Court Rules
Judge

Judge Lauren N. Peffer

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Broward County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

MotionCourt-wide
4 pgs
ResponseCourt-wide
3 pgs
Motion Requesting Relief From Page LimitationCourt-wide
2 pgs
Statement Of Material FactsCourt-wide
12 pgs
Opposing Statement Of Material FactsCourt-wide
12 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • 1 copy • Email
  • Not required

Evidence

  • 4 copies
  • 4 copies • Hand Delivery • At Trial

Motion To Tax Costs And Award Attorney Fees

  • 1 copy • Upon Filing

Notice For Trial

  • 1 copy • Mail • Upon Filing

Adjournments

  • Motion calendar hearings must be canceled promptly through the online scheduling system and only by the attorney who set them.
  • Canceling a hearing requires both online cancellation and direct notification to the Judicial Assistant.
  • Special-set hearings may only be canceled by immediately emailing the Judicial Assistant with the reason and obtaining court approval.
  • +2 more

Request must include

Reason For RequestAdversary Position

Communication

Email

Chambers

div82@17th.flcourts.org
SchedulingEmergencies
Phone

Chambers

(954) 831-3381
No status inquiries
Email
Court-wide
calendar@17th.flcourts.org
Technical Issues
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingProposed OrdersExhibitsElectronicsLettersCertificatesMemorandaConferences

Document Format Requirements3 rules

Formatting

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Any exhibit either party desires to use at trial exceeding four (4) pages in length must be consecutively paginated (by bates-stamp method or otherwise), with sufficient copies of such consecutively paginated exhibit so that both parties and the witness can refer to the exhibit at the same time during trial. Any exhibit not meeting these two requirements will not be allowed for use at trial.

Summary: Trial exhibits over four pages must be consecutively paginated with sufficient copies for all participants or they will not be allowed at trial.

Applies When:Page Threshold > 4
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure G: Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The Court does not review exhibits on cell phones or laptops. Hard copies must be brought to the hearing, or the Court will not consider them.

Summary: Exhibits on cell phones or laptops will not be reviewed; hard copies must be brought to the hearing or the court will not consider them.

Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure G: Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Any case law the parties intend to rely upon should be submitted to the Court and the opposing party at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing date, with the appropriate citations utilized and/or relied upon highlighted.

Summary: Submitted case law must have the citations utilized and/or relied upon highlighted.

Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure B: Hearing Procedures - Case Law Submission

Document Filing Requirements16 rules

Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

It is mandatory that all parties consult with one another regarding their availability. However, if after three (3) reasonable good faith attempts were unsuccessful, a party may unilaterally set a hearing. Once the hearing has been set the Notice of Hearing must indicate that it is a Unilaterally Set hearing and please attach the correspondence supporting the attempts to coordinate the hearing.

Summary: After three unsuccessful good-faith attempts to coordinate, a party may unilaterally set a hearing, and the notice must be marked as unilaterally set with supporting correspondence attached.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure K: Other Division Procedures
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

When filing a Motion to Withdraw as Attorney of Record, you are required to include the client's contact information, including address and e-mail address if any, within the text of the Motion. You are also required to serve on your client a copy of the Motion to Withdraw and a Notice of Hearing. You must include your client's name and contact information in the certificate of service for both the Motion to Withdraw and the Notice of Hearing.

Summary: A Motion to Withdraw must include the client's contact information in the motion text and in the certificate of service for both the motion and the notice of hearing.

Document Type

Motion To Withdraw As Attorney

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure K: Other Division Procedures
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

A Motion must be filed. A proposed order must be uploaded.

Summary: A Motion for Continuance must be filed and a proposed order uploaded.

Document Type

Motion For Continuance

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure K: Other Division Procedures
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

If any attorney for a party or a pro se party has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the preparation of any complaint, answer, motion, brief, or other paper filed with the Court, assigned to Judge Peffer, MUST in a clear and plain factual statement, disclose that AI has been used in any way in the filing, and CERTIFY that each and every citation to the law or the record in the paper, has been verified as accurate, the order stated.

Summary: Any filing prepared with AI must include a clear factual disclosure of AI use and a certification that all citations to the law or record were verified as accurate.

Document Type

Any Filed Paper

Content & Formatting
Ai Disclosure
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure L: Motion for Attorney's Fees and Tax Costs
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Your proposed order must include your client's contact information and indicate that your client has 30 days to retain new counsel and have counsel file a notice of appearance or your client shall be deemed to be proceeding pro-se unless the party must be represented per the rules of civil procedure.

Summary: The proposed order on a motion to withdraw must include the client's contact information and 30-day notice to retain new counsel or be deemed pro se.

Document Type

Proposed Order Motion To Withdraw

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure K: Other Division Procedures
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Phone and /or Video Conference appearance may be permitted; however, the movant must e-file a written motion prior to the hearing and secure an order via the e-order service or directly to chambers permitting remote appearance.

Summary: Remote appearance requires the movant to e-file a written motion before the hearing and secure an order permitting remote appearance.

Document Type

Motion For Remote Appearance

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure C: In-Person and Remote Appearances
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Please do not simply email the Court stating that you have an emergency. You must comply with the requirements of Administrative Order 2021-51-CO, Circuit and County Civil and Probate Emergency Matters, “including the submission of a “ Request for Emergency Relief.”

Summary: Emergency motions must comply with Administrative Order 2021-51-CO, including submission of a Request for Emergency Relief; a bare email claiming emergency is insufficient.

Document Type

Emergency Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure F: Emergency Hearings or Other Urgent Matters
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The Court will not grant a substitution of counsel unless client's written consent is obtained, and new counsel certifies, “I have reviewed the Court docket in this file and have spoken with all counsel of record. I am aware of all pending hearings, depositions and other deadlines that are set in this case.” See Rule 2.505(e)(2)

Summary: Substitution of counsel requires the client's written consent and a certification by new counsel that they reviewed the docket and spoke with all counsel of record.

Document Type

Motion For Substitution Of Counsel

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure K: Other Division Procedures
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

If Local Rule 11 is triggered, please use the standard form attached hereto. Do NOT add any additional language (e.g., waiver of privilege, etc.) This division does not hear these motions.

Summary: When Local Rule 11 is triggered, parties must use the standard form without additional language, and this division does not hear those motions.

Document Type

Motion To Compel Discovery Local Rule 11

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure J: Division Forms - Motion to Compel Discovery
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Judge Peffer requires a uniform order for this purpose submitted via the e-order system. Proposed orders submitted not in compliance will not be entered. The required form is attached to these instructions.

Summary: Requests to invoke the small claims rules require the required uniform order form submitted via the e-order system or the order will not be entered.

Document Type

Request To Invoke Rules Of Small Claims

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure H: Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Pro Se / Non Represented Parties must email or mail a copy of all Documentation that is to be presented to the court for the Hearing to the Judicial Assistant at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing date and must include a certification that a copy was provided to the opposing party.

Summary: Pro se parties' hearing documentation must include a certification that a copy was provided to the opposing party.

Document Type

Hearing Documentation

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure C: Pro Se / Non Represented Parties
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

A party may not submit an order through the online order system unless the form of the order has been approved by both parties.

Summary: An order may only be submitted through the online order system if both parties have approved its form.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure D: Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

If you reach an agreement, please file the Agreed Order. If the Judge signs the Order prior to the hearing, you do not need to appear. However, if it is not signed you must attend.

Summary: Upon agreement the parties must file an Agreed Order, and appearance is excused only if the Judge signs it before the hearing.

Document Type

Agreed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

Please make sure to include Judge Peffer's zoom link on all notice of hearings.

Summary: All notices of hearing must include Judge Peffer's Zoom link.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure C: In-Person and Remote Appearances
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

If the parties cannot agree on the wording of an order each party shall submit their own proposed order to the Judge via email with a cover letter explaining the areas of disagreement in PDF/Word format. The Judge will then select whichever order she feels most accurately reflects her ruling or draft a separate order if needed.

Summary: If parties cannot agree on order wording, each party must email their own proposed order with a cover letter explaining the disagreements in PDF/Word format.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure D: Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

If you are under a Trial order, please make sure the Joint Pretrial Stipulation is filed to the Courts before submitting readiness for Trial.

Summary: Parties under a trial order must file the Joint Pretrial Stipulation before submitting readiness for trial.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Stipulation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Broward:24d700f6a9631522912a8753 · Jan 2025
|SecProcedure I: Setting Case for Trial

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Supporting documents must not be sent to the court by email or mail; they must be uploaded through the CMS case supporting documents feature.

Please do not send supporting documents to the Courts, even by e-mail. These may be uploaded instead through the CMS “case supporting documents” feature.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Continuance motions may not be emailed unless they have been filed with the Clerk of the Court.

These motions may NOT be emailed if they have not been filed with the Clerk of the Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure K: Other Division Procedures

Agreed orders, ex-parte orders compelling discovery, and orders invoking the rules must be submitted through the online e-order system when all parties are represented.

Judge Peffer participates in the e-orders program( submit order through CMS). This means that if you are submitting an AGREED ORDER, EX-PARTE ORDER COMPELLING DISCOVERY, or an ORDER INVOKING THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, ETC and all parties are represented by attorneys, you MUST submit these through the online e-order system.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure D: Submission of Orders and Judgments

Hard copy orders dropped off or mailed to the court will not be entered, including orders invoking rules brought to the small claims pretrial conference.

Any hard copies of Orders dropped off or mailed to the Court will NOT be entered. This also means you CANNOT bring Orders Invoking Rules to be signed at the small claims pretrial conference as they will NOT be entered. (You must still use the approved form for invoking the rules).

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure D: Submission of Orders and Judgments

If all parties are registered, the proposed or agreed continuance order may be submitted via the e-order system; an objection requires setting a hearing through online scheduling.

However, if all parties are registered in the case, you may submit the proposed or agreed order via the e-order court management system. If the opposing party objects to the continuance, it will be necessary to set a hearing on the Motion through on-line scheduling system.

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Page 1 | Procedure K: Other Division Procedures

Case law may be submitted via CMS supporting documents tab, by email to the division email, or as a hard copy.

Case Law can be submitted via CMS under the supporting documents tab OR emailed to the Division e-mail (div82@17th.flcourts.org) OR submitted hard-copy to the Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - Case Law Submission

Pro se parties may submit a proposed order by mail with self-addressed stamped envelopes and copies for all parties.

Pro se/ unrepresented parties may mail a copy of the proposed order to the court along with self- addressed stamped envelopes and sufficient copies for all parties.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure C: In-Person and Remote Appearances

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The party requesting Uniform Motion Calendar relief must furnish a proposed order through the Court Online Order Portal within 5 days after the hearing.

Ex-parte matters and non-evidentiary motions may be heard on the Uniform Motion Calendar provided such matters can be conducted in five (5) minutes equally allocated among the parties. The party requesting relief shall furnish the Court a proposed order through the Court Online Order Portal within 5 days after the hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure C: In-Person and Remote Appearances

Self-represented parties must email or mail all hearing documentation to the Judicial Assistant at least five business days before the hearing.

Pro Se / Non Represented Parties must email or mail a copy of all Documentation that is to be presented to the court for the Hearing to the Judicial Assistant at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing date and must include a certification that a copy was provided to the opposing party.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure C: Pro Se / Non Represented Parties

Case law must be submitted to the Court and opposing party at least five business days before the hearing.

Any case law the parties intend to rely upon should be submitted to the Court and the opposing party at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing date, with the appropriate citations utilized and/or relied upon highlighted. This ensures the Court will have sufficient time to review the relevant portions in preparation for your hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - Case Law Submission

Sanctions may be imposed if discovery is not completed within ten days of the ex-parte order or if a party fails to appear for a noticed Motion to Compel hearing.

Sanctions may be imposed if discovery is not completed within ten (10) days from the date the Ex-Parte Order is entered necessitating a hearing on a Motion to Compel, or if a party fails to appear for a properly noticed hearing on a Motion to Compel.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure J: Division Forms - Motion to Compel Discovery

A filed motion must be set for hearing within 60 days of filing or risks being deemed abandoned or denied without prejudice.

A Motion that is filed must be set for hearing within 60 days of filing, or else may risk being either deemed abandoned OR may be denied without prejudice.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - Setting Motions Timely

If the opposing party fails to provide reasonable deposition dates within two business days of the request, the movant may unilaterally set the deposition.

Judge Peffer will not authorize motions to be set for hearing “to compel dates.” If the opposing party does not provide reasonable dates within two business days of the request, you may unilaterally set the deposition. The burden will then be on the opposing party to move for protective order and explain why no dates were provided.

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Page 1 | Procedure K: Other Division Procedures

Represented parties may upload the motion and hearing documentation to CMS supporting documents five business days before the hearing.

Represented Parties may add the Motion and any other documentation for the hearing to supporting documents five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure C: Pro Se / Non Represented Parties

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The moving attorney must serve the client with a copy of the Motion to Withdraw and the Notice of Hearing.

You are also required to serve on your client a copy of the Motion to Withdraw and a Notice of Hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure K: Other Division Procedures

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A copy of the Notice for Trial with stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all parties must be mailed or delivered to the Judicial Assistant.

When filing a Notice for Trial, you MUST mail or deliver a copy of the Notice for Trial along with stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all parties to the Judicial Assistant.

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Page 1 | Procedure I: Setting Case for Trial

Emergency motions and urgent matters must be filed with the Clerk and a courtesy copy emailed to the division email.

Emergency motions or other urgent matters shall be filed with the Clerk and a courtesy copy emailed to the division email at div82@17th.flcourts.org.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure F: Emergency Hearings or Other Urgent Matters

Attorneys must send a copy of their Motion to Tax Costs and Award Attorney's Fees to the Judge's office.

Attorneys must send a copy of their Motion to Tax Costs and Award Attorney's Fees to the Judge's office. Once received, the Judge will electronically enter an Order Preliminary to Hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure L: Motion for Attorney's Fees and Tax Costs

Parties must bring four copies of all evidence to trial or the evidence may be excluded.

Parties are to bring 4 copies of all evidence to trial. One for Plaintiff. One for Defendant. One for the Clerk of the Court and one for the Court. It is not the Court's responsibility to make copies for unprepared litigants and evidence may be excluded if sufficient copies are unavailable.

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Page 1 | Procedure I: Setting Case for Trial

Four copies of any document submitted into evidence are required: for the court, opposing party, submission into evidence, and the party.

Please bring FOUR (4) copies of any document you wish to submit into evidence: one for the court, one for the opposing party, one for submission into evidence, and one for yourself.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure G: Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Courtesy copies are generally not required; parties wishing to send one must contact the Judicial Assistant first.

Generally, the Court does not require courtesy copies. If you desire to transmit a courtesy copy to the Court please contact the Judicial assistant at div82@17th.flcourts.org

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure E: Courtesy Copies

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

A law firm and its affiliated attorneys may not set more than three motions on a single day without advance court approval.

NO LAW FIRM (INCLUDING ALL ATTORNEYS AFFILIATED WITH THE FIRM) may set more than three (3) motions on any single day, even if the Motions involve separate files, unless approved in advance by the Court.

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Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Double booking hearings is prohibited and sanctions may be imposed; add-ons require court approval.

NO DOUBLE BOOKING of any hearing is permitted at any time. Sanctions may be imposed for non-compliance. No “ADD-ONs” will be permitted without approval of the Court.

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Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

A fee hearing cannot be set until the Court determines entitlement and the parties comply with the preliminary order.

NOTE: Before a Fee Hearing may be set, the Court must determine Entitlement first. The parties must comply with the court's preliminary order.

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Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

All parties must consult regarding attorney availability before scheduling a hearing.

It is MANDATORY that all parties consult regarding availability of each attorney. Users may log on at the same time to see the Court's schedule of available times when selecting the date and time for a hearing.

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Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

For all other Motions to Compel, parties must make a bona fide item-by-item effort to resolve each matter first.

For all other Motions to Compel, the Court requires all parties to make a bona fide effort to resolve each matter being compelled on an item by item basis.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure J: Division Forms - Motion to Compel Discovery

The Order Preliminary on a fees motion will not be entered until a final judgment or stipulation disposing of the underlying case is entered.

However, the Court will not enter its Order Preliminary unless there is a Final Judgment, Stipulation for Dismissal, etc., entered disposing of the underlying case.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure L: Motion for Attorney's Fees and Tax Costs

Invocation of the rules is discretionary and rarely granted, and filing the motion does not excuse appearance at the pretrial conference unless an order is entered.

Please remember that the invocation of rules is discretionary with the Court and is rarely granted. Do not assume that the Rules have been invoked unless you receive a signed order from Judge Peffer. Also, please note that submission of a motion to invoke the rules does NOT excuse appearance at the Pretrial Conference unless the Court has actually entered the order.

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Page 1 | Procedure H: Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A notice of cancellation and/or dismissal/settlement must be sent before the hearing date.

The Notice of Cancellation and/or Dismissal/Settlement must be sent before the hearing date.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Opposing counsel must be contacted about any objection before filing a Motion for Continuance.

You must contact opposing counsel to determine if they have an objection prior to filing a Motion for Continuance.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure K: Other Division Procedures

Special-set hearings may only be canceled by immediately emailing the Judicial Assistant with the reason and obtaining court approval.

Should any scheduled special-set hearing become unnecessary, the scheduling party shall immediately send an email to the Judicial Assistant explaining the reason for the desired cancellation. If approved by the Court, the Judicial Assistant will cancel the hearing (see Local Rule 11)

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Canceling a hearing requires both online cancellation and direct notification to the Judicial Assistant.

Please keep in mind that the Judge and Judicial Assistant are not alerted when hearings are canceled through the on-line scheduling system, therefore you must not only cancel through the online system, but you must also contact the Judicial Assistant to notify her of the cancellation.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Motion calendar hearings must be canceled promptly through the online scheduling system and only by the attorney who set them.

If you are canceling a Motion Calendar Hearing, please cancel it through the on-line scheduling system as soon as possible in order to allow someone else to schedule their hearing for that time slot. These hearings may only be canceled by the attorney that set the hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Chambers Communication Rules

Emergency motions will not be addressed unless they are rule-compliant ex-parte motions or the other side is copied on the email.

Please note that the Motion will not be addressed unless it is an ex-parte motion in compliance with the rules, or the other side is copied on the email.

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Page 1 | Procedure F: Emergency Hearings or Other Urgent Matters

The Judicial Assistant must be emailed to set a hearing needing more than 30 minutes or for eviction/unlawful detainer, claim of exemption, and attorney fee hearings.

Please contact JENNIFER CASTANEDA, Judge Peffer's judicial assistant, by email (div82@17th.flcourts.org) to request that a motion be set for hearing if more than 30 minutes is needed AND/OR if setting a hearing for eviction and unlawful detainer, claim of exemption hearings and attorneys fee hearings.

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Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Cases without attorneys for all parties must schedule hearings through the Judicial Assistant unless the self-represented party agreed to online scheduling, and pro se status must be noted in the email.

IF YOUR CASE DOES NOT INVOLVE ATTORNEYS FOR ALL PARTIES, THEN THE HEARINGS MUST BE SET THROUGH THE JUDICIAL ASSISTANT, UNLESS THE SELF-REPRESENTED PARTY HAS AGREED TO PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE SCHEDULING. PLEASE NOTE IN YOUR EMAIL IF A PARTY IS A SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANT.

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Page 1 | Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

After complying with the Preliminary Order, the moving attorney must contact the Judicial Assistant to obtain a special set evidentiary hearing time.

Once the attorneys comply with the Preliminary Order and are ready for a special set hearing, the moving attorney must contact the Judicial Assistant to obtain a special set evidentiary hearing time. The judge's office will then enter an Order Setting Evidentiary Hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure L: Motion for Attorney's Fees and Tax Costs

A request to use screen-sharing on Zoom must be emailed to the division email at least one business day before the hearing.

FOR THE USE OF SCREEN-SHARING ON ZOOM, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO THE DIVISION EMAIL AT DIV82@17TH.FLCOURTS.ORG, AT LEAST ONE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE HEARING.

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Page 1 | Procedure K: Other Division Procedures

The Judicial Assistant can be reached by phone, but non-urgent inquiries involving both parties are redirected to email with the other side copied.

You may reach Judge Peffer's Judicial Assistant at (954) 831-3381. If you call and the inquiry is not urgent, and involves both parties, you will be directed to correspond through email and copy the other side in the message.

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Page 1 | Procedure A: Communications with the Judicial Office

Questions to the division email must copy the opposing party, and court personnel cannot relay ex-parte information to the Court.

If you have any questions, please email div82@17th.flcourts.org and remember to also copy the opposing party. This will ensure a prompt response. Before sending your email, make sure you obtain the other party's email address as required by Florida law, the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. It's important to note that court personnel are not allowed to relay ex-parte information to the Court.

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Page 1 | Procedure A: Communications with the Judicial Office

Parties must email the Judicial Assistant promptly when a noticed case resolves, and failure to attend pretrial or case management hearings may result in dismissal or default.

We understand and expect that many cases will settle after being noticed for trial. However, if your case resolves, as a professional courtesy to the Court, email the Judicial Assistant as soon as possible so the Judge can properly manage the rest of her docket. Failure to attend the pre-trial conference or case management hearing may result in dismissal or default of the case.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure I: Setting Case for Trial

Parties may not call chambers to inquire whether the Judge has signed an order or received a document.

PLEASE do not call to inquire whether the Judge has signed a particular order or has received any document or pleading. We are unable to answer such questions because of the volume of phone calls and mail received each day.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 1 | Procedure L: Motion for Attorney's Fees and Tax Costs

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 99 rules apply across Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Broward County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 31
  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    case number

    Motions must state the facts with specificity, list all of the defendant's cases, the charges for each case, and the legal reason for custody; boilerplate motions are not allowed.

  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    case number

    A separate motion must be filed for each individual case number, including the new law charge and VOP case numbers.

  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    certificate of conference

    Counsel must certify a good-faith attempt to resolve the issue with opposing counsel; if contact was unsuccessful, counsel must certify at least three contact attempts plus a follow-up email.

Communication

All 13
  • Contact
    Phone to chambers

    Counsel must contact the Division Judge's judicial assistant to be placed on an in-custody docket and must provide a working phone number and email address.

  • Contact
    Phone to chambers

    When setting a hearing, counsel must give the Division Judge's judicial assistant a good-faith estimate of the anticipated hearing length.

  • Contact
    Email to chambers

    Out-of-jurisdiction bond and change-of-plea matters are heard by Judge Andrew Siegel and must be set through Sabrina Albert at Salbert@17th.flcourts.org.

E-Filing

All 11
  • Applies to
    Motion

    A copy of the motion must be e-filed with the Clerk's office.

  • Applies to
    Notice of change of plea

    The notice of change of plea must be e-filed with the Clerk's office.

  • Applies to
    Motion

    For motions seeking to exceed page limits, proposed orders may be uploaded to CMS, the motion must be uploaded as a supporting document, and no hearing is required.

Formatting

All 9
  • Margins
    top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

    All motions and responses must be double-spaced with at least one-inch margins and a font size of at least 12 points.

  • Format
    PDF

    PDF submissions containing more than one item must be bookmarked.

  • Uploaded orders must not duplicate header and footer content because CMS inserts that content automatically.

About Judge Lauren N. Peffer

Lauren N. Peffer is a judge in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which serves Broward County through circuit and county court divisions.

Practitioners will find this judge's procedures in the document titled 'division-82'.

Common questions about Judge Lauren N. Peffer's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Lauren N. Peffer?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for notice for trials. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by mail. A copy of the Notice for Trial with stamped, self-addressed envelopes for all parties must be mailed or delivered to the Judicial Assistant.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure I: Setting Case for Trial

Does Judge Lauren N. Peffer require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Lauren N. Peffer's rules set a pre-motion procedure for attorney fees. A fee hearing cannot be set until the Court determines entitlement and the parties comply with the preliminary order.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

What must be included with motion for remote appearance filings before Judge Lauren N. Peffer?

The rule requires proposed order. Remote appearance requires the movant to e-file a written motion before the hearing and secure an order permitting remote appearance.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure C: In-Person and Remote Appearances

What must be included with hearing documentation filings before Judge Lauren N. Peffer?

The rule requires certificate of service. Pro se parties' hearing documentation must include a certification that a copy was provided to the opposing party.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure C: Pro Se / Non Represented Parties

How may parties contact Judge Lauren N. Peffer's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Lauren N. Peffer's chambers. The rule lists email div82@17th.flcourts.org. The Judicial Assistant must be emailed to set a hearing needing more than 30 minutes or for eviction/unlawful detainer, claim of exemption, and attorney fee hearings.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Lauren N. Peffer?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. A notice of cancellation and/or dismissal/settlement must be sent before the hearing date.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

Is electronic filing required before Judge Lauren N. Peffer?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Supporting documents must not be sent to the court by email or mail; they must be uploaded through the CMS case supporting documents feature.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - How Do I Get a Hearing?

What filing deadlines does Judge Lauren N. Peffer set?

Case law must be submitted to the Court and opposing party at least five business days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure B: Hearing Procedures - Case Law Submission

What rule applies to service for motion to withdraw as attorney before Judge Lauren N. Peffer?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. The moving attorney must serve the client with a copy of the Motion to Withdraw and the Notice of Hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedure K: Other Division Procedures
Complete rules summary for Judge Lauren N. Peffer

All notices of hearing must include Judge Peffer's Zoom link.

Questions to the division email must copy the opposing party, and court personnel cannot relay ex-parte information to the Court.

The Judicial Assistant can be reached by phone, but non-urgent inquiries involving both parties are redirected to email with the other side copied.

Parties under a trial order must file the Joint Pretrial Stipulation before submitting readiness for trial.

Case law must be submitted to the Court and opposing party at least five business days before the hearing.

Submitted case law must have the citations utilized and/or relied upon highlighted.

Case law may be submitted via CMS supporting documents tab, by email to the division email, or as a hard copy.

The Judicial Assistant must be emailed to set a hearing needing more than 30 minutes or for eviction/unlawful detainer, claim of exemption, and attorney fee hearings.

A fee hearing cannot be set until the Court determines entitlement and the parties comply with the preliminary order.

Supporting documents must not be sent to the court by email or mail; they must be uploaded through the CMS case supporting documents feature.

Cases without attorneys for all parties must schedule hearings through the Judicial Assistant unless the self-represented party agreed to online scheduling, and pro se status must be noted in the email.

All parties must consult regarding attorney availability before scheduling a hearing.

Double booking hearings is prohibited and sanctions may be imposed; add-ons require court approval.

A law firm and its affiliated attorneys may not set more than three motions on a single day without advance court approval.

Motion calendar hearings must be canceled promptly through the online scheduling system and only by the attorney who set them.

Canceling a hearing requires both online cancellation and direct notification to the Judicial Assistant.

Upon agreement the parties must file an Agreed Order, and appearance is excused only if the Judge signs it before the hearing.

Special-set hearings may only be canceled by immediately emailing the Judicial Assistant with the reason and obtaining court approval.

A notice of cancellation and/or dismissal/settlement must be sent before the hearing date.

A filed motion must be set for hearing within 60 days of filing or risks being deemed abandoned or denied without prejudice.

Remote appearance requires the movant to e-file a written motion before the hearing and secure an order permitting remote appearance.

Self-represented parties must email or mail all hearing documentation to the Judicial Assistant at least five business days before the hearing.

Pro se parties' hearing documentation must include a certification that a copy was provided to the opposing party.

Represented parties may upload the motion and hearing documentation to CMS supporting documents five business days before the hearing.

The party requesting Uniform Motion Calendar relief must furnish a proposed order through the Court Online Order Portal within 5 days after the hearing.

Pro se parties may submit a proposed order by mail with self-addressed stamped envelopes and copies for all parties.

Agreed orders, ex-parte orders compelling discovery, and orders invoking the rules must be submitted through the online e-order system when all parties are represented.

Hard copy orders dropped off or mailed to the court will not be entered, including orders invoking rules brought to the small claims pretrial conference.

An order may only be submitted through the online order system if both parties have approved its form.

If parties cannot agree on order wording, each party must email their own proposed order with a cover letter explaining the disagreements in PDF/Word format.

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