Court Rules
Judge Jason J. Nimeth
Judge

Judge Jason J. Nimeth

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Florida 5 Judicial Circuit (Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Sumter)

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Continuance Motions

  • Upon Filing

Courtesy copies

  • Upon Filing

Notice Of Cause At Issue

  • Email

Notice Of Hearing

  • With Bundled Motion

Adjournments

  • A motion to continue must state specific grounds for the requested continuance.
  • A motion to continue must include opposing counsel’s position on the motion.

Request must include

Reason For RequestAdversary Position

Communication

Email
Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantProposed OrdersCertificatesTRO/Injunction

Document Filing Requirements7 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Every proposed order must include a certificate of service complying with Florida Rule of General Practice and Procedure 2.516.

All proposed orders shall include a certificate of service in compliance with Florida Rule of General Practice and Procedure 2.516.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A proposed order must automatically accompany the listed motions, including specified agreed, appointment, default, withdrawal, continuance, and other agreed motions, subject to the stated conditions.

A proposed order should automatically be submitted with the following motions: Agreed Motion for Extension of Time; Agreed Motion for Leave to Amend Complaint; Motion to Appoint Process Server; Agreed Motion to Appoint Guardian ad Litem; Motion to Appoint Attorney ad Litem; Motion for Default Final Judgment, if damages are liquidated; Motions to Withdrawal from Representation, if your client is consenting; Motions to Continue; or any other agreed motion between the parties.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A Notice of Conflict must identify the conflicting case number and county and the judge presiding over the other case.

The Notice of Conflict shall contain at least the following information: the case number creating the conflicts with the county of the case and the name of the judge presiding over the other case.

Document Type

Notice Of Conflict

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Circuit5:3486396fd47216e9edf34e5d
|SecCancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

A proposed order should not be submitted until it is ready for immediate entry.

Orders should not be submitted unless ready for immediate entry.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

An agreed proposed order must include “Agreed” at the beginning of its title.

If an order is agreed between the parties, the title of the order should include “Agreed” at the beginning of the title.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

Evidence should be delivered to the Court only for virtual hearings.

Evidence should only be delivered to the Court for virtual hearings.

Document Type

Evidence

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The certificate of service shall contain language substantially similar language to following: I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been provided through electronic service and/or regular U.S. mail to the following parties.

Summary: The proposed order’s certificate of service must use substantially similar language certifying that a true and correct copy was provided through electronic service and/or regular U.S. mail.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Case law and memoranda of law may be submitted electronically to Audrey Hatcher for an upcoming hearing.

Any party desiring to submit case law and/or a memorandum of law for an upcoming hearing may submit these materials electronically to Audrey Hatcher.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Case Law and Memoranda

Proposed orders other than final foreclosure judgments and continuing writs of garnishment must be emailed to Audrey Hatcher in an editable document such as Microsoft Word.

All other proposed orders should be submitted through e-mail to Audrey Hatcher in an editable document such Microsoft Word.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Proposed Orders

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

A Notice of Conflict must be filed immediately upon discovery of the conflict, with a courtesy copy to the Court.

This notice should be filed immediately upon discovery of the conflict with a courtesy copy to the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

Physical binders, case law, and memoranda should be sent at least one week before the hearing.

Parties submitting binders, case law, and/or memoranda physically should make sure that the material sent at least one week in advance of the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Case Law and Memoranda

Case law and memoranda should be submitted at least ten days before the scheduled hearing.

The Court desires that these materials be submitted at least ten days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Case Law and Memoranda

Service and Proof of Service Rules

For a self-represented litigant not using e-filing portal service, the proposed order must provide for service by regular U.S. mail and a filed notice of service within five days after entry.

In cases involving a self-represented litigant who is not participating in electronic service through the e-filing portal, the proposed order must include language that the prevailing party will serve the order through regular U.S. mail on the self-represented party and certify said service through a filed notice of service within five (5) days of the entry of the order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Proposed Orders

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A movant who no longer wants to proceed with a scheduled hearing must file a Notice of Cancellation and provide a courtesy copy to the Court.

When a movant no longer desires to proceed with a scheduled hearing, the movant must file a Notice of Cancellation with a courtesy copy to the Court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

A courtesy copy of the notice that the cause is at issue should be emailed to Audrey Hatcher.

A courtesy copy of the notice that the cause is at issue should be sent to Audrey Hatcher through e-mail.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Notice that Cause is at Issue

The coordinating party must provide the Court a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing to finalize the hearing selection.

The coordinating party must provide the Court with a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing to finalize the hearing selection.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Scheduling a Hearing

The moving party must send the Court a courtesy copy with a proposed order when moving for a continuance.

The moving party shall send a courtesy copy to the Court with a proposed order.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A motion to continue must include opposing counsel’s position on the motion.

Motions to continue shall also include the position of opposing counsel as to the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

A motion to continue must state specific grounds for the requested continuance.

Motions to continue must set forth specific grounds for the request as general statements will be insufficient.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

Chambers Communication Rules

Parties must request hearings by email to Audrey Hatcher because hearings are not scheduled by telephone.

Parties requesting a hearing shall send an e-mail request to Audrey Hatcher as hearings are not scheduled by telephone.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Scheduling a Hearing

The cross-noticing permission email must identify the motion, existing hearing date and time, and opposing counsel’s position.

The e-mail shall include the name of the desired motion to be cross-noticed, the currently scheduled date and time of the existing hearing, and opposing counsel’s position on the request.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Cross-Noticing Hearings

The hearing-request email must copy all other parties and include the case number, county, motion name, and requested hearing duration.

The e-mail should be copied to all other parties in the action and include the case number, county where the case is pending, the name of the motion to be heard, and the total length of time requested.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Scheduling a Hearing

After all parties agree on a hearing date and time, the selection must be confirmed by email to Ms. Hatcher.

Only upon each party’s agreement to a specific date and time should you send an e-mail to Ms. Hatcher confirming the selection of a date and time.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Scheduling a Hearing

A party seeking permission to cross-notice a motion must email Audrey Hatcher and copy opposing counsel.

The requesting party shall request permission by contacting Audrey Hatcher through e-mail with opposing counsel copied.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Cross-Noticing Hearings

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 77 rules apply across Florida 5 Judicial Circuit (Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Sumter). Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Formatting

All 34
  • Format
    DOCX

    Proposed orders must be created in the latest version of Microsoft Word in .docx format.

  • Do not place spaces before the JJJJ, GGGG, or AAAA codes, and use the Right Alignment button to position signature fields.

  • Proposed orders must not contain page breaks or section breaks.

Filing Requirements

All 30
  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    proposed order

    Proposed orders must use the specified signature-field code pairs, including DDDD/JJJJ, MMMM/AAAA, RRRR/GGGG, and CCCC.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    Each electronic-signature code must contain all four capital letters and may appear only once per line.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order
    Must include
    case number

    Every proposed order must include the Unified Case Number.

Communication

All 4
  • Non-lawyer personnel may communicate with judges, judicial officers, or other court personnel only about scheduling and other ministerial matters.

  • A lawyer must avoid substantive ex-parte communications with the presiding judge in a pending case.

  • A lawyer must notify opposing counsel of communications with the court or tribunal unless the communication concerns only scheduling or clerical matters.

E-Filing

All 3
  • Applies to
    Cover letter

    A cover letter is optional, but if submitted it must be an Adobe PDF containing relevant details and must be uploaded separately from the proposed order.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    When multiple proposed orders are submitted in one filing, each order must be uploaded separately to the E-Portal.

  • Applies to
    Foreclosure packet

    All foreclosure packet documents must be e-filed with the clerk when hearing time is reserved.

About Judge Jason J. Nimeth

Jason J. Nimeth, Circuit Judge, Lake County Circuit Court. Judicial assistant: Audrey Hatcher. Office: (352) 742-4390.

- Lake County Judicial Center P.O. Box 7800 550 W. Main Street Tavares, FL 32778

Common questions about Judge Jason J. Nimeth's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Jason J. Nimeth?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for notice of hearings. Details: delivery with bundled motion. The coordinating party must provide the Court a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing to finalize the hearing selection.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Scheduling a Hearing

What must be included with notice of conflict filings before Judge Jason J. Nimeth?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A Notice of Conflict must identify the conflicting case number and county and the judge presiding over the other case.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Jason J. Nimeth?

The rule requires proposed order. A proposed order must automatically accompany the listed motions, including specified agreed, appointment, default, withdrawal, continuance, and other agreed motions, subject to the stated conditions.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Orders

How may parties contact Judge Jason J. Nimeth's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications. Parties must request hearings by email to Audrey Hatcher because hearings are not scheduled by telephone.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Scheduling a Hearing

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Jason J. Nimeth?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request. A motion to continue must state specific grounds for the requested continuance.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

Is electronic filing required before Judge Jason J. Nimeth?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Proposed orders other than final foreclosure judgments and continuing writs of garnishment must be emailed to Audrey Hatcher in an editable document such as Microsoft Word.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Orders

What filing deadlines does Judge Jason J. Nimeth set?

A Notice of Conflict must be filed immediately upon discovery of the conflict, with a courtesy copy to the Court.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Cancellation of Hearings, Motions to Continue, and Notice of Conflict

What rule applies to service for proposed order before Judge Jason J. Nimeth?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: method: service by mail. For a self-represented litigant not using e-filing portal service, the proposed order must provide for service by regular U.S. mail and a filed notice of service within five days after entry.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Orders
Complete rules summary for Judge Jason J. Nimeth

Parties must request hearings by email to Audrey Hatcher because hearings are not scheduled by telephone.

The hearing-request email must copy all other parties and include the case number, county, motion name, and requested hearing duration.

After all parties agree on a hearing date and time, the selection must be confirmed by email to Ms. Hatcher.

The coordinating party must provide the Court a courtesy copy of the Notice of Hearing to finalize the hearing selection.

A party seeking permission to cross-notice a motion must email Audrey Hatcher and copy opposing counsel.

The cross-noticing permission email must identify the motion, existing hearing date and time, and opposing counsel’s position.

A courtesy copy of the notice that the cause is at issue should be emailed to Audrey Hatcher.

A movant who no longer wants to proceed with a scheduled hearing must file a Notice of Cancellation and provide a courtesy copy to the Court.

A motion to continue must state specific grounds for the requested continuance.

A motion to continue must include opposing counsel’s position on the motion.

The moving party must send the Court a courtesy copy with a proposed order when moving for a continuance.

A Notice of Conflict must identify the conflicting case number and county and the judge presiding over the other case.

A Notice of Conflict must be filed immediately upon discovery of the conflict, with a courtesy copy to the Court.

A proposed order should not be submitted until it is ready for immediate entry.

Proposed orders other than final foreclosure judgments and continuing writs of garnishment must be emailed to Audrey Hatcher in an editable document such as Microsoft Word.

An agreed proposed order must include “Agreed” at the beginning of its title.

A proposed order must automatically accompany the listed motions, including specified agreed, appointment, default, withdrawal, continuance, and other agreed motions, subject to the stated conditions.

Every proposed order must include a certificate of service complying with Florida Rule of General Practice and Procedure 2.516.

The proposed order’s certificate of service must use substantially similar language certifying that a true and correct copy was provided through electronic service and/or regular U.S. mail.

For a self-represented litigant not using e-filing portal service, the proposed order must provide for service by regular U.S. mail and a filed notice of service within five days after entry.

Case law and memoranda of law may be submitted electronically to Audrey Hatcher for an upcoming hearing.

Case law and memoranda should be submitted at least ten days before the scheduled hearing.

Physical binders, case law, and memoranda should be sent at least one week before the hearing.

Evidence should be delivered to the Court only for virtual hearings.

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