Supreme Court of Florida

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No. SC13-2384

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IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL 

PROCEDURE.

[January 14, 2016]

PER CURIAM.

This matter is before the Court for consideration of proposed amendments to 

the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. 

Const.

BACKGROUND

The Civil Procedure Rules Committee (Committee) filed a “fast-track” outof-cycle report, pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.140(e), 

proposing amendments to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure in response to 

legislative changes. In its report, the Committee proposed amendments to Florida 

Rule of Civil Procedure 1.110 and forms 1.944, 1.996(a), and 1.996(b). The 

Committee also proposed new rule 1.115 and several new forms. The amended 

and new rules and forms were proposed in response to legislation regarding 
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mortgage foreclosure actions. Chapter 2013-137, Laws of Florida, created section 

702.015, Florida Statutes. This statutory provision sets forth pleading 

requirements for mortgage foreclosure complaints intended to “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.” § 702.015(1), Fla. Stat. (2015). Chapter 2013-137

also amended section 702.10, Florida Statutes, relating to orders to show cause 

why a judgment of foreclosure should not be entered and hearings thereon. Ch. 

2013-137, § 6, Laws of Fla. The legislation became effective on June 7, 2013. Ch. 

2013-137, § 10, Laws of Fla. The act further specified that the pleading 

requirements apply 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. 2013-137, § 

8, Laws of Fla. Finally, the act requested that the Court amend the Florida Rules 

of Civil Procedure “to provide expedited foreclosure proceedings in conformity 

with this act and . . . develop and publish forms for use in such expedited 

proceedings.” Ch. 2013-173, § 9, Laws of Fla.

Upon consideration of the Committee’s report and proposals, on December 

11, 2014, the Court issued an opinion adopting the proposals and providing a sixtyday comment period. In re Amends. to Fla. R. Civ. P., 153 So. 3d 258 (Fla. 2014). 

Multiple comments were filed, and the Committee filed a response proposing 
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several additional amendments to the rules and forms. Upon consideration of the 

comments filed and the Committee’s response, we adopt the additional 

amendments described below. 

AMENDMENTS

Rule 1.115 (Pleading Mortgage Foreclosures). Rule 1.115 specifically 

governs pleading requirements in foreclosure actions. The rule incorporates the 

requirements of section 702.015, Florida Statutes, detailing pleading requirements 

where the plaintiff is the holder of the original note secured by the mortgage, 

where the plaintiff has been delegated authority to institute an action on behalf of 

another who is entitled to enforce the note, and where the plaintiff seeks to enforce 

a lost, destroyed, or stolen note. § 702.015, Fla. Stat. (2015). 

Rule 1.115 as it was proposed by the Committee and adopted by the Court 

closely tracks the language of this statute. The comments filed raised a number of 

issues with regard to the rule, two with which the Committee agrees. First, the 

Committee agrees that the first sentence of subdivision (a) of the rule be amended 

to clarify that the rule is intended to govern foreclosure of a mortgage or lien that is 

secured by a promissory note on residential real property. Because this provides 

further clarity in the rule, we adopt this amendment.

The Committee also agrees with comments suggesting that subdivision (d) 

of the rule be amended to add a reference to section 702.11, Florida Statutes, for 
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completeness and clarity of “the adequate protections which must be provided 

before entry of judgment.” Subdivision (d) of the rule addresses lost, destroyed, or 

stolen instruments. In such cases the claimant is required to provide “adequate 

protection” against “loss that might occur by reason of a claim by another person 

to enforce the instrument.” § 673.3091(2), Fla. Stat. (2015). Section 702.11, 

Florida Statutes, also addresses adequate protection for lost, destroyed, or stolen 

notes in mortgage foreclosure and lists the acceptable reasonable means of 

providing adequate protection, “if so found by the court.” § 702.11(1), Fla. Stat. 

(2015). Accordingly, because both sections 673.3091(2) and 702.11(1) are 

important provisions regarding adequate protections, we adopt the amendment to 

subdivision (d) as proposed by the Committee.

Form 1.944(a) (Mortgage Foreclosure). This form is to be used only in 

mortgage foreclosure cases where the location of the original note is known. The 

form addresses the issues of delegated authority to institute a mortgage foreclosure 

action and certification of possession of the original note. As with new rule 1.115, 

the amendments that were made to this form closely follow the requirements for 

pleading set forth in section 702.015, Florida Statutes (2015). Several comments 

were received raising several issues. In response to the comments, the Committee 

has proposed amending paragraph (3)(c) of this form and adding a new paragraph 

(3)(d). The amendments provide separate choices where the delegated authority to 
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institute the action comes from the holder of the original note and where it comes 

from one who is not the holder but who is otherwise entitled to enforce the note. 

Because this would provide further clarity, we adopt these amendments to form 

1.944(a) as proposed by the Committee. 

Form 1.944(b) (Mortgage Foreclosure). This mortgage foreclosure 

complaint form is for use in mortgage foreclosure cases where the location of the 

original note is unknown. It incorporates the pleading requirements for such cases 

set forth in section 702.015(5), Florida Statutes (2015). It also incorporates the 

requirements of section 673.3091 (Enforcement of lost, destroyed, or stolen

instrument). In response to the comments filed with regard to form 1.944(b), the 

Committee has proposed several amendments. The Committee has also 

recommended several other amendments for consistency between forms 1.944(a) 

and (b). Consistency between these forms is desirable, given that they are both 

mortgage foreclosure complaint forms intended to implement the applicable 

statute. We adopt the amendments as proposed by the Committee.

Form 1.944(c) (Motion for Order to Show Cause) and Form 1.944(d) 

(Order to Show Cause). Form 1.944(c) is a motion for an order to show cause for 

entry of final judgment of foreclosure. Form 1.944(d) is an order to show cause to 

be issued following the filing of the motion for an order to show cause. These 

forms are meant to be used in proceedings under section 702.10, Florida Statutes 
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(2015). The Committee agrees with comments filed suggesting that paragraph 7 of 

form 1.944(c) and paragraph 10 of form 1.944(d), referring to homestead status,

should be deleted. We adopt the amendments to form 1.944(c) and (d) as proposed 

by the Committee in response to the comments. 

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and forms are hereby 

amended as set forth in the appendix to this opinion.1 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.

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 

Judge Jacqueline Hogan Scola, Chair, Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Miami, 

Florida; Kevin Bayly Cook, Past 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, 

 

1. The Committee requests that the Court correct a scrivener’s error in form 

1.996(b) (Final Judgment of Foreclosure for Reestablishment of Lost Note). The 

original submission by the Committee incorrectly cited to section 45.031, Florida 

Statutes. We amend the form to instead cite to section 45.0315, Florida Statutes. 
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Florida; John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, and Gregory A. Zhelesnik, Bar 

Staff Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida, 

for Petitioner

Lynn E. Szymoniak, Director, The Housing Justice Foundation, West Palm Beach, 

Florida; Mark Aloysius Cullen of The Cullen Law Firm, P.A., West Palm Beach, 

Florida; Patrick Lorne Farrell, Cape Coral, Florida; Chief Judge James T. 

McGrady, III, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Clearwater, Florida; Michael L. Emge, Senior 

Staff Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Saint Petersburg, Florida; Alejandro 

Modesto Sanchez, President and Chief Executive Officer, Florida Bankers 

Association, Inc., Tallahassee, Florida; Virginia Bullerman Townes of Akerman 

LLP, Orlando, Florida; Senior Judge Randall G. McDonald, Tenth Judicial Circuit, 

Bartow, Florida; Nye Lavalle, Pew Mortgage Institute, Boca Raton, Florida; John 

F. Hooley, Naples, Florida; Joel Martin McTague of Frank Weinberg & Black, PL, 

Plantation, Florida; Michael Allen Dribin, Chair, The Real Property, Probate and 

Trust Section of The Florida Bar, Miami, Florida; Heidi Jo Bassett and Robert Rex 

Edwards of Robertson, Anschutz & Schneid, P.L., Boca Raton, Florida; Thomas E. 

Ice of Ice Legal PA, Royal Palm Beach, Florida; Lynn Drysdale, Jacksonville Area 

Legal Aid, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida; Alice Maria Vickers, Florida Alliance for 

Consumer Protection, Tallahassee, Florida; Roy David Oppenheim of Oppenheim 

& Pilelsky, Weston, Florida; Margery Ellen Golant of Golant & Golant, P.A., Boca 

Raton, Florida; Matthew Decell Weidner of Matthew D. Weidner, PA, Saint 

Petersburg, Florida; Kevin Michael Hoyes of Kevin Hoyes Attorney PA, Key 

West, Florida; Wendell David Finner, First Coast Consumer Law, Jacksonville 

Beach, Florida; and Ronald Gillis, Murdock, Florida,

Responding with Comments
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APPENDIX

RULE 1.115. PLEADING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES 

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

or other lien which secures a promissory note 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) – (c) [No change]

(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 

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 and 

identified under sections 673.3091(2) and 702.11(1), Florida Statutes, shall be 

provided before the entry of final judgment.

(e) [No change]
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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 and the note being 

attached.

3. (Select a, b, or c, or d)

(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.....(name of holder)....., the 

holder of the original note. The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to act on behalf 

of the person entitled to enforce theholder of the original note is/are as follows ...........

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

foreclosure action on behalf of .....(name of non-holder)....., who is not the holder but is entitled 

to enforce the note under section 673.3011(2), Florida Statutes, because .....(allege specific 

facts)...... 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)......

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.
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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 appropriate. A 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, e, or f)

(a) At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred, 

plaintiff was the holder of the original note secured by the mortgage.

(b) At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred, 

plaintiff was a person entitled to enforce the note under applicable law because .....(allege 

specific facts)......

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

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

original note who lost possession of 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 ........... 

(attach documents if not already attached).

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

foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note when loss of possession 

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

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

foreclosure action on behalf of the person or entity who directly or indirectly acquired ownership 

of the note from a person entitled to enforce the note when loss of possession occurred, as 

follows: .....(allege specific facts)...... 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 re-establishing the promissory note, 

determining the amount and nature of adequate protection to be required by sections 673.3091(2) 

and 702.11, Florida Statutes, 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).
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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 .....(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.

32. 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.

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 who cannot be found or 

is not amenable to service of process.

5. (select a, b, c, or d, e, or f)
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(a) At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred, 

plaintiff was the holder of the original note secured by the mortgage.

(b) At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred, 

plaintiff was a person entitled to enforce the note under applicable law because .....(allege 

specific facts)......

(c) Since the note was lost, pPlaintiff 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 theholder of the 

original note who lost possession of 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 .......... (attach 

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

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

foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the original note when loss of 

possession occurred, because .....(allege specific facts)...... 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).

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

foreclosure action on behalf of the person or entity who directly or indirectly acquired ownership 

of the note from a person entitled to enforce the original note when loss of possession occurred, 

as follows .....(allege specific facts)...... 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. 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.

Plaintiff

Certificate of Service

Committee Note
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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.

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 
- 20 -

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.

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(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)

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):
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..... 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 45.0315, 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 percent 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/are no 

reduction or enhancement factors for consideration by the Court pursuant to Florida Patient 

Compensation Fund v. Rowe, 472 So.2d 1145 (Fla. 1985). (If the Court has found that there are 
- 23 -

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

required by 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 per 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.

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. 
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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 

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 reestablishes a lost note.