes. See form 1.944(b). Pursuant 

to section 702.015, Florida Statutes (2013), a certification of possession of the 

original promissory note must be filed contemporaneously with the Complaint 

(form 1.944(a)) or, in the event that the plaintiff seeks to enforce a lost, destroyed, 

or stolen instrument, an affidavit setting forth the facts required by law must be 

attached to the complaint (form 1.944(b)).
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FORM 1.944(b). MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE 

(When location of original note unknown)

COMPLAINT

Plaintiff, ABC, sues defendant, XYZ, and states:

1. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage on real property in .......... 

County, Florida. 

2, On .....(date)......, defendant executed and delivered a promissory 

note and a mortgage securing the payment of said note to .....(plaintiff or 

plaintiff’s predecessor)...... The mortgage was recorded on .....(date)....., in 

Official Records Book ..... at page ..... of the public records of ......... County, 

Florida, and mortgaged the property described therein which was then owned by 

and in possession of the mortgagor. A copy of the mortgage and note are attached 

to the affidavit which is attached hereto as Composite Exhibit “1”; the contents of 

the affidavit are specifically incorporated by reference.

3. Plaintiff is not in possession of the note but is entitled to enforce it.

4. (select a, b, c, or d) Plaintiff cannot reasonably obtain possession of 

the note because

(a) the note was destroyed.

(b) the note is lost.

(c) the note is in the wrongful possession of an unknown person. 

(d) the note is in the wrongful possession of a person that cannot be found 

or is not amenable to service of process.

5. (select a, b, c, or d)

(a) At the time the original note was lost, plaintiff was the holder of the 

original note secured by the mortgage.

(b) At the time the original note was lost, plaintiff was a person entitled to 

enforce the note under applicable law because .....(allege specific facts)......
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(c) Plaintiff has directly or indirectly acquired ownership of the note from 

a person who was entitled to enforce the note when loss of possession occurred as 

follows: .....(allege facts as to transfer of ownership)......

(d) Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage 

foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note, and the 

document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to act on behalf of the person 

entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows ............................... (attach 

documents if not already attached).

6. Plaintiff did not transfer the note or lose possession of it as the result 

of a lawful seizure.

7. The property is now owned by defendant who holds possession.

8. Defendant has defaulted under the note and mortgage by failing to pay 

the payment(s) due .....(date(s))..... , and all subsequent payments ..... (identify 

other defaults as applicable)......

9. Plaintiff declares the full amount payable under the note and mortgage 

to be due. 

10. Defendant owes plaintiff $......... that is due on principal on the note 

and mortgage, interest from .....(date)..... , and title search expense for 

ascertaining necessary parties to this action.

11. Plaintiff is obligated to pay its attorneys a reasonable fee for their 

services. Plaintiff is entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees for prosecuting this 

claim pursuant to .....(identify statutory and/or contractual bases, as 

applicable)......

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment foreclosing the mortgage, for 

costs (and, where applicable, for attorneys’ fees), and if the proceeds of the sale are 

insufficient to pay plaintiff’s claim, a deficiency judgment.

NOTE: An action for foreclosure of a mortgage on residential real property must 

contain an oath, affirmation, or the following statement as required by rule 

1.115(e).

VERIFICATION
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Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the 

facts alleged therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Executed on .....(date).......

______________________________

(Person Signing Verification)

*****

AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE 

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF ...............

BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, personally appeared 

.....(name)....., who, after being first duly sworn, deposes and states, under penalty 

of perjury:

1. I am the plaintiff (or plaintiff’s ............) (identify relationship to 

plaintiff).

2. I am executing this affidavit in support of plaintiff’s Complaint 

against defendant and I have personal knowledge of the matters set forth herein.

3. On .....(date)..... , the public records reflect that defendant executed 

and delivered a mortgage securing the payment of the note to 

.....(plaintiff/plaintiff’s predecessor)...... The mortgage was recorded on 

.....(date)..... , in Official Records Book ......... at page ......... of the public 

records of ........ County, Florida, and mortgaged the property described therein, 

which was then owned by and in possession of the mortgagor, a copy of the 

mortgage and the note being attached.

4. (select a, b, c, or d) Plaintiff cannot reasonably obtain possession of 

the note because 

(a) the note was destroyed.

(b) the note is lost.

(c) the note is in the wrongful possession of an unknown person.
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(d) the note is in the wrongful possession of a person who cannot be 

found or is not amenable to service of process.

5. (select a, b, c, or d)

(a) At the time the original note was lost, plaintiff was the holder of the 

original note secured by the mortgage.

(b) At the time the original note was lost, plaintiff was a person entitled to 

enforce the note under applicable law because ......(allege specific facts)......

(c) Since the note was lost, plaintiff has directly or indirectly acquired 

ownership of the note from a person who was entitled to enforce the note when 

loss of possession occurred as follows: .....(allege facts regarding transfer of 

ownership)......

(d) Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage 

foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note, and the 

document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to act on behalf of the person 

entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows ..................................... (attach 

copy of document(s) or relevant portion(s) of the document(s)).

6. Below is the clear chain of the endorsements, transfers, allonges or 

assignments of the note and all documents that evidence same as are available to 

Plaintiff: .....(identify in chronological order all endorsements, transfers, 

assignments of, allonges to, the note or other evidence of the acquisition, 

ownership and possession of the note)...... Correct copies of the foregoing 

documents are attached to this affidavit.

7. Plaintiff did not transfer the note or lose possession of it as the result 

of a lawful seizure.

FURTHER, AFFIANT SAYETH NAUGHT.

__________________________

[signature]

.......................................

[typed or printed name of affiant]
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STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF ...............

BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority appeared .....(name of affiant)....., 

who .....is personally known to me or ...... produced identification ..... and 

acknowledged that he/she executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes 

expressed therein and who did take an oath.

WITNESS my hand and seal in the State and County aforesaid, this 

.....(date)......

______________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC, State of Florida

Print Name: ..............................

Commission Expires: ...................

Committee Note

2014 Adoption. This form is for installment payments with acceleration. It 

omits allegations about junior encumbrances, unpaid taxes, unpaid insurance 

premiums, other nonmonetary defaults, and for a receiver. Allegations must be 

added when appropriate. This form may require modification. This form is 

designed to incorporate the pleading requirements of section 702.015, Florida 

Statutes (2013), and rule 1.115. It is also designed to comply with section 

673.3091, Florida Statutes (2013). Adequate protection as required by sections 

702.11 (2013) and 673.3091(2), Florida Statutes (2013), must be provided before 

the entry of final judgment.
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FORM 1.944(c) MOTION FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

FOR ENTRY OF FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE

1. Plaintiff is a lienholder of real property located at .....(address)..... or 

is a .....Condominium Association/Cooperative Association/Homeowner’s 

Association......

2. The plaintiff has filed a verified complaint in conformity with 

applicable law, which is attached.

3. The plaintiff requests this court issue an order requiring defendant(s) 

to appear before the court to show cause why a final judgment of foreclosure 

should not be entered against defendant(s).

4. The date of the hearing may not occur sooner than the later of 20 days 

after service of the order to show cause or 45 days after service of the initial 

complaint.

OR

COMMENT: Use the following when service is by publication:

4. When service is obtained by publication, the date for the hearing may 

not be set sooner than 30 days after the first publication.

5. The accompanying proposed order to show cause affords defendant(s) 

all the rights and obligations as contemplated by applicable law.

6. Upon the entry of the order to show cause, plaintiff shall serve a copy 

of the executed order to show cause for entry of final judgment as required by law.

7. This is not a residential property for which a homestead 

exemption for taxation was granted according to the rolls of the latest 

assessment by the County Property Appraiser.

Plaintiff requests the court review this complaint and grant this motion for 

order to show cause for entry of final judgment of foreclosure, and grant such 

further relief as may be awarded at law or in equity.
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Plaintiff

Certificate of Service

Committee Note

2014 Adoption. This form is designed to comply with section 702.10, 

Florida Statutes (2013).
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FORM 1.944(d) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

THIS CAUSE has come before the court on .....plaintiff’s/lien holder’s..... 

motion for order to show cause for entry of final judgment of mortgage foreclosure 

and the court having reviewed the motion and the verified complaint, and being 

otherwise fully advised in the circumstances, finds and it is

ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that:

1. The defendant(s) shall appear at a hearing on foreclosure on 

.....(date)..... at ......(time)..... before the undersigned judge, in the 

.....(county)..... Courthouse at .....(address)....., to show cause why the attached 

final judgment of foreclosure should not be entered against the defendant(s) in this 

cause. This hearing referred to in this order is a “show cause hearing.”

2. This ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be served on the defendant(s) 

in accordance with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable law as 

follows:

a. If the defendant(s) has/have been served under Chapter 48, Florida 

Statutes, with the verified complaint and original process has already been 

effectuated, service of this order may be made in the manner provided in the 

Florida Rules of Civil Procedure; or, if the other party is the plaintiff in the action, 

service of the order to show cause on that party may be made in the manner 

provided in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

b. If the defendant(s) has/have not been served under Chapter 48, Florida 

Statutes, with the verified complaint and original process, the order to show cause, 

together with the summons and a copy of the verified complaint, shall be served on 

the party in the same manner as provided by law for original process.

3. The filing of defenses by a motion or verified answer at or before the 

show cause hearing constitutes cause for which the court may not enter the 

attached final judgment.
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4. Defendant(s) has/have the right to file affidavits or other papers at the 

time of the show cause hearing and may appear at the hearing personally or by an 

attorney.

5. If defendant(s) file(s) motions, they may be considered at the time of 

the show cause hearing.

6. Defendant(s)’ failure to appear either in person or by an attorney at the 

show cause hearing or to file defenses by motion or by a verified or sworn answer, 

affidavits, or other papers which raise a genuine issue of material fact which 

would preclude entry of summary judgment or which would otherwise constitute a 

legal defense to foreclosure, after being served as provided by law with the order 

to show cause, will be deemed presumptively a waiver of the right to a hearing. In 

such case, the court may enter a final judgment of foreclosure ordering the clerk 

of the court to conduct a foreclosure sale. An order requiring defendant(s) to 

vacate the premises may also be entered.

7. If the mortgage provides for reasonable attorneys’ fees and the 

requested fee does not exceed 3% of the principal amount owed at the time the 

complaint is filed, the court may not need to hold a hearing to adjudge the 

requested fee to be reasonable.

8. Any final judgment of foreclosure entered under section 702.10(1) 

Florida Statutes, shall be only for in rem relief; however, entry of such final 

judgment of foreclosure shall not preclude entry of an in personam money 

damages judgment or deficiency judgment where otherwise allowed by law.

9. A copy of the proposed final judgment is attached and will be 

entered by the court if defendant(s) waive(s) the right to be heard at the show 

cause hearing.

10. The court finds that this is not a residential property for which a 

homestead exemption for taxation was granted according to the rolls of the 

latest assessment by the county property appraiser.
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DONE AND ORDERED at .....(county)....., Florida .....(date)......

_____________________

CIRCUIT JUDGE

Copies to:

Committee Note

2014 Adoption. This form is designed to comply with section 702.10(1), 

Florida Statutes (2013).
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FORM 1.996(a). FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE

FINAL JUDGMENT

This action was tried before the court. On the evidence presented

IT IS ADJUDGED that:

1. Amounts Due. Plaintiff, .....(name and address)....., is due

Principal $..............................

Interest to date of this

judgment .........................

Title search expenses .........................

Taxes .........................

Attorneys’ fees .........................

Finding as to

reasonable number 

of hours: .........................

Finding as to

reasonable hourly

rate: ........................

Other: ........................

(*The requested attorneys’ fees are a flat rate fee that the firm’s client has 

agreed to pay in this matter. Given the amount of the fee requested and the 

labor expended, the Court finds that a lodestar analysis is not necessary and 

that the flat fee is reasonable.) 

Attorneys’ fees total ..........................

Court costs, now taxed ..........................
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Other: .............. ............................

Subtotal $..................................

LESS: Escrow balance ............................

LESS: Other ............................

TOTAL $..................................

That shall bear interest at a rate of 7% per year.

2. Lien on Property. Plaintiff holds a lien for the total sum superior to 

all claims or estates of defendant(s), on the following described property in 

.................... County, Florida:

(describe property)

3. Sale of Property. If the total sum with interest at the rate described 

in paragraph 1 and all costs accrued subsequent to this judgment are not paid, the 

clerk of this court shall sell the property at public sale on .....(date)....., to the 

highest bidder for cash, except as prescribed in paragraph 4, at the courthouse 

located at ....(street address of courthouse).... in ............... County in .....(name 

of city)....., Florida, in accordance with section 45.031, Florida Statutes (2013), 

using the following method (CHECK ONE):

□..... At .....(location of sale at courthouse; e.g., north door)....., beginning at 

.....(time of sale)..... on the prescribed date.

□ ..... By electronic sale beginning at .....(time of sale)..... on the prescribed date at 

.....(website)......

4. Costs. Plaintiff shall advance all subsequent costs of this action and 

shall be reimbursed for them by the clerk if plaintiff is not the purchaser of the 

property for sale, provided, however, that the purchaser of the property for sale 

shall be responsible for the documentary stamps payable on the certificate of title. 

If plaintiff is the purchaser, the clerk shall credit plaintiff’s bid with the total sum 

with interest and costs accruing subsequent to this judgment, or such part of it as is 

necessary to pay the bid in full.
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5. Distribution of Proceeds. On filing the certificate of title the clerk 

shall distribute the proceeds of the sale, so far as they are sufficient, by paying: 

first, all of plaintiff’s costs; second, documentary stamps affixed to the certificate; 

third, plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees; fourth, the total sum due to plaintiff, less the items 

paid, plus interest at the rate prescribed in paragraph 1 from this date to the date of 

the sale; and by retaining any remaining amount pending further order of this 

court.

6. Right of Redemption/Right of Possession. On filing the certificate 

of sale, defendant(s) and all persons claiming under or against defendant(s) since 

the filing of the notice of lis pendens shall be foreclosed of all estate or claim in the 

property and defendant’s right of redemption as prescribed by section 45.0315, 

Florida Statutes (2013) shall be terminated, except as to claims or rights under 

chapter 718 or chapter 720, Florida Statutes, if any. Upon the filing of the 

certificate of title, the person named on the certificate of title shall be let into 

possession of the property.

7. Attorneys’ Fees.

[If a default judgment has been entered against the mortgagor]

Because a default judgment has been entered against the mortgagor and 

because the fees requested do not exceed 3% of the principal amount owed at the 

time the complaint was filed, it is not necessary for the court to hold a hearing or 

adjudge the requested attorneys’ fees to be reasonable.

[If no default judgment has been entered against the mortgagor]

The court finds, based upon the affidavits/testimony presented and upon 

inquiry of counsel for the plaintiff that ___ hours were reasonably expended by 

plaintiff's counsel and that an hourly rate of $______ is appropriate. Plaintiff’s 

counsel represents that the attorneys’ fees awarded does not exceed its contract fee 

with the plaintiff. The court finds that there is/are no reduction or enhancement 

factors for consideration by the court pursuant to Florida Patients Compensation 

Fund v. Rowe, 472 So. 2d 1145 (Fla. 1985). (If the court has found that there are 

reduction or enhancement factors to be applied, then such factors must be 

identified and explained herein).

[If the fees to be awarded are a flat fee]
- 23 -

The requested attorneys’ fees are a flat rate fee that the firm’s client has 

agreed to pay in this matter. Given the amount of the fee requested and the 

labor expended, the court finds that a lodestar analysis is not necessary and 

that the flat fee is reasonable.

78. Jurisdiction Retained. Jurisdiction of this action is retained to enter 

further orders that are proper including, without limitation, a deficiency judgment.

IF THIS PROPERTY IS SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION, THERE MAY BE 

ADDITIONAL MONEY FROM THE SALE AFTER PAYMENT OF 

PERSONS WHO ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FROM THE SALE 

PROCEEDS PURSUANT TO THE FINAL JUDGMENT.

IF YOU ARE A SUBORDINATE LIENHOLDER CLAIMING A RIGHT TO 

FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM 

WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF 

YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY 

REMAINING FUNDS.

[If the property being foreclosed on has qualified for the homestead tax exemption 

in the most recent approved tax roll, the final judgment shall additionally contain 

the following statement in conspicuous type:]

IF YOU ARE THE PROPERTY OWNER, YOU MAY CLAIM THESE 

FUNDS YOURSELF. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A LAWYER 

OR ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO 

ASSIGN YOUR RIGHTS TO ANYONE ELSE IN ORDER FOR YOU TO 

CLAIM ANY MONEY TO WHICH YOU ARE ENTITLED. PLEASE 

CONTACT THE CLERK OF THE COURT, (INSERT INFORMATION FOR 

APPLICABLE COURT) WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER THE SALE TO SEE IF 

THERE IS ADDITIONAL MONEY FROM THE FORECLOSURE SALE 

THAT THE CLERK HAS IN THE REGISTRY OF THE COURT.

IF YOU DECIDE TO SELL YOUR HOME OR HIRE SOMEONE TO HELP 

YOU CLAIM THE ADDITIONAL MONEY, YOU SHOULD READ VERY 

CAREFULLY ALL PAPERS YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN, ASK 

SOMEONE ELSE, PREFERABLY AN ATTORNEY WHO IS NOT 

RELATED TO THE PERSON OFFERING TO HELP YOU, TO MAKE 

SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING AND 
- 24 -

THAT YOU ARE NOT TRANSFERRING YOUR PROPERTY OR THE 

EQUITY IN YOUR PROPERTY WITHOUT THE PROPER 

INFORMATION. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY AN ATTORNEY, 

YOU MAY CONTACT (INSERT LOCAL OR NEAREST LEGAL AID OFFICE 

AND TELEPHONE NUMBER) TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FINANCIALLY 

FOR THEIR SERVICES. IF THEY CANNOT ASSIST YOU, THEY MAY 

BE ABLE TO REFER YOU TO A LOCAL BAR REFERRAL AGENCY OR 

SUGGEST OTHER OPTIONS. IF YOU CHOOSE TO CONTACT (NAME 

OF LOCAL OR NEAREST LEGAL AID OFFICE AND TELEPHONE 

NUMBER) FOR ASSISTANCE, YOU SHOULD DO SO AS SOON AS 

POSSIBLE AFTER RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE.

ORDERED at ...................., Florida, on .....(date).......

___________________

Judge 

NOTE: Paragraph 1 must be varied in accordance with the items unpaid, claimed, 

and proven. The form does not provide for an adjudication of junior lienors’ 

claims nor for redemption by the United States of America if it is a defendant. The 

address of the person who claims a lien as a result of the judgment must be 

included in the judgment in order for the judgment to become a lien on real estate 

when a certified copy of the judgment is recorded. Alternatively, an affidavit with 

this information may be simultaneously recorded. For the specific requirements, 

see section 55.10(1), Florida Statutes; Hott Interiors, Inc. v. Fostock, 721 So. 2d 

1236 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998).

Committee Notes

1980 Amendment. The reference to writs of assistance in paragraph 7 is 

changed to writs of possession to comply with the consolidation of the 2 writs.

2010 Amendment. Mandatory statements of the mortgagee/property 

owner‘s rights are included as required by the 2006 amendment to section 45.031, 

Florida Statutes. Changes are also made based on 2008 amendments to section 

45.031, Florida Statutes, permitting courts to order sale by electronic means.
- 25 -

Additional changes were made to bring the form into compliance with 

chapters 718 and 720 and section 45.0315, Florida Statutes, and to better align the

form with existing practices of clerks and practitioners. The breakdown of the 

amounts due is now set out in column format to simplify calculations. The 

requirement that the form include the address and social security number of all 

defendants was eliminated to protect the privacy interests of those defendants and 

in recognition of the fact that this form of judgment does not create a personal final 

money judgment against the defendant borrower, but rather an in rem judgment 

against the property. The address and social security number of the defendant 

borrower should be included in any deficiency judgment later obtained against the 

defendant borrower.

2014 Amendment. These amendments added titles, updated statutory 

reference to time for right of redemption, and added a paragraph on attorneys’ fees.
- 26 -

FORM 1.996(b). FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE FOR 

REESTABLISHMENT OF LOST NOTE

FINAL JUDGMENT

This action was tried before the court. On the evidence presented

IT IS ADJUDGED that:

1. Amounts Due. Plaintiff, .... (name and address) ....., is due

Principal $...............................

Interest to date of this

judgment .........................

Title search expenses .........................

Taxes .........................

Attorneys’ fees total ..........................

Court costs, now taxed ..........................

Other: .............. ...........................

Subtotal $.................................

LESS: Escrow balance ..........................

LESS: Other ..........................

TOTAL $...............................

2. Lien on Property. Plaintiff holds a lien for the total sum superior to 

all claims or estates of defendant(s), on the following described property 

.................... County, Florida:

(describe property)
- 27 -

3. Sale of Property. If the total sum with interest at the rate described 

in paragraph 1 and all costs accrued subsequent to this judgment are not paid, the 

clerk of this court shall sell the property at public sale on .....(date)....., to the 

highest bidder for cash, except as prescribed in paragraph 4, at the courthouse 

located at ....(street address of courthouse).... in ............... County in 

.........(name of city)....., Florida, in accordance with section 45.031, Florida 

Statutes (2013), using the following method (CHECK ONE):

At .....(location of sale at courthouse; e.g., north door)....., beginning at 

.....(time of sale)..... on the prescribed date. 

By electronic sale beginning at .....(time of sale)..... on the prescribed date at 

.....(website)...... 

4. Costs. Plaintiff shall advance all subsequent costs of this action and 

shall be reimbursed for them by the clerk if plaintiff is not the purchaser of the 

property for sale, provided, however, that the purchaser of the property for sale 

shall be responsible for the documentary stamps payable on the certificate of title. 

If plaintiff is the purchaser, the clerk shall credit plaintiff’s bid with the total sum 

with interest and costs accruing subsequent to this judgment, or such part of it as is 

necessary to pay the bid in full.

5. Distribution of Proceeds. On filing the certificate of title the clerk 

shall distribute the proceeds of the sale, so far as they are sufficient, by paying: 

first, all of plaintiff’s costs; second, documentary stamps affixed to the certificate; 

third, plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees; fourth, the total sum due to plaintiff, less the items 

paid, plus interest at the rate prescribed in paragraph 1 from this date to the date of 

the sale; and by retaining any remaining amount pending further order of this 

court.

6. Right of Redemption/Right of Possession. On filing the certificate 

of sale, defendant(s) and all persons claiming under or against defendant(s) since 

the filing of the notice of lis pendens shall be foreclosed of all estate or claim in the 

property and defendant’s right of redemption as prescribed by section 45.031, 

Florida Statutes (2013) shall be terminated, except as to claims or rights under 

chapter 718 or chapter 720, Florida Statutes, if any. Upon the filing of the 

certificate of title, the person named on the certificate of title shall be let into 

possession of the property.

7. Attorneys’ Fees.
- 28 -

[If a default judgment has been entered against the mortgagor]

Because a default judgment has been entered against the mortgagor and 

because the fees requested do not exceed 3% of the principal amount owed at the 

time the complaint was filed, it is not necessary for the court to hold a hearing or 

adjudge the requested attorneys’ fees to be reasonable.

[If no default judgment has been entered against the mortgagor]

The court finds, based upon the affidavits/testimony presented and upon 

inquiry of counsel for the plaintiff that ___ hours were reasonably expended by 

plaintiff's counsel and that an hourly rate of $______ is appropriate. Plaintiff’s 

counsel represents that the attorney fee awarded does not exceed its contract fee 

with the plaintiff. The court finds that there are no reduction or enhancement 

factors for consideration by the court pursuant to Florida Patients Compensation 

Fund v. Rowe, 472 So. 2d 1145 (Fla. 1985). (If the court has found that there are 

reduction or enhancement factors to be applied, then such factors must be 

identified and explained herein).

[If the fees to be awarded are a flat fee]

The requested attorneys’ fees are a flat rate fee that the firm’s client has 

agreed to pay in this matter. Given the amount of the fee requested and the 

labor expended, the court finds that a lodestar analysis is not necessary and 

that the flat fee is reasonable.

8. Re-establishment of Lost Note. The court finds that the plaintiff has 

re-established the terms of the lost note and its right to enforce the instrument as 

required by applicable law. Plaintiff shall hold the defendant(s) maker of the note 

harmless and shall indemnify defendant(s) for any loss defendant(s) may incur by 

reason of a claim by any other person to enforce the lost note. Adequate protection 

has been provided as required by law by the following means: .....(identify means 

of security under applicable law: a written indemnification agreement, a surety 

bond, include specific detail)......

Judgment is hereby entered in favor of the plaintiff as to its request to 

enforce the lost note.
- 29 -

9. Jurisdiction Retained. Jurisdiction of this action is retained to 

enforce the adequate protection ordered and to enter further orders that are proper 

including, without limitation, a deficiency judgment.

IF THIS PROPERTY IS SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION, THERE MAY BE 

ADDITIONAL MONEY FROM THE SALE AFTER PAYMENT OF 

PERSONS WHO ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FROM THE SALE 

PROCEEDS PURSUANT TO THE FINAL JUDGMENT.

IF YOU ARE A SUBORDINATE LIENHOLDER CLAIMING A RIGHT TO 

FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM 

WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF 

YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY 

REMAINING FUNDS.

[If the property being foreclosed on has qualified for the homestead tax exemption 

in the most recent approved tax roll, the final judgment shall additionally contain 

the following statement in conspicuous type:]

IF YOU ARE THE PROPERTY OWNER, YOU MAY CLAIM THESE 

FUNDS YOURSELF. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A LAWYER 

OR ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO 

ASSIGN YOUR RIGHTS TO ANYONE ELSE IN ORDER FOR YOU TO 

CLAIM ANY MONEY TO WHICH YOU ARE ENTITLED. PLEASE 

CHECK WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT, (INSERT INFORMATION 

FOR APPLICABLE COURT) WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER THE SALE TO SEE 

IF THERE IS ADDITIONAL MONEY FROM THE FORECLOSURE SALE 

THAT THE CLERK HAS IN THE REGISTRY OF THE COURT.

IF YOU DECIDE TO SELL YOUR HOME OR HIRE SOMEONE TO HELP 

YOU CLAIM THE ADDITIONAL MONEY, YOU SHOULD READ VERY 

CAREFULLY ALL PAPERS YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN, ASK 

SOMEONE ELSE, PREFERABLY AN ATTORNEY WHO IS NOT 

RELATED TO THE PERSON OFFERING TO HELP YOU, TO MAKE 

SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING AND 

THAT YOU ARE NOT TRANSFERRING YOUR PROPERTY OR THE 

EQUITY IN YOUR PROPERTY WITHOUT THE PROPER 

INFORMATION. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY AN ATTORNEY, 

YOU MAY CONTACT (INSERT LOCAL OR NEAREST LEGAL AID OFFICE 

AND TELEPHONE NUMBER) TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FINANCIALLY 
- 30 -

FOR THEIR SERVICES. IF THEY CANNOT ASSIST YOU, THEY MAY 

BE ABLE TO REFER YOU TO A LOCAL BAR REFERRAL AGENCY OR 

SUGGEST OTHER OPTIONS. IF YOU CHOOSE TO CONTACT (NAME 

OF LOCAL OR NEAREST LEGAL AID OFFICE AND TELEPHONE 

NUMBER) FOR ASSISTANCE, YOU SHOULD DO SO AS SOON AS 

POSSIBLE AFTER RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE.

ORDERED at ...................., Florida, on .....(date)......

___________________

Judge 

NOTE: Paragraph 1 must be varied in accordance with the items unpaid, claimed, 

and proven. The form does not provide for an adjudication of junior lienors’ 

claims or for redemption by the United States of America if it is a defendant. The 

address of the person who claims a lien as a result of the judgment must be 

included in the judgment in order for the judgment to become a lien on real estate 

when a certified copy of the judgment is recorded. Alternatively, an affidavit with 

this information may be simultaneously recorded. For the specific requirements, 

see section 55.10(1), Florida Statutes; Hott Interiors, Inc. v. Fostock, 721 So. 2d

1236 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998).

Committee Note

2014 Amendment. This new form is to be used when the foreclosure 

judgment re-establishes a lost note. 
- 31 -

FORM 1.996(bc). MOTION TO CANCEL AND RESCHEDULE 

FORECLOSURE SALE

Plaintiff moves to cancel and reschedule the mortgage foreclosure sale 

because: 

1. On .....(date)..... this Ccourt entered a Final Judgment of Foreclosure 

pursuant to which a foreclosure sale was scheduled for , 20 .....(date)......

2. The sale needs to be canceled for the following reason(s):

a. Plaintiff and Ddefendant are continuing to be involved in loss 

mitigation;

b. Defendant is negotiating for the sale of the property that is the 

subject of this matter and Pplaintiff wants to allow the Ddefendant an opportunity 

to sell the property and pay off the debt that is due and owing to Pplaintiff.

c. Defendant has entered into a contract to sell the property that is 

the subject of this matter and Pplaintiff wants to give the Ddefendant an 

opportunity to consummate the sale and pay off the debt that is due and owing to 

plaintiff.

d. Defendant has filed a Chapter Petition under the 

Federal Bankruptcy Code;

e. Plaintiff has ordered but has not received a statement of 

value/appraisal for the property;

f. Plaintiff and Ddefendant have entered into a Forbearance 

Agreement;

g. Other

3. If this Court cancels the foreclosure sale, Pplaintiff moves that it be 

rescheduled.
- 32 -

I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Mmotion has been furnished by 

U.S. mail postage prepaid, facsimile or hand delivery.....(method of service).... to 

.....(name(s))..... this day of , 20 on .....(date)......

NOTE. This form is used to move the court to cancel and reschedule a foreclosure 

sale.