Title: Amendments To The Florida Rules Of Appellate Procedure, The Florida Rules Of Civil Procedure, The Florida Rules Of Criminal Procedure, The Florida Family Law Rules Of Procedure, The Florida Rules Of Juvenile Procedure, And The Florida Probate Rules
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: SC04-1139
State: Florida
Issuer: Florida Supreme Court
Date: September 30, 2004

Supreme 
Court 
of 
Florida
____________
No. SC04-1139
____________
AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF APPELLATE
PROCEDURE, THE FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, THE
FLORIDA RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, THE FLORIDA
FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE, THE FLORIDA RULES OF
JUVENILE PROCEDURE, AND THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES
[September 30, 2004]
PER CURIAM.
The Florida Bar's Appellate Court Rules Committee, Civil Procedure Rules
Committee, Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, Family Law Rules Committee,
Juvenile Court Rules Committee, and Probate Rules Committee (collectively,
"Rules Committees") collectively propose amendments to their respective bodies
of rules based on a request from this Court to examine the rules and suggest
emergency amendments to them in light of the 2004 Florida Legislature's
amendment of various Florida Statutes to redesignate "magistrates" as "trial court
1.  We have jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.; Fla. R. Jud. Admin.
2.130(e).  
-2-
judges" and "masters" and "general or special masters" as "general or special
magistrates."  See ch. 2004-11, §§ 2-103, Laws of Fla.1  The legislation will take
effect on October 1, 2004.  See ch. 2004-11, § 104, Laws of Fla.  
The Rules Committees propose amending various rules of procedure and
forms to change references from "magistrates" to "judges" and "masters" to
"magistrates" in order to conform the rules of procedure to the new legislation. 
The Rules Committees further propose amending the instructions to four of the
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms.  The proposals were
published for comment in the August 1, 2004, edition of The Florida Bar News. 
No comments were received.
Having considered the Rules Committees' report, we adopt the amendments
as proposed.  We hereby amend the following rules of procedure and forms: 
Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.200, Pretrial Procedure; Florida Rule of Civil
Procedure 1.490, Masters; Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.111, Providing
Counsel to Indigents; Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.120, Committing
Magistrate; Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.121, Arrest Warrant; Florida Rule
of Criminal Procedure 3.125, Notice to Appear; Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure
-3-
3.130, First Appearance; Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.131, Pretrial
Release; Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.133, Pretrial Probable Cause
Determinations and Adversary Preliminary Hearings; Florida Rule of Criminal
Procedure 3.220, Discovery; Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.852, Capital
Postconviction Public Records Production; the Committee Notes to Florida
Probate Rule 5.150, Order Requiring Accounting; Florida Probate Rule 5.697,
Masters' Review of Guardianship Accountings and Plans; Florida Rule of Juvenile
Procedure 8.060, Discovery; Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.625, General
Provisions for Hearings; Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.190, Judicial
Review of Administrative Action; Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.200, The
Record; Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.015, Family Law Forms; Florida
Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.200, Case Management and Pretrial
Conferences; Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.490, General Masters;
Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.492, Special Masters; Florida Family
Law Rules of Procedure, Section II, Family Law Forms, Commentary, and
Instructions, General Information for Self-Represented Litigants; Family Law Form
12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Master; Family Law Form 12.920(b),
Order of Referral to General Master; Family Law Form 12.920(c), Notice of
Hearing Before General Master; and the Instructions for Family Law Rules of
-4-
Procedure Forms 12.920(a)-(c).
With regard to the Rules Committees' proposed amendments to the Florida
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms, this Court maintains responsibility
for reviewing, revising and maintaining these forms, and these forms have been
removed from the standard rule-making procedure.  See Amendments to the
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and Family Law Forms, 810 So. 2d 1, 14
(Fla. 2000).  We have reviewed the Rules Committees' proposals to amend these
forms, and we accept the proposed changes.  Accordingly, we hereby amend the
instructions to the following Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms:
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, Notice of Hearing
(Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer); Florida Supreme Court Approved
Family Law Form 12.923, Notice of Hearing (General); Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement; and
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, Notice of Hearing on
Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement.
In summary, we amend the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, the Florida
Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Florida Probate Rules, the Florida Rules of
Juvenile Procedure, the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the Florida
Family Law Rules of Procedure as reflected in the appendix to this opinion.  New
-5-
language is indicated by underscoring; deletions are indicated by struck-through
type.  The committee notes are offered for explanation only and are not adopted as
an official part of the rules.  The forms are adopted as set forth in the appendix to
this opinion, fully engrossed.  The amendments shall become effective October 1,
2004, at 12:01 a.m.  This opinion and the forms discussed herein may be accessed
and downloaded from this Court's website at www.flcourts.org.
It is so ordered.
PARIENTE, C.J., and WELLS, ANSTEAD, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANTERO and
BELL, JJ., concur.
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS
Original Proceedings - The Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, The Florida
Rules of Civil Procedure, The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, The Florida
Family Law Rules of Procedure, The Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, and The
Florida Probate Rules
John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, the Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida,
for Petitioner
-6-
APPENDIX
RULE 1.200.
PRETRIAL PROCEDURE
(a)
Case Management Conference. At any time after responsive
pleadings or motions are due, the court may order, or a party by serving a notice
may convene, a case management conference. The matter to be considered shall be
specified in the order or notice setting the conference. At such a conference the
court may:
(1)
schedule or reschedule the service of motions, pleadings, and
other papers;
(2)
set or reset the time of trials, subject to rule 1.440(c);
(3)
coordinate the progress of the action if complex litigation
factors are present;
(4)
limit, schedule, order, or expedite discovery;
(5)
schedule disclosure of expert witnesses and the discovery of
facts known and opinions held by such experts;
(6)
schedule or hear motions in limine;
(7)
pursue the possibilities of settlement;
(8)
require filing of preliminary stipulations if issues can be
narrowed;
(9)
consider referring issues to a mastermagistrate for findings of
fact; and
(10)
schedule other conferences or determine other matters that may
aid in the disposition of the action.
(b)
Pretrial Conference. After the action is at issue the court itself may
or shall on the timely motion of any party require the parties to appear for a
-7-
conference to consider and determine:
(1)
the simplification of the issues;
(2)
the necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings;
(3)
the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of documents
that will avoid unnecessary proof;
(4)
the limitation of the number of expert witnesses; and
(5)
any matters permitted under subdivision (a) of this rule.
(c)
Notice. Reasonable notice shall be given for a case management
conference, and 20 days’ notice shall be given for a pretrial conference. On failure
of a party to attend a conference, the court may dismiss the action, strike the
pleadings, limit proof or witnesses, or take any other appropriate action. Any
documents that the court requires for any conference shall be specified in the order.
Orders setting pretrial conferences shall be uniform throughout the territorial
jurisdiction of the court.
(d)
Pretrial Order. The court shall make an order reciting the action
taken at a conference and any stipulations made. The order shall control the sub-
sequent course of the action unless modified to prevent injustice.
Committee Notes
1971 Amendment. The 3 paragraphs of the rule are lettered and given
subtitles. The present last paragraph is placed second as subdivision (b) because
the proceeding required under it is taken before that in the present second
paragraph. The time for implementation is changed from settling the issues because
the language is erroneous, the purpose of the conference being to settle some and
prepare for the trial of other issues. The last 2 sentences of subdivision (b) are
added to require uniformity by all judges of the court and to require specification of
the documentary requirements for the conference. The last sentence of subdivision
(c) is deleted since it is covered by the local rule provisions of rule 1.020(d). The
reference to the parties in substitution for attorneys and counsel is one of style
-8-
because the rules generally impose obligations on the parties except when the
attorneys are specifically intended. It should be understood that those parties
represented by attorneys will have the attorneys perform for them in the usual
manner.
1972 Amendment. Subdivision (a) is amended to require the motion for a
pretrial by a party to be timely. This is done to avoid motions for pretrial
conferences made a short time before trial and requests for a continuance of the
trial as a result of the pretrial conference order. The subdivision is also amended to
require the clerk to send to the judge a copy of the motion by a party for the pretrial
conference.
1988 Amendment. The purpose of adding subdivision (a)(5) is to spell out
clearly for the bench and bar that case management conferences may be used for
scheduling the disclosure of expert witnesses and the discovery of the opinion and
factual information held by those experts. Subdivision (5) is not intended to expand
discovery.
1992 Amendment. Subdivision (a) is amended to allow a party to set a case
management conference in the same manner as a party may set a hearing on a
motion. Subdivision (c) is amended to remove the mandatory language and make
the notice requirement for a case management conference the same as that for a
hearing on a motion; i.e., reasonable notice.
Court Commentary
1984 Amendment. This is a substantial rewording of rule 1.200.
Subdivision (a) is added to authorize case management conferences in an effort to
give the court more control over the progress of the action. All of the matters that
the court can do under the case management conference can be done at the present
time under other rules or because of the court’s authority otherwise. The new
subdivision merely emphasizes the court’s authority and arranges an orderly
method for the exercise of that authority. Subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of the
existing rule are relettered accordingly. Subdivision (a) of the existing rule is also
amended to delete the reference to requiring the attorneys to appear at a pretrial
conference by referring to the parties for that purpose. This is consistent with the
language used throughout the rules and does not contemplate a change in present
procedure. Subdivisions (a)(5) and (a)(6) of the existing rule are deleted since they
-9-
are now covered adequately under the new subdivision (a). Subdivisions (b) and
(c) of the existing rule are amended to accommodate the 2 types of conferences
that are now authorized by the rules.
-10-
RULE 1.490.
MASTERSMAGISTRATES
(a)
General MastersMagistrates. Judges of the circuit court may
appoint as many general mastersmagistrates from among the members of the Bar in
the circuit as the judges find necessary, and the general mastersmagistrates shall
continue in office until removed by the court. The order making an appointment
shall be recorded. Every person appointed as a general mastermagistrate shall take
the oath required of officers by the Constitution and the oath shall be recorded
before the mastermagistrate discharges any duties of that office.
(b)
Special MastersMagistrates. The court may appoint members of
The Florida Bar as special mastersmagistrates for any particular service required by
the court, and they shall be governed by all the provisions of law and rules relating
to mastersmagistrates except they shall not be required to make oath or give bond
unless specifically required by the order appointing them. Upon a showing that the
appointment is advisable, a person other than a member of the Bar may be
appointed.
(c)
Reference. No reference shall be to a mastermagistrate, either general
or special, without the consent of the parties. When a reference is made to a
mastermagistrate, either party may set the action for hearing before the
mastermagistrate.
(d)
General Powers and Duties. Every mastermagistrate shall perform
all of the duties that pertain to the office according to the practice in chancery and
under the direction of the court. Process issued by a mastermagistrate shall be
directed as provided by law. Hearings before any mastermagistrate, examiner, or
commissioner shall be held in the county where the action is pending, but hearings
may be held at any place by order of the court within or without the state to meet
the convenience of the witnesses or the parties. All grounds of disqualification of a
judge shall apply to mastersmagistrates.
(e)
Bond. When not otherwise provided by law, the court may require
mastersmagistrates who are appointed to dispose of real or personal property to
give bond and surety conditioned for the proper payment of all moneys that may
come into their hands and for the due performance of their duties as the court may
direct. The bond shall be made payable to the State of Florida and shall be for the
-11-
benefit of all persons aggrieved by any act of the mastermagistrate.
(f)
Hearings. The mastermagistrate shall assign a time and place for
proceedings as soon as reasonably possible after the reference is made and give
notice to each of the parties. If any party fails to appear, the mastermagistrate may
proceed ex parte or may adjourn the proceeding to a future day, giving notice to the
absent party of the adjournment. The mastermagistrate shall proceed with
reasonable diligence in every reference and with the least practicable delay. Any
party may apply to the court for an order to the mastermagistrate to speed the
proceedings and to make the report and to certify to the court the reason for any
delay. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all hearings shall be held in the
courthouse of the county where the action is pending. The evidence shall be taken
in writing by the mastermagistrate or by some other person under the
master’smagistrate’s authority in the master’smagistrate’s presence and shall be
filed with the master’smagistrate’s report. The mastermagistrate shall have authority
to examine the parties on oath upon all matters contained in the reference and to
require production of all books, papers, writings, vouchers, and other documents
applicable to it and to examine on oath orally all witnesses produced by the parties.
The mastermagistrate shall admit evidence by deposition or that is otherwise
admissible in court. The mastermagistrate may take all actions concerning evidence
that can be taken by the court and in the same manner. All parties accounting
before a mastermagistrate shall bring in their accounts in the form of accounts
payable and receivable, and any other parties who are not satisfied with the account
may examine the accounting party orally or by interrogatories or deposition as the
mastermagistrate directs. All depositions and documents that have been taken or
used previously in the action may be used before the mastermagistrate.
(g)
Master’sMagistrate’s Report. In the reports made by the
mastermagistrate no part of any statement of facts, account, charge, deposition,
examination, or answer used before the mastermagistrate shall be recited. The
matters shall be identified to inform the court what items were used.
(h)
Filing Report; Notice; Exceptions. The mastermagistrate shall file
the report and serve copies on the parties. The parties may serve exceptions to the
report within 10 days from the time it is served on them. If no exceptions are filed
within that period, the court shall take appropriate action on the report. If
exceptions are filed, they shall be heard on reasonable notice by either party.
-12-
Committee Notes
1971 Amendment. The entire rule has been revised. Obsolete language has
been omitted and changes made to meet objections shown by the use of local rules
in many circuits. Subdivisions (a) and (b) are not substantially changed.
Subdivision (c) is shortened and eliminates the useless priority for setting the matter
for hearing to permit either party to go forward. Subdivision (d) eliminates the right
of the parties to stipulate to the place of hearing. Subdivision (e) is not substantially
changed. Subdivisions (f), (g), (h), and (i) are combined. The right to use affidavits
is eliminated because of the unavailability of cross-examination and possible
constitutional questions. The vague general authority of the master under sub-
division (g) is made specific by limiting it to actions that the court could take.
Subdivision (j) is repealed because it is covered in the new subdivision (f).
Subdivision (g) is the same as former subdivision (k) after eliminating the reference
to affidavits. Subdivision (h) is the same as former subdivision (l).
1980 Amendment. Subdivision (d) is amended to delete the specific
reference to the direction of process so that process issued by the master will be
governed by the law applicable to process generally.
Court Commentary
1984 Amendment. The consent of all parties is required for any reference to
a special master. Special masters may be used as provided by statute even with the
rule change. See Slatcoff v. Dezen, 74 So. 2d 59 (Fla. 1954).
-13-
RULE 3.111.
PROVIDING COUNSEL TO INDIGENTS
(a)
When Counsel Provided. A person entitled to appointment of
counsel as provided herein shall have counsel appointed when the person is
formally charged with an offense, or as soon as feasible after custodial restraint, or
at the first appearance before a committing magistratejudge, whichever occurs
earliest.
(b)
Cases Applicable.
(1)
Counsel shall be provided to indigent persons in all
prosecutions for offenses punishable by incarceration including appeals from the
conviction thereof. In the discretion of the court, counsel does not have to be
provided to an indigent person in a prosecution for a misdemeanor or violation of a
municipal ordinance if the judge, at least 15 days prior to trial, files in the cause a
written order of no incarceration certifying that the defendant will not be
incarcerated in the case pending trial or probation violation hearing, or as part of a
sentence after trial, guilty or nolo contendere plea, or probation revocation. This
15-day requirement may be waived by the defendant or defense counsel.
(A)
If the court issues an order of no incarceration after
counsel has been appointed to represent the defendant, the court may discharge
appointed counsel unless the defendant is incarcerated or the defendant would be
substantially disadvantaged by the discharge of appointed counsel.
(B)
If the court determines that the defendant would be
substantially disadvantaged by the discharge of appointed counsel, the court shall
either:
i.
not discharge appointed counsel; or
ii.
discharge appointed counsel and allow the
defendant a reasonable time to obtain private counsel, or if the defendant elects to
represent himself or herself, a reasonable time to prepare for trial.
(C)
If the court withdraws its order of no incarceration, it
shall immediately appoint counsel if the defendant is otherwise eligible for the
services of the public defender. The court may not withdraw its order of no
-14-
incarceration once the defendant has been found guilty or pled nolo contendere.
(2)
Counsel may be provided to indigent persons in all proceedings
arising from the initiation of a criminal action against a defendant, including post-
conviction proceedings and appeals therefrom, extradition proceedings, mental
competency proceedings, and other proceedings that are adversary in nature,
regardless of the designation of the court in which they occur or the classification
of the proceedings as civil or criminal.
(3)
Counsel may be provided to a partially indigent person on
request, provided that the person shall defray that portion of the cost of represen-
tation and the reasonable costs of investigation as he or she is able without
substantial hardship to the person or the person’s family, as directed by the court.
(4)
“Indigent” shall mean a person who is unable to pay for the
services of an attorney, including costs of investigation, without substantial
hardship to the person or the person’s family; “partially indigent” shall mean a
person unable to pay more than a portion of the fee charged by an attorney,
including costs of investigation, without substantial hardship to the person or the
person’s family.
(5)
Before appointing a public defender, the court shall:
(A)
inform the accused that, if the public defender is
appointed, a lien for the services rendered by the public defender may be imposed
under section 27.56, Florida Statutes;
(B)
make inquiry into the financial status of the accused in a
manner not inconsistent with the guidelines established by section 27.52, Florida
Statutes. The accused shall respond to the inquiry under oath;
(C)
require the accused to execute an affidavit of insolvency
in the format provided by section 27.52, Florida Statutes.
(c)
Duty of Booking Officer. In addition to any other duty, the officer
who commits a defendant to custody has the following duties:
(1)
The officer shall immediately advise the defendant:
-15-
(A)
of the right to counsel;
(B)
that, if the defendant is unable to pay a lawyer, one will be
provided immediately at no charge.
(2)
If the defendant requests counsel or advises the officer that he
or she cannot afford counsel, the officer shall immediately and effectively place the
defendant in communication with the (office of) public defender of the circuit in
which the arrest was made.
(3)
If the defendant indicates that he or she has an attorney or is
able to retain an attorney, the officer shall immediately and effectively place the
defendant in communication with the attorney or the Lawyer Referral Service of the
local bar association.
(4)
The public defender of each judicial circuit may interview a
defendant when contacted by, or on behalf of, a defendant who is, or claims to be,
indigent as defined by law.
(A)
If the defendant is in custody and reasonably appears to
be indigent, the public defender shall tender such advice as is indicated by the facts
of the case, seek the setting of a reasonable bail, and otherwise represent the
defendant pending a formal judicial determination of indigency.
(B)
If the defendant is at liberty on bail or otherwise not in
custody, the public defender shall elicit from the defendant only the information that
may be reasonably relevant to the question of indigency and shall immediately seek
a formal judicial determination of indigency. If the court finds the defendant
indigent, it shall immediately appoint counsel to represent the defendant.
(d)
Waiver of Counsel.
(1)
The failure of a defendant to request appointment of counsel or
the announced intention of a defendant to plead guilty shall not, in itself, constitute
a waiver of counsel at any stage of the proceedings.
(2)
A defendant shall not be considered to have waived the
-16-
assistance of counsel until the entire process of offering counsel has been
completed and a thorough inquiry has been made into both the accused’s
comprehension of that offer and the accused’s capacity to make a knowing and
intelligent waiver. Before determining whether the waiver is knowing and intelligent,
the court shall advise the defendant of the disadvantages and dangers of self-
representation.
(3)
Regardless of the defendant’s legal skills or the complexity of
the case, the court shall not deny a defendant’s unequivocal request to represent
himself or herself, if the court makes a determination of record that the defendant
has made a knowing and intelligent waiver of the right to counsel.
(4)
A waiver of counsel made in court shall be of record; a waiver
made out of court shall be in writing with not less than 2 attesting witnesses. The
witnesses shall attest the voluntary execution thereof.
(5)
If a waiver is accepted at any stage of the proceedings, the offer
of assistance of counsel shall be renewed by the court at each subsequent stage of
the proceedings at which the defendant appears without counsel.
(e)
Withdrawal of Defense Counsel After Judgment and Sentence.
The attorney of record for a defendant in a criminal proceeding shall not be relieved
of any duties, nor be permitted to withdraw as counsel of record, except with
approval of the lower tribunal on good cause shown on written motion, until after:
(1)
the filing of:
(A)
a notice of appeal;
(B)
a statement of judicial acts to be reviewed, if a transcript
will require the expenditure of public funds;
(C)
directions to the clerk, if necessary; and
(D)
a designation of that portion of the reporter’s transcript
that supports the statement of judicial acts to be reviewed, if a transcript will require
expenditure of public funds; or
-17-
(2)
substitute counsel has been obtained or appointed, or a
statement has been filed with the appellate court that the appellant has exercised the
right to self-representation. In publicly funded cases, the public defender for the
local circuit court shall be appointed initially until the record is transmitted to the
appellate court; or
(3)
the time has expired for filing of a notice of appeal, and no
notice has been filed.
Orders allowing withdrawal of counsel are conditional, and counsel shall remain of
record for the limited purpose of representing the defendant in the lower tribunal
regarding any sentencing error that the lower tribunal is authorized to address
during the pendency of the direct appeal under rule 3.800(b)(2).
Committee Notes
1972 Adoption. Part 1 of the ABA Standard relating to providing defense
services deals with the general philosophy for providing criminal defense services
and while the committee felt that the philosophy should apply to the Florida Rules
of Criminal Procedure, the standards were not in such form to be the subject of
that particular rule. Since the standards deal with the national situation, contained in
them were alternative methods of providing defense services, i.e., assigned counsel
vs. defender system; but, Florida, already having a defender system, need not be
concerned with the assigned counsel system.
(a)
Taken from the first sentence of ABA Standard 5.1. There was
considerable discussion within the committee concerning the time within which
counsel should be appointed and who should notify defendant’s counsel. The
commentary in the ABA Standard under 5.1a, b, convinced the committee to adopt
the language here contained.
(b)
Standard 4.1 provides that counsel should be provided in all criminal
cases punishable by loss of liberty, except those types where such punishment is
not likely to be imposed. The committee determined that the philosophy of such
standard should be recommended to the Florida Supreme Court. The committee
determined that possible deprivation of liberty for any period makes a case serious
enough that the accused should have the right to counsel.
-18-
(c)
Based on the recommendation of ABA Standard 5.1b and the
commentary thereunder which provides that implementation of a rule for providing
the defendant with counsel should not be limited to providing a means for the
accused to contact a lawyer.
(d)
From standard 7.2 and the commentaries thereunder.
1980 Amendment. Modification of the existing rule (the addition of
(b)(5)(A)–(C)) provides a greater degree of uniformity in appointing counsel to
indigent defendants. The defendant is put on notice of the lien for public defender
services and must give financial information under oath.
A survey of Florida judicial circuits by the Committee on Representation of
Indigents of the Criminal Law Section (1978–79) disclosed the fact that several
circuits had no procedure for determining indigency and that there were circuits in
which no affidavits of insolvency were executed (and no legal basis for establishing
or collecting lien monies).
1992 Amendment. In light of State v. District Court of Appeal of Florida,
First District, 569 So.2d 439 (Fla. 1990), in which the supreme court pronounced
that motions seeking belated direct appeal based on ineffective assistance of
counsel should be filed in the trial court pursuant to rule 3.850, the committee
recommends that rule 3.111(e) be amended to detail with specificity defense
counsel’s duties to perfect an appeal prior to withdrawing after judgment and
sentence. The present provision merely notes that such withdrawal is governed by
Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.140(b)(3).
1998 Amendment. The amendments to (d)(2)–(3) were adopted to reflect
State v. Bowen, 698 So.2d 248 (Fla. 1997), which implicitly overruled Cappetta v.
State, 204 So.2d 913 (Fla. 4th DCA 1967), rev’d on other grounds 216 So.2d 749
(Fla. 1968). See Fitzpatrick v. Wainwright, 800 F.2d 1057 (11th Cir. 1986), for a
list of factors the court may consider. See also McKaskle v. Wiggins, 465 U.S.
168, 104 S.Ct. 944, 79 L.Ed.2d 122 (1984), and Savage v. Estelle, 924 F.2d 1459
(9th Cir. 1990), cert. denied 501 U.S. 1255, 111 S.Ct. 2900, 115 L.Ed.2d 1064
(1992), which suggest that the defendant’s right to self-representation is limited
when the defendant is not able or willing to abide by the rules of procedure and
courtroom protocol.
-19-
2000 Amendment. This rule applies only to judicial proceedings and is
inapplicable to investigative proceedings and matters. See rule 3.010.
2002 Amendment. Indigent defendants are entitled to counsel if they are
either currently in custody or might be incarcerated in their case. See Alabama v.
Shelton, 122 S.Ct. 1764, 1767 (2002) (Sixth Amendment forbids imposition of
suspended sentence that may “end up in the actual deprivation of a person’s
liberty” unless defendant accorded “the guiding hand of counsel”). See also Tur v.
State, 797 So. 2d 4 (Fla. 3d DCA 2001) (uncounseled plea to criminal charge
cannot result in jail sentence based on violation of probationary sentence for that
charge); Harris v. State, 773 So.2d 627 (Fla. 4th DCA 2000).
Discharge of the public defender based on an order certifying no
incarceration that is entered after the public defender has already spent considerable
time and resources investigating the case and preparing a defense may leave the
defendant “in a position worse than if no counsel had been appointed in the first
place.” State v. Ull, 642 So. 2d 721, 724 (Fla. 1994).
In determining whether a defendant’s due process rights would be violated
by the discharge of the public defender, the court should consider all of the relevant
circumstances, including, but not limited to:
1.
The stage of the proceedings at which the order of no incarceration is
entered.
2.
The extent of any investigation and pretrial preparation by the public
defender.
3.
Any prejudice that might result if the public defender is discharged.
4.
The nature of the case and the complexity of the issues.
5.
The relationship between the defendant and the public defender.
Counsel may be provided to indigent persons in all other proceedings in, or arising
from, a criminal case and the court should resolve any doubts in favor of the
appointment of counsel for the defendant. See Graham v. State, 372 So.2d 1363,
1365 (Fla. 1979).
See form found at Fla.R.Crim.P. 3.994.
-20-
RULE 3.120.
COMMITTING MAGISTRATEJUDGE
Each state and county judge is a committing magistratejudge and may issue a
summons to, or a warrant for the arrest of, a person against whom a complaint is
made in writing and sworn to before a person authorized to administer oaths, when
the complaint states facts that show that such person violated a criminal law of this
state within the jurisdiction of the magistratejudge to whom the complaint is
presented. The magistratejudge may take testimony under oath to determine if there
is reasonable ground to believe the complaint is true. The magistratejudge may
commit the offender to jail, may order the defendant to appear before the proper
court to answer the charge in the complaint, or may discharge the defendant from
custody or from any undertaking to appear. The magistratejudge may authorize the
clerk to issue a summons.
Committee Notes
1968 Adoption. This is substantially the same as part of section 901.01,
Florida Statutes. (The remaining part should be retained as a statute.) It differs from
the statute by requiring the complaint to be in writing and by identifying the initiating
instrument as a “complaint,” thus adopting the federal terminology which is more
meaningful and modern. Some doubt was expressed as to whether the terms of the
statute incorporated in the rule are within the rulemaking power of the Supreme
Court.
1972 Amendment. Substantially same as former rule. Altered to incorporate
the provision for testimony under oath formerly contained in rule 3.121(a), and
authorize the execution of the affidavit before a notary or other person authorized
to administer oaths.
-21-
RULE 3.121.
ARREST WARRANT
(a)
Issuance. An arrest warrant, when issued, shall:
(1)
be in writing and in the name of the State of Florida;
(2)
set forth substantially the nature of the offense;
(3)
command that the person against whom the complaint was
made be arrested and brought before a magistratejudge;
(4)
specify the name of the person to be arrested or, if the name is
unknown to the magistratejudge, designate the person by any name or description
by which the person can be identified with reasonable certainty;
(5)
state the date when issued and the county where issued;
(6)
be signed by the magistratejudge with the title of the office; and
(7)
in all offenses bailable as of right be endorsed with the amount
of bail and the return date.
(b)
Amendment. No arrest warrant shall be dismissed nor shall any
person in custody be discharged because of any defect as to form in the warrant;
but the warrant may be amended by the magistratejudge to remedy such defect.
Committee Notes
1968 Adoption. (a) This is substantially the same as section 901.02, Florida
Statutes, except that the rule requires a written complaint. Also, the rule does not
incorporate that seldom used part of the statute that permits the magistrate to issue
an arrest warrant upon affidavits made before the prosecuting attorney.
(b)
This is the same as section 901.03, Florida Statutes.
(c)
This is the same as section 901.05, Florida Statutes, except for
-22-
modernizing the language.
1972 Amendment. (a) of former rule has been deleted, as its substance is
now contained in rules 3.120 and 3.130; (b) has been renumbered as (a); (c) has
been renumbered as (b).
-23-
RULE 3.125.
NOTICE TO APPEAR
(a)
Definition. Unless indicated otherwise, notice to appear means a
written order issued by a law enforcement officer in lieu of physical arrest requiring
a person accused of violating the law to appear in a designated court or
governmental office at a specified date and time.
(b)
By Arresting Officer. If a person is arrested for an offense declared
to be a misdemeanor of the first or second degree or a violation, or is arrested for
violation of a municipal or county ordinance triable in the county, and demand to
be taken before a magistratejudge is not made, notice to appear may be issued by
the arresting officer unless:
(1)
the accused fails or refuses to sufficiently identify himself or
herself or supply the required information;
(2)
the accused refuses to sign the notice to appear;
(3)
the officer has reason to believe that the continued liberty of the
accused constitutes an unreasonable risk of bodily injury to the accused or others;
(4)
the accused has no ties with the jurisdiction reasonably
sufficient to assure the accused’s appearance or there is substantial risk that the
accused will refuse to respond to the notice;
(5)
the officer has any suspicion that the accused may be wanted in
any jurisdiction; or
(6)
it appears that the accused previously has failed to respond to a
notice or a summons or has violated the conditions of any pretrial release program.
(c)
By Booking Officer. If the arresting officer does not issue notice to
appear because of one of the exceptions listed in subdivision (b) and takes the
accused to police headquarters, the booking officer may issue notice to appear if
the officer determines that there is a likelihood that the accused will appear as
directed, based on a reasonable investigation of the accused’s:
-24-
(1)
residence and length of residence in the community;
(2)
family ties in the community;
(3)
employment record;
(4)
character and mental condition;
(5)
past record of convictions; or
(6)
past history of appearance at court proceedings.
(d)
How and When Served. If notice to appear is issued, it shall be
prepared in quadruplicate. The officer shall deliver 1 copy of the notice to appear
to the arrested person and the person, to secure release, shall give a written promise
to appear in court by signing the 3 remaining copies: 1 to be retained by the officer
and 2 to be filed with the clerk of the court. These 2 copies shall be sworn to by
the arresting officer before a notary public or a deputy clerk. If notice to appear is
issued under subdivision (b), the notice shall be issued immediately upon arrest. If
notice to appear is issued under subdivision (c), the notice shall be issued immedi-
ately on completion of the investigation. The arresting officer or other duly
authorized official then shall release from custody the person arrested.
(e)
Copy to the Clerk of the Court. With the sworn notice to appear,
the arresting officer shall file with the clerk a list of witnesses and their addresses
and a list of tangible evidence in the cause. One copy shall be retained by the
officer and 2 copies shall be filed with the clerk of the court.
(f)
Copy to State Attorney. The clerk shall deliver 1 copy of the notice
to appear and schedule of witnesses and evidence filed therewith to the state
attorney.
(g)
Contents. If notice to appear is issued, it shall contain the:
(1)
name and address of the accused;
-25-
(2)
date of offense;
(3)
offense(s) charged — by statute and municipal ordinance if
applicable;
(4)
counts of each offense;
(5)
time and place that the accused is to appear in court;
(6)
name and address of the trial court having jurisdiction to try the
offense(s) charged;
(7)
name of the arresting officer;
(8)
name(s) of any other person(s) charged at the same time; and
(9)
signature of the accused.
(h)
Failure to Appear. If a person signs a written notice to appear and
fails to respond to the notice to appear, a warrant of arrest shall be issued under
rule 3.121.
(i)
Traffic Violations Excluded. Nothing contained herein shall prevent
the operation of a traffic violations bureau, the issuance of citations for traffic
violations, or any procedure under chapter 316, Florida Statutes.
(j)
Rules and Regulations. Rules and regulations of procedure
governing the exercise of authority to issue notices to appear shall be established
by the chief judge of the circuit.
(k)
Procedure by Court.
(1)
When the accused appears before the court under the require-
ments of the notice to appear, the court shall advise the defendant as set forth in
rule 3.130(b), and the provisions of that rule shall apply. The accused at such
appearance may elect to waive the right to counsel and trial and enter a plea of
guilty or nolo contendere by executing the waiver form contained on the notice to
-26-
appear, and the court may enter judgment and sentence in the cause.
(2)
In the event the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, the court
may set the cause for jury or nonjury trial on the notice to appear under the pro-
visions of rules 3.140 and 3.160. When the court sets a trial date by the court, the
clerk shall, without further praecipe, issue witness subpoenas to the law enforce-
ment officer who executed the notice to appear and to the witnesses whose names
and addresses appear on the list filed by the officer, requiring their attendance at
trial.
(l)
Form of Notice to Appear and Schedule of Witnesses and
Evidence. The notice to appear and schedule of witnesses and evidence shall be in
substantially the following form:
IN THE COUNTY COURT,
IN AND FOR              COUNTY, FLORIDA
NOTICE TO APPEAR
                    
Agency Case #
STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF 
In the name of                      County, Florida: The undersigned certifies that he or
she has just and reasonable grounds to believe, and does believe, that:
On .....(date)....., at ___________ (  )a.m. (  )p.m.
                                             
Last Name               First      M.I.          Aliases
                                         
Street—City and State                Date and Place of Birth
                                                                 
Phone    Race/Sex    Height    Weight   Hair  Eyes   Scars/Marks
-27-
                                                  
Occupation     Place of Employment     Employment Phone
                                                      
Complexion   Driver’s License #  #Yr./St.  Social Security #
at (location) 
in             County, Florida, committed the following offense(s):
(1)                              (2) 
in violation of
(  ) State Statute     
section(s):           :           
(  ) Municipal Ord.
DID (Narrative): 
                                                     
Name of Officer                             
   ID             Agency
[  ]  Mandatory appearance in court, 
Location               
on .....(date)....., at ______ (  )a.m. (  )p.m.
[  ] You need not appear in court, but must comply with instructions on back.
-28-
CO-DEFENDANTS:
[  ]   Cited
1.                                              
  [  ]  Jailed
    Name                
DOB                
Address
[  ]   Cited
2.                                              
  [  ]  Jailed
    Name                
DOB               
Address
I AGREE TO APPEAR AT THE TIME AND PLACE DESIGNATED ABOVE
TO ANSWER THE OFFENSE CHARGED OR TO PAY THE FINE
SUBSCRIBED. I UNDERSTAND THAT SHOULD I WILLFULLY FAIL TO
APPEAR BEFORE THE COURT AS REQUIRED BY THIS NOTICE TO
APPEAR, I MAY BE HELD IN CONTEMPT OF COURT AND A WARRANT
FOR MY ARREST SHALL BE ISSUED.
                                     
Signature of Defendant
I swear the above and reverse and attached statements are true and correct to
the best of my knowledge and belief.
                                    
Complainant
                                    
Agency or Department
Sworn to and subscribed before me on .....(date)......
_______________________________
Notary Public, State of Florida
WAIVER INFORMATION
-29-
If you desire to plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) and you need
not appear in court as indicated on the face of this notice, you may present this
notice at the county court named on the reverse of this page.
From .....(date)....., _____ to .....(date)....., _____
                               Hour                            Hour
and pay a fine of ________________________ dollars in cash, money order, or
certified check.
The waiver below must be completed and attached. Read carefully.
Your failure to answer this summons in the manner subscribed will result in a
warrant being issued on a separate and additional charge.
“In consideration of my not appearing in court, I the undersigned, do hereby
enter my appearance on the affidavit for the offense charged on the other side of
this notice and waive the reading of the affidavit in the above named cause and the
right to be present at the trial of said action. I hereby enter my plea of Guilty [  ] or
Nolo Contendere [  ], and waive my right to prosecute appeal or error proceedings.
“I understand the nature of the charge against me; I understand my right to
have counsel and waive this right and the right to a continuance. I waive my right to
trial before a judge or jury. I plead Guilty [  ] or Nolo Contendere [  ] to the charge,
being fully aware that my signature to this plea will have the same effect as a
judgment of this court.”
Total Fine and Cost 
Defendant Signature 
Address 
IN THE COUNTY COURT,
IN AND FOR __________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
-30-
SCHEDULE OF WITNESSES AND
EVIDENCE FOR NOTICE TO APPEAR
_______________________
Agency Case #
Last Name               First              M.I.    Aliases
Address
.....(date of notice to appear).....
Offense(s):  
(1)______________
(2)______________
TANGIBLE EVIDENCE: (If none, write “None”)
Item: 
Obtained from (person and/or place): 
first received by: 
given to: 
WITNESSES: (If none, write “None”)
#1 Name: 
Res. Tel. No.                Address: 
Bus. Tel. No.                Business: 
Testimony: 
#2 Name: 
Res. Tel. No.                Address: 
Bus. Tel. No.                Business: 
Testimony: 
-31-
#3 Name: 
Res. Tel. No.                Address: 
Bus. Tel. No.                Business: 
Testimony: 
I certify that the foregoing is a complete list of witnesses and evidence known to
me.
                                 
Investigating Officer
                                 
Agency
Committee Notes
1992 Amendment. The amendment deletes subdivision (k) and reletters
subdivisions (l) and (m). The elimination of subdivision (k) will entitle individuals
charged with criminal violations to the same discovery, without regard to the nature
of the charging instrument. As amended, persons charged by way of a notice to
appear can obtain the same discovery as persons charged by way of either an
information or an indictment. In this regard the committee also has proposed
amendments to rule 3.220(b)(1), (b)(2), (c)(1), and (h)(1) to change the reference
from “indictment or information” to “charging document.”
-32-
RULE 3.130.
FIRST APPEARANCE
(a)
Prompt First Appearance. Except when previously released in a
lawful manner, every arrested person shall be taken before a judicial officer, either
in person or by electronic audiovisual device in the discretion of the court, within
24 hours of arrest. In the case of a child in the custody of juvenile authorities,
against whom an information or indictment has been filed, the child shall be taken
for a first appearance hearing within 24 hours of the filing of the information or
indictment. The chief judge of the circuit for each county within the circuit shall
designate 1 or more judicial officers from the circuit court, or county court, to be
available for the first appearance and proceedings.
(b)
Advice to Defendant. At the defendant’s first appearance the
magistratejudge shall immediately inform the defendant of the charge and provide
the defendant with a copy of the complaint. The magistratejudge shall also
adequately advise the defendant that:
(1)
the defendant is not required to say anything, and that anything
the defendant says may be used against him or her;
(2)
if unrepresented, that the defendant has a right to counsel, and,
if financially unable to afford counsel, that counsel will be appointed; and
(3)
the defendant has a right to communicate with counsel, family,
or friends, and if necessary, will be provided reasonable means to do so.
(c)
Counsel for Defendant.
(1)
Appointed Counsel. If practicable, the magistratejudge should
determine prior to the first appearance whether the defendant is financially able to
afford counsel and whether the defendant desires representation. When the
magistratejudge determines that the defendant is entitled to court-appointed counsel
and desires counsel, the magistratejudge shall immediately appoint counsel. This
determination must be made and, if required, counsel appointed no later than the
time of the first appearance and before any other proceedings at the first
appearance. If necessary, counsel may be appointed for the limited purpose of
-33-
representing the defendant only at first appearance or at subsequent proceedings
before the magistratejudge.
(2)
Retained Counsel. When the defendant has employed counsel
or is financially able and desires to employ counsel to represent him or her at first
appearance, the magistratejudge shall allow the defendant a reasonable time to send
for counsel and shall, if necessary, postpone the first appearance hearing for that
purpose. The magistratejudge shall also, on request of the defendant, require an
officer to communicate a message to such counsel as the defendant may name. The
officer shall, with diligence and without cost to the defendant if the counsel is within
the county, perform the duty. If the postponement will likely result in the continued
incarceration of the defendant beyond a 24-hour period, at the request of the defen-
dant the magistratejudge may appoint counsel to represent the defendant for the
first appearance hearing.
(3)
Opportunity to Confer. No further steps in the proceedings
should be taken until the defendant and counsel have had an adequate opportunity
to confer, unless the defendant has intelligently waived the right to be represented
by counsel.
(4)
Waiver of Counsel. The defendant may waive the right to
counsel at first appearance. The waiver, containing an explanation of the right to
counsel, shall be in writing and signed and dated by the defendant. This written
waiver of counsel shall, in addition, contain a statement that it is limited to first
appearance only and shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of counsel for
subsequent proceedings.
(d)
Pretrial Release. The judicial officer shall proceed to determine
conditions of release pursuant to rule 3.131.
Committee Notes
1972 Amendment. Same as prior rule except (b), which is new.
-34-
RULE 3.131.
PRETRIAL RELEASE
(a)
Right to Pretrial Release. Unless charged with a capital offense or
an offense punishable by life imprisonment and the proof of guilt is evident or the
presumption is great, every person charged with a crime or violation of municipal
or county ordinance shall be entitled to pretrial release on reasonable conditions. If
no conditions of release can reasonably protect the community from risk of
physical harm to persons, assure the presence of the accused at trial, or assure the
integrity of the judicial process, the accused may be detained.
(b)
Hearing at First Appearance—Conditions of Release.
(1)
Unless the state has filed a motion for pretrial detention pursuant
to rule 3.132, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine pretrial release. For the
purpose of this rule, bail is defined as any of the forms of release stated below.
There is a presumption in favor of release on nonmonetary conditions for any
person who is granted pretrial release. The judicial officer shall impose the first of
the following conditions of release that will reasonably protect the community from
risk of physical harm to persons, assure the presence of the accused at trial, or
assure the integrity of the judicial process; or, if no single condition gives that
assurance, shall impose any combination of the following conditions:
(A)
personal recognizance of the defendant;
(B)
execution of an unsecured appearance bond in an amount
specified by the judge;
(C)
placement of restrictions on the travel, association, or
place of abode of the defendant during the period of release;
(D)
placement of the defendant in the custody of a designated
person or organization agreeing to supervise the defendant;
(E)
execution of a bail bond with sufficient solvent sureties,
or the deposit of cash in lieu thereof; provided, however, that any criminal
defendant who is required to meet monetary bail or bail with any monetary
component may satisfy the bail by providing an appearance bond; or
-35-
(F)
any other condition deemed reasonably necessary to
assure appearance as required, including a condition requiring that the person return
to custody after specified hours.
(2)
The judge shall at the defendant’s first appearance consider all
available relevant factors to determine what form of release is necessary to assure
the defendant’s appearance. If a monetary bail is required, the judge shall determine
the amount.
(3)
In determining whether to release a defendant on bail or other
conditions, and what that bail or those conditions may be, the court may consider
the nature and circumstances of the offense charged and the penalty provided by
law; the weight of the evidence against the defendant; the defendant’s family ties,
length of residence in the community, employment history, financial resources, and
mental condition; the defendant’s past and present conduct, including any record
of convictions, previous flight to avoid prosecution, or failure to appear at court
proceedings; the nature and probability of danger that the defendant’s release poses
to the community; the source of funds used to post bail; whether the defendant is
already on release pending resolution of another criminal proceeding or is on
probation, parole, or other release pending completion of sentence; and any other
facts the court considers relevant.
(4)
All information provided by a defendant in connection with any
application for or attempt to secure bail, to any court, court personnel, or individual
soliciting or recording such information for the purpose of evaluating eligibility for
or securing bail for the defendant, under circumstances such that the defendant
knew or should have known that the information was to be used in connection with
an application for bail, shall be accurate, truthful, and complete, without omissions,
to the best knowledge of the defendant. Failure to comply with the provisions of
this subdivision may result in the revocation or modification of bail. However, no
defendant shall be compelled to provide information regarding his or her criminal
record.
(5)
Information stated in, or offered in connection with, any order
entered pursuant to this rule need not strictly conform to the rules of evidence.
-36-
(c)
Consequences of Failure to Appear.
(1)
Any defendant who willfully and knowingly fails to appear and
breaches a bond as specified in section 903.26, Florida Statutes, and who
voluntarily appears or surrenders shall not be eligible for a recognizance bond.
(2)
Any defendant who willfully and knowingly fails to appear and
breaches a bond as specified in section 903.26, Florida Statutes, and who is
arrested at any time following forfeiture shall not be eligible for a recognizance
bond or any form of bond that does not require a monetary undertaking or
commitment equal to or greater than $2,000 or twice the value of the monetary
commitment or undertaking of the original bond, whichever is greater.
(d)
Subsequent Application for Setting or Modification of Bail.
(1)
When a judicial officer not possessing trial jurisdiction orders a
defendant held to answer before a court having jurisdiction to try the defendant,
and bail has been denied or sought to be modified, application by motion may be
made to the court having jurisdiction to try the defendant or, in the absence of the
judge of the trial court, to the circuit court. The motion shall be determined
promptly. No judge or a court of equal or inferior jurisdiction may modify or set a
condition of release, unless the judge:
(A)
imposed the conditions of bail or set the amount of bond
required;
(B)
is the chief judge of the circuit in which the defendant is
to be tried;
(C)
has been assigned to preside over the criminal trial of the
defendant; or
(D)
is the first appearance judge and was authorized by the
judge initially setting or denying bail to modify or set conditions of release.
(2)
Applications by the defendant for modification of bail on any
felony charge must be heard by a court in person at a hearing, with the defendant
-37-
present and with at least 3 hours’ notice to the state attorney and county attorney, if
bond forfeiture proceedings are handled by the county attorney. The state may
apply for modification of bail by showing good cause and with at least 3 hours’
notice to the attorney for the defendant.
(3)
If any trial court fixes bail and refuses its reduction before trial,
the defendant may institute habeas corpus proceedings seeking reduction of bail. If
application is made to the supreme court or district court of appeal, notice and a
copy of such application shall be given to the attorney general and the state
attorney. Such proceedings shall be determined promptly.
(e)
Bail Before Conviction; Condition of Undertaking.
(1)
If a person is admitted to bail for appearance for a preliminary
hearing or on a charge that a magistratejudge is empowered to try, the condition of
the undertaking shall be that the person will appear for the hearing or to answer the
charge and will submit to the orders and process of the magistratejudge trying the
same and will not depart without leave.
(2)
If a person is admitted to bail after being held to answer by a
magistratejudge or after an indictment or information on which the person is to be
tried has been filed, the condition of the undertaking shall be that the person will
appear to answer the charges before the court in which he or she may be
prosecuted and submit to the orders and process of the court and will not depart
without leave.
(f)
Revocation of Bail. The court in its discretion for good cause, any
time after a defendant who is at large on bail appears for trial, may commit the
defendant to the custody of the proper official to abide by the judgment, sentence,
and any further order of the court.
(g)
Arrest and Commitment by Court. The court in which the cause is
pending may direct the arrest and commitment of the defendant who is at large on
bail when:
(1)
there has been a breach of the undertaking;
-38-
(2)
it appears that the defendant’s sureties or any of them are dead
or cannot be found or are insufficient or have ceased to be residents of the state; or
(3)
the court is satisfied that the bail should be increased or new or
additional security required.
The order for the commitment of the defendant shall recite generally the facts on
which it is based and shall direct that the defendant be arrested by any official
authorized to make arrests and that the defendant be committed to the official in
whose custody he or she would be if he or she had not been given bail, to be
detained by such official until legally discharged. The defendant shall be arrested
pursuant to such order on a certified copy thereof, in any county, in the same
manner as on a warrant of arrest. If the order provided for is made because of the
failure of the defendant to appear for judgment, the defendant shall be committed.
If the order is made for any other cause, the court may determine the conditions of
release, if any.
(h)
Bail after Recommitment. If the defendant applies to be admitted to
bail after recommitment, the court that recommitted the defendant shall determine
conditions of release, if any, subject to the limitations of (b) above.
(i)
Qualifications of Surety after Order of Recommitment. If the
defendant offers bail after recommitment, each surety shall possess the qualifica-
tions and sufficiency and the bail shall be furnished in all respects in the manner
prescribed for admission to bail before recommitment.
(j)
Issuance of Capias; Bail Specified. On the filing of either an
indictment or information charging the commission of a crime, if the person named
therein is not in custody or at large on bail for the offense charged, the judge shall
issue or shall direct the clerk to issue, either immediately or when so directed by the
prosecuting attorney, a capias for the arrest of the person. If the person named in
the indictment or information is a child and the child has been served with a
promise to appear under the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, capias need not
be issued. Upon the filing of the indictment or information, the judge shall endorse
the amount of bail, if any, and may authorize the setting or modification of bail by
the judge presiding over the defendant’s first appearance hearing. This endorsement
shall be made on the capias and signed by the judge.
-39-
(k)
Summons on Misdemeanor Charge. When a complaint is filed
charging the commission of a misdemeanor only and the magistratejudge deems
that process should issue as a result, or when an indictment or information on
which the defendant is to be tried charging the commission of a misdemeanor only,
and the person named in it is not in custody or at large on bail for the offense
charged, the magistrate or judge shall direct the clerk to issue a summons instead of
a capias unless the magistrate or judge has reasonable ground to believe that the
person will not appear in response to a summons, in which event an arrest warrant
or a capias shall be issued with the amount of bail endorsed on it. The summons
shall state substantially the nature of the offense and shall command the person
against whom the complaint was made to appear before the judge issuing the
summons or the judge having jurisdiction of the offense at a time and place stated
in it.
(l)
Summons When Defendant Is Corporation. On the filing of an
indictment or information or complaint charging a corporation with the commission
of a crime, whether felony or misdemeanor, the judge shall direct the clerk to issue
or shall issue a summons to secure its appearance to answer the charge. If, after
being summoned, the corporation does not appear, a plea of not guilty shall be
entered and trial and judgment shall follow without further process.
Committee Notes
1968 Adoption. (a) Same as section 903.01, Florida Statutes.
(b)
Same as section 903.04, Florida Statutes.
(c)
Same as section 903.02, Florida Statutes.
(d)
Same as section 903.12, Florida Statutes.
(e)
Substantially same as section 903.13, Florida Statutes.
(f)
Same as section 903.19, Florida Statutes.
-40-
(g)
Same as section 918.01, Florida Statutes.
(h)
Substantially same as section 903.23, Florida Statutes.
(i)
Same as section 903.24, Florida Statutes.
(j)
Same as section 903.25, Florida Statutes.
(k) and (l)
Formerly rule 3.150(c). These proposals contain the essentials
of present sections 907.01, 907.02, and 901.09(3), Florida Statutes, a change of
some of the terminology being warranted for purpose of clarity.
(m)
Formerly rule 3.150(c). This proposal contains all of the essentials of
section 907.03, Florida Statutes, and that part of section 901.14, Florida Statutes,
pertaining to postindictment or postinformation procedure. A charge by affidavit is
provided.
Although subdivision (g) is the same as section 918.01, Florida Statutes, its
constitutionality was questioned by the subcommittee, constitutional right to bail
and presumption of innocence.
1972 Amendment. Same as prior rule except (b), which is new. (k), (l), and
(m) are taken from prior rule 3.150.
1977 Amendment. This proposal amends subdivision (b)(4) of the present
rule [formerly rule 3.130(b)(4)] to expand the forms of pretrial release available to
the judge. The options are the same as those available under the federal rules
without the presumption in favor of release on personal recognizance or unsecured
appearance.
This proposal leaves it to the sound discretion of the judge to determine the
least onerous form of release which will still insure the defendant’s appearance.
It also sets forth the specific factors the judge should take into account in
making this determination.
-41-
1983 Amendment. Rule 3.131(d) is intended to replace former rule 3.130(f)
and therefore contemplates all subsequent modifications of bail including all
increases or reductions of monetary bail or any other changes sought by the state
or by the defendant.
Court Comment
1977 Amendment. Subdivision (a) was repealed by Chapter 76-138, § 2,
Laws of Florida, insofar as it was inconsistent with the provision of that statute.
Subdivision (a) has been amended so as to comply with the legislative act.
-42-
RULE 3.133.
PRETRIAL PROBABLE CAUSE DETERMINATIONS
AND ADVERSARY PRELIMINARY HEARINGS
(a)
Nonadversary Probable Cause Determination.
(1)
Defendant in Custody. In all cases in which the defendant is in
custody, a nonadversary probable cause determination shall be held before a
magistratejudge within 48 hours from the time of the defendant’s arrest; provided,
however, that this proceeding shall not be required when a probable cause
determination has been previously made by a magistratejudge and an arrest warrant
issued for the specific offense for which the defendant is charged. The
magistratejudge after a showing of extraordinary circumstance may continue the
proceeding for not more than 24 hours beyond the 48-hour period. The
magistratejudge, after a showing that an extraordinary circumstance still exists, may
continue the proceeding for not more than 24 additional hours following the
expiration of the initial 24-hour continuance. This determination shall be made if the
necessary proof is available at the time of the first appearance as required under
rule 3.130, but the holding of this determination at that time shall not affect the fact
that it is a nonadversary proceeding.
(2)
Defendant on Pretrial Release. A defendant who has been
released from custody before a probable cause determination is made and who is
able to establish that the pretrial release conditions are a significant restraint on his
or her liberty may file a written motion for a nonadversary probable cause deter-
mination setting forth with specificity the items of significant restraint that a finding
of no probable cause would eliminate. The motion shall be filed within 21 days
from the date of arrest, and notice shall be given to the state. A magistratejudge
who finds significant restraints on the defendant’s liberty shall make a probable
cause determination within 7 days from the filing of the motion.
(3)
Standard of Proof. Upon presentation of proof, the
magistratejudge shall determine whether there is probable cause for detaining the
arrested person pending further proceedings. The defendant need not be present. In
determining probable cause to detain the defendant, the magistratejudge shall apply
the standard for issuance of an arrest warrant, and the finding may be based on
sworn complaint, affidavit, deposition under oath, or, if necessary, on testimony
-43-
under oath properly recorded.
(4)
Action on Determination. If probable cause is found, the
defendant shall be held to answer the charges. If probable cause is not found or the
specified time periods are not complied with, the defendant shall be released from
custody unless an information or indictment has been filed, in which event the
defendant shall be released on recognizance subject to the condition that he or she
appear at all court proceedings or shall be released under a summons to appear
before the appropriate court at a time certain. Any release occasioned by a failure
to comply with the specified time periods shall be by order of the magistratejudge
on a written application filed by the defendant with notice sent to the state or by a
magistratejudge without a written application but with notice to the state. The
magistratejudge shall order the release of the defendant after it is determined that the
defendant is entitled to release and after the state has a reasonable period of time,
not to exceed 24 hours, in which to establish probable cause. A release required by
this rule does not void further prosecution by information or indictment but does
prohibit any restraint on liberty other than appearing for trial. A finding that
probable cause does or does not exist shall be made in writing, signed by the
magistratejudge, and filed, together with the evidence of such probable cause, with
the clerk of the court having jurisdiction of the offense for which the defendant is
charged.
(b)
Adversary Preliminary Hearing.
(1)
When Applicable. A defendant who is not charged in an
information or indictment within 21 days from the date of arrest or service of the
capias on him or her shall have a right to an adversary preliminary hearing on any
felony charge then pending against the defendant. The subsequent filing of an
information or indictment shall not eliminate a defendant’s entitlement to this
proceeding.
(2)
Process. The magistratejudge shall issue such process as may
be necessary to secure attendance of witnesses within the state for the state or the
defendant.
(3)
Witnesses. All witnesses shall be examined in the presence of
the defendant and may be cross-examined. Either party may request that the wit-
-44-
nesses be sequestered. At the conclusion of the testimony for the prosecution, the
defendant who so elects shall be sworn and testify in his or her own behalf, and in
such cases the defendant shall be warned in advance of testifying that anything he
or she may say can be used against him or her at a subsequent trial. The defendant
may be cross-examined in the same manner as other witnesses, and any witnesses
offered by the defendant shall be sworn and examined.
(4)
Record. At the request of either party, the entire preliminary
hearing, including all testimony, shall be recorded verbatim stenographically or by
mechanical means and at the request of either party shall be transcribed. If the
record of the proceedings, or any part thereof, is transcribed at the request of the
prosecuting attorney, a copy of this transcript shall be furnished free of cost to the
defendant or the defendant’s counsel.
(5)
Action on Hearing. If from the evidence it appears to the
magistratejudge that there is probable cause to believe that an offense has been
committed and that the defendant has committed it, the magistratejudge shall cause
the defendant to be held to answer to the circuit court; otherwise, the
magistratejudge shall release the defendant from custody unless an information or
indictment has been filed, in which event the defendant shall be released on
recognizance subject to the condition that he or she appear at all court proceedings
or shall be released under a summons to appear before the appropriate court at a
time certain. Such release does not, however, void further prosecution by infor-
mation or indictment but does prohibit any restraint on liberty other than appearing
for trial. A finding that probable cause does or does not exist shall be made in
writing, signed by the magistratejudge, and, together with the evidence received in
the cause, shall be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
(c)
Additional Nonadversary Probable Cause Determinations and
Preliminary Hearings. If there has been a finding of no probable cause at a non-
adversary determination or adversary preliminary hearing, or if the specified time
periods for holding a nonadversary probable cause determination have not been
complied with, a magistratejudge may thereafter make a determination of probable
cause at a nonadversary probable cause determination, in which event the defendant
shall be retained in custody or returned to custody upon appropriate process
issued by the magistratejudge. A defendant who has been retained in custody or
returned to custody by such a determination shall be allowed an adversary pre-
liminary hearing in all instances in which a felony offense is charged.
-45-
Committee Notes
1968 Adoption. (Notes are to former rule 1.122.)
(a)
Substantially the same as section 902.01, Florida Statutes; the word
“examination” is changed to “hearing” to conform to modern terminology.
(b) through (j) Substantially the same as sections 902.02 through 902.10,
902.13, and 902.14, Florida Statutes, except for exchange of “hearing” for
“examination.”
(k)
Parts of section 902.11, Florida Statutes, and all of section 902.12,
Florida Statutes, were omitted because of conflict with case law: Escobedo v.
Illinois, 378 U.S. 478, 84 S.Ct. 1758, 12 L.Ed.2d 977 (1964); White v. Maryland,
373 U.S. 59, 83 S.Ct. 1050, 10 L.Ed.2d 193 (1963).
(l)
Taken from Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 5(c). Previously
Florida had no statute or rule defining what the magistrate should do at the
conclusion of the preliminary hearing.
(m)
Substantially the same as section 902.18, Florida Statutes, except
“without delay” changed to “within 7 days.” Some specific time limit was felt
necessary because of frequent delay by magistrates while defendants remain in jail.
1972 Amendment. The ABA Standards on Pre-Trial Release provide for a
person arrested to be taken before a committing magistrate without unreasonable
delay for immediate judicial consideration of the release decision. The committee
determined that, since a determination of probable cause at this immediate hearing
presents difficult logistical problems for the state and defense counsel, the question
of probable cause should be decided at a later preliminary hearing. For this reason,
subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) of the former rule have been deleted in favor of the
hearing provision now contained in rule 3.130.
(a)
A revised version of former rule 3.122(a).
(b)
New. Establishes the time period in which the preliminary hearing must
-46-
take place.
(c)(1) Substantially the same as former rule 3.122(b). Amended to provide
for advice of counsel relative to waiver and for written waiver.
(c)(2) Amended to delete provisions relating to recording of proceedings as
same are now contained in subdivision (h).
(d)
Same as prior rule 3.122(g).
(e)
Same as prior rule 3.122(h).
(f)
Substantially the same as prior rule 3.122(i); language modernized by
slight changes.
(g)
Same as prior rule 3.122(j).
(h)
New rule to provide for record of proceedings.
(i)
Same as prior rule 3.122(l).
(j)
Substantially the same as prior rule 3.122(m). Time period for
transmission of papers is reduced. (2) provides for transmission of any transcript
of proceedings.
1977 Amendment. The rule corrects several deficiencies in the prior rule:
(1)
In the prior rule no specific mechanism was provided to effect the
release which is allowed. This revision provides such a mechanism and coordinates
the mechanism with the additional procedures created by subdivision (c).
(2)
Once a determination of no probable cause was made and the
defendant was released, no method was provided for reversing the process in those
instances in which the determination is palpably in error or in instances in which it is
later possible to establish probable cause.
(3)
The prior rule allowed the unconditioned release of a defendant
-47-
without the possibility of recapture simply because of a technical failure to abide by
the rather arbitrary time limits established for the conduct of a nonadversary
probable cause determination and regardless of the ability to establish probable
cause. The new rule allows a determination or redetermination of probable cause to
be made in instances in which to do so is sensible. The defendant is protected by
the provision allowing an adversary preliminary hearing as a check against any
possible abuse.
Court Comment
1975 Amendment. This is a complete rewrite of the preliminary hearing rule.
-48-
RULE 3.220.
DISCOVERY
(a)
Notice of Discovery. After the filing of the charging document, a
defendant may elect to participate in the discovery process provided by these rules,
including the taking of discovery depositions, by filing with the court and serving
on the prosecuting attorney a “Notice of Discovery” which shall bind both the
prosecution and defendant to all discovery procedures contained in these rules.
Participation by a defendant in the discovery process, including the taking of any
deposition by a defendant or the filing of a public records request under chapter
119, Florida Statutes, for law enforcement records relating to the defendant’s
pending prosecution, which are nonexempt as a result of a codefendant’s
participation in discovery, shall be an election to participate in discovery and
triggers a reciprocal discovery obligation for the defendant. If any defendant
knowingly or purposely shares in discovery obtained by a codefendant, the
defendant shall be deemed to have elected to participate in discovery.
(b)
Prosecutor’s Discovery Obligation.
(1)
Within 15 days after service of the Notice of Discovery, the
prosecutor shall serve a written Discovery Exhibit which shall disclose to the defen-
dant and permit the defendant to inspect, copy, test, and photograph the following
information and material within the state’s possession or control:
(A)
a list of the names and addresses of all persons known to
the prosecutor to have information that may be relevant to any offense charged or
any defense thereto, or to any similar fact evidence to be presented at trial under
section 90.404(2), Florida Statutes. The names and addresses of persons listed
shall be clearly designated in the following categories:
(i)
Category A. These witnesses shall include (1) eye
witnesses, (2) alibi witnesses and rebuttal to alibi witnesses, (3) witnesses who were
present when a recorded or unrecorded statement was taken from or made by a
defendant or codefendant, which shall be separately identified within this category,
(4) investigating officers, (5) witnesses known by the prosecutor to have any
material information that tends to negate the guilt of the defendant as to any offense
charged, (6) child hearsay witnesses, and (7) expert witnesses who have not
-49-
provided a written report and a curriculum vitae or who are going to testify to test
results or give opinions that will have to meet the test set forth in Frye v. United
States, 293 F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923).
(ii)
Category B. All witnesses not listed in either
Category A or Category C.
(iii)
Category C. All witnesses who performed only
ministerial functions or whom the prosecutor does not intend to call at trial and
whose involvement with and knowledge of the case is fully set out in a police report
or other statement furnished to the defense;
(B)
the statement of any person whose name is furnished in
compliance with the preceding subdivision. The term “statement” as used herein
includes a written statement made by the person and signed or otherwise adopted
or approved by the person and also includes any statement of any kind or manner
made by the person and written or recorded or summarized in any writing or
recording. The term “statement” is specifically intended to include all police and
investigative reports of any kind prepared for or in connection with the case, but
shall not include the notes from which those reports are compiled;
(C)
any written or recorded statements and the substance of
any oral statements made by the defendant, including a copy of any statements
contained in police reports or report summaries, together with the name and
address of each witness to the statements;
(D)
any written or recorded statements and the substance of
any oral statements made by a codefendant if the trial is to be a joint one;
(E)
those portions of recorded grand jury minutes that
contain testimony of the defendant;
(F)
any tangible papers or objects that were obtained from or
belonged to the defendant;
(G)
whether the state has any material or information that has
been provided by a confidential informant;
-50-
(H)
whether there has been any electronic surveillance,
including wiretapping, of the premises of the defendant or of conversations to
which the defendant was a party and any documents relating thereto;
(I)
whether there has been any search or seizure and any
documents relating thereto;
(J)
reports or statements of experts made in connection with
the particular case, including results of physical or mental examinations and of
scientific tests, experiments, or comparisons; and
(K)
any tangible papers or objects that the prosecuting
attorney intends to use in the hearing or trial and that were not obtained from or that
did not belong to the defendant.
(2)
If the court determines, in camera, that any police or
investigative report contains irrelevant, sensitive information or information
interrelated with other crimes or criminal activities and the disclosure of the
contents of the police report may seriously impair law enforcement or jeopardize
the investigation of those other crimes or activities, the court may prohibit or
partially restrict the disclosure.
(3)
The court may prohibit the state from introducing into evidence
any of the foregoing material not disclosed, so as to secure and maintain fairness in
the just determination of the cause.
(4)
As soon as practicable after the filing of the charging document
the prosecutor shall disclose to the defendant any material information within the
state’s possession or control that tends to negate the guilt of the defendant as to
any offense charged, regardless of whether the defendant has incurred reciprocal
discovery obligations.
(c)
Disclosure to Prosecution.
(1)
After the filing of the charging document and subject to
constitutional limitations, the court may require a defendant to:
-51-
(A)
appear in a lineup;
(B)
speak for identification by witnesses to an offense;
(C)
be fingerprinted;
(D)
pose for photographs not involving re-enactment of a
scene;
(E)
try on articles of clothing;
(F)
permit the taking of specimens of material under the
defendant’s fingernails;
(G)
permit the taking of samples of the defendant’s blood,
hair, and other materials of the defendant’s body that involves no unreasonable
intrusion thereof;
(H)
provide specimens of the defendant’s handwriting; and
(I)
submit to a reasonable physical or medical inspection of
the defendant’s body.
(2)
If the personal appearance of a defendant is required for the
foregoing purposes, reasonable notice of the time and location of the appearance
shall be given by the prosecuting attorney to the defendant and his or her counsel.
Provisions may be made for appearances for such purposes in an order admitting a
defendant to bail or providing for pretrial release.
(d)
Defendant’s Obligation.
(1)
If a defendant elects to participate in discovery, either through
filing the appropriate notice or by participating in any discovery process, including
the taking of a discovery deposition, the following disclosures shall be made:
(A)
Within 15 days after receipt by the defendant of the
Discovery Exhibit furnished by the prosecutor pursuant to subdivision (b)(1)(A) of
this rule, the defendant shall furnish to the prosecutor a written list of the names and
-52-
addresses of all witnesses whom the defendant expects to call as witnesses at the
trial or hearing. When the prosecutor subpoenas a witness whose name has been
furnished by the defendant, except for trial subpoenas, the rules applicable to the
taking of depositions shall apply.
(B)
Within 15 days after receipt of the prosecutor’s
Discovery Exhibit the defendant shall serve a written Discovery Exhibit which shall
disclose to and permit the prosecutor to inspect, copy, test, and photograph the
following information and material that is in the defendant’s possession or control:
(i)
the statement of any person listed in subdivision
(d)(1)(A), other than that of the defendant;
(ii)
reports or statements of experts made in
connection with the particular case, including results of physical or mental exam-
inations and of scientific tests, experiments, or comparisons; and
(iii)
any tangible papers or objects that the defendant
intends to use in the hearing or trial.
(2)
The prosecutor and the defendant shall perform their obligations
under this rule in a manner mutually agreeable or as ordered by the court.
(3)
The filing of a motion for protective order by the prosecutor
will automatically stay the times provided for in this subdivision. If a protective
order is granted, the defendant may, within 2 days thereafter, or at any time before
the prosecutor furnishes the information or material that is the subject of the motion
for protective order, withdraw the defendant’s notice of discovery and not be
required to furnish reciprocal discovery.
(e)
Restricting Disclosure. The court on its own initiative or on motion
of counsel shall deny or partially restrict disclosures authorized by this rule if it
finds there is a substantial risk to any person of physical harm, intimidation,
bribery, economic reprisals, or unnecessary annoyance or embarrassment resulting
from the disclosure, that outweighs any usefulness of the disclosure to either party.
(f)
Additional Discovery. On a showing of materiality, the court may
-53-
require such other discovery to the parties as justice may require.
(g)
Matters Not Subject to Disclosure.
(1)
Work Product. Disclosure shall not be required of legal
research or of records, correspondence, reports, or memoranda to the extent that
they contain the opinions, theories, or conclusions of the prosecuting or defense
attorney or members of their legal staffs.
(2)
Informants. Disclosure of a confidential informant shall not be
required unless the confidential informant is to be produced at a hearing or trial or a
failure to disclose the informant’s identity will infringe the constitutional rights of
the defendant.
(h)
Discovery Depositions.
(1)
Generally. At any time after the filing of the charging document
any party may take the deposition upon oral examination of any person authorized
by this rule. A party taking a deposition shall give reasonable written notice to each
other party and shall make a good faith effort to coordinate the date, time, and
location of the deposition to accommodate the schedules of other parties and the
witness to be deposed. The notice shall state the time and the location where the
deposition is to be taken, the name of each person to be examined, and a certificate
of counsel that a good faith effort was made to coordinate the deposition schedule.
After notice to the parties the court may, for good cause shown, extend or shorten
the time and may change the location of the deposition. Except as provided herein,
the procedure for taking the deposition, including the scope of the examination, and
the issuance of a subpoena (except a subpoena duces tecum) for deposition by an
attorney of record in the action, shall be the same as that provided in the Florida
Rules of Civil Procedure. Any deposition taken pursuant to this rule may be used
by any party for the purpose of contradicting or impeaching the testimony of the
deponent as a witness. The trial court or the clerk of the court may, upon
application, issue subpoenas for the persons whose depositions are to be taken. In
any case, including multiple defendants or consolidated cases, no person shall be
deposed more than once except by consent of the parties or by order of the court
issued on good cause shown. A witness who refuses to obey a duly served
-54-
subpoena may be adjudged in contempt of the court from which the subpoena
issued.
(A)
The defendant may, without leave of court, take the
deposition of any witness listed by the prosecutor as a Category A witness or listed
by a co-defendant as a witness to be called at a joint trial or hearing. After receipt
by the defendant of the Discovery Exhibit, the defendant may, without leave of
court, take the deposition of any unlisted witness who may have information
relevant to the offense charged. The prosecutor may, without leave of court, take
the deposition of any witness listed by the defendant to be called at a trial or
hearing.
(B)
No party may take the deposition of a witness listed by
the prosecutor as a Category B witness except upon leave of court with good
cause shown. In determining whether to allow a deposition, the court should
consider the consequences to the defendant, the complexities of the issues
involved, the complexity of the testimony of the witness (e.g., experts), and the
other opportunities available to the defendant to discover the information sought by
deposition.
(C)
A witness listed by the prosecutor as a Category C
witness shall not be subject to deposition unless the court determines that the
witness should be listed in another category.
(D)
No deposition shall be taken in a case in which the
defendant is charged only with a misdemeanor or a criminal traffic offense when all
other discovery provided by this rule has been complied with unless good cause
can be shown to the trial court. In determining whether to allow a deposition, the
court should consider the consequences to the defendant, the complexity of the
issues involved, the complexity of the witness’ testimony (e.g., experts), and the
other opportunities available to the defendant to discover the information sought by
deposition. However, this prohibition against the taking of depositions shall not be
applicable if following the furnishing of discovery by the defendant the state then
takes the statement of a listed defense witness pursuant to section 27.04, Florida
Statutes.
-55-
(2)
Transcripts. No transcript of a deposition for which a county
may be obligated to expend funds shall be ordered by a party unless it is:
(A)
agreed between the state and any defendant that the
deposition should be transcribed and a written agreement certifying that the
deposed witness is material or specifying other good cause is filed with the court or
(B)
ordered by the court on a showing that the deposed
witness is material or on showing of good cause.
This rule shall not apply to applications for reimbursement of costs pursuant to
section 939.06, Florida Statutes, and article I, section 9, of the Florida Constitution.
(3)
Location of Deposition. Depositions of witnesses residing in
the county in which the trial is to take place shall be taken in the building in which
the trial shall be held, such other location as is agreed on by the parties, or a
location designated by the court. Depositions of witnesses residing outside the
county in which the trial is to take place shall be taken in a court reporter’s office in
the county or state in which the witness resides, such other location as is agreed on
by the parties, or a location designated by the court.
(4)
Depositions of Sensitive Witnesses. Depositions of children
under the age of 16 shall be videotaped unless otherwise ordered by the court. The
court may order the videotaping of a deposition or the taking of a deposition of a
witness with fragile emotional strength to be in the presence of the trial judge or a
special mastermagistrate.
(5)
Depositions of Law Enforcement Officers. Subject to the
general provisions of subdivision (h)(1), law enforcement officers shall appear for
deposition, without subpoena, upon written notice of taking deposition delivered at
the address of the law enforcement agency or department, or an address designated
by the law enforcement agency or department, five days prior to the date of the
deposition. Law enforcement officers who fail to appear for deposition after being
served notice are subject to contempt proceedings.
(6)
Witness Coordinating Office/Notice of Taking Deposition.
-56-
If a witness coordinating office has been established in the jurisdiction pursuant to
applicable Florida Statutes, the deposition of any witness should be coordinated
through that office. The witness coordinating office should attempt to schedule the
depositions of a witness at a time and location convenient for the witness and
acceptable to the parties.
(7)
Defendant’s Physical Presence. A defendant shall not be
physically present at a deposition except on stipulation of the parties or as provided
by this rule. The court may order the physical presence of the defendant on a
showing of good cause. The court may consider (A) the need for the physical
presence of the defendant to obtain effective discovery, (B) the intimidating effect
of the defendant’s presence on the witness, if any, (C) any cost or inconvenience
which may result, and (D) any alternative electronic or audio/visual means available.
(8)
Telephonic Statements. On stipulation of the parties and the
consent of the witness, the statement of a law enforcement officer may be taken by
telephone in lieu of the deposition of the officer. In such case, the officer need not
be under oath. The statement, however, shall be recorded and may be used for
impeachment at trial as a prior inconsistent statement pursuant to the Florida
Evidence Code.
(i)
Investigations Not to Be Impeded. Except as is otherwise provided
as to matters not subject to disclosure or restricted by protective orders, neither the
counsel for the parties nor other prosecution or defense personnel shall advise
persons having relevant material or information (except the defendant) to refrain
from discussing the case with opposing counsel or showing opposing counsel any
relevant material, nor shall they otherwise impede opposing counsel’s investigation
of the case.
(j)
Continuing Duty to Disclose. If, subsequent to compliance with the
rules, a party discovers additional witnesses or material that the party would have
been under a duty to disclose or produce at the time of the previous compliance,
the party shall promptly disclose or produce the witnesses or material in the same
manner as required under these rules for initial discovery.
(k)
Court May Alter Times. The court may alter the times for
-57-
compliance with any discovery under these rules on good cause shown.
(l)
Protective Orders.
(1)
Motion to Restrict Disclosure of Matters. On a
showing of good cause, the court shall at any time order that specified disclosures
be restricted, deferred, or exempted from discovery, that certain matters not be
inquired into, that the scope of the deposition be limited to certain matters, that a
deposition be sealed and after being sealed be opened only by order of the court,
or make such other order as is appropriate to protect a witness from harassment,
unnecessary inconvenience, or invasion of privacy, including prohibiting the taking
of a deposition. All material and information to which a party is entitled, however,
must be disclosed in time to permit the party to make beneficial use of it.
(2)
Motion to Terminate or Limit Examination. At any
time during the taking of a deposition, on motion of a party or of the deponent, and
upon a showing that the examination is being conducted in bad faith or in such
manner as to unreasonably annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, the
court in which the action is pending or the circuit court where the deposition is
being taken may (1) terminate the deposition, (2) limit the scope and manner of the
taking of the deposition, (3) limit the time of the deposition, (4) continue the
deposition to a later time, (5) order the deposition to be taken in open court, and, in
addition, may (6) impose any sanction authorized by this rule. If the order
terminates the deposition, it shall be resumed thereafter only upon the order of the
court in which the action is pending. Upon demand of any party or deponent, the
taking of the deposition shall be suspended for the time necessary to make a
motion for an order.
(m)
In Camera and Ex Parte Proceedings.
(1)
Any person may move for an order denying or regulating
disclosure of sensitive matters. The court may consider the matters contained in the
motion in camera.
(2)
Upon request, the court shall allow the defendant to make an ex
parte showing of good cause for taking the deposition of a Category B witness.
-58-
(3)
A record shall be made of proceedings authorized under this
subdivision. If the court enters an order granting relief after an in camera inspection
or ex parte showing, the entire record of the proceeding shall be sealed and
preserved and be made available to the appellate court in the event of an appeal.
(n)
Sanctions.
(1)
If, at any time during the course of the proceedings, it is
brought to the attention of the court that a party has failed to comply with an
applicable discovery rule or with an order issued pursuant to an applicable
discovery rule, the court may order the party to comply with the discovery or
inspection of materials not previously disclosed or produced, grant a continuance,
grant a mistrial, prohibit the party from calling a witness not disclosed or
introducing in evidence the material not disclosed, or enter such other order as it
deems just under the circumstances.
(2)
Willful violation by counsel or a party not represented by
counsel of an applicable discovery rule, or an order issued pursuant thereto, shall
subject counsel or the unrepresented party to appropriate sanctions by the court.
The sanctions may include, but are not limited to, contempt proceedings against the
attorney or unrepresented party, as well as the assessment of costs incurred by the
opposing party, when appropriate.
(3)
Every request for discovery or response or objection, including
a notice of deposition made by a party represented by an attorney, shall be signed
by at least 1 attorney of record in the attorney’s individual name, whose address
shall be stated. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign the request,
response, or objection and list his or her address. The signature of the attorney or
party constitutes a certification that the signer has read the request, response, or
objection and that to the best of the signer’s knowledge, information, or belief
formed after a reasonable inquiry it is:
(A)
consistent with these rules and warranted by existing law
or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law;
(B)
not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to
-59-
harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation;
and
(C)
not unreasonable or unduly burdensome or expensive,
given the needs of the case and the importance of the issues at stake in the
litigation.
If a request, response, or objection is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it
is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the party making
the request, response, or objection, and a party shall not be obligated to take any
action with respect to it until it is signed.
If a certification is made in violation of this rule, the court, on motion or on
its own initiative, shall impose on the person who made the certification, the firm or
agency with which the person is affiliated, the party on whose behalf the request,
response, or objection is made, or any or all of the above an appropriate sanction,
which may include an order to pay the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred
because of the violation, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.
(o)
Costs of Indigents. After a defendant is adjudged insolvent, the
reasonable costs incurred in the operation of these rules shall be taxed as costs
against the county.
(p)
Pretrial Conference.
(1)
The trial court may hold 1 or more pretrial conferences,
with trial counsel present, to consider such matters as will promote a fair and expe-
ditious trial. The defendant shall be present unless the defendant waives this in
writing.
(2)
The court may set, and upon the request of any party
shall set, a discovery schedule, including a discovery cut-off date, at the pretrial
conference.
Committee Notes
1968 Adoption.
-60-
(a)(1) This is substantially the same as section 925.05, Florida Statutes.
(a)(2) This is new and allows a defendant rights which he did not have, but
must be considered in light of subdivision (c).
(a)(3) This is a slight enlargement upon the present practice; however, from a
practical standpoint, it is not an enlargement, but merely a codification of section
925.05, Florida Statutes, with respect to the defendant’s testimony before a grand
jury.
(b)
This is a restatement of section 925.04, Florida Statutes, except for the
change of the word “may” to “shall.”
(c)
This is new and affords discovery to the state within the trial judge’s
discretion by allowing the trial judge to make discovery under (a)(2) and (b)
conditioned upon the defendant giving the state some information if the defendant
has it. This affords the state some area of discovery which it did not previously
have with respect to (b). A question was raised concerning the effect of (a)(2) on
FBI reports and other reports which are submitted to a prosecutor as “confidential”
but it was agreed that the interests of justice would be better served by allowing this
rule and that, after the appropriate governmental authorities are made aware of the
fact that their reports may be subject to compulsory disclosure, no harm to the
state will be done.
(d) and (e)  This gives the defendant optional procedures. (d) is simply a
codification of section 906.29, Florida Statutes, except for the addition of
“addresses.” The defendant is allowed this procedure in any event. (e) affords the
defendant the additional practice of obtaining all of the state’s witnesses, as
distinguished from merely those on whose evidence the information, or indictment,
is based, but only if the defendant is willing to give the state a list of all defense
witnesses, which must be done to take advantage of this rule. The confidential
informant who is to be used as a witness must be disclosed; but it was expressly
viewed that this should not otherwise overrule present case law on the subject of
disclosure of confidential informants, either where disclosure is required or not
required.
(f)
This is new and is a compromise between the philosophy that the
-61-
defendant should be allowed unlimited discovery depositions and the philosophy
that the defendant should not be allowed any discovery depositions at all. The
purpose of the rule is to afford the defendant relief from situations when witnesses
refuse to “cooperate” by making pretrial disclosures to the defense. It was
determined to be necessary that the written signed statement be a criterion because
this is the only way witnesses can be impeached by prior contradictory statements.
The word “cooperate” was intentionally left in the rule, although the word is a loose
one, so that it can be given a liberal interpretation, i.e., a witness may claim to be
available and yet never actually submit to an interview. Some express the view that
the defendant is not being afforded adequate protection because the cooperating
witness will not have been under oath, but the subcommittee felt that the only
alternative would be to make unlimited discovery depositions available to the
defendant which was a view not approved by a majority of the subcommittee. Each
minority is expressed by the following alternative proposals:
Alternative Proposal (1): When a person is charged with an offense, at any
time after the filing of the indictment, information, or affidavit upon which the
defendant is to be tried, such person may take the deposition of any person by
deposition upon oral examination for the purpose of discovery. The attendance of
witnesses may be compelled by the use of subpoenas as provided by law. The
deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on
such terms as the court prescribes. The scope of examination and the manner and
method of taking such deposition shall be as provided in the Florida Rules of Civil
Procedure and the deposition may be used for the purpose of contradicting or
impeaching the testimony of a deponent as a witness.
Alternative Proposal (2): If a defendant signs and files a written waiver of his
or her privilege against self-incrimination and submits to interrogation under oath by
the prosecuting attorney, then the defendant shall be entitled to compulsory process
for any or all witnesses to enable the defendant to interrogate them under oath,
before trial, for discovery purposes.
A view was expressed that some limitation should be placed on the state’s
rights under sections 27.04 and 32.20, Florida Statutes, which allow the prosecutor
to take all depositions unilaterally at any time. It was agreed by all members of the
subcommittee that this right should not be curtailed until some specific time after
the filing of an indictment, information, or affidavit, because circumstances
-62-
sometimes require the filing of the charge and a studied marshalling of evidence
thereafter. Criticism of the present practice lies in the fact that any time up to and
during the course of the trial the prosecutor can subpoena any person to the
privacy of the prosecutor’s office without notice to the defense and there take a
statement of such person under oath. The subcommittee was divided, however, on
the method of altering this situation and the end result was that this subcommittee
itself should not undertake to change the existing practice, but should make the
Supreme Court aware of this apparent imbalance.
(g)
This is new and is required in order to make effective the preceding
rules.
(h)
This is new and, although it encompasses relief for both the state and
the defense, its primary purpose is to afford relief in situations when witnesses may
be intimidated and a prosecuting attorney’s heavy docket might not allow
compliance with discovery within the time limitations set forth in the rules. The
words, “sufficient showing” were intentionally included in order to permit the trial
judge to have discretion in granting the protective relief. It would be impossible to
specify all possible grounds which can be the basis of a protective order. This
verbiage also permits a possible abuse by a prosecution-minded trial judge, but the
subcommittee felt that the appellate court would remedy any such abuse in the
course of making appellate decisions.
(i)
This is new and, although it will entail additional expense to counties, it
was determined that it was necessary in order to comply with the recent trend of
federal decisions which hold that due process is violated when a person who has
the money with which to resist criminal prosecution gains an advantage over the
person who is not so endowed. Actually, there is serious doubt that the intent of
this subdivision can be accomplished by a rule of procedure; a statute is needed. It
is recognized that such a statute may be unpopular with the legislature and not
enacted. But, if this subdivision has not given effect there is a likelihood that a
constitutional infirmity (equal protection of the law) will be found and either the
entire rule with all subdivisions will be held void or confusion in application will
result.
(j)
This provision is necessary since the prosecutor is required to assume
many responsibilities under the various subdivisions under the rule. There are no
-63-
prosecuting attorneys, either elected or regularly assigned, in justice of the peace
courts. County judge’s courts, as distinguished from county courts, do not have
elected prosecutors. Prosecuting attorneys in such courts are employed by county
commissions and may be handicapped in meeting the requirements of the rule due
to the irregularity and uncertainty of such employment. This subdivision is inserted
as a method of achieving as much uniformity as possible in all of the courts of
Florida having jurisdictions to try criminal cases.
1972 Amendment. The committee studied the ABA Standards for Criminal
Justice relating to discovery and procedure before trial. Some of the standards are
incorporated in the committee’s proposal, others are not. Generally, the standards
are divided into 5 parts:
Part I deals with policy and philosophy and, while the committee approves
the substance of Part I, it was determined that specific rules setting out this policy
and philosophy should not be proposed.
Part II provides for automatic disclosures (avoiding judicial labor) by the
prosecutor to the defense of almost everything within the prosecutor’s knowledge,
except for work product and the identity of confidential informants. The committee
adopted much of Part II, but felt that the disclosure should not be automatic in
every case; the disclosure should be made only after request or demand and within
certain time limitations. The ABA Standards do not recommend reciprocity of
discovery, but the committee deemed that a large degree of reciprocity is in order
and made appropriate recommendations.
Part III of the ABA Standards recommends some disclosure by the defense
(not reciprocal) to which the state was not previously entitled. The committee
adopted Part III and enlarged upon it.
Part IV of the Standards sets forth methods of regulation of discovery by the
court. Under the Standards the discovery mentioned in Parts II and III would have
been automatic and without the necessity of court orders or court intervention. Part
III provides for procedures of protection of the parties and was generally
incorporated in the recommendations of the committee.
Part V of the ABA Standards deals with omnibus hearings and pretrial
-64-
conferences. The committee rejected part of the Standards dealing with omnibus
hearings because it felt that it was superfluous under Florida procedure. The
Florida committee determined that a trial court may, at its discretion, schedule a
hearing for the purposes enumerated in the ABA Omnibus Hearing and that a rule
authorizing it is not necessary. Some of the provisions of the ABA Omnibus
Hearing were rejected by the Florida committee, i.e., stipulations as to issues,
waivers by defendant, etc. A modified form of pretrial conference was provided in
the proposals by the Florida committee.
(a)(1)(i)  Same as ABA Standard 2.1(a)(i) and substance of Standard
2.1(e). Formerly Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.220(e) authorized exchange
of witness lists. When considered with proposal 3.220(a)(3), it is seen that the
proposal represents no significant change.
(ii)
This rule is a modification of Standard 2.1(a)(ii) and is
new in Florida, although some such statements might have been discoverable under
rule 3.220(f). Definition of “statement” is derived from 18 U.S.C. § 3500.
Requiring law enforcement officers to include irrelevant or sensitive material
in their disclosures to the defense would not serve justice. Many investigations
overlap and information developed as a byproduct of one investigation may form
the basis and starting point for a new and entirely separate one. Also, the disclosure
of any information obtained from computerized records of the Florida Crime
Information Center and the National Crime Information Center should be subject to
the regulations prescribing the confidentiality of such information so as to
safeguard the right of the innocent to privacy.
(iii)
Same as Standard 2.1(a)(ii) relating to statements of
accused; words “known to the prosecutor, together with the name and address of
each witness to the statement” added and is new in Florida.
(iv)
From Standard 2.1(a)(ii). New in Florida.
(v)
From Standard 2.1(a)(iii) except for addition of words,
“that have been recorded” which were inserted to avoid any inference that the
proposed rule makes recording of grand jury testimony mandatory. This discovery
was formerly available under rule 3.220(a)(3).
-65-
(vi)
From Standard 2.1(a)(v). Words, “books, papers,
documents, photographs” were condensed to “papers or objects” without
intending to change their meaning. This was previously available under rule
3.220(b).
(vii)
From Standard 2.1(b)(i) except word “confidential” was
added to clarify meaning. This is new in this form.
(viii)
From Standard 2.1(b)(iii) and is new in Florida in this
form. Previously this was disclosed upon motion and order.
(ix)
From Standard 2.3(a), but also requiring production of
“documents relating thereto” such as search warrants and affidavits. Previously this
was disclosed upon motion and order.
(x)
From Standard 2.1(a)(iv). Previously available under rule
3.220(a)(2). Defendant must reciprocate under proposed rule 3.220(b)(4).
(xi)
Same committee note as (b) under this subdivision.
(2)
From Standard 2.1(c) except omission of words “or would
tend to reduce his punishment therefor” which should be included in sentencing.
(3)
Based upon Standard 2.2(a) and (b) except Standards required
prosecutor to furnish voluntarily and without demand while this proposal requires
defendant to make demand and permits prosecutor 15 days in which to respond.
(4)
From Standards 2.5(b) and 4.4. Substance of this proposal
previously available under rule 3.220(h).
(5)
From Standard 2.5. New in Florida.
(b)(1)
From Standard 3.1(a). New in Florida.
(2)
From Standard 3.1(b). New in Florida.
(3)
Standards did not recommend that defendant furnish
-66-
prosecution with reciprocal witness list; however, formerly, rule 3.220(e) did make
such provision. The committee recommended continuation of reciprocity.
(4)
Standards did not recommend reciprocity of discovery.
Previously, Florida rules required some reciprocity. The committee recommended
continuation of former reciprocity and addition of exchanging witness’ statement
other than defendants’.
(c)
From Standard 2.6. New in Florida, but generally recognized in
decisions.
(d)
Not recommended by Standards. Previously permitted under rule
3.220(f) except for change limiting the place of taking the deposition and eliminating
requirement that witness refuse to give voluntary signed statement.
(e)
From Standard 4.1. New in Florida.
(f)
Same as rule 3.220(g).
(g)
From Standard 4.4 and rule 3.220(h).
(h)
From Standard 4.4 and rule 3.220(h).
(i)
From Standard 4.6. Not previously covered by rule in Florida, but
permitted by decisions.
(j)(1) From Standard 4.7(a). New in Florida except court discretion
permitted by rule 3.220(g).
(2)
From Standard 4.7(b). New in Florida.
(k)
Same as prior rule.
(l) Modified Standard 5.4. New in Florida.
1977 Amendment. The proposed change only removes the comma which
currently appears after (a)(1).
-67-
1980 Amendment. The intent of the rule change is to guarantee that the
accused will receive those portions of police reports or report summaries which
contain any written, recorded, or oral statements made by the accused.
1986 Amendment. The showing of good cause under (d)(2) of this rule
may be presented ex parte or in camera to the court.
1989 Amendment. 3.220(a). The purpose of this change is to ensure
reciprocity of discovery. Under the previous rule, the defendant could tailor
discovery, demanding only certain items of discovery with no requirement to
reciprocate items other than those demanded. A defendant could avoid reciprocal
discovery by taking depositions, thereby learning of witnesses through the
deposition process, and then deposing those witnesses without filing a demand for
discovery. With this change, once a defendant opts to use any discovery device,
the defendant is required to produce all items designated under the discovery rule,
whether or not the defendant has specifically requested production of those items.
Former subdivision (c) is relettered (b). Under (b)(1) the prosecutor’s
obligation to furnish a witness list is conditioned upon the defendant filing a
“Notice of Discovery.”
Former subdivision (a)(1)(i) is renumbered (b)(1)(i) and, as amended, limits
the ability of the defense to take depositions of those persons designated by the
prosecutor as witnesses who should not be deposed because of their tangential
relationship to the case. This does not preclude the defense attorney or a defense
investigator from interviewing any witness, including a police witness, about the
witness’s knowledge of the case.
This change is intended to meet a primary complaint of law enforcement
agencies that depositions are frequently taken of persons who have no knowledge
of the events leading to the charge, but whose names are disclosed on the witness
list. Examples of these persons are transport officers, evidence technicians, etc.
In order to permit the defense to evaluate the potential testimony of those
individuals designated by the prosecutor, their testimony must be fully set forth in
some document, generally a police report.
-68-
(a)(1)(ii) is renumbered (b)(1)(ii). This subdivision is amended to require full
production of all police incident and investigative reports, of any kind, that are
discoverable, provided there is no independent reason for restricting their
disclosure. The term “statement” is intended to include summaries of statements of
witnesses made by investigating officers as well as statements adopted by the
witnesses themselves.
The protection against disclosure of sensitive information, or information that
otherwise should not be disclosed, formerly set forth in (a)(1)(i), is retained, but
transferred to subdivision (b)(1)(xii).
The prohibition sanction is not eliminated, but is transferred to subdivision
(b)(1)(xiii). “Shall” has been changed to “may” in order to reflect the procedure for
imposition of sanctions specified in Richardson v. State, 246 So.2d 771 (Fla.
1971).
The last phrase of renumbered subdivision (b)(2) is added to emphasize that
constitutionally required Brady material must be produced regardless of the
defendant’s election to participate in the discovery process.
Former subdivision (b) is relettered (c).
Former subdivisions (b)(3) and (4) are now included in new subdivision (d).
An introductory phrase has been added to subdivision (d). Subdivision (d) reflects
the change in nomenclature from a “Demand for Discovery” to the filing of a
“Notice of Discovery.”
As used in subdivision (d), the word “defendant” is intended to refer to the
party rather than to the person. Any obligations incurred by the “defendant” are
incurred by the defendant’s attorney if the defendant is represented by counsel and
by the defendant personally if the defendant is not represented.
The right of the defendant to be present and to examine witnesses, set forth
in renumbered subdivision (d)(1), refers to the right of the defense, as party to the
action. The term refers to the attorney for the defendant if the defendant is
represented by counsel. The right of the defendant to be physically present at the
deposition is controlled by new subdivision (h)(6).
-69-
Renumbered subdivision (d)(2), as amended, reflects the new notice of
discovery procedure. If the defendant elects to participate in discovery, the
defendant is obligated to furnish full reciprocal disclosure.
Subdivision (e) was previously numbered (a)(4). This subdivision has been
modified to permit the remedy to be sought by either prosecution or defense.
Subdivision (f) was previously numbered (a)(5) and has been modified to
permit the prosecutor, as well as the defense attorney, to seek additional discovery.
Former subdivision (c) is relettered (g).
Former subdivision (d) is relettered (h). Renumbered subdivision (h)(1) has
been amended to reflect the restrictions on deposing a witness designated by the
prosecution under (b)(1)(i) (designation of a witness performing ministerial duties
only or one who will not be called at trial).
(h)(1)(i) is added to provide that a deposition of a witness designated by the
prosecutor under (b)(1)(i) may be taken only upon good cause shown by the
defendant to the court.
(h)(1)(ii) is added to provide that abuses by attorneys of the provisions of
(b)(1)(i) are subject to stringent sanctions.
New subdivision (h)(1)(iii) abolishes depositions in misdemeanor cases
except when good cause is shown.
A portion of former subdivision (d)(1) is renumbered (h)(3). This
subdivision now permits the administrative judge or chief judge, in addition to the
trial judge, to designate the place for taking the deposition.
New subdivision (h)(4) recognizes that children and some adults are
especially vulnerable to intimidation tactics. Although it has been shown that such
tactics are infrequent, they should not be tolerated because of the traumatic effect
on the witness. The videotaping of the deposition will enable the trial judge to
control such tactics. Provision is also made to protect witnesses of fragile
emotional strength because of their vulnerability to intimidation tactics.
-70-
New subdivision (h)(5) emphasizes the necessity for the establishment, in
each jurisdiction, of an effective witness coordinating office. The Florida
Legislature has authorized the establishment of such office through section 43.35,
Florida Statutes. This subdivision is intended to make depositions of witnesses and
law enforcement officers as convenient as possible for the witnesses and with
minimal disruption of law enforcement officers’ official duties.
New subdivision (h)(6) recognizes that one of the most frequent complaints
from child protection workers and from rape victim counselors is that the presence
of the defendant intimidates the witnesses. The trauma to the victim surpasses the
benefit to the defense of having the defendant present at the deposition. Since there
is no right, other than that given by the rules of procedure, for a defendant to attend
a deposition, the Florida Supreme Court Commission on Criminal Discovery
believes that no such right should exist in those cases. The “defense,” of course, as
a party to the action, has a right to be present through counsel at the deposition. In
this subdivision, the word “defendant” is meant to refer to the person of the defen-
dant, not to the defense as a party. See comments to rules 3.220(d) and
3.220(d)(1).
Although defendants have no right to be present at depositions and generally
there is no legitimate reason for their presence, their presence is appropriate in
certain cases. An example is a complex white collar fraud prosecution in which the
defendant must explain the meaning of technical documents or terms. Cases
requiring the defendant’s presence are the exception rather than the rule. Accord-
ingly, (h)(6)(i)–(ii) preclude the presence of defendants at depositions unless agreed
to by the parties or ordered by the court. These subdivisions set forth factors that a
court should take into account in considering motions to allow a defendant’s
presence.
New subdivision (h)(7) permits the defense to obtain needed factual
information from law enforcement officers by informal telephone deposition.
Recognizing that the formal deposition of a law enforcement officer is often
unnecessary, this procedure will permit such discovery at a significant reduction of
costs.
Former subdivisions (e), (f), and (g) are relettered (i), (j), and (k),
respectively.
-71-
Former subdivision (h) is relettered (l) and is modified to emphasize the use
of protective orders to protect witnesses from harassment or intimidation and to
provide for limiting the scope of the deposition as to certain matters.
Former subdivision (i) is relettered (m).
Former subdivision (j) is relettered (n).
Renumbered (n)(2) is amended to provide that sanctions are mandatory if the
court finds willful abuse of discovery. Although the amount of sanction is
discretionary, some sanction must be imposed.
(n)(3) is new and tracks the certification provisions of federal procedure. The
very fact of signing such a certification will make counsel cognizant of the effect of
that action.
Subdivision (k) is relettered (o).
Subdivision (l) is relettered (p).
1992 Amendment. The proposed amendments change the references to
“indictment or information” in subdivisions (b)(1), (b)(2), (c)(1), and (h)(1) to
“charging document.” This amendment is proposed in conjunction with
amendments to rule 3.125 to provide that all individuals charged with a criminal
violation would be entitled to the same discovery regardless of the nature of the
charging document (i.e., indictment, information, or notice to appear).
1996 Amendment. This is a substantial rewording of the rule as it pertains
to depositions and pretrial case management. The amendment was in response to
allegations of discovery abuse and a call for a more cost conscious approach to
discovery by the Florida Supreme Court. In felony cases, the rule requires
prosecutors to list witnesses in categories A, B, and C. Category A witnesses are
subject to deposition as under the former rule. Category B witnesses are subject to
deposition only upon leave of court. Category B witnesses include, but are not
limited to, witnesses whose only connection to the case is the fact that they are the
owners of property; transporting officers; booking officers; records and evidence
custodians; and experts who have filed a report and curriculum vitae and who will
not offer opinions subject to the Frye test. Category C witnesses may not be
-72-
deposed. The trial courts are given more responsibility to regulate discovery by
pretrial conference and by determining which category B witnesses should be
deposed in a given case.
The rule was not amended for the purpose of prohibiting discovery. Instead,
the rule recognized that many circuits now have “early resolution” or “rocket
dockets” in which “open file discovery” is used to resolve a substantial percentage
of cases at or before arraignment. The committee encourages that procedure. If a
case cannot be resolved early, the committee believes that resolution of typical
cases will occur after the depositions of the most essential witnesses (category A)
are taken. Cases which do not resolve after the depositions of category A, may
resolve if one or more category B witnesses are deposed. If the case is still
unresolved, it is probably going to be a case that needs to be tried. In that event,
judges may determine which additional depositions, if any, are necessary for pretrial
preparation. A method for making that determination is provided in the rule.
Additionally, trial judges may regulate the taking of depositions in a number
of ways to both facilitate resolution of a case and protect a witness from
unnecessary inconvenience or harassment. There is a provision for setting a
discovery schedule, including a discovery cut-off date as is common in civil
practice. Also, a specific method is provided for application for protective orders.
One feature of the new rule relates to the deposition of law enforcement
officers. Subpoenas are no longer required.
The rule has standardized the time for serving papers relating to discovery at
fifteen days.
Discovery in misdemeanor cases has not been changed.
(b)(1)(A)(i)
An investigating officer is an officer who has directed the
collection of evidence, interviewed material witnesses, or who was assigned as the
case investigator.
(h)(1) The prosecutor and defense counsel are encouraged to be present for
the depositions of essential witnesses, and judges are encouraged to provide
calendar time for the taking of depositions so that counsel for all parties can attend.
This will 1) diminish the potential for the abuse of witnesses, 2) place the parties in
-73-
a position to timely and effectively avail themselves of the remedies and sanctions
established in this rule, 3) promote an expeditious and timely resolution of the
cause, and 4) diminish the need to order transcripts of the deposition, thereby
reducing costs.
1998 Amendment. This rule governs only the location of depositions. The
procedure for procuring out-of-state witnesses for depositions is governed by
statute.
Court Commentary
1996 Amendment. The designation of a witness who will present similar
fact evidence will be dependent upon the witness’s relationship to the similar crime,
wrong, or act about which testimony will be given rather than the witness’s rela-
tionship to the crime with which the defendant is currently charged.
1999/2000 Amendment. This rule does not affect requests for nonexempt
law enforcement records as provided in chapter 119, Florida Statutes, other than
those that are nonexempt as a result of a codefendant’s participation in discovery.
See Henderson v. State, 745 So.2d 319 (Fla. Feb. 18, 1999).
-74-
RULE 3.852.
CAPITAL POSTCONVICTION PUBLIC RECORDS
PRODUCTION
(a)
Applicability and Scope.
(1)
This rule is applicable only to the production of public records
for capital postconviction defendants and does not change or alter the time periods
specified in Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.851. Furthermore, this rule does
not affect, expand, or limit the production of public records for any purposes other
than use in a proceeding held pursuant to rule 3.850 or rule 3.851.
(2)
This rule shall not be a basis for renewing requests that have
been initiated previously or for relitigating issues pertaining to production of public
records upon which a court has ruled prior to October 1, 1998.
(3)
This rule is to be used in conjunction with the forms found at
Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.993.
(b)
Definitions.
(1)
“Public records” has the meaning set forth in section
119.011(1), Florida Statutes (1997).
(2)
“Trial court” means:
(A)
the judge who imposed the sentence of death; or
(B)
the judge assigned by the chief judge.
(3)
“Records repository” means the location designated by the
secretary of state pursuant to section 119.19(2), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1998), for
archiving capital postconviction public records.
(4)
“Collateral counsel” means a capital collateral regional counsel
from one of the three regions in Florida; a private attorney who has been appointed
to represent a capital defendant for postconviction litigation; or a private attorney
who has been hired by the capital defendant or who has agreed to work pro bono
-75-
for a capital defendant for postconviction litigation.
(5)
“Agency” and “person” mean an entity or individual as defined
in section 119.011(2), Florida Statutes (1997), that is subject to the requirements of
producing public records for inspection under section 119.07(1)(a), Florida
Statutes (1997).
(6)
“Index” means a list of the public records included in each
container of public records sent to the records repository.
(c)
Filing and Service.
(1)
The original of all notices, requests, or objections filed under
this rule must be filed with the clerk of the trial court. Copies must be served on the
trial court, the attorney general, the state attorney, collateral counsel, and any
affected person or agency, unless otherwise required by this rule.
(2)
Service shall be made pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal
Procedure 3.030(b).
(3)
In all instances requiring written notification or request, the party
who has the obligation of providing a notification or request shall provide proof of
receipt.
(4)
Persons and agencies receiving postconviction public records
notifications or requests pursuant to this rule are not required to furnish records
filed in a trial court prior to the receipt of the notice.
(d)
Action Upon Issuance of Mandate.
(1)
Within 15 days after receiving written notification of the
Supreme Court of Florida’s mandate affirming the sentence of death, the attorney
general shall file with the trial court a written notice of the mandate and serve a copy
of it upon the state attorney who prosecuted the case, the Department of
Corrections, and the defendant’s trial counsel. The notice to the state attorney shall
direct the state attorney to submit public records to the records repository within
90 days after receipt of written notification and to notify each law enforcement
-76-
agency involved in the investigation of the capital offense to submit public records
to the records repository within 90 days after receipt of written notification. The
notice to the Department of Corrections shall direct the department to submit
public records to the records repository within 90 days after receipt of written
notification.
(2)
Within 90 days after receiving written notification of issuance of
the Supreme Court of Florida’s mandate affirming a death sentence, the state
attorney shall provide written notification to the attorney general of the name and
address of any additional person or agency that has public records pertinent to the
case.
(3)
Within 90 days after receiving written notification of issuance of
the Supreme Court of Florida’s mandate affirming a death sentence, the
defendant’s trial counsel shall provide written notification to the attorney general of
the name and address of any person or agency with information pertinent to the
case which has not previously been provided to collateral counsel.
(4)
Within 15 days after receiving written notification of any
additional person or agency pursuant to subdivision (d)(2) or (d)(3) of this rule, the
attorney general shall notify all persons or agencies identified pursuant to
subdivisions (d)(2) or (d)(3) that these persons or agencies are required by section
119.19(6)(b), Florida Statutes (Supp. 1998), to copy, index, and deliver to the
records repository all public records pertaining to the case that are in their
possession. The person or agency shall bear the costs related to copying, indexing,
and delivering the records.
(e)
Action Upon Receipt of Notice of Mandate.
(1)
Within 15 days after receipt of a written notice of the mandate
from the attorney general, the state attorney shall provide written notification to
each law enforcement agency involved in the specific case to submit public records
to the records repository within 90 days after receipt of written notification. A copy
of the notice shall be served upon the defendant’s trial counsel.
(2)
Within 90 days after receipt of a written notice of the mandate
from the attorney general, the state attorney shall copy, index, and deliver to the
-77-
records repository all public records that were produced in the state attorney’s
investigation or prosecution of the case. The state attorney shall bear the costs. The
state attorney shall also provide written notification to the attorney general of
compliance with this section, including certifying that, to the best of the state
attorney’s knowledge or belief, all public records in the state attorney’s possession
have been copied, indexed, and delivered to the records repository as required by
this rule.
(3)
Within 90 days after receipt of written notification of the
mandate from the attorney general, the Department of Corrections shall copy,
index, and deliver to the records repository all public records determined by the
department to be relevant to the subject matter of a proceeding under rule 3.851,
unless such copying, indexing, and delivering would be unduly burdensome. The
department shall bear the costs. The secretary of the department shall provide
written notification to the attorney general of compliance with this section certifying
that, to the best of the secretary of the department’s knowledge or belief, all such
public records in the possession of the secretary of the department have been
copied, indexed, and delivered to the records repository.
(4)
Within 90 days after receipt of written notification of the
mandate from the state attorney, a law enforcement agency shall copy, index, and
deliver to the records repository all public records which were produced in the
investigation or prosecution of the case. Each agency shall bear the costs. The
chief law enforcement officer of each law enforcement agency shall provide written
notification to the attorney general of compliance with this section including
certifying that, to the best of the chief law enforcement officer’s knowledge or
belief, all such public records in possession of the agency or in possession of any
employee of the agency, have been copied, indexed, and delivered to the records
repository.
(5)
Within 90 days after receipt of written notification of the
mandate from the attorney general, each additional person or agency identified
pursuant to subdivision (d)(2) or (d)(3) of this rule shall copy, index, and deliver to
the records repository all public records which were produced during the
prosecution of the case. The person or agency shall bear the costs. The person or
agency shall provide written notification to the attorney general of compliance with
this subdivision and shall certify, to the best of the person or agency’s knowledge
-78-
and belief, all such public records in the possession of the person or agency have
been copied, indexed, and delivered to the records repository.
(f)
Exempt or Confidential Public Records.
(1)
Any public records delivered to the records repository pursuant
to these rules that are confidential or exempt from the requirements of section
119.07(1), Florida Statutes, or article I, section 24(a), Florida Constitution, must be
separately contained, without being redacted, and sealed. The outside of the
container must clearly identify that the public record is confidential or exempt and
that the seal may not be broken without an order of the trial court. The outside of
the container must identify the nature of the public records and the legal basis for
the exemption.
(2)
Upon the entry of an appropriate court order, sealed containers
subject to an inspection by the trial court shall be shipped to the clerk of court. The
containers may be opened only for inspection by the trial court in camera. The
moving party shall bear all costs associated with the transportation and inspection
of such records by the trial court. The trial court shall perform the unsealing and
inspection without ex parte communications and in accord with procedures for
reviewing sealed documents.
(g)
Demand for Additional Public Records.
(1)
Within 240 days after collateral counsel is appointed, retained,
or appears pro bono, such counsel shall send a written demand for additional
public records to each person or agency submitting public records or identified as
having information pertinent to the case under subdivision (d) of this rule. However,
if collateral counsel was appointed prior to October 1, 2001, then within 90 days
after collateral counsel is appointed, retained, or appears pro bono, such counsel
shall send a written demand for additional public records to each person or agency
submitting public records or identified as having information pertinent to the case
under subdivision (d) of this rule.
(2)
Within 90 days of receipt of the written demand, each person or
agency notified under this subdivision shall deliver to the records repository any
additional public records in the possession of the person or agency that pertain to
the case and shall certify to the best of the person or agency’s knowledge and
-79-
belief that all additional public records have been delivered to the records
repository or, if no additional public records are found, shall recertify that the
public records previously delivered are complete.
(3)
Within 60 days of receipt of the written demand, any person or
agency may file with the trial court an objection to the written demand described in
subdivision (g)(1). The trial court shall hold a hearing and issue a ruling within 30
days after the filing of any objection, ordering a person or agency to produce
additional public records if the court determines each of the following exists:
(A)
Collateral counsel has made a timely and diligent search
as provided in this rule.
(B)
Collateral counsel’s written demand identifies, with
specificity, those additional public records that are not at the records repository.
(C)
The additional public records sought are relevant to the
subject matter of a proceeding under rule 3.851, or appear reasonably calculated to
lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.
(D)
The additional public records request is not overly broad
or unduly burdensome.
(h)
Cases in Which Mandate was Issued Prior to Effective Date of
Rule.
(1)
If the mandate affirming a defendant’s conviction and sentence
of death was issued prior to October 1, 1998, and no initial public records requests
have been made by collateral counsel by that date, the attorney general and the state
attorney shall file notifications with the trial court as required by subdivisions (d)
and (e) of this rule.
(2)
If on October 1, 1998, a defendant is represented by collateral
counsel and has initiated the public records process, collateral counsel shall, within
90 days after October 1, 1998, or within 90 days after the production of records
which were requested prior to October 1, 1998, whichever is later, file with the trial
court and serve a written demand for any additional public records that have not
-80-
previously been the subject of a request for public records. The request for these
records shall be treated the same as a request pursuant to subdivisions (d)(3) and
(d)(4) of this rule, and the records shall be copied, indexed, and delivered to the
repository as required in subdivision (e)(5) of this rule.
(3)
Within 10 days of the signing of a defendant’s death warrant,
collateral counsel may request in writing the production of public records from a
person or agency from which collateral counsel has previously requested public
records. A person or agency shall copy, index, and deliver to the repository any
public record:
(A)
that was not previously the subject of an objection;
(B)
that was received or produced since the previous request;
or
(C)
that was, for any reason, not produced previously.
The person or agency providing the records shall bear the costs of copying,
indexing, and delivering such records. If none of these circumstances exist, the
person or agency shall file with the trial court and the parties an affidavit stating that
no other records exist and that all public records have been produced previously. A
person or agency shall comply with this subdivision within 10 days from the date of
the written request or such shorter time period as is ordered by the court.
(4)
In all instances in subdivision (h) which require written
notification the receiving party shall provide proof of receipt by return mail or other
carrier.
(i)
Limitation on Postproduction Request for Additional Records.
(1)
In order to obtain public records in addition to those provided
under subdivisions (e), (f), (g), and (h) of this rule, collateral counsel shall file an
affidavit in the trial court which:
(A)
attests that collateral counsel has made a timely and
diligent search of the records repository; and
-81-
(B)
identifies with specificity those public records not at the
records repository; and
(C)
establishes that the additional public records are either
relevant to the subject matter of the postconviction proceeding or are reasonably
calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence; and
(D)
shall be served in accord with subdivision (c)(1) of this
rule.
(2)
Within 30 days after the affidavit of collateral counsel is filed,
the trial court shall order a person or agency to produce additional public records
only upon finding each of the following:
(A)
collateral counsel has made a timely and diligent search of
the records repository;
(B)
collateral counsel’s affidavit identifies with specificity
those additional public records that are not at the records repository;
(C)
the additional public records sought are either relevant to
the subject matter of a proceeding under rule 3.851 or appear reasonably calculated
to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence; and
(D)
the additional records request is not overly broad or
unduly burdensome.
(j)
Copying of Public Records. Collateral counsel shall provide the
personnel, supplies, and any necessary equipment to copy records held at the
records repository.
(k)
Authority of the Court. In proceedings under this rule the trial court
may:
(1)
compel or deny disclosure of records;
(2)
conduct an in-camera inspection;
-82-
(3)
extend the times in this rule upon a showing of good cause;
(4)
impose sanctions upon any party, person, or agency affected
by this rule including initiating contempt proceedings, taxing expenses, extending
time, ordering facts to be established, and granting other relief; and
(5)
resolve any dispute arising under this rule unless jurisdiction is
in an appellate court.
(l)
Scope of Production and Resolution of Production Issues.
(1)
Unless otherwise limited, the scope of production under any
part of this rule shall be that the public records sought are not privileged or immune
from production and are either relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding
under rule 3.851 or are reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible
evidence.
(2)
Any objections or motions to compel production of public
records pursuant to this rule shall be filed within 30 days after the end of the
production time period provided by this rule. Counsel for the party objecting or
moving to compel shall file a copy of the objection or motion directly with the trial
court. The trial court shall hold a hearing on the objection or motion on an
expedited basis.
(3)
The trial court may order mediation for any controversy as to
public records production pursuant to this rule in accord with Florida Rules of
Civil Procedure 1.700, 1.710, 1.720, 1.730, or the trial court may refer any such
controversy to a mastermagistrate in accord with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure
1.490.
(m)
Destruction of Records Repository Records. Sixty days after a
capital sentence is carried out, after a defendant is released from incarceration
following the granting of a pardon or reversal of the sentence, or after a defendant
has been resentenced to a term of years, the attorney general shall provide written
notification of this occurrence to the secretary of state with service in accord with
subdivision (c)(1). After the expiration of the 60 days, the secretary of state may
then destroy the copies of the records held by the records repository that pertain to
-83-
that case, unless an objection to the destruction is filed in the trial court and served
upon the secretary of state and in accord with subdivision (c)(1). If no objection
has been served within the 60-day period, the records may then be destroyed. If an
objection is served, the records shall not be destroyed until a final disposition of
the objection.
-84-
RULE 5.150.
ORDER REQUIRING ACCOUNTING
(a)
Accountings Required by Statute. When any personal
representative or guardian fails to file an accounting or return required by statute or
rule, the court on its own motion or on the petition of an interested person shall
order the personal representative or guardian to file the accounting or return within
15 days from the service on the personal representative or guardian of the order, or
show cause why he or she should not be compelled to do so.
(b)
Accountings Not Required by Statute. On the petition of an
interested person, or on its own motion, the court may require the personal repre-
sentative or guardian to file an accounting or return not otherwise required by
statute or rule. The order requiring an accounting or return shall order the personal
representative or guardian to file the accounting or return within a specified time
from service on the personal representative or guardian of the order, or show cause
why he or she should not be compelled to do so.
(c)
Service. A copy of the order shall be served on the personal
representative or guardian and the personal representative’s or guardian’s attorney.
Committee Notes
The court on its motion or on petition of an interested person may require a
personal representative or guardian to file an accounting or return not otherwise
required by statute.
Rule History
1977 Revision: Change in committee notes.
1984 Revision: Extensive editorial changes. Committee notes revised and
expanded.
1992 Revision: Editorial changes. Committee notes revised. Citation form
changes in committee notes.
-85-
2003 Revision: Committee notes revised.
Statutory References
§ 38.22, Fla. Stat. Power to punish contempts.
§ 38.23, Fla. Stat. Contempts defined.
§ 733.5036, Fla. Stat. Accounting and discharge following resignation.
§ 733.508, Fla. Stat. Accounting and discharge of removed personal
representatives upon removal.
§ 733.901, Fla. Stat. Final discharge.
ch. 738, Fla. Stat. Principal and income.
§ 744.367, Fla. Stat. Duty to file annual guardianship report.
§ 744.3678, Fla. Stat. Annual accounting.
§ 744.3685, Fla. Stat. Order requiring guardianship report; contempt.
§ 744.369, Fla. Stat. Judicial review of guardianship reports.
§ 744.467, Fla. Stat. Resignation of guardian.
§ 744.511, Fla. Stat. Accounting upon removal.
§ 744.517, Fla. Stat. Proceedings for contempt.
§ 744.521, Fla. Stat. Termination of guardianship.
§ 744.524, Fla. Stat. Termination of guardianship on change of domicile of
resident ward.
§ 744.527, Fla. Stat. Final reports and applications for discharge; hearing.
Rule References
Fla. Prob. R. 5.650 Resignation or disqualification of guardian; appointment
of successor.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.660 Proceedings for removal of guardian.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.670 Termination of guardianship on change of domicile of
resident ward.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.680 Termination of guardianship.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.695 Annual guardianship report.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.696 Annual accounting.
Fla. Prob. R. 5.697 Masters’Magistrates’ review of guardianship accountings
and plans.
-86-
RULE 5.697.
MASTERS’MAGISTRATES’ REVIEW OF GUARDIAN-
SHIP ACCOUNTINGS AND PLANS
(a)
General MastersMagistrates. The court may appoint general
mastersmagistrates to review guardianship accountings and plans. General
mastersmagistrates shall be members of The Florida Bar and shall continue in office
until removed by the court. The order appointing a general mastermagistrate shall
be recorded. Each general mastermagistrate shall take the oath required of officers
of the court by the Florida Constitution. The oath shall be recorded before the
mastermagistrate begins to act.
(b)
Special MastersMagistrates. In connection with the court’s review
of guardianship accountings and plans, the court may appoint members of The
Florida Bar as special mastersmagistrates for any particular service required by the
court. Special mastersmagistrates shall be governed by all laws and rules relating to
general mastersmagistrates except special mastersmagistrates shall not be required
to take an oath unless specifically required by the court. For good cause shown,
the court may appoint a person other than a member of The Florida Bar as a
special mastermagistrate.
(c)
General Powers and Duties. Every mastermagistrate shall act under
the direction of the court. Process issued by a mastermagistrate shall be directed as
provided by law. All grounds for disqualification of a judge shall apply to
mastersmagistrates.
(d)
Hearings. Hearings before any mastermagistrate may be held in the
county where the action is pending, or at any other place by order of the court for
the convenience of the witnesses or the parties. A mastermagistrate shall give notice
of hearings to all parties. If any party fails to appear, the mastermagistrate may
proceed ex parte or may continue the hearing to a future day, with notice to the
absent party. The mastermagistrate shall proceed with reasonable diligence and the
least practicable delay. Any party may apply to the court for an order directing the
mastermagistrate to accelerate the proceedings and to make a report promptly. Evi-
dence shall be taken in writing or by electronic recording by the mastermagistrate or
by some other person under the master’smagistrate’s authority in the
master’smagistrate’s presence and shall be filed with the master’smagistrate’s
report. The mastermagistrate may examine and take testimony from the parties and
-87-
their witnesses under oath, on all matters authorized by the court for review by the
mastermagistrate and may require production of all books, papers, writings,
vouchers, and other documents applicable to those matters. The mastermagistrate
shall admit only evidence that would be admissible in court. The mastermagistrate
may take all actions concerning evidence that may be taken by the court.
(e)
Master’sMagistrate’s Report. The master’smagistrate’s report shall
contain a description of the matters considered and the master’smagistrate’s
conclusions and any recommendations. No part of any statement of facts, account,
charge, deposition, examination, or answer used before the mastermagistrate shall
be recited.
(f)
Filing Report; Service; Exceptions. The mastermagistrate shall file a
report with the court and serve copies on the parties. The parties may serve excep-
tions to the report within 10 days from the date the report is served on them. If no
exceptions are timely filed, the court shall take appropriate action on the report. All
timely filed exceptions may be heard by the court on reasonable notice by any
party.
Committee Notes
Rule History
1991 Revision: This is a new rule, patterned after Florida Rule of Civil
Procedure 1.490.
1992 Revision: Editorial change. Citation form change in committee notes.
2004 Revision: Change in nomenclature from “master” to “magistrate” to
track similar change in the Florida Statutes.
Statutory Reference
§ 744.369(2), Fla. Stat. Judicial review of guardianship reports.
Rule Reference
-88-
Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.490 MastersMagistrates.
-89-
RULE 8.060.
DISCOVERY
(a)
Notice of Discovery.
(1)
After the filing of the petition, a child may elect to utilize the
discovery process provided by these rules, including the taking of discovery
depositions, by filing with the court and serving upon the petitioner a “notice of
discovery” which shall bind both the petitioner and the child to all discovery
procedures contained in these rules. Participation by a child in the discovery
process, including the taking of any deposition by a child, shall be an election to
participate in discovery. If any child knowingly or purposely shares in discovery
obtained by a codefendant, the child shall be deemed to have elected to participate
in discovery.
(2)
Within 5 days of service of the child’s notice of discovery, the
petitioner shall serve a written discovery exhibit which shall disclose to the child or
the child’s counsel and permit the child or the child’s counsel to inspect, copy,
test, and photograph the following information and material within the petitioner’s
possession or control:
(A)
A list of the names and addresses of all persons known to
the petitioner to have information which may be relevant to the allegations, to any
defense with respect thereto, or to any similar fact evidence to be presented at trial
under section 90.402(2), Florida Statutes. The names and addresses of persons
listed shall be clearly designated in the following categories:
(i)
Category A. These witnesses shall include
(a)
eye witnesses;
(b)
alibi witnesses and rebuttal to alibi witnesses;
(c)
witnesses who were present when a
recorded or unrecorded statement was taken from or made by the child or
codefendant, which shall be separately identified within this category;
-90-
(d)
investigating officers;
(e)
witnesses known by the petitioner to have
any material information that tends to negate the guilt of the child as to the petition’s
allegations;
(f)
child hearsay witnesses; and
(g)
expert witnesses who have not provided a
written report and a curriculum vitae or who are going to testify to test results or
give opinions that will have to meet the test set forth in Frye v. United States, 293
F. 1013 (D.C. Cir. 1923).
(ii)
Category B. All witnesses not listed in either
Category A or Category C.
(iii)
Category C. All witnesses who performed only
ministerial functions or whom the petitioner does not intend to call at the hearing
and whose involvement with and knowledge of the case is fully set out in a police
report or other statement furnished to the defense.
(B)
The statement of any person whose name is furnished in
compliance with the preceding paragraph. The term “statement” as used herein
means a written statement made by said person and signed or otherwise adopted by
him or her and also includes any statement of any kind or manner made by such
person and written or recorded or summarized in any writing or recording. The
term “statement” is specifically intended to include all police and investigative
reports of any kind prepared for or in connection with the case, but shall not
include the notes from which such reports are compiled.
(C)
Any written or recorded statements and the substance of
any oral statements made by the child and known to the petitioner, including a copy
of any statements contained in police reports or summaries, together with the name
and address of each witness to the statements.
(D)
Any written or recorded statements, and the substance of
any oral statements, made by a codefendant if the hearing is to be a joint one.
-91-
(E)
Those portions of recorded grand jury minutes that
contain testimony of the child.
(F)
Any tangible papers or objects which were obtained from
or belonged to the child.
(G)
Whether the petitioner has any material or information
which has been provided by a confidential informant.
(H)
Whether there has been any electronic surveillance,
including wiretapping, of the premises of the child, or of conversations to which the
child was a party, and any documents relating thereto.
(I)
Whether there has been any search or seizure and any
document relating thereto.
(J)
Reports or statements of experts made in connection with
the particular case, including results of physical or mental examinations and of
scientific tests, experiments, or comparisons.
(K)
Any tangible papers or objects which the petitioner
intends to use in the hearing and which were not obtained from or belonged to the
child.
(3)
As soon as practicable after the filing of the petition, the
petitioner shall disclose to the child any material information within the state’s
possession or control which tends to negate the guilt of the child as to the
petition’s allegations.
(4)
The petitioner shall perform the foregoing obligations in any
manner mutually agreeable to the petitioner and the child or as ordered by the court.
(5)
Upon a showing of materiality to the preparation of the defense,
the court may require such other discovery to the child as justice may require.
(b)
Required Disclosure to Petitioner.
-92-
(1)
If a child elects to participate in discovery, within 5 days after
receipt by the child of the discovery exhibit furnished by the petitioner under this
rule, the following disclosures shall be made:
(A)
The child shall furnish to the petitioner a written list of all
persons whom the child expects to call as witnesses at the hearing. When the
petitioner subpoenas a witness whose name has been furnished by the child, except
for hearing subpoenas, reasonable notice shall be given to the child as to the time
and location of examination pursuant to the subpoena. At such examination, the
child through counsel shall have the right to be present and to examine the witness.
The physical presence of the child shall be governed by rule 8.060(d)(6).
(B)
The child shall serve a written discovery exhibit which
shall disclose to the petitioner and permit the petitioner to inspect, copy, test, and
photograph the following information and material which is in the child’s
possession or control:
(i)
The statement of any person whom the child
expects to call as a trial witness other than that of the child.
(ii)
Reports or statements of experts made in
connection with the particular case, including results of physical or mental
examinations and of scientific tests, experiments, or comparisons.
(iii)
Any tangible papers or objects which the child
intends to use in the hearing.
(2)
The child shall perform the foregoing obligations in any manner
mutually agreeable to the child and the petitioner or as ordered by the court.
(3)
The filing of a motion for protective order by the petitioner will
automatically stay the times provided for in this subdivision. If a protective order is
granted, the child may, within 2 days thereafter, or at any time before the petitioner
furnishes the information or material which is the subject of the motion for
protective order, withdraw the demand and not be required to furnish reciprocal
discovery.
-93-
(c)
Limitations on Disclosure.
(1)
Upon application, the court may deny or partially restrict
disclosure authorized by this rule if it finds there is a substantial risk to any person
of physical harm, intimidation, bribery, economic reprisals, or unnecessary
annoyance or embarrassment resulting from such disclosure, which outweighs any
usefulness of the disclosure to the party requesting it.
(2)
The following matters shall not be subject to disclosure:
(A)
Disclosure shall not be required of legal research or of
records, correspondence, or memoranda, to the extent that they contain the
opinion, theories, or conclusions of the prosecuting or defense attorney or
members of their legal staff.
(B)
Disclosure of a confidential informant shall not be
required unless the confidential informant is to be produced at a hearing or a failure
to disclose the informant’s identity will infringe upon the constitutional rights of the
child.
(d)
Depositions.
(1)
Time and Location.
(A)
At any time after the filing of the petition alleging a child
to be delinquent, any party may take the deposition upon oral examination of any
person authorized by this rule.
(B)
Depositions of witnesses residing in the county in which
the adjudicatory hearing is to take place shall be taken in the building in which the
adjudicatory hearing is to be held, another location agreed on by the parties, or a
location designated by the court. Depositions of witnesses residing outside the
county in which the adjudicatory hearing is to take place shall take place in a court
reporter’s office in the county and state in which the witness resides, another
location agreed to by the parties, or a location designated by the court.
(2)
Procedure.
-94-
(A)
The party taking the deposition shall give reasonable
written notice to each other party and shall make a good faith effort to coordinate
the date, time, and location of the deposition to accommodate the schedules of
other parties and the witness to be deposed. The notice shall state the time and the
location of the deposition and the name of each person to be examined, and include
a certificate of counsel that a good faith effort was made to coordinate the
deposition schedule.
(B)
Upon application, the court or the clerk of the court may
issue subpoenas for the persons whose depositions are to be taken.
(C)
After notice to the parties the court, for good cause
shown, may change the time or location of the deposition.
(D)
In any case, no person shall be deposed more than once
except by consent of the parties or by order of the court issued on good cause
shown.
(E)
Except as otherwise provided by this rule, the procedure
for taking the deposition, including the scope of the examination and the issuance
of a subpoena (except for a subpoena duces tecum) for deposition by an attorney
of record in the action shall be the same as that provided in the Florida Rules of
Civil Procedure.
(F)
The child, without leave of court, may take the deposition
of any witness listed by the petitioner as a Category A witness or listed by a
codefendant as a witness to be called at a joint hearing. After receipt by the child of
the discovery exhibit, the child, without leave of court, may take the deposition of
any unlisted witness who may have information relevant to the petition’s allegations.
The petitioner, without leave of court, may take the deposition of any witness listed
by the child to be called at a hearing.
(G)
No party may take the deposition of a witness listed by
the petitioner as a Category B witness except upon leave of court with good cause
shown. In determining whether to allow a deposition, the court should consider the
consequences to the child, the complexities of the issues involved, the complexity
-95-
of the testimony of the witness (e.g., experts), and the other opportunities available
to the child to discover the information sought by deposition.
(H)
A witness listed by the petitioner as a Category C witness
shall not be subject to deposition unless the court determines that the witness
should be listed in another category.
(I)
No deposition shall be taken in a case in which a petition
has been filed alleging that the child committed only a misdemeanor or a criminal
traffic offense when all other discovery provided by this rule has been complied
with unless good cause can be shown to the trial court. In determining whether to
allow a deposition, the court should consider the consequences to the child, the
complexity of the issues involved, the complexity of the witness’s testimony (e.g.,
experts), and the other opportunities available to the child to discover the
information sought by deposition. However, this prohibition against the taking of
depositions shall not be applicable if following the furnishing of discovery by the
child the petitioner then takes the statement of a listed defense witness pursuant to
section 27.04, Florida Statutes.
(3)
Use of Deposition. Any deposition taken pursuant to this rule
may be used at any hearing covered by these rules by any party for the purpose of
impeaching the testimony of the deponent as a witness.
(4)
Introduction of Part of Deposition. If only part of a
deposition is offered in evidence by a party, an adverse party may require the
introduction of any other part that in fairness ought to be considered with the part
introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts.
(5)
Sanctions. A witness who refuses to obey a duly served
subpoena for the taking of a deposition may be adjudged in contempt of the court
from which the subpoena issued.
(6)
Physical Presence of Child. The child shall not be physically
present at a deposition except upon stipulation of the parties or as provided by this
rule.
-96-
The court may order the physical presence of the child upon a
showing of good cause. In ruling, the court may consider
(A)
the need for the physical presence of the child to
obtain effective discovery;
(B)
the intimidating effect of the child’s presence on
the witness, if any;
(C)
any cost or inconvenience which may result; and
(D)
any alternative electronic or audio-visual means
available to protect the child’s ability to participate in discovery without the child’s
physical presence.
(7)
Statements of Law Enforcement Officers. Upon stipulation
of the parties and the consent of the witness, the statement of a law enforcement
officer may be taken by telephone in lieu of deposition of the officer. In such case,
the officer need not be under oath. The statement, however, shall be recorded and
may be used for impeachment at trial as a prior inconsistent statement pursuant to
the Florida Evidence Code.
(8)
Depositions of Law Enforcement Officers. Subject to the
general provisions of this rule, law enforcement officers shall appear for deposition,
without subpoena, upon written notice of taking deposition delivered at the address
designated by the law enforcement agency or department or, if no address has been
designated, to the address of the law enforcement agency or department, 5 days
prior to the date of the deposition. Law enforcement officers who fail to appear for
deposition after being served notice are subject to contempt proceedings.
(9)
Videotaped Depositions. Depositions of children under the
age of 16 shall be videotaped upon demand of any party unless otherwise ordered
by the court. The court may order videotaping of a deposition or taking of a
deposition of a witness with fragile emotional strength to be in the presence of the
trial judge or a special mastermagistrate.
-97-
(e)
Perpetuating Testimony.
(1)
After the filing of the petition and upon reasonable notice, any
party may apply for an order to perpetuate testimony of a witness. The application
shall be verified or supported by the affidavits of credible persons, and shall state
that the prospective witness resides beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the court or
may be unable to attend or be prevented from attending the subsequent court
proceedings, or that grounds exist to believe that the witness will absent himself or
herself from the jurisdiction of the court, that the testimony is material, and that it is
necessary to take the deposition to prevent a failure of justice.
(2)
If the application is well founded and timely made, the court
shall order a commission to be issued to take the deposition of the witness to be
used in subsequent court proceedings and that any designated books, papers,
documents, or tangible objects, not privileged, be produced at the same time and
place. The commission may be issued to any official court reporter, whether the
witness be within or without the state, transcribed by the reporter, and filed in the
court. The commission shall state the time and place of the deposition and be
served on all parties.
(3)
No deposition shall be used or read in evidence when the
attendance of the witness can be procured. If it shall appear to the court that any
person whose deposition has been taken has absented himself or herself by
procurement, inducements, or threats by or on behalf of any party, the deposition
shall not be read in evidence on behalf of that party.
(f)
Nontestimonial Discovery. After the filing of the petition, upon
application, and subject to constitutional limitations, the court may with directions
as to time, place, and method, and upon conditions which are just, require:
(1)
the child in all proceedings to:
(A)
appear in a lineup;
(B)
speak for identification by a witness to an offense;
(C)
be fingerprinted;
-98-
(D)
pose for photographs not involving reenactment of a
scene;
(E)
try on articles of clothing;
(F)
permit the taking of specimens of material under the
fingernails;
(G)
permit the taking of samples of blood, hair, and other
materials of the body which involve no unreasonable intrusion thereof;
(H)
provide specimens of handwriting; or
(I)
submit to a reasonable physical or medical inspection of
his or her body; and
(2)
such other discovery as justice may require upon a showing that
such would be relevant or material.
(g)
Court May Alter Times. The court may alter the times for
compliance with any discovery under these rules on good cause shown.
(h)
Supplemental Discovery. If, subsequent to compliance with these
rules, a party discovers additional witnesses, evidence, or material which the party
would have been under a duty to disclose or produce at the time of such previous
compliance, the party shall promptly disclose or produce such witnesses, evidence,
or material in the same manner as required under these rules for initial discovery.
(i)
Investigations Not to Be Impeded. Except as otherwise provided
for matters not subject to disclosure or restricted by protective orders, neither the
counsel for the parties nor other prosecution or defense personnel shall advise
persons having relevant material or information, except for the child, to refrain from
discussing the case with opposing counsel or showing opposing counsel any
relevant material, nor shall they otherwise impede opposing counsel’s investigation
of the case.
(j)
Protective Orders. Upon a showing of good cause, the court shall at
-99-
any time order that specified disclosures be restricted, deferred, or exempted from
discovery, that certain matters are not to be inquired into or that the scope of the
deposition be limited to certain matters, that a deposition be sealed and after being
sealed be opened only by order of the court, or make such other order as is
appropriate to protect a witness from harassment, unnecessary inconvenience, or
invasion of privacy, including prohibiting the taking of a deposition. All material and
information to which a party is entitled, however, must be disclosed in time to
permit such party to make beneficial use of it.
(k)
Motion to Terminate or Limit Examination. At any time during the
taking of a deposition, on motion of a party or of the deponent, and upon a
showing that the examination is being conducted in bad faith or in such manner as
to unreasonably annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, the court in
which the action is pending or the circuit court where the deposition is being taken
may (1) terminate the deposition, (2) limit the scope and manner of the taking of the
deposition, (3) limit the time of the deposition, (4) continue the deposition to a later
time, (5) order the deposition to be taken in open court and, in addition, (6) may
impose any sanction authorized by this rule. If the order terminates the deposition,
it shall be resumed thereafter only upon the order of the court in which the action is
pending. Upon demand of any party or deponent, the taking of the deposition shall
be suspended for the time necessary to make a motion for an order.
(l)
In Camera and Ex Parte Proceedings.
(1)
Any person may move for an order denying or regulating
disclosure of sensitive matters. The court may consider the matters contained in the
motion in camera.
(2)
Upon request, the court shall allow the child to make an ex parte
showing of good cause for taking the deposition of a Category B witness.
(3)
A record shall be made of proceedings authorized under this
subdivision. If the court enters an order granting relief after an in camera inspection
or ex parte showing, the entire record of the proceeding shall be sealed and
preserved in the records of the court, to be made available to the appellate court in
the event of an appeal.
-100-
(m)
Sanctions.
(1)
If at any time during the course of the proceedings it is brought
to the attention of the court that a party has failed to comply with an applicable
discovery rule or with an order issued pursuant to an applicable discovery rule, the
court may:
(A)
order such party to comply with the discovery or
inspection of materials not previously disclosed or produced;
(B)
grant a continuance;
(C)
grant a mistrial;
(D)
prohibit the party from calling a witness not disclosed or
introducing in evidence the material not disclosed; or
(E)
enter such order as it deems just under the circumstances.
(2)
Willful violation by counsel or a party not represented by
counsel of an applicable discovery rule or an order issued pursuant thereto may
subject counsel or a party not represented by counsel to appropriate sanction by
the court. The sanctions may include, but are not limited to, contempt proceedings
against the attorney or party not represented by counsel, as well as the assessment
of costs incurred by the opposing party, when appropriate.
Court Commentary
1996 Amendment. This amendment generally conforms the rule to the 1996
amendment to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.220.
-101-
RULE 8.625.
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR HEARINGS
(a)
Presence of Counsel. The Department of Children and Family
Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice must be represented by an attorney
at every stage of these proceedings when such department is a party.
(b)
Presence of Child. The child shall be present unless the child’s
presence is waived. If the child is present at the beginning of a hearing and during
the progress of the hearing voluntarily absents himself or herself from the presence
of the court without leave of the court, or is removed from the presence of the
court because of disruptive conduct during the hearing, the hearing shall not be
postponed or delayed, but shall proceed in all respects as if the child were present
in court at all times.
(c)
In camera Proceedings. The child may be examined by the court
outside the presence of other parties under circumstances as provided by law. The
court shall assure that the proceedings are recorded unless otherwise stipulated by
the parties.
(d)
Invoking the Rule. Before the examination of any witness the court
may, and on the request of any party shall, exclude all other witnesses. The court
may cause witnesses to be kept separate and to be prevented from communicating
with each other until all are examined.
(e)
Continuances. The court may grant a continuance before or during a
hearing for good cause shown by any party.
(f)
Record. A record of the testimony in all hearings shall be made by an
official court reporter, a court-approved stenographer, or a recording device. The
records of testimony shall be preserved as required by law. Official records of
testimony shall be transcribed only on order of the court.
(g)
Notice. Where these rules do not require a specific notice, all parties
will be given reasonable notice of any hearing.
(h)
MastersMagistrates. Pursuant to the Florida Rules of Civil
Procedure, both general and special mastersmagistrates may be appointed to hear
-102-
issues involved in proceedings under this part.
-103-
RULE 9.190.
JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
(a)
Applicability. Judicial review of administrative action shall be
governed by the general rules of appellate procedure except as specifically
modified herein.
(b)
Commencement.
(1)
An appeal from final agency action as defined in the
Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 120, Florida Statutes, or other administrative
action for which judicial review is provided by general law shall be commenced in
accordance with rule 9.110(c).
(2)
Review of non-final agency action, including non-final action by
an administrative law judge, under the Administrative Procedure Act shall be
commenced by filing a petition for review in accordance with rules 9.100(b) and
(c).
(3)
Review of quasi-judicial decisions of any administrative body,
agency, board, or commission not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act
shall be commenced by filing a petition for certiorari in accordance with rules
9.100(b) and (c), unless judicial review by appeal is provided by general law.
(c)
The Record.
(1)
Generally. As further described in this rule, the record shall
include only materials furnished to and reviewed by the lower tribunal in advance of
the administrative action to be reviewed by the court.
(2)
Review of Final Action Pursuant to the Administrative
Procedure Act.
(A)
In an appeal from any proceeding conducted pursuant to
section 120.56 (rule challenges) or sections 120.569 (decisions which affect
substantial interests) and 120.57(1), Florida Statutes (decisions which affect
substantial interests involving disputed material facts), the record shall consist of all
-104-
notices, pleadings, motions, and intermediate rulings; evidence admitted; those
matters officially recognized; proffers of proof and objections and rulings thereon;
proposed findings and exceptions; any decision, opinion, order, or report by the
presiding officer; all staff memoranda or data submitted to the presiding officer
during the hearing or prior to its disposition, after notice of submission to all
parties, except communications by advisory staff as permitted under section
120.66(1), Florida Statutes, if such communications are public records; all matters
placed on the record after an ex parte communication; and the official transcript.
(B)
In an appeal from any proceeding pursuant to sections
120.569 (decisions which affect substantial interests) and 120.57(2), Florida
Statutes (decisions which affect substantial interests involving no disputed issue of
material fact), the record shall consist of the notice and summary of grounds;
evidence received; all written statements submitted; any decisions overruling
objections; all matters placed on the record after an ex parte communication; the
official transcript; and any decision, opinion, order, or report by the presiding
officer.
(C)
In an appeal from any proceeding pursuant to section
120.565, Florida Statutes (declaratory statements), the record shall consist of the
petition seeking a declaratory statement and any pleadings filed with the agency; all
notices relating to the petition published in the Florida Administrative Weekly; the
declaratory statement issued by the agency or the agency’s denial of the petition;
and all matters listed in subdivision (c)(2)(A) or (c)(2)(B) of this rule, whichever is
appropriate, if a hearing is held on the declaratory statement petition.
(D)
In an appeal from any proceeding pursuant to section
120.574, Florida Statutes (summary proceeding), the record shall consist of all
notices, pleadings, motions, and intermediate rulings; evidence received; a
statement of matters officially recognized; proffers of proof and objections and
rulings thereon; matters placed on the record after an ex parte communication; the
written decision of the administrative law judge presiding at the final hearing; and
the official transcript of the final hearing.
(E)
In an appeal from a rule adoption pursuant to sections
120.54 (rule adoption) and 120.68(9), Florida Statutes, in which the sole issue
presented by the petition is the constitutionality of a rule and there are no disputed
-105-
issues of fact, the record shall consist only of those documents from the
rulemaking record compiled by the agency that materially address the constitutional
issue. The agency’s rulemaking record consists of all notices given for the
proposed rule; any statement of estimated regulatory costs for the rule; a written
summary of hearings on the proposed rule; the written comments and responses to
written comments as required by sections 120.54 (rule adoption) and 120.541,
Florida Statutes (statement of estimated regulatory costs); all notices and findings
made pursuant to section 120.54(4), Florida Statues (adoption of emergency rules);
all materials filed by the agency with the Administrative Procedures Committee
pursuant to section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes (rule adoption procedure); all
materials filed with the Department of State pursuant to section 120.54(3), Florida
Statutes (rule adoption procedure); and all written inquiries from standing
committees of the legislature concerning the rule.
(3)
Review of Non-Final Action Pursuant to the
Administrative Procedure Act. The provisions of rules 9.100 and 9.220 govern
the record in proceedings seeking review of non-final administrative action.
(4)
Review of Administrative Action Not Subject to the
Administrative Procedure Act. In proceedings seeking review of administrative
action not governed by the Administrative Procedure Act, the clerk of the lower
tribunal shall not be required to prepare a record or record index. The petitioner or
appellant shall submit an appendix in accordance with rule 9.220. Supplemental
appendices may be submitted by any party. Appendices may not contain any
matter not made part of the record in the lower tribunal.
(5)
Videotaped Testimony. In any circumstance in which hearing
testimony is preserved through the use of videotape rather than through an official
transcript, the testimony from the videotape shall be transcribed and the transcript
shall be made a part of the record before the record is transmitted to the court.
(6)
Modified Record. The contents of the record may be modified
as provided in rule 9.200(a)(3).
(d)
Attorneys’ Fees.
-106-
(1)
Attorneys’ Fees. A motion for attorneys’ fees may be served
not later than the time for service of the reply brief and shall state the grounds on
which the recovery is sought, citing all pertinent statutes. The assessment of
attorneys’ fees may be remanded to the lower tribunal or the administrative law
judge or referred to a special mastermagistrate.
(2)
Review. Review of orders rendered under this rule shall be by
motion filed in the court within 30 days of the order’s rendition. Review of objec-
tions to reports of special mastersmagistrates shall be on motion filed in the court
within 30 days of the report’s filing.
(e)
Stays Pending Review.
(1)
Effect of Initiating Review. The filing of a notice of
administrative appeal or a petition seeking review of administrative action shall not
operate as a stay, except that such filing shall give rise to an automatic stay as
provided in rule 9.310(b)(2) or when timely review is sought of an award by an
administrative law judge on a claim for birth-related neurological injuries.
(2)
Application for Stay Under the Administrative Procedure
Act.
(A)
A party seeking to stay administrative action may file a
motion either with the lower tribunal or, for good cause shown, with the court in
which the notice or petition has been filed. The filing of the motion shall not operate
as a stay. The lower tribunal or court may grant a stay upon appropriate terms.
Review of orders entered by lower tribunals shall be by the court on motion.
(B)
When an agency has ordered emergency suspension,
restriction, or limitation of a license under section 120.60(6), Florida Statutes, a
licensee may file with the reviewing court a motion for stay on an expedited basis.
The court may issue an order to show cause and, after considering the agency’s
response, if timely filed, grant a stay on appropriate terms.
(C)
When an agency has suspended or revoked a license
other than on an emergency basis, a licensee may file with the reviewing court a
-107-
motion for stay on an expedited basis. Unless the agency files with the court within
10 days thereafter or within a shorter time period set by the court a response
demonstrating that a stay would constitute a probable danger to the health, safety,
or welfare of the state, the court shall issue a stay.
(D)
When an order suspending or revoking a license has been
stayed pursuant to subdivision (2)(C), an agency may apply to the court for dis-
solution or modification of the stay on grounds that subsequently acquired
information demonstrates that failure to dissolve or modify the stay would consti-
tute a probable danger to the public health, safety, or welfare of the state.
(3)
Application for Stay or Supersedeas of Other
Administrative Action. A party seeking to stay administrative action, not
governed by the Administrative Procedure Act, 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. Review of orders entered by
lower tribunals shall be by the court on motion.
(4)
Duration. A stay entered by a lower tribunal or a court shall
remain in effect during the pendency of all review proceedings in Florida courts
until a mandate issues, unless otherwise modified or vacated.
Committee Notes
1996 Amendment. Appeals which fall within the exception included in
subdivision (b)(3) are commenced in accordance with subdivision (b)(1).
Therefore, administrative action by appeal in a circuit court, if prescribed by
general law, is commenced pursuant to subdivision (b)(1). Unless review of
administrative action in circuit court is prescribed by general law to be by appeal,
review in circuit court is by petition for an extraordinary writ commenced pursuant
to subdivision (b)(3). See Board of County Commissioners v. Snyder, 627 So.2d
469 (Fla. 1993); Grace v. Town of Palm Beach, 656 So.2d 945 (Fla. 4th DCA
1995). Subdivision (b)(3) supersedes all local government charters, ordinances,
rules and regulations which purport to provide a method of review in conflict
herewith.
-108-
Subdivision (c) was adopted to identify more clearly what constitutes the
record in appeals from administrative proceedings. Several sections of the Florida
Administrative Procedure Act, as revised in 1996, specifically state what shall
constitute the record in certain types of proceedings, and this rule incorporates that
statutory language. The rule makes clear that the record shall include only materials
that were furnished to and reviewed by the lower tribunal in advance of the
administrative action to be reviewed. The intent of this statement is to avoid the
inclusion of extraneous materials in the record that were never reviewed by the
lower tribunal.
Subdivision (c)(2)(A) is based on provisions of section 120.57(1)(f), Florida
Statutes. This subdivision of the rule governs the record from proceedings
conducted pursuant to section 120.56 and sections 120.569 and 120.57(1), Florida
Statutes. This is because section 120.56(1)(e), Florida Statutes, states that hearings
under section 120.56, Florida Statutes, shall be conducted in the same manner as
provided by sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes.
Subdivision (c)(2)(B) lists the provisions of section 120.57(2)(b), Florida
Statutes. Subdivision (c)(2)(B)(vii), which refers to “any decision, opinion, order,
or report by the presiding officer,” was added by the committee to the list of
statutory requirements.
Subdivision (c)(2)(C) addresses the record on appeal from declaratory
statement requests pursuant to section 120.565, while subdivision (c)(2)(D) lists the
provisions of section 120.574(2)(d), Florida Statutes. Subdivision (c)(2)(E) of the
rule addresses proceedings governed by sections 120.54 and 120.68(9), Florida
Statutes. The definition of the rulemaking record tracks language in section
120.54(8), Florida Statutes.
Subdivision (c)(3) makes clear that rules 9.100 and 9.220 govern the record
in proceedings seeking review of non-final administrative action, while subdivision
(c)(4) governs the record in administrative proceedings not subject to the
Administrative Procedure Act.
Subdivision (c)(5) states that if videotape is used to preserve hearing
testimony, the videotape shall be transcribed before the record is transmitted to the
-109-
court.
Subdivision (d) was adopted to conform to the 1996 revisions to the
Administrative Procedure Act. Recoupment of costs is still governed by rule 9.400.
2000 Amendment. Subdivision (e) was added to address stays pending
judicial review of administrative action. Ordinarily, application for a stay must first
be made to the lower tribunal, but some agencies have collegial heads who meet
only occasionally. If a party can show good cause for applying initially to the court
for a stay, it may do so. When an appeal has been taken from a license suspension
or revocation under the Administrative Procedure Act, good cause for not applying
first to the lower tribunal is presumed.
Subdivision (e)(2)(B) deals with stays of orders which suspend licenses on
an emergency basis. Before entering an emergency suspension order, the agency
must make a finding that immediate suspension is necessary to protect the public
health, safety, or welfare. § 120.60(6), Fla. Stat. (1999). In effect, the agency makes
a finding that would be sufficient to defeat issuance of the “stay as a matter of
right” contemplated by section 120.68(3), Florida Statutes. The agency’s finding is
subject to judicial review, however, on application for a stay under subdivision
(e)(2)(B).
Absent an emergency suspension order, the court grants a stay as of right in
Administrative Procedure Act license suspension and revocation cases unless the
licensing agency makes a timely showing that a stay “would constitute a probable
danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the state.” § 120.68(3), Fla. Stat. (1999).
The court can shorten the 10 day period specified in subdivision (e)(2)(c). If the
court stays a nonemergency suspension or revocation, the licensing agency can
move to modify or dissolve the stay on the basis of material information that comes
to light after the stay is issued.
Nothing in subdivision (e) precludes licensing agencies from making
suspension or revocation orders effective 30 days after entry, granting stays
pending judicial review, or taking other steps to implement section 120.68(3),
Florida Statutes.
-110-
RULE 9.200.
THE RECORD
(a)
Contents.
(1)
Except as otherwise designated by the parties, the record shall
consist of the original documents, exhibits, and transcript(s) of proceedings, if any,
filed in the lower tribunal, except summonses, praecipes, subpoenas, returns,
notices of hearing or of taking deposition, depositions, other discovery, and
physical evidence. The record shall also include a progress docket.
(2)
In family law cases the record shall include those items
designated in subdivision (a)(1) except that the clerk of the lower tribunal shall
retain the original orders, reports and recommendations of mastersmagistrates or
hearing officers, and judgments within the file of the lower tribunal and shall include
copies thereof within the record.
(3)
Within 10 days of filing the notice of appeal, an appellant may
direct the clerk to include or exclude other documents or exhibits filed in the lower
tribunal. The directions shall be substantially in the form prescribed by rule
9.900(f). If the clerk is directed to transmit less than the entire record or a transcript
of trial with less than all of the testimony, the appellant shall serve with such
direction a statement of the judicial acts to be reviewed. Within 20 days of filing the
notice, an appellee may direct the clerk to include additional documents and
exhibits.
(4)
The parties may prepare a stipulated statement showing how the
issues to be presented arose and were decided in the lower tribunal, attaching a
copy of the order to be reviewed and as much of the record in the lower tribunal as
is necessary to a determination of the issues to be presented. The parties shall
advise the clerk of their intention to rely on a stipulated statement in lieu of the
record as early in advance of filing as possible. The stipulated statement shall be
filed by the parties and transmitted to the court by the clerk of the lower tribunal
within the time prescribed for transmittal of the record.
(b)
Transcript(s) of Proceedings.
(1)
Within 10 days of filing the notice, the appellant shall designate
-111-
those portions of the proceedings not on file deemed necessary for transcription
and inclusion in the record. Within 20 days of filing the notice, an appellee may
designate additional portions of the proceedings. Copies of designations shall be
served on the court reporter. Costs of the original and all copies of the transcript(s)
so designated shall be borne initially by the designating party, subject to appropriate
taxation of costs as prescribed by rule 9.400. At the time of the designation, unless
other satisfactory arrangements have been made, the designating party must make a
deposit of 1/2 of the estimated transcript costs, and must pay the full balance of the
fee on delivery of the completed transcript(s).
(2)
Within 30 days of service of a designation, or within the
additional time provided for under subdivision (b)(3) of this rule, the court reporter
shall transcribe and deliver to the clerk of the lower tribunal the designated
proceedings and shall furnish copies as requested in the designation. If a
designating party directs the court reporter to furnish the transcript(s) to fewer than
all parties, that designating party shall serve a copy of the designated transcript(s)
on the parties within 5 days of receipt from the court reporter. The transcript of the
trial shall be securely bound in consecutively numbered volumes not to exceed 200
pages each, and each page shall be numbered consecutively. Each volume shall be
prefaced by an index containing the names of the witnesses, a list of all exhibits
offered and introduced in evidence, and the pages where each may be found.
(3)
On service of a designation, the reporter shall acknowledge at
the foot of the designation the fact that it has been received and the date on which
the reporter expects to have the transcript(s) completed and shall transmit the
designation, so endorsed, to the parties and to the clerk of the appellate court
within 5 days of service. If the transcript(s) cannot be completed within 30 days of
service of the designation, the reporter shall request such additional time as is
reasonably necessary and shall state the reasons therefor. If the reporter requests an
extension of time, the court shall allow the parties 5 days in which to object or
agree. The appellate court shall approve the request or take other appropriate action
and shall notify the reporter and the parties of the due date of the transcript(s).
(4)
If no report of the proceedings was made, or if the transcript is
unavailable, the appellant may prepare a statement of the evidence or proceedings
from the best available means, including the appellant’s recollection. The statement
shall be served on the appellee, who may serve objections or proposed amend-
ments to it within 10 days of service. Thereafter, the statement and any objections
-112-
or proposed amendments shall be submitted to the lower tribunal for settlement and
approval. As settled and approved, the statement shall be included by the clerk of
the lower tribunal in the record.
(c)
Cross-Appeals. Within 20 days of filing the notice, a cross-appellant
may direct that additional documents, exhibits, or transcript(s) be included in the
record. If less than the entire record is designated, the cross-appellant shall serve,
with the directions, a statement of the judicial acts to be reviewed. The cross-
appellee shall have 10 days after such service to direct further additions. The time
for preparation and transmittal of the record shall be extended by 10 days.
(d)
Duties of Clerk; Preparation and Transmittal of Record.
(1)
The clerk of the lower tribunal shall prepare the record as
follows:
(A)
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 incorporated at the end of the record, and shall
not be renumbered by the clerk. The progress docket shall be incorporated into the
record immediately after the index.
(B)
The remainder of the record, including all supplements
and any transcripts other than the transcript of the trial, shall be consecutively
numbered. The record shall be securely bound in consecutively numbered volumes
not to exceed 200 pages each. The cover sheet of each volume shall contain the
name of the lower tribunal and the style and number of the case.
(2)
The clerk of the lower tribunal shall prepare a complete index to
the record and shall attach a copy of the progress docket to the index.
(3)
The clerk of the lower tribunal shall certify and transmit the
record to the court as prescribed by these rules; provided that if the parties
stipulate or the lower tribunal orders that the original record be retained, the clerk
shall prepare and transmit a certified copy.
(e)
Duties of Appellant or Petitioner. The burden to ensure that the
-113-
record is prepared and transmitted in accordance with these rules shall be on the
petitioner or appellant. Any party may enforce the provisions of this rule by motion.
(f)
Correcting and Supplementing Record.
(1)
If there is an error or omission in the record, the parties by
stipulation, the lower tribunal before the record is transmitted, or the court may
correct the record.
(2)
If the court finds the record is incomplete, it shall direct a party
to supply the omitted parts of the record. No proceeding shall be determined,
because of an incomplete record, until an opportunity to supplement the record has
been given.
(g)
Return of Record. In civil cases, the record shall be returned to the
lower tribunal after final disposition by the court.
Committee Notes
1977 Amendment. This rule replaces former rule 3.6 and represents a
complete revision of the matters pertaining to the record for an appellate
proceeding. References in this rule to “appellant” and “appellee” should be treated
as equivalent to “petitioner” and “respondent,” respectively. See Commentary, Fla.
R. App. P. 9.020. This rule is based in part on Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure
10(b).
Subdivision (a)(1) establishes the content of the record unless an appellant
within 10 days of filing the notice directs the clerk to exclude portions of the record
or to include additional portions, or the appellee within 20 days of the notice being
filed directs inclusion of additional portions. In lieu of a record, the parties may
prepare a stipulated statement, attaching a copy of the order that is sought to be
reviewed and essential portions of the record. If a stipulated statement is prepared,
the parties must advise the clerk not to prepare the record. The stipulated statement
is to be filed and transmitted within the time prescribed for transmittal of the record.
If less than a full record is to be used, the initiating party must serve a statement of
the judicial acts to be reviewed so that the opposing party may determine whether
additional portions of the record are required. Such a statement is not intended to
-114-
be the equivalent of assignments of error under former rule 3.5. Any inadequacy in
the statement may be cured by motion to supplement the record under subdivision
(f) of this rule.
Subdivision (a) interacts with subdivision (b) so that as soon as the notice is
filed the clerk of the lower tribunal will prepare and transmit the complete record of
the case as described by the rule. To include in the record any of the items
automatically omitted, a party must designate the items desired. A transcript of the
proceedings in the lower tribunal will not be prepared or transmitted unless already
filed, or the parties designate the portions of the transcript desired to be
transmitted. Subdivision (b)(2) imposes on the reporter an affirmative duty to
prepare the transcript of the proceedings as soon as designated. It is intended that
to complete the preparation of all official papers to be filed with the court, the
appellant need only file the notice, designate omitted portions of the record that are
desired, and designate the desired portions of the transcript. It therefore will be
unnecessary to file directions with the clerk of the lower tribunal in most cases.
Subdivision (b)(1) replaces former rule 3.6(d)(2), and specifically requires
service of the designation on the court reporter. This is intended to avoid delays
that sometimes occur when a party files the designation, but fails to notify the court
reporter that a transcript is needed. The rule also establishes the responsibility of
the designating party to initially bear the cost of the transcript.
Subdivision (b)(2) replaces former rule 3.6(e). This rule provides for the
form of the transcript, and imposes on the reporter the affirmative duty of
delivering copies of the transcript to the ordering parties on request. Such a request
may be included in the designation. Under subdivision (e), however, the responsi-
bility for ensuring performance remains with the parties. The requirement that pages
be consecutively numbered is new and is deemed necessary to assure continuity
and ease of reference for the convenience of the court. This requirement applies
even if 2 or more parties designate portions of the proceedings for transcription. It
is intended that the transcript portions transmitted to the court constitute a single
consecutively numbered document in 1 or more volumes not exceeding 200 pages
each. If there is more than 1 court reporter, the clerk will renumber the pages of the
transcript copies so that they are sequential. The requirement of a complete index at
the beginning of each volume is new, and is necessary to standardize the format
and to guide those preparing transcripts.
-115-
Subdivision (b)(3) provides the procedures to be followed if no transcript is
available.
Subdivision (c) provides the procedures to be followed if there is a cross-
appeal or cross-petition.
Subdivision (d) sets forth the manner in which the clerk of the lower tribunal
is to prepare the record. The original record is to be transmitted unless the parties
stipulate or the lower court orders the original be retained, except that under rule
9.140(d) (governing criminal cases), the original is to be retained unless the court
orders otherwise.
Subdivision (e) places the burden of enforcement of this rule on the appellant
or petitioner, but any party may move for an order requiring adherence to the rule.
Subdivision (f) replaces former rule 3.6(l). The new rule is intended to ensure
that appellate proceedings will be decided on their merits and that no showing of
good cause, negligence, or accident is required before the lower tribunal or the
court orders the completion of the record. This rule is intended to ensure that any
portion of the record in the lower tribunal that is material to a decision by the court
will be available to the court. It is specifically intended to avoid those situations that
have occurred in the past when an order has been affirmed because appellate
counsel failed to bring up the portions of the record necessary to determine
whether there was an error. See Pan American Metal Prods. Co. v. Healy, 138
So.2d 96 (Fla. 3d DCA 1962). The rule is not intended to cure inadequacies in the
record that result from the failure of a party to make a proper record during the
proceedings in the lower tribunal. The purpose of the rule is to give the parties an
opportunity to have the appellate proceedings decided on the record developed in
the lower tribunal. This rule does not impose on the lower tribunal or the court a
duty to review on their own the adequacy of the preparation of the record. A failure
to supplement the record after notice by the court may be held against the party at
fault.
Subdivision (g) requires that the record in civil cases be returned to the lower
tribunal after final disposition by the court regardless of whether the original record
or a copy was used. The court may retain or return the record in criminal cases
according to its internal administration policies.
-116-
1980 Amendment. Subdivisions (b)(1) and (b)(2) were amended to specify
that the party designating portions of the transcript for inclusion in the record on
appeal shall pay for the cost of transcription and shall pay for and furnish a copy of
the portions designated for all opposing parties. See rule 9.420(b) and 1980
committee note thereto relating to limitations of number of copies.
1987 Amendment. Subdivision (b)(3) above is patterned after Federal Rule
of Appellate Procedure 11(b).
1992 Amendment. Subdivisions (b)(2), (d)(1)(A), and (d)(1)(B) were
amended to standardize the lower court clerk’s procedure with respect to the
placement and pagination of the transcript in the record on appeal. This amendment
places the duty of paginating the transcript on the court reporter and requires the
clerk to include the transcript at the end of the record, without repagination.
1996 Amendment. Subdivision (a)(2) was added because family law cases
frequently have continuing activity at the lower tribunal level during the pendency of
appellate proceedings and that continued activity may be hampered by the absence
of orders being enforced during the pendency of the appeal.
Subdivision (b)(2) was amended to change the wording in the third sentence
from “transcript of proceedings” to “transcript of the trial” to be consistent with
and to clarify the requirement in subdivision (d)(1)(B) that it is only the transcript of
trial that is not to be renumbered by the clerk. Pursuant to subdivision (d)(1)(B), it
remains the duty of the clerk to consecutively number transcripts other than the
transcript of the trial. Subdivision (b)(2) retains the requirement that the court
reporter is to number each page of the transcript of the trial consecutively, but it is
the committee’s view that if the consecutive pagination requirement is impracticable
or becomes a hardship for the court reporting entity, relief may be sought from the
court.
-117-
RULE 12.015.
FAMILY LAW FORMS
(a)
Forms Adopted as Rules. The forms listed in this rule shall be
adopted by the rulemaking process in Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.130. The Family Law
Rules Committee of The Florida Bar shall propose amendments to these forms and
any associated instructions. These forms shall be designated “Florida Family Law
Rules of Procedure Forms.” Forms coming under this provision are:
(1)
12.900(a), Disclosure From Nonlawyer;
(2)
12.900(b), Notice of Limited Appearance;
(3)
12.900(c), Consent to Limited Appearance by Attorney;
(4)
12.900(d), Termination of Limited Appearance;
(5)
12.900(e), Acknowledgment of Assistance by Attorney;
(6)
12.900(f), Signature Block for Attorney Making Limited
Appearance;
(7)
12.901(a), Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage;
(8)
12.902(b), Family Law Financial Affidavit (Short Form);
(9)
12.902(c), Family Law Financial Affidavit;
(10)
12.902(e), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet;
(11)
12.902(f)(3), Marital Settlement Agreement for Simplified
Dissolution of Marriage;
(12)
12.910(a), Summons: Personal Service on an Individual;
(13)
12.913(b), Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry;
(14)
12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General MasterMagistrate;
-118-
(15)
12.920(b), Order of Referral to General MasterMagistrate;
(16)
12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General MasterMagistrate;
(17)
12.930(a), Notice of Service of Standard Family Law
Interrogatories;
(18)
12.930(b), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for Original or
Enforcement Proceedings;
(19)
12.930(c), Standard Family Law Interrogatories for
Modification Proceedings;
(20)
12.932, Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure;
and
(21)
12.990(a), Final Judgment of Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.
(b)
Other Family Law Forms. All additional Supreme Court approved
forms shall be adopted by opinion of the Supreme Court of Florida and outside of
the rulemaking procedures required by rule 2.130. These forms shall be designated
“Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms.”
Commentary
2000 Adoption. To help the many people in family law court cases who do
not have attorneys to represent them (pro se litigants), the Florida Supreme Court
added simplified forms and directions to the Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure when adopting the rules in 1995. These forms initially had been adopted
by the Court in Family Law Rules of Procedure, 663 So.2d 1049 (Fla. 1995); In re
Petition for Approval of Forms Pursuant to Rule 10-1.1(b) of the Rules
Regulating the Florida Bar - - Stepparent Adoption Forms, 613 So.2d 900 (Fla.
1992), and Rules Regulating The Florida Bar - - Approval of Forms, 581 So.2d
902 (Fla. 1991).
In 1997, in an effort to fulfill the spirit of the Court's directives to simplify the
process of litigation in family law matters, the Family Court Steering Committee
-119-
completely revised the existing forms and added new forms and instructions. The
rules and forms then constituted more than 500 pages.
This rule was adopted in recognition that the forms would require continuous
updating and that the rulemaking process was too cumbersome for such an
undertaking.  
-120-
RULE 12.200.
CASE MANAGEMENT AND PRETRIAL
CONFERENCES
(a)
Case Management Conference.
(1)
Family Law Proceedings, Generally. A case management
conference may be ordered by the court at any time on the court’s initiative. A
party may request a case management conference 30 days after service of a petition
or complaint. At such a conference the court may:
(A)
schedule or reschedule the service of motions, pleadings,
and other papers;
(B)
set or reset the time of trials, subject to rule 12.440;
(C)
coordinate the progress of the action if complex litigation
factors are present;
(D)
limit, schedule, order, or expedite discovery;
(E)
schedule disclosure of expert witnesses and the discovery
of facts known and opinions held by such experts;
(F)
schedule or hear motions related to admission or
exclusion of evidence;
(G)
pursue the possibilities of settlement;
(H)
require filing of preliminary stipulations if issues can be
narrowed;
(I)
refer issues to a mastermagistrate for findings of fact, if
consent is obtained as provided in rules 12.490 and 12.492 and if no significant
history of domestic, repeat, or dating violence that would compromise the process
is involved in the case;
(J)
refer the parties to mediation if no significant history of
domestic, repeat, or dating violence that would compromise the mediation process
-121-
is involved in the case and consider allocation of expenses related to the referral; or
refer the parties to counseling if no significant history of domestic, repeat, or dating
violence that would compromise the process is involved in the case and consider
allocation of expenses related to the referral;
(K)
coordinate voluntary binding arbitration consistent with
Florida law if no significant history of domestic, repeat, or dating violence that
would compromise the process is involved in the case;
(L)
appoint court experts and allocate the expenses for the
appointments;
(M)
refer the cause for a home study or psychological
evaluation and allocate the initial expense for that study;
(N)
appoint an attorney or guardian ad litem for a minor child
or children if required and allocate the expense of the appointment; and
(O)
schedule other conferences or determine other matters
that may aid in the disposition of the action.
(2)
Adoption Proceedings. A case management conference shall
be ordered by the court within 60 days of the filing of a petition when
(A)
there is a request for a waiver of consent to a termination
of parental rights of any person required to consent by section 63.062, Florida
Statutes;
(B)
notice of the hearing on the petition to terminate parental
rights pending adoption is not being afforded a person whose consent is required
but who has not consented;
(C)
there is an objection to venue, which was made after the
waiver of venue was signed;
(D)
an intermediary, attorney, or agency is seeking fees,
costs, or other expenses in excess of those provided under section 63.097 or
63.212(5), Florida Statutes;
-122-
(E)
an affidavit of diligent search and inquiry is filed in lieu of
personal service under section 63.088(4), Florida Statutes; or
(F)
the court is otherwise aware that any person having
standing objects to the termination of parental rights pending adoption.
(b)
Pretrial Conference. After the action is at issue the court itself may
or shall on the timely motion of any party require the parties to appear for a
conference to consider and determine:
(1)
proposed stipulations and the simplification of the issues;
(2)
the necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings;
(3)
the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of documents
that will avoid unnecessary proof;
(4)
the limitation of the number of expert witnesses; and
(5)
any matters permitted under subdivision (a) of this rule.
(c)
Notice. Reasonable notice shall be given for a case management
conference, and 20 days’ notice shall be given for a pretrial conference. On failure
of a party to attend a conference, the court may dismiss the action, strike the
pleadings, limit proof or witnesses, or take any other appropriate action. Any
documents that the court requires for any conference shall be specified in the order.
Orders setting pretrial conferences shall be uniform throughout the territorial
jurisdiction of the court.
(d)
Case Management and Pretrial Order. The court shall make an
order reciting the action taken at a conference and any stipulations made. The order
shall control the subsequent course of the action unless modified to prevent
injustice.
Commentary
1995 Adoption. This rule addresses issues raised by decisions such as
-123-
Dralus v. Dralus, 627 So.2d 505 (Fla. 2d DCA 1993); Wrona v. Wrona, 592
So.2d 694 (Fla. 2d DCA 1991); and Katz v. Katz, 505 So.2d 25 (Fla. 4th DCA
1987), regarding the cost of marital litigation. This rule provides an orderly method
for the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of issues and promotes
amicable resolution of disputes.
This rule replaces and substantially expands Florida Rule of Civil Procedure
1.200 as it pertained to family law matters. Under this rule, a court may convene a
case management conference at any time and a party may request a case
management conference 30 days after service of a petition or complaint. The court
may consider the following additional items at the conference: motions related to
admission or exclusion of evidence, referral of issues to a master if consent is
obtained pursuant to the rules, referral of the parties to mediation, referral of the
parties to counseling, coordination of voluntary binding arbitration, appointment of
court experts, referral of the cause for a home study psychological evaluation, and
appointment of an attorney or guardian ad litem for a minor child.
Committee Note
1997 Amendment. In In re Adoption of Baby E.A.W., 658 So.2d 961 (Fla.
1995), and other cases involving protracted adoption litigation, it becomes clear
that the earlier the issue of notice is decided by the court, the earlier the balance of
the issues can be litigated. Because both parents’ constitutional standing and
guarantees of due process require notice and an opportunity to be heard, this rule
amendment will help solve the problems of adoption litigation lasting until a child’s
third, fourth, or even fifth birthday. Furthermore, this rule will encourage both
parents to be more candid with intermediaries and attorneys involved in the
adoption process.
In E.A.W., 658 So.2d at 979, Justice Kogan, concurring in part and
dissenting in part, stated: “I personally urge the Family Law Rules Committee . . .
to study possible methods of expediting review of disputes between biological and
adoptive parents.” This rule expedites resolution of preliminary matters concerning
due process in difficult adoption disputes. This rule also mandates early
consideration of the child’s rights to due process at early stages of adoption
litigation.
Noncompliance with subdivision (a)(2) of this rule shall not invalidate an
-124-
otherwise valid adoption.
-125-
RULE 12.490.
GENERAL MASTERSMAGISTRATES
(a)
General MastersMagistrates. Judges of the circuit court may
appoint as many general mastersmagistrates from among the members of The
Florida Bar in the circuit as the judges find necessary, and the general
mastersmagistrates shall continue in office until removed by the court. The order
making an appointment shall be recorded. Every person appointed as a general
mastermagistrate shall take the oath required of officers by the constitution and the
oath shall be recorded before the mastermagistrate discharges any duties of that
office.
(b)
Reference.
(1)
No matter shall be heard by a general mastermagistrate without
an appropriate order of reference and the consent to the referral of all parties.
Consent, as defined in this rule, to a specific referral, once given, cannot be
withdrawn without good cause shown before the hearing on the merits of the matter
referred. Consent may be express or may be implied in accordance with the
requirements of this rule.
(A)
A written objection to the referral to a general
mastermagistrate must be filed within 10 days of the service of the order of referral.
(B)
If the time set for the hearing is less than 10 days after
service of the order of referral, the objection must be filed before commencement
of the hearing.
(C)
If the order of referral is served within the first 20 days
after the service of the initial process, the time to file an objection is extended to the
time within which to file a responsive pleading.
(D)
Failure to file a written objection within the applicable
time period is deemed to be consent to the order of referral.
(2)
The order of referral shall be in substantial conformity with
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), and shall contain the
following language in bold type:
-126-
A REFERRAL TO A GENERAL
MASTERMAGISTRATE REQUIRES THE CONSENT
OF ALL PARTIES. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO HAVE
THIS MATTER HEARD BEFORE A JUDGE. IF YOU
DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD
BEFORE THE GENERAL MASTERMAGISTRATE,
YOU MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE
REFERRAL WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE TIME OF
SERVICE OF THIS ORDER. IF THE TIME SET FOR
THE HEARING IS LESS THAN 10 DAYS AFTER
THE SERVICE OF THIS ORDER, THE OBJECTION
MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE HEARING. IF THIS
ORDER IS SERVED WITHIN THE FIRST 20 DAYS
AFTER SERVICE OF PROCESS, THE TIME TO
FILE AN OBJECTION IS EXTENDED TO THE TIME
WITHIN WHICH A RESPONSIVE PLEADING IS
DUE. FAILURE TO FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION
WITHIN THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD IS
DEEMED TO BE A CONSENT TO THE REFERRAL.
REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND REC-
OMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE GENERAL
MASTERMAGISTRATE SHALL BE BY
EXCEPTIONS AS PROVIDED IN RULE 12.490(f),
FLA. FAM. L. R. P. A RECORD, WHICH INCLUDES
A TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS, MAY BE
REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE EXCEPTIONS.
(3)
The order of referral shall state with specificity the matter or
matters being referred and the name of the general mastermagistrate to whom the
matter is referred. The order of referral also shall state whether electronic recording
or a court reporter is provided by the court, or whether a court reporter, if desired,
must be provided by the litigants.
(4)
When a reference is made to a general mastermagistrate, any
party or the general mastermagistrate may set the action for hearing.
(c)
General Powers and Duties. Every general mastermagistrate shall
-127-
perform all of the duties that pertain to the office according to the practice in
chancery and rules of court and under the direction of the court except those duties
related to domestic, repeat, and dating violence. A general mastermagistrate shall be
empowered to administer oaths and conduct hearings, which may include the taking
of evidence. All grounds for disqualification of a judge shall apply to general
mastersmagistrates.
(d)
Hearings.
(1)
The general mastermagistrate shall assign a time and place for
proceedings as soon as reasonably possible after the reference is made and give
notice to each of the parties either directly or by directing counsel to file and serve
a notice of hearing. If any party fails to appear, the general mastermagistrate may
proceed ex parte or may adjourn the proceeding to a future day, giving notice to the
absent party of the adjournment. The general mastermagistrate shall proceed with
reasonable diligence in every reference and with the least delay practicable. Any
party may apply to the court for an order to the general mastermagistrate to speed
the proceedings and to make the report and to certify to the court the reason for
any delay.
(2)
The general mastermagistrate shall take testimony and establish a
record which may be by electronic means as provided by Florida Rule of Judicial
Administration 2.070(g)(3) or by a court reporter. The parties may not waive this
requirement.
(3)
The general mastermagistrate shall have authority to examine
under oath the parties and all witnesses upon all matters contained in the reference,
to require production of all books, papers, writings, vouchers, and other
documents applicable to it, and to examine on oath orally all witnesses produced
by the parties. The general mastermagistrate may take all actions concerning
evidence that can be taken by the circuit court and in the same manner. The general
mastermagistrate shall have the same powers as a circuit judge to utilize
communications equipment as defined and regulated by Florida Rule of Judicial
Administration 2.071.
(4)
The notice or order setting the cause for hearing shall be in
substantial conformity with Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form
12.920(c) and shall contain the following language in bold type:
-128-
SHOULD YOU WISH TO SEEK REVIEW OF THE
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION MADE BY THE
GENERAL MASTERMAGISTRATE, YOU MUST
FILE EXCEPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE
12.490(f), FLA. FAM. L. R. P. YOU WILL BE RE-
QUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A
RECORD SUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT YOUR
EXCEPTIONS OR YOUR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE
DENIED. A RECORD ORDINARILY INCLUDES A
WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF ALL RELEVANT PRO-
CEEDINGS. THE PERSON SEEKING REVIEW
MUST HAVE THE TRANSCRIPT PREPARED IF
NECESSARY FOR THE COURT’S REVIEW.
(5)
The notice or order setting a matter for hearing shall state
whether electronic recording or a court reporter is provided by the court. If the
court provides electronic recording, the notice also shall state that any party may
provide a court reporter at that party’s expense.
(e)
General Master’sMagistrate’s Report. The general
mastermagistrate shall file a report that includes findings of fact and conclusions of
law, together with recommendations. If a court reporter was present, the report
shall contain the name and address of the reporter.
(f)
Filing Report; Notice; Exceptions. The general mastermagistrate
shall file the report and recommendations and serve copies on all parties. The
parties may serve exceptions to the report within 10 days from the time it is served
on them. Any party may file cross-exceptions within 5 days from the service of the
exceptions, provided, however, that the filing of cross-exceptions shall not delay
the hearing on the exceptions unless good cause is shown. If no exceptions are
filed within that period, the court shall take appropriate action on the report. If
exceptions are filed, they shall be heard on reasonable notice by either party or the
court.
(g)
Record. For the purpose of the hearing on exceptions, a record,
substantially in conformity with this rule, shall be provided to the court by the party
seeking review if necessary for the court’s review.
-129-
(1)
The record shall consist of the court file, including the transcript
of the relevant proceedings before the general mastermagistrate and all depositions
and evidence presented to the general mastermagistrate.
(2)
The transcript of all relevant proceedings, if any, shall be
delivered to the judge and provided to all other parties not less than 48 hours before
the hearing on exceptions. If less than a full transcript of the proceedings taken
before the general mastermagistrate is ordered prepared by the excepting party, that
party shall promptly file a notice setting forth the portions of the transcript that have
been ordered. The responding parties shall be permitted to designate any additional
portions of the transcript necessary to the adjudication of the issues raised in the
exceptions or cross-exceptions.
(3)
The cost of the original and all copies of the transcript of the
proceedings shall be borne initially by the party seeking review, subject to
appropriate assessment of suit monies. Should any portion of the transcript be
required as a result of a designation filed by the responding party, the party making
the designation shall bear the initial cost of the additional transcript.
Commentary
1995 Adoption. This rule is a modification of Florida Rule of Civil
Procedure 1.490. That rule governed the appointment of both general and special
masters. The appointment of special masters is now governed by Florida Family
Law Rule of Procedure 12.492. This rule is intended to clarify procedures that were
required under rule 1.490, and it creates additional procedures. The use of general
masters should be implemented only when such use will reduce costs and expedite
cases in accordance with Dralus v. Dralus, 627 So.2d 505 (Fla. 2d DCA 1993),
Wrona v. Wrona, 592 So.2d 694 (Fla. 2d DCA 1991), and Katz v. Katz, 505
So.2d 25 (Fla. 4th DCA 1987).
Committee Note
2004 Amendment. In accordance with Chapter 2004-11, Laws of Florida,
all references to general master were changed to general magistrate.
-130-
RULE 12.492.
SPECIAL MASTERSMAGISTRATES
(a)
Special MastersMagistrates. The court may appoint members of
The Florida Bar as special mastersmagistrates for any particular service required by
the court in a family law matter other than those involving domestic and repeat
violence. The special mastersmagistrates shall be governed by all the provisions of
law and rules relating to general mastersmagistrates except as otherwise provided
by this rule. Additionally, they shall not be required to make oath or give bond
unless specifically required by the order appointing them. Upon a showing that the
appointment is advisable, a person other than a member of The Florida Bar may be
appointed.
(b)
Reference. No reference shall be to a special mastermagistrate
without the express prior consent of the parties, except that the court upon good
cause shown and without consent of the parties may appoint an attorney as a
special mastermagistrate to preside over depositions and rule upon objections.
(c)
General Powers and Duties. Every special mastermagistrate shall
perform all of the duties that pertain to the office according to the practice in
chancery and rules of court and under the direction of the court. Hearings before
any special mastermagistrate shall be held in the county where the action is pending,
but hearings may be held at any place by order of the court within or without the
state to meet the convenience of the witnesses or the parties. All grounds for dis-
qualification of a judge shall apply to special mastersmagistrates.
(d)
Bond. When not otherwise provided by law, the court may require
special mastersmagistrates who are appointed to dispose of real or personal
property to give bond and surety conditioned for the proper payment of all moneys
that may come into their hands and for the due performance of their duties as the
court may direct. The bond shall be made payable to the State of Florida and shall
be for the benefit of all persons aggrieved by any act of the special
mastermagistrate.
(e)
Hearings. When a reference is made to a special mastermagistrate,
any party or the special mastermagistrate may set the action for hearing. The special
mastermagistrate shall assign a time and place for proceedings as soon as
reasonably possible after the reference is made and give notice to each of the
-131-
parties either directly or by requiring counsel to file and serve a notice of hearing. If
any party fails to appear, the special mastermagistrate may proceed ex parte or may
adjourn the proceeding to a future day, giving notice to the absent party of the
adjournment. The special mastermagistrate shall proceed with reasonable diligence
in every reference and with the least delay practicable. Any party may apply to the
court for an order to the special mastermagistrate to speed the proceedings and to
make the report and to certify to the court the reason for any delay. Unless
otherwise ordered by the court, or agreed to by all parties, all parties shall equally
share the cost of the presence of a court reporter at a special master’smagistrate’s
proceedings. If all parties waive the presence of a court reporter, they must do so
in writing. The special mastermagistrate shall have authority to examine the parties
and all witnesses under oath upon all matters contained in the reference and to
require production of all books, papers, writings, vouchers, and other documents
applicable to it. The special mastermagistrate shall admit evidence by deposition or
that is otherwise admissible in court. The special mastermagistrate may take all
actions concerning evidence that can be taken by the court and in the same manner.
All parties accounting before a special mastermagistrate shall bring in their accounts
in the form of accounts payable and receivable, and any other parties who are not
satisfied with the account may examine the accounting party orally or by
interrogatories or deposition as the special mastermagistrate directs. All depositions
and documents that have been taken or used previously in the action may be used
before the special mastermagistrate.
(f)
Special Master’sMagistrate’s Report. The special mastermagistrate
shall file a report that includes findings of fact and conclusions of law, together with
recommendations. In the report made by the special mastermagistrate no part of
any statement of facts, account, charge, deposition, examination, or answer used
before the special mastermagistrate need be recited. The matters shall be identified
to inform the court what items were used. The report shall include the name and
address of the court reporter present, if any.
(g)
Filing Report; Notice; Exceptions. The special mastermagistrate
shall file the report and recommendations and serve copies on the parties. The
parties may serve exceptions to the report within 10 days from the time it is served
on them. If no exceptions are filed within that period, the court shall take
appropriate action on the report. Any party may file cross-exceptions within 5 days
from the service of the exceptions, provided, however, that the filing of cross-
-132-
exceptions shall not delay the hearing on the exceptions unless good cause is
shown. If exceptions are filed, they shall be heard on reasonable notice by either
party. The party seeking to have exceptions heard shall be responsible for the
preparation of the transcript of proceedings before the special mastermagistrate.
(h)
Expenses of Special MasterMagistrate. The costs of a special
mastermagistrate may be assessed as any other suit money in family proceedings
and all or part of it may be ordered prepaid by order of the court.
Commentary
1995 Adoption. Originally, both general and special masters were governed
under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.490. General and special masters are now
governed under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.490 and 12.492,
respectively. The requirements for appointing special masters are essentially the
same as under the previous rule; but this rule eliminates the need for consent for the
court to appoint an attorney/special master to preside over depositions and rule on
objections. It also provides for the assessment of suit monies and allows for the
filing of cross-exceptions.
Committee Note
2004 Amendment. In accordance with Chapter 2004-11, Laws of Florida,
all references to special master were changed to special magistrate.
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
FAMILY LAW FORMS, COMMENTARY, AND
 INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS
You should read this General Information thoroughly before taking any other steps to file your case
or represent yourself in court.  Most of this information is not repeated in the attached forms.  This
information should provide you with an overview of the court system, its participants, and its processes.  It
should be useful whether you want to represent yourself in a pending matter or have a better understanding
of the way family court works.  This is not intended as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney.
Each case has its own particular set of circumstances, and an attorney may advise you of what is
best for you in your individual situation.
These instructions are not the only place that you can get information about how a family case works.  You
may want to look at other books for more help. The Florida Statutes, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure,
Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and other legal information or books may be found at the public library or
in a law library at your county courthouse or a law school in your area.  If you are filing a petition for Name
Change and/or Adoption, these instructions may not apply.
If the word(s) is printed in bold, this means that the word is being emphasized. Throughout these instructions,
you will also find words printed in bold and underlined.  This means that the definitions of these words may
be found in the glossary of common family law terms at the end of this general information section.
Commentary
1995 Adoption.   To help the many people in family law court cases who do not have attorneys to represent them (pro se
litigants), the Florida Supreme Court added these simplified forms and directions to the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure. The
directions refer to the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure or the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Many of the forms were adapted
from the forms accompanying the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.  Practitioners should refer to the committee notes for those forms
for rule history.
The forms were adopted by the Court pursuant to Family Law Rules of Procedure, 667 So. 2d 202 (Fla. 1995); In re Petition
for Approval of Forms Pursuant to Rule 10-1.1(b) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar—Stepparent Adoption Forms, 613 So. 2d 900
(Fla. 1992); Rules Regulating the Florida Bar—Approval of Forms, 581 So. 2d 902 (Fla. 1991).
Although the forms are part of these rules, they are not all inclusive and additional forms, as necessary, should be taken from
the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure as provided in Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.  Also, the following notice has been included
to strongly encourage individuals to seek the advice, when needed, of an attorney who is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
1997 Amendment.  In 1997, the Florida Family Law Forms were completely revised to simplify and correct the forms.
Additionally, the appendices were eliminated, the instructions contained in the appendices were incorporated into the forms, and the
introduction following the Notice to Parties was created.  Minor changes were also made to the Notice to Parties set forth below.
NOTICE TO PARTIES WHO ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY WHO IS A
MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE FLORIDA BAR
If you have questions or concerns about these forms, instructions, commentary, the use of the
forms, or your legal rights, it is strongly recommended that you talk to an attorney.  If you do not
know an attorney, you should call the lawyer referral service listed in the yellow pages of the
telephone book under “Attorney.”  If you do not have the money to hire an attorney, you should
call the legal aid office in your area.
Because the law does change, the forms and information about them may have become outdated.
You should be aware that changes may have taken place in the law or court rules that would affect
the accuracy of the forms or instructions.
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
In no event will the Florida Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, or anyone contributing to the
production of these forms or instructions be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential
damages resulting from their use.
FAMILY LAW PROCEDURES
Communication with the court...  Ex parte communication is communication with the judge with only one
party present. Judges are not allowed to engage in ex parte communication except in very limited
circumstances, so, absent specific authorization to the contrary, you should not try to speak with or write to
the judge in your case unless the other party is present or has been properly notified.  If you have
something you need to tell the judge, you must ask for a hearing and give notice to the other party
or file a written statement in the court file and send a copy of the written statement to the other
party.
Filing a case...  A case begins with the filing of a petition.  A petition is a written request to the court for
some type of legal action.  The person who originally asks for legal action is called the petitioner and
remains the petitioner throughout the case.
A petition is given to the clerk of the circuit court, whose office is usually located in the county courthouse
or a branch of the county courthouse.  A case number is assigned and an official court file is opened.
Delivering the petition to the clerk’s office is called filing a case.  A filing fee is usually required. 
Once a case has been filed, a copy must be given to (served on) the respondent.  The person against whom
the original legal action is being requested is called the respondent, because he or she is expected to respond
to the petition.  The respondent remains the respondent throughout the case.
Service...  When one party files a petition, motion, or other pleading, the other party must be “served”
with a copy of the document.  This means that the other party is given proper notice of the pending action(s)
and any scheduled hearings.  Personal service of the petition and summons on the respondent by a deputy
sheriff or private process server is required in all original petitions and supplemental petitions, unless
constructive service is permitted by law.  Personal service may also be required in other actions by some
judges.  After initial service of the original or supplemental petition and summons by a deputy sheriff or private
process server, service of most motions and other documents or papers filed in the case generally may be
made by regular U.S. mail or hand delivery.  However, service by certified mail is required at other times
so you have proof that the other party actually received the papers.  The instructions with each form will
advise you of the type of service required for that form.  If the other party is represented by an
attorney, you should serve the attorney and send a copy to the other party, except for original or
supplemental petitions, which must be personally served on the respondent.
Other than the initial original or supplemental petitions, anytime you file additional pleadings or motions in your
case, you must provide a copy to the other party and include a certificate of service.  Likewise, the other
party must provide you with copies of everything that he or she files.  Service of additional documents is
usually completed by U.S. mail.  For more information, see the instructions for Certificate of Service
(General),  O‘ Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.914.
Forms for service of process are included in the Florida Family Law Forms, along with more detailed
instructions and information regarding service.  The instructions to those forms should be read carefully to
ensure that you have the other party properly served.  If proper service is not obtained, the court cannot
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
hear your case.
Note:   If you absolutely do not know where the other party to your case lives or if the other party resides
in another state, you may be able to use constructive service .  However, if constructive service is used,
other than granting a divorce, the court may only grant limited relief.  For more information on constructive
service, see Notice of Action for Dissolution of Marriage, O‘ Florida Supreme Court Approved Family
Law Form 12.913(a), and Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry, O‘ Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form 12.913(b).  Additionally,  if the other party is in the military service of the United States,
additional steps for service may be required.  See, for example, Memorandum for Certificate of Military
Service, O‘ Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.912(a).  In sum, the law regarding
constructive service and service on an individual in the military service is very complex and you may wish
to consult an attorney regarding these issues.
Default...  After being served with a petition or counterpetition, the other party has 20 days to file a
response.  If a response to a petition is not filed, the petitioner may file a Motion for Default, O‘ Florida
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.922(a), with the clerk.  This means that you may proceed
with your case and set a final hearing, and a judge will make a decision, even if the other party will not
cooperate.  For more information, see rule 12.080(c), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.
Answer and counterpetition...  After being served, the respondent has 20 days to file an answer admitting
or denying each of the allegations contained in the petition.  In addition to an answer, the respondent may also
file a counterpetition.  In a counterpetition, the respondent may request the same or some other relief or action
not requested by the petitioner.  If the respondent files a counterpetition, the petitioner should then file an
Answer to Counterpetition, O‘  Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.903(d), and either
admit or deny the allegations in the respondent’s counterpetition.
Mandatory disclosure...  Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires each party in a
dissolution of marriage to exchange certain information and documents, and file a Family Law Financial
Affidavit, O‘ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.902(b) or (c).  Failure to make this required
disclosure within the time required by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure may allow the court to
dismiss the case or to refuse to consider the pleadings of the party failing to comply.  This requirement also
must be met in other family law cases, except adoptions, simplified dissolutions of marriage, enforcement
proceedings, contempt proceedings, and proceedings for injunctions for domestic or repeat violence. The
Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure, O‘ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure
Form 12.932, lists the documents that must be given to the other party.  For more information see rule 12.285,
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, and the instructions to the Certificate of Compliance with
Mandatory Disclosure, O‘ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.932.
Setting a hearing or trial... Generally, the court will have hearings on motions, final hearings on
uncontested or default cases, and trials on contested cases.  Before setting your case for final hearing or
trial, certain requirements such as completing mandatory disclosure and filing certain papers and having them
served on the other party must be met.  These requirements vary depending on the type of case and the
procedures in your particular jurisdiction.  For further information, you should refer to the instructions for the
type of form you are filing.
Next, you must obtain a hearing or trial date so that the court may consider your request.  You should ask the
clerk of court, or family law intake staff about the local procedure for setting a hearing or trial, which you
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
should attend.  These family law forms contain orders and final judgments, which the judge may use.  You
should ask the clerk of court or family law intake staff if you need to bring one of these forms with you to the
hearing or trial.  If so, you should type or print the heading, including the circuit, county, case number, division,
and the parties’ names, and leave the rest blank for the judge to complete at your hearing or trial.
Below are explanations of symbols or parts of different family law forms...
{specify}, {date}, {name(s)}, {street}, {city}, {state}, {phone}
Throughout these forms, you will find hints such as those above.  These tell you what to put in the blank(s).
[/ one only]    [/ all that apply]
These show how many choices you should check. Sometimes you may check only one, while other times you
may check several choices. (    ) This also shows an area where you must make a choice. Check the (    )
in front of the choice that applies to you or your case.
O‘ Florida Family Law Form
The symbol above tells you about another family law form you may need.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                (1)                                       JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR                               (2)                        COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.:
                     (3)                                   
Division:
                        (4)                                 
                             (5)                                          ,
Petitioner,
and
                            (6)                                           ,
Respondent.
Line 1 The clerk of court can tell you the number of your judicial circuit.  Type or print it here.
Line 2 Type or print your county name on line (2).
Line 3 If you are filing an initial petition or pleading, the Clerk of the Court will assign a case number after
the case is filed.  You should type or print this case number on all papers you file in this case. 
Line 4 The clerk of the court can tell you the name of the division in which your case is being filed, and you
should type or print it here.  Divisions vary from court to court.  For example, your case may be filed
in the civil division, the family division, or the juvenile division.
Line 5 Type or print the legal name of the person who originally filed the case on line 5.  This person is the
petitioner because he/she is the one who filed the original petition.
Line 6 Type or print the other party’s legal name on line 6.  The other party is the respondent because
he/she is responding to the petition.
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims
made in this petition and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines
and/or imprisonment.
Dated:                      (1)                             
(2)
Signature of Petitioner 
Printed Name: 
(3)
Address: 
(4)
City, State, Zip: 
(5)
Telephone Number: 
(6)
Fax Number: 
(7)
Some forms require that your signature be witnessed.  You must sign the form in the presence of a notary
public or deputy clerk (employee of the clerk of the court’s office).  When signing the form, you must have
a valid photo identification unless the notary knows you personally.  You should completely fill in all lines (1
& 3–7) except 2 with the requested information, if applicable.  Line 2, the signature line, must be signed
in the presence of the notary public or deputy clerk.
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF                                          
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on                                by 
.
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or
clerk.]
       
Personally known
       
Produced identification 
Type of identification produced                                                
DO NOT SIGN OR FILL IN THIS PART OF ANY FORM.  This section of the form is to be completed
by the notary public who is witnessing your signature.
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST
 FILL IN THE
BLANKS BELOW: [ N fill in all blanks]
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer} 
(1)
,
a nonlawyer, located at {street} 
(2)
, {city} 
(3)
,
{state} 
(4)
, {phone} 
(5)
, helped {name} 
(6)
,
who is the petitioner, fill out this form.
This section should be completed by anyone who helps you fill out these forms but is not an attorney who is
a member in good standing of The Florida Bar, which means that he or she is not licensed to practice law in
Florida.
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
Line 1
The nonlawyer who helps you should type or print his or her name on line 1.
Lines 2–5
The nonlawyer’s address and telephone number should be typed or printed on lines 2–5.
Line 6
Your name should be typed or printed on line 6.
In addition, a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, O‘ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900 (a),
should be completed if a nonlawyer assists you.  The disclosure is available as a family law form and should
be completed before the nonlawyer helps you.  This is to be sure that you understand the role and limitations
of a nonlawyer. You and the nonlawyer should keep a copy of this disclosure for your records.
FAMILY LAW GLOSSARY OF COMMON TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Note:
The following definitions are intended to be helpful, BUT they are not intended to
constitute legal advice or address every possible meaning of the term(s) contained in this
glossary.
Affidavit - a written statement in which the facts stated are sworn or affirmed to be true.
Answer - written response by a respondent that states whether he or she admits (agrees with) or denies
(disagrees with) the allegations in the petition.  Any allegations not specifically denied are considered to be
admitted.
Appeal - asking a district court of appeal to review the decision in your case.  There are strict procedural
and time requirements for filing an appeal.
Asset - everything owned by you or your spouse, including property, cars, furniture, bank accounts, jewelry,
life insurance policies, businesses, or retirement plans.  An asset may be marital or nonmarital, but that
distinction is for the court to determine if you and your spouse do not agree.
Attorney - a person with special education and training in the field of law who is a member in good standing
of The Florida Bar and licensed to practice law in Florida.  An attorney is the only person who is allowed to
give you legal advice.  An attorney may file your case and represent you in court, or just advise you of your
rights before you file your own case.  In addition to advising you of your rights, an attorney may tell you what
to expect and help prepare you for court.  In family law matters, you are not entitled to a court-appointed
lawyer, like a public defender in a criminal case.  However, legal assistance is often available for those who
are unable to hire a private attorney.  You may consult the yellow pages of the telephone directory for a listing
of legal aid or lawyer referral services in your area, or ask your local clerk of court or family law intake staff
what services are available in your area.  You may also obtain information from the Florida Supreme Court’s
Internet site located at http://www.flcourts.org/courts/supct.
Bond - money paid to the clerk of court by one party in a case, to be held and paid to an enjoined party in
the event that the first party causes loss or damage of property as a result of wrongfully enjoining the other
party.
Central Governmental Depository - the office of the clerk of court that is responsible for collecting and
disbursing court-ordered alimony and child support payments.  The depository also keeps payment records
and files judgments if support is not paid.
Certificate of Service - a document that must be filed whenever a form you are using does not contain a
statement  for you to fill in showing to whom you are sending copies of the form.  O‘ Florida Supreme Court
Approved Family Law Form 12.914 is the certificate of service form and contains additional instructions.
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
Certified Copy - a copy of an order or final judgment, certified by the clerk of the circuit court to be an
authentic copy.
Certified Mail - mail which requires the receiving party to sign as proof that they received it.
Child Support - money paid from one parent to the other for the benefit of their dependent or minor
child(ren).
Clerk of the Circuit Court - elected official in whose office papers are filed, a case number is assigned,
and case files are maintained.  The clerk’s office usually is located in the county courthouse.
Constructive Service - notification of the other party by newspaper publication or posting of notice at
designated places when the other party cannot be located for personal service.  You may also be able to use
constructive service when the other party lives in another state.  Constructive service is also called “service
by publication.”  However, when constructive service is used, the relief the Court may grant is limited.  For
more information on service, see the instructions for O‘ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms
12.910(a) and 12.913(b) and O‘ Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.913(a).
Contested Issues - any or all issues upon which the parties are unable to agree and which must be resolved
by the judge at a hearing or trial.
Contingent Asset - an asset that you may receive or get later, such as income, tax refund, accrued vacation
or sick leave, a bonus, or an inheritance.
Contingent Liability - a liability that you may owe later, such as payments for lawsuits, unpaid taxes, or
debts that you have agreed or guaranteed to pay if someone else does not.
Counterpetition - a written request to the court for legal action, which is filed by a respondent after being
served with a petition.
Default - a failure of a party to respond to the pleading of another party.  This failure to respond may allow
the court to decide the case without input from the party who did not appear or respond.
Delinquent - late.
Dependent Child(ren) - child(ren) who depend on their parent(s) for support either because they are under
the age of 18, they have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from supporting themselves, or they
are in high school while between the ages of 18 and 19 and are performing in good faith with reasonable
expectation of graduation before the age of 19.
Deputy Clerk - an employee of the office of the clerk of court, which is usually located in the county
courthouse or a branch of the county courthouse.
Dissolution of Marriage - divorce; a court action to end a marriage.
Enjoined - prohibited by the court from doing a specific act.
Ex Parte - communication with the judge by only one party.  In order for a judge to speak with either party,
the other party must have been properly notified and have an opportunity to be heard.  If you have something
you wish to tell the judge, you should ask for a hearing or file information in the clerk of court’s office, with
certification that a copy was sent to the other party.
Family Law Intake Staff - a court’s employee(s) who is (are) available to assist you in filing a family law
case.  Family law intake staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.  They may only assist you with
filling out the form(s). Your local clerk’s office can tell you if your county has such assistance available. 
Filing - delivering a petition, response, motion, or other pleading in a court case to the clerk of court’s office.
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
Filing Fee - an amount of money, set by law, that the petitioner must pay when filing a case.  If you cannot
afford to pay the fee, you must file an Affidavit of Indigency, O‘ Florida Supreme Court Approved Family
Law Form 12.902(a), to ask the clerk to file your case without payment of the fee.
Final Hearing - trial in your case.
Financial Affidavit - a sworn statement that contains information regarding your income, expenses, assets,
and liabilities.
Final Judgment - a written document signed by a judge and recorded in the clerk of the circuit court’s office
that contains the judge’s decision in your case.
Guardian ad Litem - a neutral person who may be appointed by the court to evaluate or investigate your
child’s situation, and file a report with the court about what is in the best interests of your child(ren).
Guardians do not “work for” either party.  The guardian may interview the parties, visit their homes, visit the
child(ren)’s school(s) and speak with teachers, or use other resources to make their recommendation.
Hearing - a legal proceeding before a judge or designated officer (general magistrate or hearing officer) on
a motion.
Judge - an elected official who is responsible for deciding matters on which you and the other parties in your
case are unable to agree.  A judge is a neutral person who is responsible for ensuring that your case is
resolved in a manner which is fair, equitable, and legal.  A judge is prohibited by law from giving you or
the other party any legal advice, recommendations, or other assistance, and may not talk to either
party unless both parties are present, represented, or at a properly scheduled hearing.
Judicial Assistant - the judge’s personal staff assistant.
Liabilities - everything owed by you or your spouse, including mortgages, credit cards, or car loans.  A
liability may be marital or nonmarital, but that distinction is for the court to determine if you and your spouse
do not agree.
Lump Sum Alimony - money ordered to be paid by one spouse to another in a limited number of payments,
often a single payment.
Mandatory Disclosure - items that must be disclosed by both parties except those exempted from disclosure
by Florida Family Law Rule 12.285.
Marital Asset - generally, anything that you and/or your spouse acquired or received (by gift or purchase)
during the marriage.  For example, something you owned before your marriage may be nonmarital.  An asset
may only be determined to be marital by agreement of the parties or determination of the judge.
Marital Liability - generally, any debt that you and/or your spouse incurred during the marriage.  A debt may
only be determined to be nonmarital by agreement of the parties or determination of the judge.
Mediator - a person who is trained and certified to assist parties in reaching an agreement before going to
court.  Mediators do not take either party’s side and are not allowed to give legal advice.  They are only
responsible for helping the parties reach an agreement and putting that agreement into writing.  In some areas,
mediation of certain family law cases may be required before going to court.
Modification - a change made by the court in an order or final judgment.
Motion - a request made to the court, other than a petition.
No Contact - a  court order directing a party not speak to, call, send mail to, visit, or go near his or her
spouse, ex-spouse, child(ren), or other family member.
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
Nonlawyer - a person who is not a member in good standing of The Florida Bar. 
Nonmarital Asset - generally, anything owned separately by you or your spouse.  An asset may only be
determined to be nonmarital by either agreement of the parties or determination of the judge.
Nonmarital Liability - generally, any debt that you or your spouse incurred before your marriage or since
your separation.  A debt may only be determined to be nonmarital by either agreement of the parties or
determination of the judge.
Nonparty - a person who is not the petitioner or respondent in a court case.
Notary Public - a person authorized to witness signatures on court related forms.
Obligee - a person to whom money, such as child support or alimony, is owed.
Obligor - a person who is ordered by the court to pay money, such as child support or alimony.
Order - a written decision signed by a judge and filed in the clerk of the circuit court’s office, that contains
the judge’s decision on part of your case, usually on a motion.
Original Petition - see Petition.
Parenting Course - a class that teaches parents how to help their child(ren) cope with divorce and other
family issues.
Party - a person involved in a court case, either as a petitioner or respondent.
Paternity Action - A lawsuit used to determine whether a designated individual is the father of a specific
child or children.
Payor - an employer or other person who provides income to an obligor.
Permanent Alimony - spousal support ordered to be paid at a specified, periodic rate until modified by a
court order, the death of either party, or the remarriage of the Obligee, whichever occurs first.
Personal Service - when a summons and a copy of a petition (or other pleading) that has been filed with
the court are delivered by a deputy sheriff or private process server to the other party.  Personal service is
required for all petitions and supplemental petitions.
Petition - a written request to the court for legal action, which begins a court case.
Petitioner - the person who files a petition that begins a court case.
Pleading - a formal written statement of exactly what a party wants the court to do in a lawsuit or court
action.
Primary Residence - the home in which the child(ren) spends most of his/her (their) time.
Pro Se Litigant - a person who appears in court without the assistance of a lawyer.
Pro Se Coordinator - see Family Law Intake Staff.
Reasonable Visitation - visitation between the nonresidential parent and child(ren) that provides frequent
and unhampered contact with the child(ren).  Such visitation is designed to encourage a close and continuing
relationship with due regard for educational commitments of child(ren), any health or social factors of the
child(ren), business and personal commitments of both parents, and home arrangements of both parents.
Rehabilitative Alimony - spousal support ordered to be paid for a limited period of time to allow one of the
parties an opportunity to complete a plan of education or training, according to a rehabilitative plan accepted
General Information for Self-Represented Litigants (9/04)
by the court, so that he or she may better support himself or herself.
Respondent - the person who is served with a petition requesting some legal action against him or her.
Rotating Custody - physical custody of child(ren) after divorce, which is alternated between the mother and
father at specified periods of time, as determined by the court.  Rotating custody allows each parent equal
time with the child(ren).
Scientific Paternity Testing - a medical test to determine who is the father of a child.
Secondary Residential Responsibility (Visitation) - the time that the parent with whom the child(ren)
does (do) not have primary residence spends with the child(ren).
Service - the delivery of legal documents to a party.  This must be accomplished as directed by Florida
Family Law Rules 12.070 and 12.080.
Shared Parental Responsibility - an arrangement under which both parents have full parental rights and
responsibilities for their child(ren), and the parents make major decisions affecting the welfare of the
child(ren) jointly.  Shared Parental Responsibility is presumptive in Florida.
Sole Parental Responsibility - a parenting arrangement under which the responsibility for the minor
child(ren) is given to one parent by the court, with or without rights of visitation to the other parent.
Specified Visitation - a parenting arrangement under which a specific schedule is established for the
visitation and exchange of the child(ren).
Spouse - a husband or wife.
Supervised Visitation - a parenting arrangement under which visitation between a parent and his or her
child(ren) is supervised by either a friend, family member, or a supervised visitation center.
Supplemental Petition - a petition that may be filed by either party after the judge has made a decision in
a case and a final judgment or order has been entered.  For example, a supplemental petition may be used
to request that the court modify the previously entered final judgment or order.
Trial - the final hearing in a contested case.
Uncontested - any and all issues on which the parties are able to agree and which are part of a marital
settlement agreement.
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, 12.920(b), Order
of Referral to General Magistrate, and 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (9/04)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE FORMS
12.920(a), MOTION FOR REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE,
12.920(b), ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE, and
12.920(c), NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE GENERAL MAGISTRATE
When should these forms be used?
A general magistrate is an attorney appointed by a judge to take testimony and recommend decisions on
certain matters connected with a divorce.  These recommendations are then reviewed by the judge and are
generally approved unless contrary to the law or the facts of the case.  The primary purposes of having
general magistrates hear family law matters are to reduce the costs of litigation and to speed up cases.  Either
party may request that their case, or portions of their case, be heard by a general magistrate by filing Motion
for Referral to General Magistrate, O’ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(a).  You
must also prepare an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form 12.920(b), to submit to the judge assigned to your case.
Many times, the court, either on its own motion or under current administrative orders of the court, may refer
your case to a general magistrate.  Even in those instances, you may be required to prepare and submit an
Order of Referral to General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b),
to the judge.
Once a general magistrate has been appointed to your case, the general magistrate will assign a time and
place for a hearing as soon as reasonably possible after the referral is made.  The general magistrate will
give notice of that hearing to each of the parties directly or will direct a party or attorney in the case to file
and serve a notice of hearing on the other party.  If you are asked to send the notice of hearing, you will need
to use the form entitled Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.920(c).  Regardless of who prepares the notice of hearing, the moving party (the one
who requested referral to the general magistrate) is required to have the notice properly served on the other
party.
These forms should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should file the original
with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records.
What should I do next?
If you are filing a Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form 12.920(a), you need to send or deliver your motion directly to the judge assigned to your
case, along with an Order of Referral to General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form 12.920(b), and an addressed, stamped envelope for each party in the case.  The judge will
Instructions for Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Forms 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate, 12.920(b), Order
of Referral to General Magistrate, and 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (9/04)
then either grant or deny the motion, usually without a hearing.
If you are required to submit a Order of Referral to General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.920(b), to the judge assigned to your case, you will need to send or deliver the order
directly to the judge, along with addressed, stamped envelopes for each party in the case.
The party who prepares any of these forms must file the original with the clerk of the circuit court.  A copy
of the motion must be mailed or hand delivered to any other party in your case.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found
at the beginning of these forms.  For further information, see rule 12.490, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure.
Special notes...
IMPORTANT: After the judge refers your case to a general magistrate, either party (including the
party who was required to prepare and submit the Order of Referral) may object to the referral
within 10 days of the date that the referral is made (if the Order of Referral is served by mail, the
parties have an additional 5 days within which to object to the referral).  Every litigant is entitled
to have his or her case heard by a judge.  However, before you decide to object to an Order of Referral
to General Magistrate, you should consider the potential extra costs and time delays that may result from
having a judge hear your case instead of a general magistrate.  You may want to speak with an attorney in
your area who can assist you in making a more informed decision regarding whether you should file an
objection to an Order of Referral to General Magistrate.
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these
forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, O” Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also
must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he
or she helps you complete.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate (9/04)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 
Division: 
                                                                      ,
Petitioner,
and
                                                                       ,
Respondent.
MOTION FOR REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE
I, {full legal name} 
, request that the Court enter an
order referring this case to a general magistrate.  The case should be referred to a general magistrate on the
following issues: {explain} 
I certify that a copy of this document was [ / one only] (    ) mailed (    ) faxed and mailed (    ) hand
delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} 
.
Other party or his/her attorney:
Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Fax Number: 
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(a), Motion for Referral to General Magistrate (9/04)
Dated:                                                   
Signature of Party
Printed Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Telephone Number: 
Fax Number: 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE
BLANKS BELOW: [ N fill in all blanks]
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer} 
,
a nonlawyer, located at {street} 
, {city} 
,
{state} 
, {phone} 
, helped {name} 
,
who is the [ / one only]       petitioner or       respondent, fill out this form.
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate (9/04)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 
Division: 
                                                                      ,
Petitioner,
and
                                                                       ,
Respondent.
ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE
THIS CASE IS REFERRED TO THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE on the following issues:
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
AND ANY OTHER MATTER RELATED THERETO.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above issues are referred to General Magistrate 
{name}
,
for further proceedings, under rule 12.490 of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and current
administrative orders of the Court.  Financial Affidavits, O’ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form
12.902(b) or (c), shall be filed in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285.  The
General Magistrate is authorized to administer oaths and conduct hearings, which may include taking of
evidence, and shall file a report and recommendations that contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, and
the name of the court reporter, if any.
The General Magistrate shall assign a time for the proceedings as soon as reasonably possible after
this referral is made and shall give notice to each of the parties either directly or by directing counsel or a
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate (9/04)
party to file and serve a notice of hearing.
Counties within the State of Florida may have different rules.  Please consult the (   ) Clerk of the
Court (    ) Family Law Intake Staff (    ) other 
 relating to this procedure.
A REFERRAL TO A GENERAL MAGIST
RATE REQUIRES THE CONSENT OF ALL
PARTIES. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD BY A JUDGE.  IF YOU
DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THIS MATTER HEARD BY THE GENERAL MAGISTRATE, YOU
MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE REFERRAL WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE
TIME OF SERVICE OF THIS ORDER.  IF THE TIME SET FOR THE HEARING IS LESS
THAN 10 DAYS AFTER SERVICE OF THIS ORDER, THE OBJECTION MUST BE MADE
BEFORE THE HEARING.  IF THIS ORDER IS SERVED WITHIN THE FIRST 20 DAYS
AFTER SERVICE OF PROCESS, THE TIME TO FILE AN OBJECTION IS EXTENDED TO
THE TIME WITHIN WHICH A RESPONSIVE PLEADING IS DUE.  FAILURE TO FILE A
WRITTEN OBJECTION WITHIN THE APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD IS DEEMED TO BE A
CONSENT TO THE REFERRAL.
If either party files a timely objection, this matter shall be returned to the undersigned judge with a
notice stating the amount of time needed for hearing.
REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE GENERAL
MAGISTRATE SHALL BE BY EXCEPTIONS AS PROVIDED IN RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA
FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE.  A RECORD, WHICH INCLUDES A TRANSCRIPT,
MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT EXCEPTIONS.
YOU ARE ADVISED THAT IN THIS CIRCUIT:
       
a.  electronic recording is provided by the court. A party may provide a court reporter at that
party’s expense.
       
b.  a court reporter is provided by the court.
SHOULD YOU WISH TO SEEK REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
MADE 
BY 
THE 
GENERAL 
MAGISTRATE, 
YOU 
MUST 
FILE 
EXCEPTIONS 
IN
ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE.
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A RECORD SUFFICIENT TO
SUPPORT YOUR EXCEPTIONS, OR YOUR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE DENIED. A RECORD
ORDINARILY INCLUDES A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF ALL RELEVANT PROCEEDINGS.
THE 
PERSON 
SEEKING 
REVIEW 
MUST 
HAVE 
THE 
TRANSCRIPT 
PREPARED 
IF
NECESSARY FOR THE COURT’S REVIEW.
ORDERED on                                            .
CIRCUIT JUDGE
COPIES TO:
Petitioner (or his or her attorney)
Respondent (or his or her attorney)
General Magistrate
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b), Order of Referral to General Magistrate (9/04)
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (9/04)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 
Division: 
                                                                      ,
Petitioner,
and
                                                                       ,
Respondent.
NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE GENERAL MAGISTRATE
[ N fill in all blanks]
TO:
There will be a hearing  before General Magistrate {name of general magistrate} 
,
on {date} 
, at {time} 
 m., in Room 
 of the 
Courthouse, on the following issues: 
.
 hour(s)/ 
 minutes have been reserved for this hearing.
PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.
If the matter before the General Magistrate is a Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement,
FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT
OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST.  IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE
HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD.
PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.
This part to be filled out by the court or filled in with information you have obtained from the court:
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding,
you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.  Please contact
{name} 
,
{address} 
, {telephone} 
,
within 2 working days of your receipt of this Notice of Hearing.  If you are hearing or voice impaired, call
TDD 1-800-955-8771.
SHOULD YOU WISH TO SEEK REVIEW OF THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
MADE 
BY 
THE 
GENERAL 
MAGISTRATE, 
YOU 
MUST 
FILE 
EXCEPTIONS 
IN
ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 12.490(f), FLORIDA FAMILY LAW RULES OF PROCEDURE.
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A RECORD SUFFICIENT TO
SUPPORT YOUR EXCEPTIONS, OR YOUR EXCEPTIONS WILL BE DENIED. A RECORD
Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c), Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate (9/04)
ORDINARILY INCLUDES A WRITTEN TRANSCRIPT OF ALL RELEVANT PROCEEDINGS.
THE 
PERSON 
SEEKING 
REVIEW 
MUST
 
HAVE 
THE 
TRANSCRIPT 
PREPARED 
IF
NECESSARY FOR THE COURT’S REVIEW.
YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED THAT IN THIS CIRCUIT:
       
a.  electronic recording is provided by the court. A party may provide a court reporter at that
party’s expense.
       
b.  a court reporter is provided by the court.
If you are represented by an attorney or plan to retain an attorney for this matter you should notify
the attorney of this hearing.
If this matter is resolved, the moving party shall contact the General Magistrate’s Office to cancel
this hearing.
I certify that a copy of this document was [ / one only] (    ) mailed (    ) faxed and mailed (    ) hand
delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} 
.
Other party or his/her attorney:
Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Fax Number: 
Dated: 
Signature of Party
Printed Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Telephone Number: 
Fax Number: 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE
BLANKS BELOW: [ N fill in all blanks]
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer} 
,
a nonlawyer, located at {street} 
, {city} 
,
{state} 
, {phone} 
, helped {name} ,who is the [ / one only]
      petitioner or       respondent, fill out this form.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, Notice of Hearing (Child Support Enforcement Hearing
Officer) (9/04)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.921,
NOTICE OF HEARING (CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT HEARING OFFICER)
When should this form be used?
A child support enforcement hearing officer is an attorney who has been appointed by administrative
order of the court to take testimony and recommend decisions in cases involving the establishment,
enforcement, and/or modification of child support.  If your case only involves issues pertaining to child
support, you cannot object to the referral of your case to a hearing officer.
Use this form anytime you have set a hearing before a child support enforcement hearing officer and have
been instructed to send notice of the hearing to the other party.  Before you fill out this form, you should
coordinate a hearing time and date with the hearing officer and the other party.  If the Department of
Revenue is a party to the case, you may need to schedule your hearing time with the attorney for the
Department of Revenue.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should file the original with
the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case is filed and keep a copy for your records.
What should I do next?
A copy of this form must be mailed or hand delivered to the other party in your case. 
Where can I look for more information? 
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self Represented Litigants” found
at the beginning of these forms.  For further information, See Rule 12.941, Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure.  
Special notes...
An attorney who has been appointed by the court to serve as a child support enforcement hearing officer can
also be appointed to serve as a general magistrate.  If your case involves only child support issues, your case
may properly be referred to a general magistrate acting as a child support enforcement hearing officer.
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these
forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, O‘ Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.900 (a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also
must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he
or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, Notice of Hearing (Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer) (9/04)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                         COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 
Division:  
                                                                       ,
Petitioner,
and
                                                                        ,
Respondent.
NOTICE OF HEARING (CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT HEARING OFFICER)
TO:
{name of other party} 
There will be a hearing before Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer {name} 
, on {date} 
, at {time} 
 m., in Room
 of the 
County Courthouse, on the following issues: 
.
 hour(s)/ 
  minutes have been reserved for this hearing.
If the matter before the Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer is a Motion for Civil
Contempt/Enforcement, FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE
COURT ISSUING A WRIT OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST.  IF YOU ARE
ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS
HELD.
This part to be filled out by the court or filled in with information you have obtained from the court:
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this
proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.  Please contact
{name}
{address}
 {telephone} 
within 2 working days of your receipt of this Notice of Hearing.  If you are hearing or voice impaired, call
TDD 1-800-955-8771.
If you are represented by an attorney or plan to retain an attorney for this matter, you should notify
the attorney of this hearing.
If this matter is resolved, the moving party shall contact the hearing officer’s office to cancel this
hearing.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921, Notice of Hearing (Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer) (9/04)
I certify that a copy of this document was [/ one only] (    ) mailed (    ) faxed and mailed (    ) hand
delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} 
.
Other party or his/her attorney:
Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Fax Number: 
Dated:  
Signature of Party
Printed Name: 
Address:  
City, State, Zip:  
Telephone Number:  
Fax Number: 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST
 FILL IN THE
BLANKS BELOW: [ N fill in all blanks]
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer}
,
a nonlawyer, located at {street} 
, {city} 
,
{state} 
, {phone} 
, helped {name} 
,
who is the [ / one only]       petitioner or       respondent, fill out this form.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, Notice of Hearing (General) (9/04)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.923,
NOTICE OF HEARING (GENERAL)
When should this form be used?
Anytime you have set a hearing before a judge, you must send notice of the hearing to the other party.
IMPORTANT: If your hearing has been set before a general magistrate, you should use Notice of Hearing
Before General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(c).  If your hearing
has been set before a child support enforcement hearing officer, you should use Notice of Hearing (Child
Support Hearing Officer), O” Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should file the original with
the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.
What should I do next?
A copy of this form must be mailed or hand delivered to the other party in your case.  If a default has been
entered, you must still send this form to the other party to notify the other party of the final hearing.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found
at the beginning of these forms.  For further information on serving notices of hearing, see rule 1.090(d),
Florida Civil Rules of Procedure.
Special notes...
To set a hearing date and time, you will usually have to make a good-faith effort to coordinate a mutually
convenient date and time for you, the other parties in the case, and the judge, except in certain emergency
situations.  Some circuits may have additional procedural requirements that you must follow when you notify
the court and other parties of your scheduled hearing.  Therefore, before you complete this form, you should
contact the clerk’s office, family law intake staff, or judicial assistant for information regarding the proper
procedure to follow.
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these
forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, O” Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.900 (a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also
must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he
or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, Notice of Hearing (General) (9/04)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR                                                       COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 
Division: 
                                                                      ,
Petitioner,
and
                                                                       ,
Respondent.
NOTICE OF HEARING (GENERAL)
[ N fill in all blanks]
TO:  
{name of other party} 
There will be a hearing before Judge {name} 
,
on {date} 
, at {time} 
 m., in Room 
 of the 
Courthouse, on the following issues: 
.
 hour(s)/ 
 minutes have been reserved for this hearing.
This part to be filled out by the court or to be filled in with information you obtained from the court:
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding,
you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact
{name} 
,
{address} 
, {telephone} 
,
within 2 working days of your receipt of this Notice of Hearing.  If you are hearing or voice impaired, call
TDD 1-800-955-8771.
If you are represented by an attorney or plan to retain an attorney for this matter, you should notify
the attorney of this hearing.
If this matter is resolved, the moving party shall contact the judge’s office to cancel this hearing.
I certify that a copy of this document was [ / one only] (    ) mailed (    ) faxed and mailed (    ) hand
delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} 
.
Other party or his/her attorney:
Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Fax Number: 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.923, Notice of Hearing (General) (9/04)
Dated: 
Signature of Party
Printed Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Telephone Number: 
Fax Number: 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE
BLANKS BELOW: [ N fill in all blanks]
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer} 
,
a nonlawyer, located at {street} 
, {city} 
,
{state} 
, {phone} 
, helped {name} 
,
who is the [ / one only]       petitioner or       respondent, fill out this form.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (9/04)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.960,
MOTION FOR CIVIL CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT
When should this form be used?
You may use this form to ask the court to enforce a prior court order or final judgment. 
What should I do next?
To initiate a civil contempt/enforcement proceeding against a party who is not complying with a prior court
order, you must file a motion with the court explaining what the party has failed to do.  This form should be
typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should sign it before a  notary public or deputy
clerk.  You should then file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case
was filed and keep a copy for your records.  
A copy of this form must be personally served by a sheriff or private process server or mailed* or hand
delivered to any other party(ies) in your case. *Please note that if notice is mailed, the court in certain
circumstances may not consider mailing to be adequate notice.  If you want to be sure, you should have the
motion personally served.  This is a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should
consult a lawyer.  For more information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal
Service on an Individual, O‘Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).
The court will then set a hearing. You should check with the clerk of court, judicial assistant, or family law
intake staff for information on the local procedure for scheduling a hearing.  Once you know the time and
date of the hearing, you will need to complete Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement,
O” Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, or, if applicable, Notice of Hearing (Child
Support Enforcement Hearing Officer), O” Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.921,
or Order of Referral to General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.920(b),
which will specify a time and place for a hearing on the issue.  A copy of this form must be mailed or hand
delivered to the other party.  Again, if notice is mailed, the court in certain circumstances may not consider
mailing to be adequate notice.  If you want to be sure, you should have the notice personally served.  This is
a technical area of the law; if you have any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer. For more
information on personal service, see the instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual,
O‘Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.910(a).
At the hearing, as in any other civil proceeding, you, as the moving party, will have the burden of proving the
other party has not obeyed a prior court order.  Once noncompliance is established, the other party will have
an opportunity to show an inability to comply with the prior court order.  If he or she is unable to do so, the
judge may find the other party to be in contempt.  If so, the judge may order appropriate sanctions to compel
compliance by the other party, including jail, payment of attorneys’ fees, suit money, or costs, and coercive
or compensatory fines, and may order any other relief permitted by law.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants”
found at the beginning of these forms. See also section 61.14, Florida Statutes and rule 12.615, Florida
Family Law Rules of Procedure.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (9/04)
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out
these forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, O‘ Florida Family Law
Rules of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these
forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of
every form he or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (9/04)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                         COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 
Division:  
                                                                       ,
    Petitioner,
and
                                                                        ,
Respondent.
MOTION FOR CIVIL CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT
(    ) Petitioner (    ) Respondent requests that the Court enter an order of civil contempt/enforcement
against (    ) Petitioner (    ) Respondent in this case because:
1.
A final judgment or order {title of final judgment or order} 
in this case was entered on {date}
, by {court, city, and state}
.
9 Check here if the judgment or order is not from this Court and attach a copy.
2.
This order of the Court required the other party in this case to do or not do the following:  {Explain
what the other party was ordered to do or not do.} 
G Check here if additional pages are attached. 
3.
The other party in this case has willfully failed to comply with this order of the Court:  {Explain what
the other party has or has not done.} 
G Check here if additional pages are attached. 
4.
I respectfully request that the Court issue an order holding the above-named person in civil contempt,
if appropriate, and/or providing the following relief:
       
a.
enforcing or compelling compliance with the prior order or judgment;
       
b.
awarding a monetary judgment;
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (9/04)
       
c.
if a monetary judgment was included in the prior order, issuing a writ of execution or
garnishment or other appropriate process;
       
d.
awarding prejudgment interest;
       
e.
requiring the other party to pay costs and fees in connection with this motion;
       
f.
if the other party is found to be in civil contempt, ordering a compensatory fine;
       
g.
if the other party is found to be in civil contempt, ordering a coercive fine;
       
h.
if the other party is found to be in civil contempt, ordering incarceration of the other
party; 
       
i.
issuing a writ of possession for real property, writ for possession of personal property,
or other appropriate writ;
       
j.
issuing a writ of bodily attachment if the other party fails to appear at the hearing set on
this motion; 
       
k.
requiring the other party to make payments through the central governmental depository;
       
l.
requiring the support payments to be automatically deducted from the other party’s
income or funds;
       
m. requiring the other party to seek employment;
       
n.
awarding make-up visitation with minor child(ren) as follows {explain}: 
; and
       
o.
awarding other relief {explain}: 
.
I certify that a copy of this document was [/ one only] (   ) mailed (   ) faxed and mailed (   ) hand
delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} 
.
Other party or his/her attorney:
Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Fax Number: 
I understand that I am swearing or affirming under oath to the truthfulness of the claims
made above and that the punishment for knowingly making a false statement includes fines and/or
imprisonment.
Dated:                                                    
Signature of Party
Printed Name: 
Address:  
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.960, Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (9/04)
City, State, Zip:  
Telephone Number:  
Fax Number: 
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF                                          
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on                                      by
 
         .
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or clerk.]
       
Personally known
       
Produced identification 
Type of identification produced                                                
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE
BLANKS BELOW: [ N fill in all blanks]
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer}
,
a nonlawyer, located at {street} 
, {city} 
,
{state} 
, {phone} 
, helped {name} 
,
who is the [ / one only]       petitioner or       respondent, fill out this form.
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt
/Enforcement (9/04)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.961, 
NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION FOR CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT
When should this form be used?
Use this form anytime you have set a hearing on a Motion for Contempt/Enforcement, O” Florida
Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form  12.960, for a support matter under rule 12.615, Florida Family
Law Rules of Procedure.  Before you fill out this form, you should coordinate a hearing time and date with
the judge or hearing officer and the other party.  If the Department of Revenue is a party to the case, you
may need to schedule your hearing time with the attorney for the Department of Revenue.
If your case is to be heard by a child support enforcement hearing officer, the following information applies:
A child support enforcement hearing officer is an attorney who has been appointed by administrative order
of the court to take testimony and recommend decisions in cases involving the establishment, enforcement,
and/or modification of child support, and the enforcement of alimony in conjunction with an ongoing child
support arrearage order.  If your case only involves issues pertaining to child support, you cannot object to
the referral of your case to a hearing officer.  If your case is going to be heard by a general magistrate,
you should use Notice of Hearing Before General Magistrate, O” Florida Family Law Rules of
Procedure Form  12.920(c).
This form should be typed or printed in black ink.  After completing this form, you should file the original with
the clerk of the circuit court in the county where your case was filed and keep a copy for your records.
What should I do next?
A copy of this form must be personally served by a sheriff or private process server or mailed or hand
delivered to any other party(ies) in your case. Please note that if notice is mailed, the court in certain
circumstances may not consider mailing to be adequate notice.  This is a technical area of the law; if you have
any questions about it, you should consult a lawyer.  For more information on personal service, see the
instructions for Summons: Personal Service on an Individual, O‘Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure
Form 12.910(a).
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found
at the beginning of these forms.   For further information, see rules 12.615 and 12.941,  Florida Family
Law Rules of Procedure.
Special notes...
An attorney who has been appointed by the court to serve as a child support enforcement hearing officer can
also be appointed to serve as a general magistrate.  If your case involves only child support issues, your case
properly may be referred to a general magistrate acting as a child support enforcement hearing officer.
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these
forms, that person must give you a copy of Disclosure from Nonlawyer, O” Florida Family Law Rules
of Procedure Form 12.900(a), before he or she helps you.  A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also
must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he
Instructions for Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt
/Enforcement (9/04)
or she helps you complete.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement (9/04)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                                                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 
IN AND FOR                                                         COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 
Division:  
                                                                       ,
Petitioner,
and
                                                                        ,
Respondent.
NOTICE OF HEARING
ON MOTION FOR CONTEMPT/ENFORCEMENT IN SUPPORT MATTERS 
(RULE 12.615)
TO:  
{name of other party} 
There will be a hearing before
{name of judge or hearing officer},  on
{date} 
, at {time} 
 m., in room 
 of the 
Courthouse, on the (    ) Petitioner's (    ) Respondent's Motion for Contempt on support matters.
 hour(s)/
 minutes have been reserved for this hearing.
FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A WRIT
OF BODILY ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR ARREST.  IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE
HELD IN JAIL UP TO 48 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD.
This part to be filled out by the court or to be filled in with information you obtained from the court:
If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding,
you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.  Please contact
{name}
,
{address}
, {telephone} 
,
within 2 working days of your receipt of this Notice of Hearing.  If you are hearing or voice impaired, call
TDD 1-800-955-8771.
If you are represented by an attorney or plan to retain an attorney for this matter, you should notify
the attorney of this hearing.
If this matter is resolved, the moving party shall contact the judge or hearing officer’s office to cancel
this hearing.
I certify that a copy of this document was [/ one only] (    ) mailed (    ) faxed and mailed (    ) hand
delivered to the person(s) listed below on {date} 
.
Other party or his/her attorney:
Name: 
Address: 
City, State, Zip: 
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.961, Notice of Hearing on Motion for Contempt/Enforcement (9/04)
Fax Number: 
Dated: 
Signature of Party
Printed Name: 
Address:  
City, State, Zip:  
Telephone Number:  
Fax Number: 
IF A NONLAWYER HELPED YOU FILL OUT THIS FORM, HE/SHE MUST FILL IN THE
BLANKS BELOW: [ N fill in all blanks]
I, {full legal name and trade name of nonlawyer}
,
a nonlawyer, located at {street} 
, {city} 
,
{state} 
, {phone} 
, helped {name} 
,
who is the [ / one only]       petitioner or       respondent, fill out this form.