Title: In Re: Amendments to the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure - 2020 Regular-Cycle Report
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: and
State: Florida
Issuer: Florida Supreme Court
Date: October 29, 2020

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC20-216 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF APPELLATE 
PROCEDURE—2020 REGULAR-CYCLE REPORT.  
 
October 29, 2020 
 
PER CURIAM. 
 
This matter is before the Court for consideration of proposed amendments to 
the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.  We have jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), 
Fla. Const. 
BACKGROUND 
The Florida Bar’s Appellate Court Rules Committee (Committee) has filed 
its regular-cycle report proposing amendments to the Florida Rules of Appellate 
Procedure.  See Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.140(b).1  The Committee proposes amending 
existing rules 9.020 (Definitions), 9.030 (Jurisdiction of Courts), 9.040 (General 
 
1.  The Committee’s report was filed prior to the effective date of the 
amendments adopted in In re Amendments to Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.140, 289 So. 3d 1264 (Fla. 2020), which “[did] away with the set 
schedule for rules committee reports.”  Id. at 1264. 
 
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Provisions), 9.110 (Appeal Proceedings to Review Final Orders of Lower 
Tribunals and Orders Granting New Trial in Jury and Nonjury Cases), 9.130 
(Proceedings to Review Nonfinal Orders and Specified Final Orders), 9.140 
(Appeal Proceedings in Criminal Cases), 9.145 (Appeal Proceedings in Juvenile 
Delinquency Cases), 9.146 (Appeal Proceedings in Juvenile Dependency and 
Termination of Parental Rights Cases and Cases Involving Families and Children 
in Need of Services), 9.170 (Appeal Proceedings in Probate and Guardianship 
Cases), 9.180 (Appeal Proceedings to Review Workers’ Compensation Cases), 
9.200 (The Record), 9.300 (Motions), 9.310 (Stay Pending Review), 9.320 (Oral 
Argument), 9.330 (Rehearing; Clarification; Certification; Written Opinion), 9.350 
(Dismissal of Causes), 9.360 (Parties), 9.430 (Proceedings by Indigents), 9.440 
(Attorneys), 9.800 (Uniform Citation System), and 9.900 (Forms).  The Committee 
also proposes new rule 9.425 (Constitutional Challenge to State Statute or State 
Constitutional Provision).2 
 
2.  The Committee’s report also included proposals to amend existing rules 
9.100 (Original Proceedings), 9.125 (Review of Trial Court Orders and Judgments 
Certified by the District Courts of Appeal as Requiring Immediate Resolution by 
the Supreme Court of Florida), 9.141 (Review Proceedings in Collateral or 
Postconviction Criminal Cases), 9.142 (Procedures for Review in Death Penalty 
Cases), 9.225 (Notice of Supplemental Authority), 9.370 (Amicus Curiae), and to 
add new rule 9.045 (Form of Documents).  However, because the amendments 
proposed by the Committee to those rules addressed the same issue as the 
amendments proposed in In re Amendments to Florida Rules of Appellate 
Procedure 9.120 & 9.210, No. SC20-597 (Fla. report filed Apr. 24, 2020), the 
 
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The Committee published its proposals for comment prior to filing them 
with the Court and received two comments.  Upon consideration of the comments, 
the Committee did not alter its proposals.  After the Committee filed its report, the 
Court republished the proposals for comment; no comments were received. 
Having considered the Committee’s report, we hereby adopt the 
amendments to the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure as proposed by the 
Committee, except for the proposed amendments to rules 9.800 (Uniform Citation 
System) and 9.900(j) (Forms; Notice of Supplemental Authority), which we 
decline to adopt.  We explain our reasons below, as well as discuss some of the 
significant rule amendments. 
AMENDMENTS 
 
First, rule 9.040 (General Provisions) is amended to include new subdivision 
(j) (Public Availability of Written Opinions).  The new subdivision requires every 
court to publish on its website written opinions not covered by Florida Rule of 
Judicial Administration 2.420 (Public Access to and Protection of Judicial Branch 
Records). 
 
Subdivision (d) (Notice of Appeal) of rule 9.110 (Appeal Proceedings to 
Review Final Orders of Lower Tribunals and Orders Granting New Trial in Jury 
 
Court severed the proposals from this case and will consider them in case number 
SC20-597. 
 
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and Nonjury Cases) is amended to require that a notice of appeal indicate that a 
motion tolling rendition is pending in the lower tribunal.  Subdivision (e) (Record) 
of the same rule is also amended to require the clerk to either transmit the record 
within sixty days of the filing of a notice of appeal or to file a notice specifying the 
reasons he or she is unable to timely transmit the record. 
 
Subdivision (a)(4) (Applicability) of rule 9.130 (Proceedings to Review 
Nonfinal Orders and Specified Final Orders) is amended to clarify that orders 
disposing of motions for rehearing are not reviewable separate and apart from a 
review of a final order. 
 
New rule 9.425 (Constitutional Challenge to State Statute or State 
Constitutional Provision) is added.  The new rule requires a party in cases where 
the constitutionality of a state statute or constitutional provision is challenged to 
provide notice of such to the attorney general.  Criminal and collateral criminal 
proceedings are excluded from the rule’s notice requirement. 
Rule 9.440 (Attorneys) is amended to include new subdivision (b) (Limiting 
Appearance) and new subdivision (c) (Scope of Representation); existing 
subdivision (b) is relettered as subdivision (d).  New subdivision (b) provides that 
an attorney of record for a party in an appeal or original proceeding shall be the 
attorney of record unless at the time of appearance, the attorney files a notice 
specifically limiting the attorney’s appearance only to a particular matter or portion 
 
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of the proceeding in which the attorney appears.  New subdivision (c) defines the 
role of a limited appearance attorney and the termination of such representation 
within a case. 
Next, we decline to adopt the Committee’s proposed amendments to rules 
9.800 (Uniform Citation System) and 9.900(j) (Forms; Notice of Supplemental 
Authority).  As to rule 9.800, we decline to adopt the Committee’s proposal to 
amend multiple subdivisions in the rule to permit, without preference, citations to 
the slip opinion, Florida Law Weekly, Westlaw, or Lexis.  This Court declined to 
adopt a similar proposal in In re Amendments to Florida Rule of Appellate 
Procedure 9.800, 257 So. 3d 91 (Fla. 2018).  Though the Committee in this case 
has provided a fuller explanation of the reasoning behind its proposal, we are 
nevertheless concerned that permitting citations to only Westlaw or Lexis will 
make it more difficult for practitioners and court staff to locate cited material, as 
the citations for the two services are not entirely compatible with each other. 
We also decline to adopt the Committee’s proposal to amend rule 9.900(j) at 
this time.  The amendments proposed by the Committee to rule 9.900(j) contain 
language that is dependent upon this Court’s adoption of proposed amendments 
currently pending in In re Amendments to Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 
9.120 & 9.210, No. SC20-597.  We will consider the Committee’s proposal to 
amend rule 9.900(j) with the other proposals in case number SC20-597. 
 
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CONCLUSION 
 
We amend the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure as set forth in the 
appendix to this opinion.  New language is indicated by underscoring; deletions are 
indicated by struck-through type.  The comments are offered for explanation and 
guidance only and are not adopted as an official part of the rules.  The amendments 
shall become effective on January 1, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. 
 
It is so ordered. 
CANADY, C.J., and POLSTON, LABARGA, LAWSON, MUÑIZ, COURIEL, 
and GROSSHANS, JJ., concur. 
 
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS. 
 
Original Proceeding – Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 
 
Hon. Stephanie Williams Ray, Chair, and Thomas D. Hall, Past Chair, Appellate 
Court Rules Committee, Tallahassee, Florida; and Joshua E. Doyle, Executive 
Director, and Krys Godwin, Staff Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida, 
 
for Petitioner 
 
 
 
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Appendix 
RULE 9.020. 
DEFINITIONS 
The following terms have the meanings shown as used in these rules: 
(a)-(g) 
 [NO CHANGE] 
(h) 
Rendition (of an Order). An order is rendered when a signed, written 
order is filed with the clerk of the lower tribunal.  
(1) 
Motions Tolling Rendition. The following motions, if 
authorized and timely filed, toll rendition unless another applicable rule of 
procedure specifically provides to the contrary: 
(A) 
motion for new trial;  
(B) 
motion for rehearing; 
(C) 
motion for certification;  
(D) 
motion to alter or amend;  
(E) 
motion for judgment in accordance with prior motion for 
directed verdict; 
(F) 
motion for arrest of judgment;  
(G) 
motion to challenge the verdict;  
(H) 
motion to correct a sentence or order of probation 
pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(b)(1); 
(I) 
motion to withdraw a plea after sentencing pursuant to 
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.170(l); or 
(J) 
to correct a disposition or commitment order pursuant to 
Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.135(b); 
(K) 
to claim ineffective assistance of counsel following an 
order terminating parental rights pursuant to Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 
8.530(f); or 
 
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(L) 
motion to vacate an order based upon the 
recommendations of a hearing officer in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule 
of Procedure 12.491. 
(2) 
Effect of Motions Tolling Rendition. If any timely and 
authorized and timely motion listed in subdivision (h)(1) of this rule has been filed 
in the lower tribunal directed to a final order, the following apply: 
(A) 
Tthe final order shall not be deemed rendered as to any 
existing party until all of the filing with the clerkmotions are either withdrawn by 
written notice filed in the lower tribunal or resolved by the rendition of an signed, 
written order disposing of the last of such motions.; 
(B) 
A signed, writtenif an order granting a new trial shall be 
deemedis rendered, tolling concludes when filed with the clerk, notwithstanding 
that other such motions may remain pending at the time.; or 
(C) 
Iif a notice of appeal is filed before the filing with the 
clerkrendition of an signed, written order disposing of all such motions, the appeal 
shall be held in abeyance until the filing with the clerkmotions are either 
withdrawn or resolved by the rendition of an signed, written order disposing of the 
last such motion. 
(i) 
Rendition of an Appellate Order. If any timely and authorized 
motion under rules 9.330 or 9.331 is filed, the order shall not be deemed rendered 
as to any party until all of the motions are either withdrawn or resolved by the 
filingrendition of an written order. 
(j)-(l)  
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
1977 Amendment. This rule supersedes former rule 1.3. Throughout these 
rules the defined terms have been used in their technical sense only, and are not 
intended to alter substantive law. Instances may arise in which the context of the 
rule requires a different meaning for a defined term, but these should be rare. 
The term “administrative action” is new and has been defined to make clear 
the application of these rules to judicial review of administrative agency action. 
This definition was not intended to conflict with the Administrative Procedure Act, 
chapter 120, Florida Statutes (1975), but was intended to include all administrative 
 
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agency action as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act. The reference to 
municipalities is not intended to conflict with article VIII, section 1(a), Florida 
Constitution, which makes counties the only political subdivisions of the state. 
The term “clerk” retains the substance of the term “clerk” defined in the 
former rules. This term includes the person who in fact maintains records of 
proceedings in the lower tribunal if no person is specifically and officially given 
that duty. 
The term “court” retains the substance of the term “court” defined in the 
former rules, but has been modified to recognize the authority delegated to the 
chief justice of the supreme court and the chief judges of the district courts of 
appeal. This definition was not intended to broaden the scope of these rules in 
regard to the administrative responsibilities of the mentioned judicial officers. The 
term is used in these rules to designate the court to which a proceeding governed 
by these rules is taken. If supreme court review of a district court of appeal 
decision is involved, the district court of appeal is the “lower tribunal.” 
The term “lower tribunal” includes courts and administrative agencies. It 
replaces the terms “commission,” “board,” and “lower court” defined in the former 
rules. 
The term “order” has been broadly defined to include all final and 
interlocutory rulings of a lower tribunal and rules adopted by an administrative 
agency. Minute book entries are excluded from the definition in recognition of the 
decision in Employers’ Fire Ins. Co. v. Continental Ins. Co., 326 So. 2d 177 (Fla. 
1976). It was intended that this rule encourage the entry of written orders in every 
case. 
The terms “appellant,” “appellee,” “petitioner,” and “respondent” have been 
defined according to the rule applicable to a particular proceeding and generally 
not according to the legal nature of the proceeding before the court. The term 
“appellee” has been defined to include the parties against whom relief is sought 
and all others necessary to the cause. This rule supersedes all statutes concerning 
the same subject matter, such as section 924.03, Florida Statutes (1975). It should 
be noted that if a certiorari proceeding is specifically governed by a rule that only 
refers to “appellant” and “appellee,” a “petitioner” and “respondent” should 
proceed as if they were “appellant” and “appellee,” respectively. For example, 
certiorari proceedings in the supreme court involving the Public Service 
Commission and Industrial Relations Commission are specifically governed by 
 
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rule 9.110 even though that rule only refers to “appellant” and “appellee.” The 
parties in such a certiorari proceeding remain designated as “petitioner” and 
“respondent,” because as a matter of substantive law the party invoking the court’s 
jurisdiction is seeking a writ of certiorari. The same is true of rule 9.200 governing 
the record in such certiorari proceedings. 
The term “rendition” has been simplified and unnecessary language deleted. 
The filing requirement of the definition was not intended to conflict with the 
substantive right of review guaranteed by the Administrative Procedure Act, 
section 120.68(1), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1976), but to set a point from which 
certain procedural times could be measured. Motions that postpone the date of 
rendition have been narrowly limited to prevent deliberate delaying tactics. To 
postpone rendition the motion must be timely, authorized, and one of those listed. 
However, if the lower tribunal is an administrative agency whose rules of practice 
denominate motions identical to those listed by a different label, the substance of 
the motion controls and rendition is postponed accordingly. 
The definition of “legal holiday” has been eliminated but its substance has 
been retained in rule 9.420(e). 
The term “bond” is defined in rule 9.310(c)(1). 
Terms defined in the former rules and not defined here are intended to have 
their ordinary meanings in accordance with the context of these rules. 
1992 Amendment. Subdivision (a) has been amended to reflect properly 
that deputy commissioners presently are designated as judges of compensation 
claims. 
Subdivision (g) has been rewritten extensively. The first change in this rule 
was to ensure that an authorized motion for clarification (such as under rule 9.330) 
was included in those types of motions that delay rendition. 
Subdivision (g) also has been revised in several respects to clarify some 
problems presented by the generality of the prior definition of “rendition.” 
Although rendition is postponed in most types of cases by the filing of timely and 
authorized post-judgment motions, some rules of procedure explicitly provide to 
the contrary. The subdivision therefore has been qualified to provide that 
conflicting rules shall control over the general rule stated in the subdivision. See In 
Re Interest of E. P., 544 So. 2d 1000 (Fla. 1989). The subdivision also has been 
revised to make explicit a qualification of long standing in the decisional law, that 
 
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rendition of non-final orders cannot be postponed by motions directed to them. Not 
all final orders are subject to postponement of rendition, however. Rendition of a 
final order can be postponed only by an “authorized” motion, and whether any of 
the listed motions is an “authorized” motion depends on the rules of procedure 
governing the proceeding in which the final order is entered. See Francisco v. 
Victoria Marine Shipping, Inc., 486 So. 2d 1386 (Fla. 3d DCA 1986), review 
denied 494 So. 2d 1153. 
Subdivision (g)(1) has been added to clarify the date of rendition when post-
judgment motions have been filed. If there is only 1 plaintiff and 1 defendant in the 
case, the filing of a post-judgment motion or motions by either party (or both 
parties) will postpone rendition of the entire final order as to all claims between the 
parties. If there are multiple parties on either or both sides of the case and less than 
all parties file post-judgment motions, rendition of the final order will be 
postponed as to all claims between moving parties and parties moved against, but 
rendition will not be postponed with respect to claims disposed of in the final order 
between parties who have no post-judgment motions pending between them with 
respect to any of those claims. See, e.g., Phillips v. Ostrer, 442 So. 2d 1084 (Fla. 
3d DCA 1983). 
Ideally, all post-judgment motions should be disposed of at the same time. 
See Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. v. Robinson, 472 So. 2d 722 (Fla. 1985). If that occurs, 
the final order is deemed rendered as to all claims when the order disposing of the 
motions is filed with the clerk. If all motions are not disposed of at the same time, 
the final order is deemed rendered as to all claims between a moving party and a 
party moved against when the written order disposing of the last remaining motion 
addressed to those claims is filed with the clerk, notwithstanding that other motions 
filed by co-parties may remain pending. If such motions remain, the date of 
rendition with respect to the claims between the parties involved in those motions 
shall be determined in the same way. 
Subdivision (g)(2) has been added to govern the special circumstance that 
arises when rendition of a final order has been postponed initially by post-
judgment motions, and a motion for new trial then is granted. If the new trial has 
been granted simply as an alternative to a new final order, the appeal will be from 
the new final order. However, if a new trial alone has been ordered, the appeal will 
be from the new trial order. See rule 9.110. According to the decisional law, 
rendition of such an order is not postponed by the pendency of any additional, 
previously filed post-judgment motions, nor can rendition of such an order be 
postponed by the filing of any further motion. See Frazier v. Seaboard System 
 
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Railroad, Inc., 508 So. 2d 345 (Fla. 1987). To ensure that subdivision (g)(1) is not 
read as a modification of this special rule, subdivision (g)(2) has been added to 
make it clear that a separately appealable new trial order is deemed rendered when 
filed, notwithstanding that other post-judgment motions directed to the initial final 
order may remain pending at the time. 
Subdivision (g)(3) has been added to clarify the confusion generated by a 
dictum in Williams v. State, 324 So. 2d 74 (Fla. 1975), which appeared contrary to 
the settled rule that post-judgment motions were considered abandoned by a party 
who filed a notice of appeal before their disposition. See In Re: Forfeiture of 
$104,591 in U.S. Currency, 578 So. 2d 727 (Fla. 3d DCA 1991). The new 
subdivision confirms that rule, and provides that the final order is rendered as to 
the appealing party when the notice of appeal is filed. Although the final order is 
rendered as to the appealing party, it is not rendered as to any other party whose 
post-judgment motions are pending when the notice of appeal is filed. 
1996 Amendment. Subdivision (a) was amended to reflect the current state 
of the law. When the term “administrative action” is used in the Florida Rules of 
Appellate Procedure, it encompasses proceedings under the Administrative 
Procedure Act, quasi-judicial proceedings before local government agencies, 
boards, and commissions, and administrative action for which judicial review is 
provided by general law. 
Addition of language in subdivision (i) is intended to toll the time for the 
filing of a notice of appeal until the resolution of a timely filed motion to vacate 
when an order has been entered based on the recommendation of a hearing officer 
in a family law matter. Under the prior rules, a motion to vacate was not an 
authorized motion to toll the time for the filing of an appeal, and too often the 
motion to vacate could not be heard within 30 days of the rendition of the order. 
This rule change permits the lower tribunal to complete its review prior to the time 
an appeal must be filed. 
2000 Amendment. The text of subdivision (i) was moved into the main 
body of subdivision (h) to retain consistency in the definitional portions of the rule. 
2020 Amendment. For purposes of determining the date of rendition, it is 
important that electronically and paper-filed orders and judgments include accurate 
date stamps. Thus, absent extraordinary circumstances, documents should be date 
stamped for the day on which they are filed with the clerk. Backdating to the date 
on which the order or judgment was signed is not permitted. See, e.g., Guy v. Plaza 
 
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Home Mortg., Inc., 260 So. 3d 280, 280–81 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018) (“[Backdating 
the date of rendition] can cause, at best, confusion, and at worst, a loss of appellate 
rights. . . . By backdating the electronic filing stamp, the clerk changes the 
rendition date, possibly to the prejudice of an appellant.”). 
Court Commentary 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.030. 
JURISDICTION OF COURTS 
(a)-(c) 
[NO CHANGE] 
1. 9.140: Appeal Proceedings in Criminal Cases. 
2. 9.110: Appeal Proceedings: Final Orders. 
3. 9.110(i): Validation of Bonds. 
4. 9.110: Appeal Proceedings: Final Orders; 9.100: Original Proceedings. 
5. 9.120: Discretionary Review of District Court Decisions. 
6. 9.125: Discretionary Review of Trial Court Orders and Judgments Certified by 
the District Court. 
7. 9.150: Certified Questions from Federal Courts. 
8. 9.100: Original Proceedings. 
9. 9.130: Appeal Proceedings: Non-Final Orders. 
10. 9.160: Discretionary Review of County Court Decisions. 
 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.040. 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
(a)-(i)   
[NO CHANGE] 
(j) 
Public Availability of Written Opinions. Except for written 
opinions determined to be confidential under Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.420, the court shall make publicly available on the court’s 
website all written opinions entered on an appeal or petition. Each written opinion 
 
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made publicly available shall be text searchable and in a Portable Document 
Format (“PDF”). 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.110. 
APPEAL PROCEEDINGS TO REVIEW FINAL ORDERS 
OF LOWER TRIBUNALS AND ORDERS GRANTING 
NEW TRIAL IN JURY AND NONJURY CASES 
(a)-(c) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(d) 
Notice of Appeal. The notice of appeal shall be substantially in the 
form prescribed by rule 9.900(a). The caption shall contain the name of the lower 
tribunal, the name and designation of at least 1 party on each side, and the case 
number in the lower tribunal. The notice shall contain the name of the court to 
which the appeal is taken, the date of rendition, and the nature of the order to be 
reviewed. Except in criminal cases, a conformed copy of the order or orders 
designated in the notice of appeal shall be attached to the notice together with any 
order entered on a timely motion postponing rendition of the order or orders 
appealed. If a motion postponing rendition pursuant to rule 9.020(h) is pending 
when the notice of appeal is filed, the notice of appeal shall indicate the pendency 
of such a motion and the date it was filed. Within 10 days of either withdrawal of 
such a motion or rendition of the order being appealed, the appellant shall file in 
the court a notice indicating that the motion has been withdrawn or a conformed 
copy of the signed, written order disposing of the motion postponing rendition. 
(e) 
Record. Within 50 days of filing the notice, the clerk shall prepare the 
record prescribed by rule 9.200 and serve copies of the index on all parties. Within 
11060 days of filing the notice, the clerk shall electronically transmit the record to 
the court or file a notice of inability to complete or transmit the record, specifying 
the reason. Any notice filed shall be served on all parties and, as necessary, on any 
court reporter. 
(f)-(m) 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
 
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1977 Amendment. This rule replaces former rules 3.1, 3.5, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 
4.7. It applies when (1) a final order has been entered by a court or administrative 
agency; (2) a motion for a new trial in a jury case is granted; or (3) a motion for 
rehearing in a non-jury case is granted and the lower tribunal orders new 
testimony. It should be noted that certain other non-final orders entered after the 
final order are reviewable under the procedure set forth in rule 9.130. This rule 
does not apply to review proceedings in such cases. 
Except to the extent of conflict with rule 9.140 governing appeals in criminal 
cases, this rule governs: (1) appeals as of right to the supreme court; (2) certiorari 
proceedings before the supreme court seeking direct review of administrative 
action (for example, Industrial Relations Commission and Public Service 
Commission); (3) appeals as of right to a district court of appeal, including 
petitions for review of administrative action under the Administrative Procedure 
Act, section 120.68, Florida Statutes (Supp. 1976); (4) appeals as of right to a 
circuit court, including review of administrative action if provided by law. 
This rule is intended to clarify the procedure for review of orders granting a 
new trial. Rules 9.130(a)(4) and 9.140(c)(1)(C) authorize the appeal of orders 
granting a motion for new trial. Those rules supersede Clement v. Aztec Sales, Inc., 
297 So. 2d 1 (Fla. 1974), and are consistent with the decision there. Under 
subdivision (h) of this rule the scope of review of the court is not necessarily 
limited to the order granting a new trial. The supreme court has held that “appeals 
taken from new trial orders shall be treated as appeals from final judgments to the 
extent possible.” Bowen v. Willard, 340 So. 2d 110, 112 (Fla. 1976). This rule 
implements that decision. 
Subdivisions (b) and (c) establish the procedure for commencing an appeal 
proceeding. Within 30 days of the rendition of the final order the appellant must 
file 2 copies of the notice of appeal, accompanied by the appropriate fees, with the 
clerk of the lower tribunal; except that if review of administrative action is sought, 
1 copy of the notice and the applicable fees must be filed in the court. Failure to 
file any notice within the 30-day period constitutes an irremediable jurisdictional 
defect, but the second copy and fees may be filed after the 30-day period, subject 
to sanctions imposed by the court. See Williams v. State, 324 So. 2d 74 (Fla. 1975); 
Fla. R. App. P. 9.040(h). 
Subdivision (d) sets forth the contents of the notice and eliminates the 
requirement of the former rule that the notice show the place of recordation of the 
order to be reviewed. The rule requires substantial compliance with the form 
 
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approved by the supreme court. The date of rendition of the order for which review 
is sought must appear on the face of the notice. See the definition of “rendition” in 
Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.020, and see the judicial construction of 
“rendition” for an administrative rule in Florida Admin. Comm’n v. Judges of the 
District Court, 351 So. 2d 712 (Fla. 1977), on review of Riley-Field Co. v. Askew, 
336 So. 2d 383 (Fla. 1st DCA 1976). This requirement is intended to allow the 
clerk of the court to determine the timeliness of the notice from its face. The 
advisory committee intended that defects in the notice would not be jurisdictional 
or grounds for disposition unless the complaining party was substantially 
prejudiced. 
This rule works significant changes in the review of final administrative 
action. The former rules required that a traditional petition for the writ of certiorari 
be filed if supreme court review was appropriate, and the practice under the 
Administrative Procedure Act, section 120.68, Florida Statutes (Supp. 1976), has 
been for the “petition for review” to be substantially similar to a petition for the 
writ of certiorari. See Yamaha Int’l Corp. v. Ehrman, 318 So. 2d 196 (Fla. 1st 
DCA 1975). This rule eliminates the need for true petitions in such cases. Instead, 
a simple notice is filed, to be followed later by briefs. It is intended that the notice 
constitute the petition required in section 120.68(2), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1976). 
There is no conflict with the statute because the substance of the review proceeding 
remains controlled by the statute, and the legislature directed that review be under 
the procedures set forth in these rules. Because it is a requirement of rendition that 
an order be written and filed, this rule supersedes Shevin ex rel. State v. Public 
Service Comm’n, 333 So. 2d 9 (Fla. 1976), and School Bd. v. Malbon, 341 So. 2d 
523 (Fla. 2d DCA 1977), to the extent that those decisions assume that reduction of 
an order to writing is unnecessary for judicial review. 
This rule is not intended to affect the discretionary nature of direct supreme 
court review of administrative action taken under the certiorari jurisdiction of that 
court set forth in article V, section 3(b)(3), Florida Constitution. Such proceedings 
remain in certiorari with the only change being to replace wasteful, repetitive 
petitions for the writ of certiorari with concise notices followed at a later date by 
briefs. The parties to such actions should be designated as “petitioner” and 
“respondent” despite the use of the terms “appellant” and “appellee” in this rule. 
See commentary, Fla. R. App. P. 9.020. 
Subdivisions (e), (f), and (g) set the times for preparation of the record, 
serving copies of the index on the parties, serving briefs, and serving notices of 
cross-appeal. Provision for cross-appeal notices has been made to replace the 
 
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cross-assignments of error eliminated by these rules. In certiorari proceedings 
governed by this rule the term “cross- appeal” should be read as equivalent to 
“cross-petition.” It should be noted that if time is measured by service, rule 
9.420(b) requires filing to be made before service or immediately thereafter. 
Subdivision (h) permits a party to file a single notice of appeal if a single 
proceeding in the lower tribunal, whether criminal or civil, results in more than 1 
final judgment and an appeal of more than 1 is sought. This rule is intended to 
further the policies underlying the decisions of the supreme court in Scheel v. 
Advance Marketing Consultants, Inc., 277 So. 2d 773 (Fla. 1973), and Hollimon v. 
State, 232 So. 2d 394 (Fla. 1970). This rule does not authorize the appeal of 
multiple final judgments unless otherwise proper as to each. If a prematurely filed 
notice is held in abeyance in accordance with Williams v. State, 324 So. 2d 74 (Fla. 
1975), the date of filing is intended to be the date the notice becomes effective. 
Subdivision (i) provides an expedited procedure in appeals as of right to the 
supreme court in bond validation proceedings. An appendix is mandatory. 
Subdivision (j) provides for an expedited procedure in appeals as of right to 
the supreme court from an order of a district court of appeal. 
1980 Amendment. The rule has been amended to incorporate changes in 
rule 9.030 and to reflect the abolition of supreme court jurisdiction to review, if 
provided by general law, final orders of trial courts imposing sentences of life 
imprisonment. 
The reference indicated (2) in the second paragraph of this committee note 
for 1977 amendment should be disregarded. See amended rule 9.030(a)(1)(B)(ii) 
and accompanying committee note. 
1984 Amendment. Subdivision (k) was added to remedy a pitfall in the 
application of case law under Mendez v. West Flagler Family Association, 303 So. 
2d 1 (Fla. 1974). Appeals may now be taken immediately or delayed until the end 
of the entire case, under the rationale of Mendez. 
1992 Amendment. Subdivision (d) was amended to require that the 
appellant, except in criminal cases, attach to its notice of appeal a conformed copy 
of any orders designated in the notice of appeal, along with any orders on motions 
that postponed the rendition of orders appealed. This amendment is designed to 
assist the clerk in determining the nature and type of order being appealed and the 
timeliness of any such appeal. 
 
- 18 - 
Subdivision (m) was added to clarify the effect of a notice of appeal filed by 
a party before the lower court renders a final appealable order. Under this 
subdivision, such a notice of appeal is subject to dismissal as premature, but a final 
order rendered before the dismissal of the appeal will vest the appellate court with 
jurisdiction to review that final order. It further provides that the appellate court 
may relinquish jurisdiction or otherwise allow the lower court to render such a 
final order before dismissal of the appeal. If the only motion that is delaying 
rendition has been filed by the party filing the notice of appeal, under rule 
9.020(g)(3), such motion is deemed abandoned and the final order is deemed 
rendered by the filing of a notice of appeal. 
1996 Amendment. The addition of new subdivision (a)(2) is a restatement 
of former Florida Rule of Probate Procedure 5.100, and is not intended to change 
the definition of final order for appellate purposes. It recognizes that in probate and 
guardianship proceedings it is not unusual to have several final orders entered 
during the course of the proceeding that address many different issues and involve 
many different persons. An order of the circuit court that determines a right, an 
obligation, or the standing of an interested person as defined in the Florida Probate 
Code may be appealed before the administration of the probate or guardianship is 
complete and the fiduciary is discharged. 
Subdivision (c) was amended to reflect that in appeals of administrative 
orders, the appellate court filing fees should be filed in the appellate court, not the 
administrative tribunal. 
Subdivision (n) was added by the committee in response to the opinion in 
Canal Insurance Co. v. Reed, 666 So. 2d 888 (Fla. 1996), suggesting that the 
Appellate Court Rules Committee consider an appropriate method for providing 
expedited review of these cases to avoid unnecessary delays in the final resolution 
of the underlying actions. Expedited review in the manner provided in rule 9.130 is 
available for such judgments in cases where a claim against the insured is pending 
and early resolution of the coverage issue is in the best interest of the parties. The 
notice of appeal should identify whether a party is seeking review pursuant to the 
procedure provided in this rule or in rule 9.130. 
2006 Amendment. Rule 9.110(n) has been amended to clarify that the word 
“clerk” in the first sentence of the rule refers to the clerk of the lower tribunal. The 
amendment also permits the minor to ask for leave to file a brief or to request oral 
argument. The amendment clarifies that the district court does not grant the 
minor’s petition, but rather may reverse the circuit court’s dismissal of the petition. 
 
- 19 - 
2010 Note. As provided in Rule 9.040, requests to determine the 
confidentiality of appellate court records are governed by Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.420. 
2014 Amendments. The amendment to subdivision (l) is intended to clarify 
that it is neither necessary nor appropriate to request a relinquishment of 
jurisdiction from the court to enable the lower tribunal to render a final order. 
Subdivision (n) has been moved to rule 9.147. 
2018 Amendment. Subdivision (k) was amended to clarify that subdivision 
(h) does not expand the scope of review of partial final judgments to include 
rulings that are not directly related to and an aspect of the final order under review. 
E.g., Cygler v. Presjack, 667 So. 2d 458, 461 (Fla. 4th DCA 1996). 
2020 Amendment. The requirement to notify the court of a motion 
postponing rendition is not meant to encourage the filing of a notice of appeal 
before rendition. 
Court Commentary 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.130. 
PROCEEDINGS TO REVIEW NONFINAL ORDERS 
AND SPECIFIED FINAL ORDERS 
(a) 
Applicability. 
(1) 
This rule applies to appeals to the district courts of appeal of the 
nonfinal orders authorized herein and to appeals to the circuit court of nonfinal 
orders when provided by general law. Review of other nonfinal orders in such 
courts and nonfinal administrative action shall be by the method prescribed by rule 
9.100. 
(2) 
Appeals of nonfinal orders in criminal cases shall be as 
prescribed by rule 9.140. 
(3) 
Appeals to the district courts of appeal of nonfinal orders are 
limited to those that: 
(A) 
concern venue; 
 
- 20 - 
(B) 
grant, continue, modify, deny, or dissolve injunctions, or 
refuse to modify or dissolve injunctions; 
(C) 
determine: 
(i) 
the jurisdiction of the person; 
(ii) 
the right to immediate possession of property, 
including but not limited to orders that grant, modify, dissolve, or refuse to grant, 
modify, or dissolve writs of replevin, garnishment, or attachment; 
(iii) 
in family law matters: 
a. 
the right to immediate monetary relief; 
b. 
the rights or obligations of a party regarding 
child custody or time-sharing under a parenting plan; or 
c. 
that a marital agreement is invalid in its 
entirety; 
(iv) 
the entitlement of a party to arbitration, or to an 
appraisal under an insurance policy; 
(v) 
that, as a matter of law, a party is not entitled to 
workers’ compensation immunity; 
(vi) 
whether to certify a class; 
(vii) that a governmental entity has taken action that has 
inordinately burdened real property within the meaning of section 70.001(6)(a), 
Florida Statutes; 
(viii) the issue of forum non conveniens; 
(ix) 
that, as a matter of law, a party is not entitled to 
immunity under section 768.28(9), Florida Statutes;  
(x) 
that a permanent guardianship shall be established 
for a dependent child pursuant to section 39.6221, Florida Statutes. 
 
- 21 - 
(D) 
grant or deny the appointment of a receiver, or terminate 
or refuse to terminate a receivership; or 
(E) 
grant or deny a motion to disqualify counsel. 
(F) 
deny a motion that: 
 
(i) asserts entitlement to absolute or qualified immunity 
in a civil rights claim arising under federal law; 
 
(ii) asserts entitlement to immunity under section 
768.28(9), Florida Statutes; or 
 
(iii) asserts entitlement to sovereign immunity. 
(4) 
Orders disposing of motions for rehearing or motions that 
suspend rendition are not reviewable separately from a review of the final order; 
provided that orders granting motions for new trial in jury and nonjury cases are 
reviewable by the method prescribed in rule 9.110.  
(5) 
Orders entered on an authorized and timely motion for relief 
from judgment are reviewable by the method prescribed by this rule. Motions for 
rehearing directed to these orders are not authorized under these rules and therefore 
will not toll the time for filing a notice of appeal. 
(b)-(i) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.140.  
APPEAL PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES 
(a)-(e) 
[NO CHANGE]  
(f) 
Record. 
(1) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(2) 
Transcripts. 
 
- 22 - 
(A) 
If a defendant’s designation of a transcript of proceedings 
requires expenditure of public funds, trial counsel for the defendant (in conjunction 
with appellate counsel, if possible) shall serve, within 10 days of filing the notice, a 
statement of judicial acts to be reviewed, and a designation to the approved court 
reporter or approved transcriptionist requiring preparation of only so much of the 
proceedings as fairly supports the issue raised. 
(B) 
Either party may file motions in the lower tribunal to 
reduce or expand the transcripts. 
(C) 
Except as permitted in subdivision (f)(2)(D) of this rule, 
the parties shall serve the designation on the approved court reporter or approved 
transcriptionist to file with the clerk of the lower tribunal the transcripts for the 
court and sufficient paper copies for all parties exempt from service by e-mail as 
set forth in the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.516. 
(D) 
Nonindigent defendants represented by counsel may 
serve the designation on the approved court reporter or approved transcriptionist to 
prepare the transcripts. Counsel adopting this procedure shall, within 5 days of 
receipt of the transcripts from the approved court reporter or approved 
transcriptionist, file the transcripts. Counsel shall serve notice of the use of this 
procedure on the attorney general (or the state attorney in appeals to circuit court) 
and the clerk of the lower tribunal. Counsel shall attach a certificate to each 
transcript certifying that it is accurate and complete. When this procedure is used, 
the clerk of the lower tribunal upon conclusion of the appeal shall retain the 
transcript(s) for use as needed by the state in any collateral proceedings and shall 
not dispose of the transcripts without the consent of the attorney general. 
(E) 
In state appeals, the state shall serve a designation on the 
approved court reporter or approved transcriptionist to prepare and file with the 
clerk of the lower tribunal the transcripts and sufficient copies for all parties 
exempt from service by e-mail as set forth in the Florida Rules of Judicial 
Administration 2.516. Alternatively, the state may elect to use the procedure 
specified in subdivision (f)(2)(D) of this rule. 
(F) 
The lower tribunal may by administrative order in 
publicly-funded cases direct the clerk of the lower tribunal rather than the 
approved court reporter or approved transcriptionist to prepare the necessary 
transcripts. 
(3)-(5) 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
- 23 - 
(6) 
Supplemental Record for Motion to Correct Sentencing 
Error Pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(b)(2). [NO 
CHANGE] 
(g)-(i)  
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
Court Commentary 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.145. 
APPEAL PROCEEDINGS IN JUVENILE 
DELINQUENCY CASES 
(a)-(c) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(d) 
References to Child. The appeal shall be entitled and docketed with 
the initials, but not the name, of the child and the court case number. All references 
to the child in briefs, other documents, and the decision of the court shall be by 
initials. This subdivision does not apply to transcripts. 
(e) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE]  
 
RULE 9.146. 
APPEAL PROCEEDINGS IN JUVENILE DEPENDENCY 
AND TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS CASES 
AND CASES INVOLVING FAMILIES AND CHILDREN 
IN NEED OF SERVICES 
(a)-(c) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(d) 
Retention of Jurisdiction. Transmittalssion of the record to the court 
does not remove the jurisdiction of the lower tribunalcircuit court to conduct 
 
- 24 - 
judicial reviews or other proceedings related to the health and welfare of the child 
pending appeal. 
(e) 
References to Child or Parents. When the parent or child is a party 
to the appeal, the appeal shall be docketed and, with the exception of transcripts, 
any documents filed in the court shall be titled with the initials, but not the name, 
of the child or parent and the court case number. All references to the child or 
parent in briefs, other documents other than transcripts, and the decision of the 
court shall be by initials. 
(f) 
Confidentiality. All documents that are filed in paper format under 
seal shall remain sealed in the office of the clerk of the court when not in use by 
the court, and shall not be open to inspection except by the parties and their 
counsel, or as otherwise ordered, pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial 
Administration 2.420. 
(g) 
Special Procedures and Time Limitations Applicable to Appeals 
of Final Orders in Dependency or Termination of Parental Rights 
Proceedings. 
(1) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(2) 
The Record. 
(A) 
Contents. The record shall be prepared in accordance 
with rule 9.200, except as modified by this subdivision. 
(B) 
Transcripts of Proceedings. The appellant shall file a 
designation to the court reporter, including the name(s) of the individual court 
reporter(s), if applicable, with the notice of appeal. The designation shall be served 
on the court reporter on the date of filing and shall state that the appeal is from a 
final order of termination of parental rights or of dependency, and that the court 
reporter shall provide the transcript(s) designated within 20 days of the date of 
service.  Within 20 days of the date of service of the designation, the court reporter 
shall transcribe and file with the clerk of the lower tribunal the transcripts and 
sufficient copies for all parties exempt from service by e-mail as set forth in the 
Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.516. If extraordinary reasons prevent 
the reporter from preparing the transcript(s) within the 20 days, the reporter shall 
request an extension of time, shall state the number of additional days requested, 
and shall state the extraordinary reasons that would justify the extension.  
 
- 25 - 
(C) 
Directions to the Clerk, Duties of the Clerk, 
Preparation and Transmission of the Record. The appellant shall file directions 
to the clerk with the notice of appeal. The clerk shall electronically transmit the 
record to the court within 5 days of the date the court reporter files the transcript(s) 
or, if a designation to the court reporter has not been filed, within 5 days of the 
filing of the notice of appeal. When the record is electronically transmitted to the 
court, the clerk shall simultaneously electronically transmit the record to the 
Department of Children and Families, the guardian ad litem, counsel appointed to 
represent any indigent parties, and shall simultaneously serve copies of the index to 
all nonindigent parties, and, upon their request, copies of the record or portions 
thereof. The clerk shall provide the record in paper format to all parties exempt 
from electronic service as set forth in the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. 
(3)-(7) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(h)-(i) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.170. 
APPEAL PROCEEDINGS IN PROBATE AND 
GUARDIANSHIP CASES 
(a) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
(b) 
Appealable Orders. Except for proceedings under rule 9.100 and rule 
9.130(a), appeals of orders rendered in probate and guardianship cases shall be 
limited to orders that finally determine a right or obligation of an interested person 
as defined in the Florida Probate Code. Orders that finally determine a right or 
obligation include, but are not limited to, orders that: 
(1) 
determine a petition or motion to revoke letters of 
administration or letters of guardianship; 
(2) 
determine a petition or motion to revoke probate of a will; 
(3) 
determine a petition for probate of a lost or destroyed will; 
 
- 26 - 
(4) 
grant or deny a petition for administration pursuant to section 
733.2123, Florida Statutes; 
(5) 
grant heirship, succession, entitlement, or determine the persons 
to whom distribution should be made; 
(6) 
remove or refuse to remove a fiduciary; 
(7) 
refuse to appoint a personal representative or guardian; 
(8) 
determine a petition or motion to determine incapacity or to 
remove rights of an alleged incapacitated person or ward; 
(9) 
determine a motion or petition to restore capacity or rights of a 
ward; 
(10) determine a petition to approve the settlement of minors’ 
claims; 
(11) determine apportionment or contribution of estate taxes; 
(12) determine an estate’s interest in any property; 
(13) determine exempt property, family allowance, or the homestead 
status of real property; 
(14) authorize or confirm a sale of real or personal property by a 
personal representative; 
(15) make distributions to any beneficiary; 
(16) determine amount and order contribution in satisfaction of 
elective share; 
(17) determine a motion or petition for enlargement of time to file a 
claim against an estate; 
(18) determine a motion or petition to strike an objection to a claim 
against an estate; 
(19) determine a motion or petition to extend the time to file an 
objection to a claim against an estate; 
 
- 27 - 
(20) determine a motion or petition to enlarge the time to file an 
independent action on a claim filed against an estate; 
(21) settle an account of a personal representative, guardian, or other 
fiduciary; 
(22) discharge a fiduciary or the fiduciary’s surety; 
(23) award attorneys’ fees or costsgrant an award of attorneys’ fees 
or costs; 
(24) deny entitlement to attorneys’ fees or costs; or 
(245) approve a settlement agreement on any of the matters listed 
above in (b)(1)–(b)(234) or authorizing a compromise pursuant to section 733.708, 
Florida Statutes. 
(c)-(e) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.180. 
APPEAL PROCEEDINGS TO REVIEW WORKERS’ 
COMPENSATION CASES 
(a)-(e) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(f) 
Record Contents; Final Orders. 
(1)-(6) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(7) 
Preparation; Certification; Transmission of the Record. The 
deputy chief judge of compensation claims shall designate the person to prepare 
the record. The clerk of the office of the judges of compensation claims shall 
supervise the preparation of the record. The record shall be transmitted to the lower 
tribunal in sufficient time for the lower tribunal to review the record and transmit it 
to the court. The lower tribunal shall review the original record, certify that it was 
prepared in accordance with these rules, and within 60 days of the notice of appeal 
being filed transmit the record to the court. The lower tribunal shall provide an 
electronic image copyPortable Document Format (“PDF”) file of the record to all 
counsel of record and all unrepresented parties. 
 
- 28 - 
(8)-(9) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(g) 
Relief From Filing Fee and Cost; Indigency. 
(1) 
Indigency Defined. Indigency for the purpose of this rule is 
synonymous with insolvency as defined by section 440.02, Florida Statutes. 
(2) 
Filing Fee. 
(A)-(B) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(C) 
Verified Petition; Contents. The verified petition or 
motion shall contain a statement by the appellant to be relieved of paying filing 
fees due to indigency and the appellant’s inability to pay the charges. The petition 
shall request that the lower tribunal enter an order or certificate of indigency. One 
of the following shall also be filed in support of the verified petition or motion: 
(i) 
If the appellant is unrepresented by counsel, a 
financial affidavit; or 
(ii) 
If the appellant is represented by counsel, counsel 
shall certify that counsel has investigated: 
(a). the appellant’s financial condition and finds 
the appellant indigent; and  
(b). the nature of appellant’s position and believes 
it to be meritorious as a matter of law.  
Counsel shall also certify that counsel has not been paid or promised payment of a 
fee or other remuneration for such legal services except for the amount, if any, 
ultimately approved by the lower tribunal to be paid by the employer/carrier if such 
entitlement is determined by the court. 
(D)-(E) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(3) 
Costs of Preparation of Record. 
(A)-(F) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(G) 
Extension of Appeal Deadlines. If the petition to be 
relieved of the entire cost of the preparation of the record on appeal is granted, the 
 
- 29 - 
60-day period allowed under these rules for the preparation of the record shall 
begin to run from the date of the order granting the petition. If the petition to be 
relieved of the cost of the record is denied or only granted in part, the petitioner 
shall deposit the estimated costs with the lower tribunal, or file a motion requesting 
a determination of indigency, within 15 days from the date the order denying the 
petition is entered. The 60-day period allowed under these rules for the preparation 
of the record shall begin from the date the estimated cost is deposited with the 
lower tribunal. If the petition to be relieved of the cost of the record is withdrawn 
before ruling, then the petitioner shall deposit the estimated costs with the lower 
tribunal at the time the petition is withdrawn and the 60-day period for preparation 
of the record shall begin to run from the date the petition is withdrawn. 
(H)-(I) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(h) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
(i) 
Attorneys’ Fees and Appellate Costs. 
(1)-(2) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(3) 
Entitlement and Amount of Fees and Costs. If the court 
determines that an appellate fee is due, the lower tribunal shall have jurisdiction to 
conduct hearings and consider evidence regarding the amount of the attorneys’ fee 
and costs due at any time after the mandate, if applicable, or the final order or 
opinion disposing of the case is issued, whichever is later. 
(4) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.200.  
THE RECORD 
(a)-(c) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(d) 
Preparation and Transmission of Electronic Record. 
(1) 
The clerk of the lower tribunal shall prepare the record as 
follows: 
 
- 30 - 
(A) 
The clerk of the lower tribunal shall assemble the record 
on appeal and prepare a cover page and a complete index to the record. The cover 
page shall include the name of the lower tribunal, the style and number of the case, 
and the caption RECORD ON APPEAL in 48-point bold font. Consistent with 
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420(g)(8), the index shall indicate any 
confidential information in the record and if the information was determined to be 
confidential in an order, identify such order by date or docket number and record 
page number. The clerk of the lower tribunal shall not be required to verify and 
shall not charge for the incorporation of any transcript(s) into the record. The 
transcript of the trial shall be kept separate from the remainder of the record on 
appeal and shall not be renumbered by the clerk. The progress docket shall be 
incorporated into the record immediately after the index. 
(B) 
All pages of the remainder of the record shall be 
consecutively numbered. Any transcripts other than the transcript of the trial shall 
continue the pagination of the record pages. Supplements permitted after the clerk 
of the lower tribunal has transmitted the record to the court shall be submitted by 
the clerk as separate Portable Document Format (“PDF”) files in which pagination 
is consecutive from the original record and continues through each supplement. 
(C) 
The entire record, except for the transcript of the trial, 
shall be compiled into a single PDF file. The PDF file shall be: 
(i) 
text searchable; 
(ii) 
paginated so that the page numbers displayed by 
the PDF reader exactly match the pagination of the index; and 
(iii) 
bookmarked, consistently with the index, such that 
each bookmark states the date, name, and record page of the filing and the 
bookmarks are viewable in a separate window. 
(2) 
The transcript of the trial shall be converted into a second PDF 
file. The PDF file shall be: 
(A) 
text searchable; and 
(B) 
paginated to exactly match the pagination of the master 
trial index of the transcript of the trial filed under subdivision (b)(24). 
(3)-(5) 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
- 31 - 
(e)-(f)  
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.300. 
MOTIONS 
(a)-(c) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(d) 
Motions Not Tolling Time. 
(1) 
Motions for post-trial release, rule 9.140(g). 
(2) 
Motions for stay pending appeal, rule 9.310. 
(3) 
Motions relating to oral argument, rule 9.320. 
(4) 
Motions relating to joinder and substitution of parties, rule 
9.360. 
(5) 
Motions relating to amicus curiae, rule 9.370. 
(6) 
Motions relating to attorneys’ fees on appeal, rule 9.400. 
(7) 
Motions relating to service, rule 9.420. 
(8) 
Motions relating to admission or withdrawal of attorneys, rule 
9.440. 
(9) 
Motions relating to sanctions, rule 9.410. 
(10) Motions relating to expediting the appeal. 
(11) Motions relating to appeal proceedings to review a final order 
dismissing a petition for judicial waiver of parental notice of termination of 
pregnancy, rule 9.147. 
(12) Motions for mediation filed more than 30 days after the notice 
of appeal, rule 9.700(d). 
 
- 32 - 
(13) All motions filed in the supreme court, unless accompanied by 
a separate request to toll time. 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.310. 
STAY PENDING REVIEW 
(a) 
Application in Lower Tribunal. Except as provided by general law 
and in subdivision (b) of this rule, a party seeking to stay a final or nonfinal order 
pending review first shall file a motion in the lower tribunal, which shall have 
continuing jurisdiction, in its discretion, to grant, modify, or deny such relief. A 
stay pending review may be conditioned on the posting of a good and sufficient 
bond, other conditions, or both. 
(b)-(e) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(f) 
Review. Review of orders entered by lower tribunals under this rule 
shall be by the court on motion. The motion shall be filed as a separate document.  
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.320. 
ORAL ARGUMENT 
(a) 
Requests. Oral argument may be permitted in any proceeding. A 
request for oral argument shall be in a separate document served by a party: 
(a1) in appeals, not later than 15 days after the last brief is due to be 
served; 
(b2) in proceedings commenced by the filing of a petition, not later 
than 15 days after the reply is due to be served; and 
(c3) in proceedings governed by rule 9.146, in accordance with rule 
9.146(g)(5).; and  
 
- 33 - 
(4) 
in proceedings governed by rule 9.120, not later than the date 
the party’s brief on jurisdiction is due to be served, except that in proceedings in 
which jurisdiction is invoked under rule 9.030(a)(2)(A)(v), not later than 5 days 
after the filing of the notice to invoke discretionary review. 
(b) 
Duration. EUnless otherwise ordered by the court, each side will be 
allowed 20 minutes for oral argument, except in capital cases in which each side 
will be allowed 30 minutes.  
(c) 
Motion. On its own motion or that of a party, the court may require, 
limit, expand, or dispense with oral argument. 
(d) 
Requests to the Supreme Court of Florida. A request for oral 
argument to the supreme court shall include a brief statement regarding why oral 
argument would enhance the supreme court’s consideration of the issues to be 
raised. A party may file a response to the request within 5 days of the filing of the 
request. No reply shall be permitted. 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.330.  
REHEARING; CLARIFICATION; CERTIFICATION; 
WRITTEN OPINION 
(a)-(b) 
[NO CHANGE] 
(c) 
Exception; Bond Validation Proceedings. A motion for rehearing or 
for clarification of an order or decision in proceedings for the validation of bonds 
or certificates of indebtedness as provided by rule 9.030(a)(1)(B)(ii) may be filed 
within 10 days of an order or decision or within such other time set by the court. A 
replyresponse may be served within 10 days of service of the motion. The mandate 
shall issue forthwith if a timely motion has not been filed. A timely motion shall 
receive immediate consideration by the court and, if denied, the mandate shall 
issue forthwith. 
(d) 
Exception; Review of District Court of Appeal Decisions. No 
motion for rehearing or clarification may be filed in the supreme court addressing:  
 
- 34 - 
(1) 
the dismissal of an appeal that attempts to invoke the court’s 
mandatory jurisdiction under rule 9.030(a)(1)(A)(ii) when the appeal seeks to 
review a decision of a district court of appeal without opinion; or 
(2) 
the grant or denial of a request for the court to exercise its 
discretion to review a decision described in rule 9.030(a)(2)(A); or  
(3) 
the dismissal of a petition for an extraordinary writ described in 
rule 9.030(a)(3) when such writ is used to seek review of a district court of appeal 
decision without opinion. 
(e) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.350. 
DISMISSAL OF CAUSES 
(a) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
(b) 
Voluntary Dismissal. A proceeding of an appellant or a petitioner 
may be dismissed before a decision on the merits by filing a notice of dismissal 
with the clerk of the court without affecting the proceedings filed by joinder or 
cross-appeal; provided that dismissal shall not be effective until 15 days after 
service of the notice of appeal or until 10 days after the time prescribed by rule 
9.110(b), whichever is later. In a proceeding commenced under rule 9.120, 
dismissal shall not be effective until 10 days after the serving of the notice to 
invoke discretionary jurisdiction or until 10 days after the time prescribed by rule 
9.120(b), whichever is later. 
(c) 
Order of Dismissal. When a party files a stipulation for dismissal or 
notice of dismissal under subdivision (a) or (b) of this rule, the cause may be 
dismissed only by court order. The court shall not enter an order of dismissal of an 
appeal until 15 days after service of the notice of appeal or until 15 days after the 
time prescribed by rule 9.110(b), whichever is later. In a proceeding commenced 
under rule 9.120, the court shall not enter an order of dismissal until 15 days after 
the serving of the notice to invoke discretionary jurisdiction or until 15 days after 
the time prescribed by rule 9.120(b), whichever is later. 
 
- 35 - 
(cd) Clerk’s Duty. When a proceeding is dismissed under this rule, the 
clerk of the court shall notify the clerk of the lower tribunal. 
(de) Automatic Stay. The filing of a stipulation for dismissal or notice of 
dismissal automatically stays that portion of the proceedings for which a dismissal 
is being sought, pending further order of the court. 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.360. 
PARTIES 
(a) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
(b) 
Attorneys; Representatives; Guardians Ad Litem. Attorneys, 
representatives, and guardians ad litem in the lower tribunal shall retain their status 
in the court unless others are duly appointed or substituted; however, for limited 
representation proceedings under rule 9.440 or Florida Family Law Rule of 
Procedure 12.040, representation terminates upon the filing of a notice of 
completion titled “Termination of Limited Appearance” pursuant to rule 9.440 or 
rule 12.040(c). 
(c) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.425. 
CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE TO STATE 
STATUTE OR STATE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION  
In cases not involving criminal or collateral criminal proceedings, a party 
that files a petition, brief, written motion, or other document drawing into question 
the constitutionality of a state statute or state constitutional provision, at the time 
the document is filed in the case, shall: 
(a) 
file a notice of constitutional question stating the question and 
identifying the document that raises it; and 
 
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(b) 
serve the notice and a copy of the petition, brief, written motion, or 
other document, in compliance with rule 9.420, on the attorney general. 
Service of the petition, brief, written motion, or other document does not require 
joinder of the attorney general as a party to the action. Notice under this rule is not 
required if the attorney general is a party, or counsel to a party, to a proceeding 
under these rules.  
Committee Notes 
2020 Adoption. The rule applies in cases not involving criminal or collateral 
criminal proceedings and provides procedural guidance on notifying the Florida 
Attorney General of constitutional challenges to state statutes or provisions of the 
state constitution as the Florida Attorney General has the discretion to participate 
and be heard on matters affecting the constitutionality of a state law. This rule is 
similar to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.071. See form 9.900(m). 
 
RULE 9.430. 
PROCEEDINGS BY INDIGENTS 
 
(a) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
(b) 
Appeals and Discretionary Reviews in the Supreme Court. The 
supreme court may, in its discretion, presume that any party who has been declared 
indigent for purposes of proceedings by the lower tribunal remains indigent, in the 
absence of evidence to the contrary. Any party not previously declared indigent 
who seeks review by appeal or discretionary review without the payment of costs 
may, unless the supreme court directs otherwise, file with the supreme court a 
motion to proceed in forma pauperis. If the motion is granted, the party may 
proceed without further application to the supreme court. 
(bc) Original Proceedings. A party who seeks review by an original 
proceeding under rule 9.100 without the payment of costs shall, unless the court 
directs otherwise, file with the court a motion to proceed in forma pauperis. If the 
motion is granted, the party may proceed without further application to the court. 
(cd) Incarcerated Parties. 
(1) 
Presumptions. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, a 
court may, in its discretion, presume that: 
 
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(A) 
assertions in an application for determination of indigent 
status filed by an incarcerated party under this rule are true; and 
(B) 
in cases involving criminal or collateral criminal 
proceedings, an incarcerated party who has been declared indigent for purposes of 
proceedings in the lower tribunal remains indigent. 
(2) 
Non-Criminal Proceedings. Except in cases involving 
criminal or collateral proceedings, an application for determination of indigent 
status filed under this rule by a person who has been convicted of a crime and is 
incarcerated for that crime or who is being held in custody pending extradition or 
sentencing shall contain substantially the same information as required by an 
application form approved by the supreme court for use by circuit court clerks. The 
determination of whether the case involves an appeal from an original criminal or 
collateral proceeding depends on the substance of the issues raised and not on the 
form or title of the petition or complaint. In these non-criminal cases, the clerk of 
the lower tribunal shall, to the extent required by general law, require the party to 
make a partial prepayment of court costs or fees and to make continued partial 
payments until the full amount is paid. 
(de) Parties in Juvenile Dependency and Termination of Parental 
Rights Cases; Presumption. In cases involving dependency or termination of 
parental rights, a court may, in its discretion, presume that any party who has been 
declared indigent for purposes of proceedings by the lower tribunal remains 
indigent, in the absence of evidence to the contrary. 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.440. 
ATTORNEYS 
(a) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
(b) 
Limiting Appearance. An attorney of record for a party in an appeal 
or original proceeding governed by these rules shall be the attorney of record 
throughout the same appeal or original proceeding unless at the time of appearance 
the attorney files a notice specifically limiting the attorney’s appearance only to a 
particular matter or portion of the proceeding in which the attorney appears. 
 
- 38 - 
(c) 
Scope of Representation. If an attorney appears for a particular 
limited matter or portion of a proceeding, as provided by this rule, that attorney 
shall be deemed “of record” for only that particular matter or portion of the 
proceeding. The notice of limited appearance shall be substantially in the form 
prescribed by rule 9.900(n). If the party designates e-mail address(es) for service 
on and by that party, the party’s e-mail address(es) shall also be included. At the 
conclusion of such matter or that portion of the proceeding, the attorney’s role 
terminates without the necessity of leave of court upon the attorney filing a notice 
of completion of limited appearance. The notice, which shall be titled 
“Termination of Limited Appearance,” shall include the names and last known 
addresses of the person(s) represented by the withdrawing attorney.   
(bd) Withdrawal of Attorneys. Unless an attorney complies with 
subdivisions (b) and (c) of this rule, Aan attorney shall not be permitted to 
withdraw unless the withdrawal is approved by the court. The attorney shall file a 
motion for that purpose stating the reasons for withdrawal and the client’s address. 
A copy of the motion shall be served on the client and adverse parties. 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.800. 
UNIFORM CITATION SYSTEM 
This rule applies to all legal documents, including court opinions. Except for 
citations to case reporters, all citation forms should be spelled out in full if used as 
an integral part of a sentence either in the text or in footnotes. Abbreviated forms 
as shown in this rule should be used if the citation is intended to stand alone either 
in the text or in footnotes. 
(a)-(f) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
(g) 
Florida Statutes Annotated. When citing material other than a 
section of Florida Statutes, provide page numbers. 
(1) 
7 Fla. Stat. Ann. § 95.11 (2017). 
(2) 
30 Fla. Stat. Ann. 69-70 (2004). 
 
- 39 - 
(h) 
Florida Administrative Code. When citing an administrative rule 
that has been repealed, superseded, or amended, provide the year of adoption of the 
provision or the version thereof being cited. 
(1) 
Fla. Admin. Code R. 62D-2.014. 
(2) 
Fla. Admin. Code R. 62D-2.014 (2003). 
(i)-(q) 
 
[NO CHANGE] 
Committee Notes 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
RULE 9.900. 
FORMS 
(a) 
Notice of Appeal. 
IN THE .....(NAME OF THE LOWER 
TRIBUNAL WHOSE ORDER IS TO BE 
REVIEWED)..... 
 
Case No.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
           , ) 
Defendant/Appellant,  
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 )  
 
NOTICE OF APPEAL 
v. 
 
 
 
 )  
 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
,) 
Plaintiff/Appellee. 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
NOTICE IS GIVEN that  
 
, Defendant/Appellant, appeals to the .....(name of 
court that has appellate jurisdiction)....., the order of this court rendered [see rule 9.020(h)] 
.....(date)...... [Conformed copies of orders designated in the notice of appeal shall be attached in 
accordance with rules 9.110(d), and 9.160(c).] The nature of the order is a final order .....(state 
nature of the order)...... [If a motion postponing rendition is pending in the lower tribunal, state 
the nature of the motion and the date it was filed.] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attorney for .....(name of party)..... 
.....(address, e-mail address, and phone 
number)..... 
 
- 40 - 
Florida Bar No. .................... 
 
(b)-(e) 
[NO CHANGE] 
 
(f) 
Notice of Appeal of an Order Dismissing a Petition for a Judicial 
Waiver of Parental Consent to or Notice of and Consent to Termination of 
Pregnancy and Advisory Notice to Minor. 
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE  
          JUDICIAL CIRCUIT (NUMERICAL 
DESIGNATION OF THE CIRCUIT) IN 
AND FOR  
 
 
COUNTY, FLORIDA 
 
Case No.  
 
 
 
 
In re: Petition for a Judicial  
 ) 
Waiver of Parental Consent to or        ) 
Notice of and Consent to  
 
 ) 
Termination of Pregnancy. 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
NOTICE OF APPEAL 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
(Your pseudonym or initials  
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
Appellant. 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
NOTICE IS GIVEN that .....(your pseudonym or initials)....., appeals to the .....(District 
Court of Appeal with appellate jurisdiction)....., the order of this court rendered .....(enter the date 
that the order was filed on the clerk’s docket)..... [See rule 9.020(h)]. The nature of the order is a 
final order dismissing a petition for a judicial waiver of parental consent to or notice of and 
consent to termination of pregnancy. 
Signature:  
 
 
 
 
 
(As signed on your petition for judicial 
waiver if you are representing yourself) 
Date:   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OR 
Attorney for   
 
 
 
 
(pseudonym or initials of appellant) 
(address, e-mail address, and phone number 
of attorney) 
Florida Bar No.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 41 - 
ADVISORY NOTICE TO THE MINOR 
YOU ARE NOTIFIED AS FOLLOWS: 
1. 
You are entitled to appeal the order dismissing your petition for a judicial waiver 
of parental consent to or notice of and consent to termination of pregnancy. You do not have to 
pay a filing fee for the appeal. 
2. 
If you wish to appeal, you must file a notice of appeal with the circuit court in 
which your case was heard. A form for the notice of appeal (Fla. R. App. P. 9.900(f)) will be 
provided to you with the order dismissing your petition. You must fill in every blank on the form 
with the information requested. If you need assistance with the form, the clerk of the circuit court 
will help you complete it. 
3. 
You must file the notice of appeal with the clerk of the circuit court where your 
case was heard. The notice of appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days of the date when the 
judge’s written order dismissing your petition was filed with the clerk of the circuit court. If you 
do not file your notice of appeal within this time period your appeal will not be heard. 
4. 
The notice of appeal is the only document you need to file in connection with 
your appeal. You may file a motion to seek permission to file a brief in your case, or to request 
oral argument of your case. These motions or any other motions or documents you file 
concerning your appeal, except the notice of appeal, must be mailed or delivered to the appellate 
court for filing, or electronically filed with the appellate court. The appellate court that will be 
reviewing your case is: 
The  
 
 
 
 District Court of Appeal 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(address of the District Court) 
Telephone number:   
 
 
 
 
(Note: The clerk of the circuit court will fill in the blanks above with the appropriate 
court information). 
5. 
You may request a lawyer to represent you in your appeal. You must tell the 
judge who heard your petition for a judicial waiver of parental consent to or notification of and 
consent to termination of pregnancy that you wish to have a lawyer appointed.  
(g)-(l)  
[NO CHANGE] 
 
(m) 
Notice of Constitutional Question. 
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF  
APPEAL OF FLORIDA, 
 
- 42 - 
             DISTRICT 
Case No.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
,) 
Appellant/Petitioner,  
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
v. 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
NOTICE TO ATTORNEY GENERAL 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
,) 
Appellee/Respondent.  
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 
 
 
 
 ) 
NOTICE IS GIVEN of compliance with Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.425, with 
respect to the constitutional challenge brought pursuant to .....(Florida statute or Florida 
Constitutional provision)......  
The undersigned complied by serving the Attorney General for the State of Florida with a 
copy of the pleading or motion challenging .....(Florida statute or Florida Constitutional 
provision)....., by .....(e-mail) (mail) (delivery)..... on .....(date)...... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attorney for .....(name of party)..... 
.....(address, e-mail address, and phone 
number)..... 
Florida Bar No. .................... 
 
(n) 
Notice of Termination of Limited Appearance. 
…..(Title of Court)….. 
 
Case No.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          , ) 
Appellant/Petitioner,  
 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
) 
v.  
 
 
 
 
) 
 
NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF 
 
 
 
 
 
) 
 
LIMITED APPEARANCE 
 
 
 
 
          , ) 
Appellee/Respondent.  
 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
) 
 
 
 
 
 
) 
NOTICE IS GIVEN that .....(attorney’s name)..... has completed the particular matter or 
portion of the proceeding in which the attorney appeared and now wishes to terminate his/her 
limited appearance. The client’s address is: ......(client’s address)...... The counsel’s contact 
information is: .....(name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number)...... 
 
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I certify that I will serve this motion on the client, counsel, and all adverse parties. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attorney for …..(name of party)….. 
…..(address, e-mail address, and phone 
number)….. 
Florida Bar No. ………. 
 
Committee Notes 
1980 Amendment. Forms 9.900(a) and (b) under the 1977 rules are 
modified, and additional forms are provided. 
1992 Amendment. Forms 9.900(a), (c), and (e) were revised to remind the 
practitioner that conformed copies of the order or orders designated in the notice of 
appeal should be attached to the notice of appeal as provided in rules 9.110(d), 
9.130(c), and 9.160(c). 
2020 Adoption. See rule 9.425. The form in subdivision (m) is to be used 
when the Attorney General is not a named party to the proceeding under these 
rules. See rule 9.420 for service requirements.