Court Opinion

ID: 3169581
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-01-14 16:02:57.944806+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:01:23.028817
License: Public Domain

Supreme Court of Florida
                                  ____________

                                  No. SC13-2384
                                  ____________

         IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL
                          PROCEDURE.

                                [January 14, 2016]

PER CURIAM.

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

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

Const.

                                 BACKGROUND

      The Civil Procedure Rules Committee (Committee) filed a “fast-track” out-

of-cycle report, pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.140(e),

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

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

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

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

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

702.015, Florida Statutes. This statutory provision sets forth pleading

requirements for mortgage foreclosure complaints intended to “expedite the

foreclosure process by ensuring initial disclosure of a plaintiff’s status and the facts

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

the prosecution of the case.” § 702.015(1), Fla. Stat. (2015). Chapter 2013-137

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

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

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

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

requirements apply to cases filed on or after July 1, 2013, and the new show cause

provisions apply to cases pending on the effective date of the act. Ch. 2013-137, §

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

of Civil Procedure “to provide expedited foreclosure proceedings in conformity

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

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

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

11, 2014, the Court issued an opinion adopting the proposals and providing a sixty-

day comment period. In re Amends. to Fla. R. Civ. P., 153 So. 3d 258 (Fla. 2014).

Multiple comments were filed, and the Committee filed a response proposing

                                         -2-
several additional amendments to the rules and forms. Upon consideration of the

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

amendments described below.

                                     AMENDMENTS

      Rule 1.115 (Pleading Mortgage Foreclosures). Rule 1.115 specifically

governs pleading requirements in foreclosure actions. The rule incorporates the

requirements of section 702.015, Florida Statutes, detailing pleading requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

further clarity in the rule, we adopt this amendment.

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

of the rule be amended to add a reference to section 702.11, Florida Statutes, for

                                         -3-
completeness and clarity of “the adequate protections which must be provided

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

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

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

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

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

notes in mortgage foreclosure and lists the acceptable reasonable means of

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

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

important provisions regarding adequate protections, we adopt the amendment to

subdivision (d) as proposed by the Committee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3)(d). The amendments provide separate choices where the delegated authority to

                                         -4-
institute the action comes from the holder of the original note and where it comes

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

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

1.944(a) as proposed by the Committee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Committee has proposed several amendments. The Committee has also

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

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

mortgage foreclosure complaint forms intended to implement the applicable

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

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

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

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

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

forms are meant to be used in proceedings under section 702.10, Florida Statutes

                                         -5-
(2015). The Committee agrees with comments filed suggesting that paragraph 7 of

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

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

by the Committee in response to the comments.

                                  CONCLUSION

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

amended as set forth in the appendix to this opinion.1 New language is indicated

by underscoring; deletions are indicated by struck-through type. The amendments

shall take effect immediately upon the release of this opinion.

      It is so ordered.

LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
and PERRY, JJ., concur.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.

Original Proceeding – Florida Rules of Civil Procedure

Judge Jacqueline Hogan Scola, Chair, Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Miami,
Florida; Kevin Bayly Cook, Past Chair, Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Roger
Towers, P.A., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; Thomas Howell Bateman, III, Past
Chair, Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Messer Caparello, P.A., Tallahassee,

       1. The Committee requests that the Court correct a scrivener’s error in form
1.996(b) (Final Judgment of Foreclosure for Reestablishment of Lost Note). The
original submission by the Committee incorrectly cited to section 45.031, Florida
Statutes. We amend the form to instead cite to section 45.0315, Florida Statutes.

                                        -6-
Florida; John F. Harkness, Jr., Executive Director, and Gregory A. Zhelesnik, Bar
Staff Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, Florida,

      for Petitioner

Lynn E. Szymoniak, Director, The Housing Justice Foundation, West Palm Beach,
Florida; Mark Aloysius Cullen of The Cullen Law Firm, P.A., West Palm Beach,
Florida; Patrick Lorne Farrell, Cape Coral, Florida; Chief Judge James T.
McGrady, III, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Clearwater, Florida; Michael L. Emge, Senior
Staff Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Saint Petersburg, Florida; Alejandro
Modesto Sanchez, President and Chief Executive Officer, Florida Bankers
Association, Inc., Tallahassee, Florida; Virginia Bullerman Townes of Akerman
LLP, Orlando, Florida; Senior Judge Randall G. McDonald, Tenth Judicial Circuit,
Bartow, Florida; Nye Lavalle, Pew Mortgage Institute, Boca Raton, Florida; John
F. Hooley, Naples, Florida; Joel Martin McTague of Frank Weinberg & Black, PL,
Plantation, Florida; Michael Allen Dribin, Chair, The Real Property, Probate and
Trust Section of The Florida Bar, Miami, Florida; Heidi Jo Bassett and Robert Rex
Edwards of Robertson, Anschutz & Schneid, P.L., Boca Raton, Florida; Thomas E.
Ice of Ice Legal PA, Royal Palm Beach, Florida; Lynn Drysdale, Jacksonville Area
Legal Aid, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida; Alice Maria Vickers, Florida Alliance for
Consumer Protection, Tallahassee, Florida; Roy David Oppenheim of Oppenheim
& Pilelsky, Weston, Florida; Margery Ellen Golant of Golant & Golant, P.A., Boca
Raton, Florida; Matthew Decell Weidner of Matthew D. Weidner, PA, Saint
Petersburg, Florida; Kevin Michael Hoyes of Kevin Hoyes Attorney PA, Key
West, Florida; Wendell David Finner, First Coast Consumer Law, Jacksonville
Beach, Florida; and Ronald Gillis, Murdock, Florida,

      Responding with Comments

                                       -7-
                                   APPENDIX

RULE 1.115.        PLEADING MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES

       (a) Claim for Relief. A claim for relief that seeks to foreclose a mortgage
or other lien which secures a promissory note on residential real property,
including individual units of condominiums and cooperatives designed principally
for occupation by one to four families which secures a promissory note, must: (1)
contain affirmative allegations expressly made by the claimant at the time the
proceeding is commenced that the claimant is the holder of the original note
secured by the mortgage; or (2) allege with specificity the factual basis by which
the claimant is a person entitled to enforce the note under section 673.3011, Florida
Statutes.

      (b) – (c)    [No change]

        (d) Lost, Destroyed, or Stolen Instrument. If the claimant seeks to
enforce a lost, destroyed, or stolen instrument, an affidavit executed under penalty
of perjury must be attached to the claim for relief. The affidavit must: (1) detail a
clear chain of all endorsements, transfers, or assignments of the promissory note
that is the subject of the action; (2) set forth facts showing that the claimant is
entitled to enforce a lost, destroyed, or stolen instrument pursuant to section
673.3091, Florida Statutes; and (3) include as exhibits to the affidavit such copies
of the note and the allonges to the note, audit reports showing receipt of the
original note, or other evidence of the acquisition, ownership, and possession of the
note as may be available to the claimant. Adequate protection as required and
identified under sections 673.3091(2) and 702.11(1), Florida Statutes, shall be
provided before the entry of final judgment.

      (e)    [No change]

                                        -8-
FORM 1.944(a). MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

                              (When location of original note known)

                                            COMPLAINT

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

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

        2.     On .....(date)....., defendant executed and delivered a promissory note and a
mortgage securing payment of the note to .....(plaintiff or plaintiff's predecessor)...... The
mortgage was recorded on .....(date)....., in Official Records Book .......... at page .......... of the
public records of .......... County, Florida, and mortgaged the property described in the mortgage
then owned by and in possession of the mortgagor, a copy of the mortgage and the note being
attached.

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

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

                 (b)    Plaintiff is a person entitled to enforce the note under applicable law
because .....(allege specific facts)......

               (c)      Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note.....(name of holder)....., the
holder of the original note. The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to act on behalf
of the person entitled to enforce theholder of the original note is/are as follows ...........

                 (d)    Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of .....(name of non-holder)....., who is not the holder but is entitled
to enforce the note under section 673.3011(2), Florida Statutes, because .....(allege specific
facts)...... The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to act on behalf of the person
entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows ...........

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

       5.         Defendant has defaulted under the note and mortgage by failing to pay the
payment due .....(date)....., and all subsequent payments .....(allege other defaults as
applicable)......

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

                                                  -9-
         7.     Defendant owes plaintiff $.......... that is due on principal on the note and
mortgage, interest from .....(date)....., and title search expense for ascertaining necessary parties
to this action.

        8.       Plaintiff is obligated to pay plaintiff's attorneys a reasonable fee for their services.
Plaintiff is entitled to recover its attorneys' fees under .....(allege statutory and/or contractual
bases, as applicable)......

        WHEREFORE, plaintiff demands judgment foreclosing the mortgage, for costs (and,
when applicable, for attorneys' fees), and, if the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to pay
plaintiff's claim, a deficiency judgment.

NOTE: An action for foreclosure of a mortgage on residential real property must contain an
oath, affirmation, or the following statement as required by rule 1.115(e).

                                           VERIFICATION

        Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the facts alleged
therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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

                                                 ______________________________
                                                 (Person Signing Verification)
                    CERTIFICATION OF POSSESSION OF ORIGINAL NOTE

The undersigned hereby certifies:

        1.     That plaintiff is in possession of the original promissory note upon which this
action is brought.

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

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

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

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

       6.       Correct copies of the note (and, if applicable, all endorsements, transfers,
allonges, or assignments of the note) are attached to this certification.

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

       Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Certification of
Possession of Original Note and that the facts stated in it are true.

                                                  - 10 -
Executed on .....(date)......

                                              ______________________________
                                              (Person Signing Certification)
NOTE: This form is for installment payments with acceleration. It omits allegations about junior
encumbrances, unpaid taxes, unpaid insurance premiums, other nonmonetary defaults, and for a
receiver. They must be added when appropriate. A copy of the note and mortgage must be
attached. This form may require modification. This form is designed to incorporate the pleading
requirements of section 702.015, Florida Statutes (2013) and rule 1.115. It is also designed to
conform to section 673.3011, Florida Statutes (2013), except that part of section 673.3011,
Florida Statutes, which defines a person entitled to enforce an instrument under section
673.3091, Florida Statutes. See form 1.944(b). Pursuant to section 702.015, Florida Statutes
(2013), a certification of possession of the original promissory note must be filed
contemporaneously with the Complaint (form 1.944(a)) or, in the event that the plaintiff seeks to
enforce a lost, destroyed, or stolen instrument, an affidavit setting forth the facts required by law
must be attached to the complaint (form 1.944(b)).

                                               - 11 -
FORM 1.944(b). MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

                             (When location of original note unknown)

                                              COMPLAINT

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

       1.       This is an action to foreclose a mortgage on real property in ………. County,
Florida.

        2.      On .....(date)....., defendant executed and delivered a promissory note and a
mortgage securing the payment of said note to .....(plaintiff or plaintiff’s predecessor)...... The
mortgage was recorded on .....(date)....., in Official Records Book .......... at page .......... of the
public records of .......... County, Florida, and mortgaged the property described therein which
was then owned by and in possession of the mortgagor. A copy of the mortgage and note are
attached to the affidavit which is attached hereto as Composite Exhibit “1”; the contents of the
affidavit are specifically incorporated by reference.

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

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

                (a)     the note was destroyed.

                (b)     the note is lost.

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

              (d)      the note is in the wrongful possession of a person that cannot be found or
is not amenable to service of process.

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

                (a)    At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred,
plaintiff was the holder of the original note secured by the mortgage.

                 (b)   At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred,
plaintiff was a person entitled to enforce the note under applicable law because .....(allege
specific facts)......

                  (c)      Plaintiff has directly or indirectly acquired ownership of the note from a
person who was entitled to enforce the note when loss of possession occurred as follows:
.....(allege facts as to transfer of ownership)......

                                                  - 12 -
                (d)    Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note, and theholder of the
original note who lost possession of the note. The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the
authority to act on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows ...........
(attach documents if not already attached).

                (e)     Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note when loss of possession
occurred because .....(allege specific facts)...... The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the
authority to act on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows .......... (attach
documents if not already attached).

                  (f)    Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of the person or entity who directly or indirectly acquired ownership
of the note from a person entitled to enforce the note when loss of possession occurred, as
follows: .....(allege specific facts)...... the document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to act
on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows .......... (attach documents if
not already attached).

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

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

       8.         Defendant has defaulted under the note and mortgage by failing to pay the
payment(s) due .....(date(s))....., and all subsequent payments .....(identify other defaults as
applicable)......

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

         10.    Defendant owes plaintiff $......... that is due on principal on the note and
mortgage, interest from .....(date)....., and title search expense for ascertaining necessary parties
to this action.

         11.      Plaintiff is obligated to pay its attorneys a reasonable fee for their services.
Plaintiff is entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees for prosecuting this claim pursuant to
.....(identify statutory and/or contractual bases, as applicable)......

        WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment re-establishing the promissory note,
determining the amount and nature of adequate protection to be required by sections 673.3091(2)
and 702.11, Florida Statutes, foreclosing the mortgage, for costs (and, where applicable, for
attorneys’ fees), and if the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to pay plaintiff’s claim, a
deficiency judgment.

NOTE: An action for foreclosure of a mortgage on residential real property must contain an
oath, affirmation, or the following statement as required by rule 1.115(e).

                                                 - 13 -
                                            VERIFICATION

        Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the facts alleged
therein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

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

                                                  ______________________________
                                                  (Person Signing Verification)
                                                   *****

                                  AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE

STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF ……………

        BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, personally appeared .....(name)....., who, after
being first duly sworn, deposes and states, under penalty of perjury:

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

        2.     I am executing this affidavit in support of plaintiff’s Complaint against defendant
and I have personal knowledge of the matters set forth herein.

        32.    On .....(date)....., the public records reflect that defendant executed and delivered a
mortgage securing the payment of the note to .....(plaintiff/plaintiff’s predecessor)...... The
mortgage was recorded on .....(date)....., in Official Records Book .......... at page .......... of the
public records of .......... County, Florida, and mortgaged the property described therein, which
was then owned by and in possession of the mortgagor, a copy of the mortgage and the note
being attached.

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

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

                (a)     the note was destroyed.

                (b)     the note is lost.

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

              (d)      the note is in the wrongful possession of a person who cannot be found or
is not amenable to service of process.

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

                                                   - 14 -
                (a)    At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred,
plaintiff was the holder of the original note secured by the mortgage.

                 (b)   At the time the original note was lostWhen loss of possession occurred,
plaintiff was a person entitled to enforce the note under applicable law because .....(allege
specific facts)......

              (c)     Since the note was lost, pPlaintiff has directly or indirectly acquired
ownership of the note from a person who was entitled to enforce the note when loss of
possession occurred as follows: .....(allege facts regarding transfer of ownership)......

                (d)    Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note, and theholder of the
original note who lost possession of the note. The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the
authority to act on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows .......... (attach
copy of document(s) or relevant portion(s) of the document(s)).

                (e)     Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the original note when loss of
possession occurred, because .....(allege specific facts)...... The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff
the authority to act on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows ..........
(attach documents if not already attached).

                 (f)     Plaintiff has been delegated the authority to institute a mortgage
foreclosure action on behalf of the person or entity who directly or indirectly acquired ownership
of the note from a person entitled to enforce the original note when loss of possession occurred,
as follows .....(allege specific facts)...... The document(s) that grant(s) plaintiff the authority to
act on behalf of the person entitled to enforce the note is/are as follows .......... (attach documents
if not already attached).

        6.      Below is the clear chain of the endorsements, transfers, allonges or assignments of
the note and all documents that evidence same as are available to Plaintiff: .....(identify in
chronological order all endorsements, transfers, assignments of, allonges to, the note or other
evidence of the acquisition, ownership and possession of the note)...... Correct copies of the
foregoing documents are attached to this affidavit.

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

FURTHER, AFFIANT SAYETH NAUGHT.

                                        __________________________
                                        [signature]
                                        …………………………………
                                        [typed or printed name of affiant]

                                                 - 15 -
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF …………...

       BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority appeared .....(name of affiant)....., who ..... is
personally known to me or ..... produced identification ..... and acknowledged that he/she
executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes expressed therein and who did take an oath.

       WITNESS my hand and seal in the State and County aforesaid, this .....(date)......

                                            ______________________________
                                            NOTARY PUBLIC, State of Florida

                                            Print Name: …………………………

                                            Commission Expires: ……………….

                                       Committee Note

        2014 Adoption. This form is for installment payments with acceleration. It omits
allegations about junior encumbrances, unpaid taxes, unpaid insurance premiums, other
nonmonetary defaults, and for a receiver. Allegations must be added when appropriate. This
form may require modification. This form is designed to incorporate the pleading requirements
of section 702.015, Florida Statutes (2013), and rule 1.115. It is also designed to comply with
section 673.3091, Florida Statutes (2013). Adequate protection as required by sections 702.11
(2013) and 673.3091(2), Florida Statutes (2013), must be provided before the entry of final
judgment.

                                             - 16 -
FORM 1.944(c). MOTION FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

                  PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
                 FOR ENTRY OF FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE

        1.    Plaintiff is a lienholder of real property located at .....(address)..... or is a
.....Condominium Association/Cooperative Association/Homeowner’s Association......

       2.      The plaintiff has filed a verified complaint in conformity with applicable law,
which is attached.

        3.     The plaintiff requests this court issue an order requiring defendant(s) to appear
before the court to show cause why a final judgment of foreclosure should not be entered against
defendant(s).

        4.      The date of the hearing may not occur sooner than the later of 20 days after
service of the order to show cause or 45 days after service of the initial complaint.

                                                   OR

COMMENT: Use the following when service is by publication:

       4.     When service is obtained by publication, the date for the hearing may not be set
sooner than 30 days after the first publication.

        5.     The accompanying proposed order to show cause affords defendant(s) all the
rights and obligations as contemplated by applicable law.

       6.     Upon the entry of the order to show cause, plaintiff shall serve a copy of the
executed order to show cause for entry of final judgment as required by law.

       7.     This is not a residential property for which a homestead exemption for
taxation was granted according to the rolls of the latest assessment by the County Property
Appraiser.

        Plaintiff requests the court review this complaint and grant this motion for order to show
cause for entry of final judgment of foreclosure, and grant such further relief as may be awarded
at law or in equity.

                                                 Plaintiff

Certificate of Service

                                           Committee Note

                                                 - 17 -
          2014 Adoption. This form is designed to comply with section 702.10, Florida Statutes
(2013).

                                              - 18 -
FORM 1.944(d). ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

                                   ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

        THIS CAUSE has come before the court on .....plaintiff’s/lien holder’s..... motion for
order to show cause for entry of final judgment of mortgage foreclosure and the court having
reviewed the motion and the verified complaint, and being otherwise fully advised in the
circumstances, finds and it is

        ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that:

        1.       The defendant(s) shall appear at a hearing on foreclosure on .....(date)..... at .....
(time) ..... before the undersigned judge, in the ..…(county)….. Courthouse at ..…(address)…..,
to show cause why the attached final judgment of foreclosure should not be entered against the
defendant(s) in this cause. This hearing referred to in this order is a “show cause hearing.”

       2.     This ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE shall be served on the defendant(s) in
accordance with the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable law as follows:

                a.      If the defendant(s) has/have been served under Chapter 48, Florida
Statutes, with the verified complaint and original process has already been effectuated, service of
this order may be made in the manner provided in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure; or, if the
other party is the plaintiff in the action, service of the order to show cause on that party may be
made in the manner provided in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.

                b.      If the defendant(s) has/have not been served under Chapter 48, Florida
Statutes, with the verified complaint and original process, the order to show cause, together with
the summons and a copy of the verified complaint, shall be served on the party in the same
manner as provided by law for original process.

       3.      The filing of defenses by a motion or verified answer at or before the show cause
hearing constitutes cause for which the court may not enter the attached final judgment.

      4.      Defendant(s) has/have the right to file affidavits or other papers at the time of the
show cause hearing and may appear at the hearing personally or by an attorney.

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

        6.      Defendant(s)’ failure to appear either in person or by an attorney at the show
cause hearing or to file defenses by motion or by a verified or sworn answer, affidavits, or other
papers which raise a genuine issue of material fact which would preclude entry of summary
judgment or which would otherwise constitute a legal defense to foreclosure, after being served
as provided by law with the order to show cause, will be deemed presumptively a waiver of the
right to a hearing. In such case, the court may enter a final judgment of foreclosure ordering the

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clerk of the court to conduct a foreclosure sale. An order requiring defendant(s) to vacate the
premises may also be entered.

       7.      If the mortgage provides for reasonable attorneys’ fees and the requested fee does
not exceed 3% of the principal amount owed at the time the complaint is filed, the court may not
need to hold a hearing to adjudge the requested fee to be reasonable.

        8.      Any final judgment of foreclosure entered under section 702.10(1) Florida
Statutes, shall be only for in rem relief; however, entry of such final judgment of foreclosure
shall not preclude entry of an in personam money damages judgment or deficiency judgment
where otherwise allowed by law.

        9.    A copy of the proposed final judgment is attached and will be entered by the
court if defendant(s) waive(s) the right to be heard at the show cause hearing.

      10.    The court finds that this is not a residential property for which a homestead
exemption for taxation was granted according to the rolls of the latest assessment by the
county property appraiser.

          DONE AND ORDERED at .....(county)....., Florida .....(date)......

                                                          _____________________
                                                          CIRCUIT JUDGE

Copies to:

                                          Committee Note

          2014 Adoption. This form is designed to comply with section 702.10(1), Florida Statutes
(2013).

                                                - 20 -
FORM 1.996(b). FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE FOR RE-
               ESTABLISHMENT OF LOST NOTE

                                        FINAL JUDGMENT

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

       IT IS ADJUDGED that:

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

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

                               Interest to date of this judgment               ..................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

        2.      Lien on Property. Plaintiff holds a lien for the total sum superior to all claims
or estates of defendant(s), on the following described property ……………….. County, Florida:

                               (describe property)

       3.       Sale of Property. If the total sum with interest at the rate described in paragraph
1 and all costs accrued subsequent to this judgment are not paid, the clerk of this court shall sell
the property at public sale on .....(date)….., to the highest bidder for cash, except as prescribed in
paragraph 4, at the courthouse located at ….(street address of courthouse)…. in ……………
County in ..…(name of city)….., Florida, in accordance with section 45.031, Florida Statutes
(2013), using the following method (CHECK ONE):

                                                - 21 -
….. At .....(location of sale at courthouse; e.g., north door)....., beginning at .....(time of
sale)..... on the prescribed date.

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

        4.       Costs. Plaintiff shall advance all subsequent costs of this action and shall be
reimbursed for them by the clerk if plaintiff is not the purchaser of the property for sale,
provided, however, that the purchaser of the property for sale shall be responsible for the
documentary stamps payable on the certificate of title. If plaintiff is the purchaser, the clerk shall
credit plaintiff’s bid with the total sum with interest and costs accruing subsequent to this
judgment, or such part of it as is necessary to pay the bid in full.

        5.      Distribution of Proceeds. On filing the certificate of title the clerk shall
distribute the proceeds of the sale, so far as they are sufficient, by paying: first, all of plaintiff’s
costs; second, documentary stamps affixed to the certificate; third, plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees;
fourth, the total sum due to plaintiff, less the items paid, plus interest at the rate prescribed in
paragraph 1 from this date to the date of the sale; and by retaining any remaining amount
pending further order of this court.

        6.       Right of Redemption/Right of Possession. On filing the certificate of sale,
defendant(s) and all persons claiming under or against defendant(s) since the filing of the notice
of lis pendens shall be foreclosed of all estate or claim in the property and defendant’s right of
redemption as prescribed by section 45.0315, Florida Statutes (2013) shall be terminated, except
as to claims or rights under chapter 718 or chapter 720, Florida Statutes, if any. Upon the filing
of the certificate of title, the person named on the certificate of title shall be let into possession of
the property.

        7.      Attorneys’ Fees.

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

         Because a default judgment has been entered against the mortgagor and because the fees
requested do not exceed 3 percent of the principal amount owed at the time the complaint was
filed, it is not necessary for the Court to hold a hearing or adjudge the requested attorneys' fees to
be reasonable.

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

       The Court finds, based upon the affidavits/testimony presented and upon inquiry of
counsel for the Plaintiff that ___ hours were reasonably expended by Plaintiff's counsel and that
an hourly rate of $______ is appropriate. Plaintiff's counsel represents that the attorney fee
awarded does not exceed its contract fee with the Plaintiff. The Court finds that there are/are no
reduction or enhancement factors for consideration by the Court pursuant to Florida Patient
Compensation Fund v. Rowe, 472 So. 2d 1145 (Fla. 1985). (If the Court has found that there are

                                                 - 22 -
reduction or enhancement factors to be applied, then such factors must be identified and
explained herein).

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

        The requested attorneys’ fees are a flat rate fee that the firm’s client has agreed to pay in
this matter. Given the amount of the fee requested and the labor expended, the Court finds that a
lodestar analysis is not necessary and that the flat fee is reasonable.

        8.     Re-establishment of Lost Note. The court finds that the plaintiff has re-
established the terms of the lost note and established its right to enforce the instrument as
required by law. Plaintiff shall hold the defendant(s) maker of the note harmless and shall
indemnify defendant(s) for any loss Defendant(s) may incur by reason of a claim by any other
person to enforce the lost note. Adequate protection has been provided as required by law by the
following means: ….. (Identify means of security per applicable law: a written indemnification
agreement, a surety bond, include specific detail)…...

        Judgment is hereby entered in favor of the plaintiff as to its request to enforce the lost
note.

        9.      Jurisdiction Retained. Jurisdiction of this action is retained to enforce the
adequate protection ordered and to enter further orders that are proper including, without
limitation, a deficiency judgment.

IF THIS PROPERTY IS SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION, THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL
MONEY FROM THE SALE AFTER PAYMENT OF PERSONS WHO ARE ENTITLED
TO BE PAID FROM THE SALE PROCEEDS PURSUANT TO THE FINAL JUDGMENT.

IF YOU ARE A SUBORDINATE LIENHOLDER CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS
REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO
LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU
WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS.

[If the property being foreclosed on has qualified for the homestead tax exemption in the most
recent approved tax roll, the final judgment shall additionally contain the following statement in
conspicuous type:]

IF YOU ARE THE PROPERTY OWNER, YOU MAY CLAIM THESE FUNDS
YOURSELF. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A LAWYER OR ANY OTHER
REPRESENTATION AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ASSIGN YOUR RIGHTS TO
ANYONE ELSE IN ORDER FOR YOU TO CLAIM ANY MONEY TO WHICH YOU ARE
ENTITLED. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT, (INSERT
INFORMATION FOR APPLICABLE COURT) WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER THE SALE TO
SEE IF THERE IS ADDITIONAL MONEY FROM THE FORECLOSURE SALE THAT
THE CLERK HAS IN THE REGISTRY OF THE COURT.

                                                - 23 -
IF YOU DECIDE TO SELL YOUR HOME OR HIRE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU CLAIM
THE ADDITIONAL MONEY, YOU SHOULD READ VERY CAREFULLY ALL PAPERS
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN, ASK SOMEONE ELSE, PREFERABLY AN
ATTORNEY WHO IS NOT RELATED TO THE PERSON OFFERING TO HELP YOU,
TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING AND THAT
YOU ARE NOT TRANSFERRING YOUR PROPERTY OR THE EQUITY IN YOUR
PROPERTY WITHOUT THE PROPER INFORMATION. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD
TO PAY AN ATTORNEY, YOU MAY CONTACT (INSERT LOCAL OR NEAREST LEGAL
AID OFFICE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER) TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FINANCIALLY
FOR THEIR SERVICES. IF THEY CANNOT ASSIST YOU, THEY MAY BE ABLE TO
REFER YOU TO A LOCAL BAR REFERRAL AGENCY OR SUGGEST OTHER
OPTIONS. IF YOU CHOOSE TO CONTACT (NAME OF LOCAL OR NEAREST LEGAL
AID OFFICE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER) FOR ASSISTANCE, YOU SHOULD DO SO
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE.

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

                                                              ___________________
                                                              Judge

NOTE: Paragraph 1 must be varied in accordance with the items unpaid, claimed, and proven. The
form does not provide for an adjudication of junior lienors’ claims or for redemption by the United
States of America if it is a defendant. The address of the person who claims a lien as a result of the
judgment must be included in the judgment in order for the judgment to become a lien on real
estate when a certified copy of the judgment is recorded. Alternatively, an affidavit with this
information may be simultaneously recorded. For the specific requirements, see section 55.10(1),
Florida Statutes; Hott Interiors, Inc. v. Fostock, 721 So. 2d 1236 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998).

                                         Committee Note

        2014 Amendment. This new form is to be used when the foreclosure judgment re-
establishes a lost note.

                                               - 24 -