Court Rules
Judge

Judge Katie L. Dearing

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • At Least 5 Days Before Hearing
  • Hand Delivery

Emergency Motions, Rehearing Motions, New Trial Motions

  • Mail • Upon Filing

Filings > 20 pages

Motion, Memoranda

  • At Least 3 Days Before Hearing
  • At Least Three Days Before Hearing

Communication

Email

Clerk

powells@coj.net
Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

durhaml@clayclerk.com
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide
904-255-1180
Scheduling
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday
Email
Court-wide

Chambers

Emergencies
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantProposed OrdersLettersCourtesy CopiesMemorandaConferences

Document Filing Requirements24 rules

Filing Requirements

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

A Certificate of Conferral complying with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.202 is required for a motion hearing to be set.

To that end, the Court will not set a hearing on motions which do not include the Certificate of Conferral required by Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.202.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 4
|SecIV. MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS
Filing Requirements

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

Every post-hearing proposed order must include a cover letter identifying what the order addresses, confirming that opposing counsel and unrepresented parties received the same materials, and stating whether they agree with the proposed language.

All proposed Orders presented following a hearing MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER INDICATING: 1. What the Order is for (i.e., the case, the motion heard, including date and time, the title of the Order, etc.); and 2. That all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties have been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court, and whether the parties agree with the language of the proposed Order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 6
|SecVIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

The party submitting the proposed order must provide addressed, stamped envelopes for parties not using the e-Portal.

Further, the party presenting the proposed Order, shall be responsible for providing addressed, stamped envelopes for parties not using the e-Portal.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 6
|SecVIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

The proposed-order service list must include the addresses of every unrepresented party and every party not using the e-Portal.

The proposed Order service list must contain addresses for any unrepresented party or party not using the e-Portal.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 6
|SecVIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

When an unrerepresented party is not using the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted in writing with enough copies for the court and each non-e-Portal party.

If there is an unrepresented party involved in the case not using the e-Portal, the proposed Order must be submitted to the Court in writing, with sufficient copies for an original to be entered by the Court and a copy for each party not using e-Portal.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 6
|SecVIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

The cover letter must state that opposing counsel or an unrepresented party received the same materials as the Court, whether the party consents to the requested relief, and if so, whether it agrees with the proposed order language.

The cover letter must state (i) that opposing counsel/unrepresented party has been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court, (ii) whether opposing counsel/unrepresented party consents to the relief requested in the motion and proposed order and, if so, (iii) whether opposing counsel/unrepresented party agrees with the language of the proposed order.

Document Type

Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

A proposed order submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal must include a cover letter and a courtesy copy of the related motion, stipulation, or other materials, which must be sent to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

Proposed Orders without a hearing may be submitted to the Court via the Florida Courts e-Portal with a cover letter and courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, etc. related to the proposed Order, which must be copied to all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Every proposed consent order must include either “Consent” or “Agreed” in its caption.

All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The moving party must file the notice of hearing.

4. The moving party is responsible for filing and serving the notice of hearing.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dearing-Procedures-for-Uniform-Motion-Calendar · p. 1
|SecPROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The notice of hearing submitted to the Court must include the appropriate pleadings and be marked “Uniform Motion Calendar.”

9. At least three business days before the hearing a copy of the notice of hearing, with the appropriate pleading(s) attached, shall be forwarded to the Court, marked "Uniform Motion Calendar.”

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dearing-Procedures-for-Uniform-Motion-Calendar · p. 2
|SecPROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The trial set memorandum must be completed before it is presented to the court.

(Please complete before presenting to court)

Document Type

Trial Set Memorandum

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Trial-Set-Memorandum · p. 1
|SecTRIAL SET MEMORANDUM (DIVISION CV-B)
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The motion must include a conference certification stating that a conference occurred and whether all or part of the motion is resolved; no hearing will be set without it.

The moving party shall file with the motion a statement certifying that the moving counsel has conferred with opposing counsel or the unrepresented party and stating whether counsel or the unrepresented party agrees on the resolution of all or part of the motion. No hearing will be set on a motion which lacks this statement.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 4
|SecMOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

A motion whose relief is wholly or partly unopposed must identify that status in its caption using an equivalent succinct indication.

If the interested parties agree to all or part of the relief sought in any motion, the caption of the motion shall include the word “unopposed,” “agreed,” or “stipulated” or otherwise succinctly inform the reader that, as to all or part of the requested relief, no opposition exists.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Caption
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 4
|SecMOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

A proposed order submitted after a hearing must include a cover letter identifying the order and confirming that opposing counsel or unrepresented parties received the same materials and stating whether they agree with its language.

All proposed Orders presented following a hearing MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER INDICATING: 1. What the Order is for (i.e., the case, the motion heard, including date and time, the title of the Order, etc.); and 2. That all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties have been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court, and whether the parties agree with the language of the proposed Order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 7
|SecMOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The caption of every consent proposed order must include the word “Consent” or “Agreed.”

All consent Orders shall include the word “Consent” or “Agreed” in the caption of the proposed Order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 8
|SecPROPOSED ORDERS WITHOUT A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

A motion caption must identify agreed, stipulated, unopposed, or partially unopposed relief when the interested parties agree to all or part of the requested relief.

If the interested parties agree to all or part of the relief sought in any motion, the caption of the motion shall include the word “unopposed,” “agreed,” or “stipulated” or otherwise succinctly inform the reader that, as to all or part of the requested relief, no opposition exists.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 4
|SecIV. MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS
Filing Requirements

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

A party requesting resolution of a motion without a hearing should provide the motion, proposed order, and request for resolution without a hearing.

If a party requests the Court rule on a motion without a hearing, the moving party should forward to the Court the motion, a proposed order and a request for resolution without a hearing, in the manner set forth below:

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

A moving party requesting a ruling without a hearing should submit the motion, a proposed order, and a request for resolution without a hearing.

If a party requests the Court rule on a motion without a hearing, the moving party should forward to the Court the motion, a proposed order and a request for resolution without a hearing, in the manner set forth below:

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 7
|SecPROPOSED ORDERS WITHOUT A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

A Notice of Hearing should identify Hearing Room 701 at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.

A Notice of Hearing should indicate that the hearing will take place in Hearing Room 701, Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 3
|SecIII. IN-PERSON AND REMOTE APPEARANCES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

When the parties jointly seek e-portal submission without a hearing, the moving party should provide the motion, a proposed order, and a request for resolution without a hearing.

If the parties jointly agree to submit a motion to the Court via the Florida Court e-portal without the need for a hearing, the moving party should forward to the Court the motion, a proposed order and a request for resolution without a hearing.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 4
|SecMOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

When all parties agree to appoint a Special Magistrate, they should submit a joint motion and proposed order identifying the magistrate and assigned issues.

If all parties agree to the appointment of a Special Magistrate, please submit a Joint Motion to Appoint Special Magistrate along with a proposed Order identifying the Special Magistrate and the issues to be handled by him or her.

Document Type

Joint Motion To Appoint Special Magistrate

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 5
|SecUSE OF SPECIAL MAGISTRATES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

11. Counsel must certify in the notice of hearing and the motion to be heard that counsel has attempted to resolve the subject of the motion prior to seeking judicial intervention.

Summary: The notice of hearing must certify that counsel attempted to resolve the motion's subject before seeking judicial intervention.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dearing-Procedures-for-Uniform-Motion-Calendar · p. 2
|SecPROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

The cover letter must state (i) that opposing counsel/unrepresented party has been provided with the same materials being provided to the Court, (ii) whether opposing counsel/unrepresented party consents to the relief requested in the motion and proposed order and, if so, (iii) whether opposing counsel/unrepresented party agrees with the language of the proposed order.

Summary: A no-hearing proposed-order cover letter must confirm that opposing parties received the same materials, state whether they consent to the requested relief, and, if so, whether they agree with the proposed order's language.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Policies-and-Procedures · p. 7
|SecPROPOSED ORDERS WITHOUT A HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

The Court may request the lawyers prepare proposed orders pursuant to the Court’s verbal announcements of rulings made during a hearing.

Summary: When requested by the court, counsel must prepare a proposed order reflecting rulings announced verbally during a hearing.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
CV-B-Civil-Policies-and-Procedures-2025-(1) · p. 6
|SecVIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

When all parties use the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal.

If all parties before the Court are using the e-Portal, the proposed Order shall be submitted to the Court via the Florida Courts e-Portal.

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

Page 6 | VIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

Jury trial settings must be submitted by email with the motion to set trial and a fully completed Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum.

Setting cases for jury trial will be done only through e-mail. The movant shall e-mail the Motion to Set and a fully completed Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum to the Court.

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

Page 2 | SETTING MATTERS FOR TRIAL

When all parties use the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal.

If all parties before the Court are using the e-Portal, the proposed Order shall be submitted to the Court via the Florida Courts e-Portal.

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

Page 6 | PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

A proposed order submitted without a hearing may be filed through the Florida Courts e-Portal with a cover letter and a courtesy copy of the related motion, stipulation, or other materials, which must also be sent to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

Proposed Orders without a hearing may be submitted to the Court via the Florida Courts e-Portal with a cover letter and courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, etc. related to the proposed Order, which must be copied to all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.

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

Page 7 | PROPOSED ORDERS WITHOUT A HEARING

The jury trial set memorandum must be fully completed, identify the desired mediator and trial date, and be emailed to the judge’s judicial assistant with the motion to set trial.

The parties shall complete all information in the form, including the desired mediator and trial date, and submit it as an e-mail attachment to the judge’s judicial assistant along with the Motion to Set Trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | SETTING MATTERS FOR TRIAL

Non-jury trial settings must be submitted by email with the motion to set trial and a fully completed Division FC-B Trial Set Memorandum.

Setting cases for trial will be done only through e-mail. The movant shall e-mail the Motion to Set and a fully completed Division FC-B Trial Set Memorandum to the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | SETTING MATTERS FOR TRIAL

The non-jury trial set memorandum must be fully completed, identify the desired mediator, and be emailed to the judge’s judicial assistant with any mediator or trial-date disagreements and each party’s recommendation.

The parties shall complete all information in the form, including the desired mediator, and submit it as an e-mail attachment to the judge’s judicial assistant along with the Motion to Set for Trial. Any disagreements on mediators or proposed trial dates shall be included in the email along with each party’s recommendation.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | SETTING MATTERS FOR TRIAL

When an unrepresented party involved in the case is not using e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted in writing with sufficient copies for Court entry and each party not using e-Portal.

If there is an unrepresented party involved in the case not using the e-Portal, the proposed Order must be submitted to the Court in writing, ===== PAGE 7 ===== with sufficient copies for an original to be entered by the Court and a copy for each party not using e-Portal.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 8 | PROPOSED ORDERS WITHOUT A HEARING

If an unrerepresented party is not using the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted to the Court in writing.

If there is an unrepresented party involved in the case not using the e-Portal, the proposed Order must be submitted to the Court in writing,

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

Emergency motions, rehearing motions, and motions for new trial should first be e-filed with the Clerk of Court.

These motions should first be e-filed with the Clerk of Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS, MOTIONS FOR REHEARING AND MOTIONS FOR NEW TRIAL

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

At least three business days before the hearing, a copy of the notice of hearing with the appropriate pleadings attached must be forwarded to the Court.

9. At least three business days before the hearing a copy of the notice of hearing, with the appropriate pleading(s) attached, shall be forwarded to the Court, marked "Uniform Motion Calendar.”

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

Page 2 | PROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR

Uniform Motion Calendar hearings must be scheduled no later than one week before the hearing date.

5. These hearings must be set no later than one week in advance of the scheduled date.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | PROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR

Emergency motions, motions for rehearing, and motions for new trial should be e-filed with the clerk before submission of a review copy.

These motions should first be e-filed with the Clerk of Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | VI. EMERGENCY MOTIONS, MOTIONS FOR REHEARING AND MOTIONS FOR NEW TRIAL

Service and Proof of Service Rules

If counsel lacks an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand-deliver the proposed order and cover letter to the court.

If counsel does not have an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand deliver the proposed Order and letter to the Court consistent with the instructions above.

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

Page 6 | VIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

All counsel and unrepresented parties must receive copies of the cover letter and proposed order when those materials are provided to the court.

All counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on the cover letter, including any proposed Order, at the same time provided to the Court.

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

Page 6 | VIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

Related materials accompanying a proposed order submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal must be copied to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

Proposed Orders without a hearing may be submitted to the Court via the Florida Courts e-Portal with a cover letter and courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, etc. related to the proposed Order, which must be copied to all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.

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

All counsel and unrepresented parties must receive the post-hearing cover letter and proposed order when the materials are provided to the Court, with mail or hand delivery required if an unrepresented party has no email address.

All counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on the cover letter, including any proposed Order, at the same time provided to the Court. If counsel does not have an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand deliver the proposed Order and letter to the Court consistent with the instructions above.

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

Page 7 | MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

A paper proposed order must include sufficient copies for the Court and each party not using e-Portal, and the presenting party must provide addressed, stamped envelopes and list the necessary addresses on the service list.

with sufficient copies for an original to be entered by the Court and a copy for each party not using e-Portal. Further, the party presenting the proposed Order, shall be responsible for providing addressed, stamped envelopes for parties not using the e-Portal. The proposed Order service list must contain addresses for any unrepresented party or party not using the e-Portal.

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

Page 7 | MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

The party presenting the proposed Order must provide addressed, stamped envelopes for parties not using the e-Portal and include their addresses on the proposed Order service list.

Further, the party presenting the proposed Order, shall be responsible for providing addressed, stamped envelopes for parties not using the e-Portal. The proposed Order service list must contain addresses for any unrepresented party or party not using the e-Portal.

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

Page 8 | PROPOSED ORDERS WITHOUT A HEARING

A motion over 20 pages must be delivered by U.S. Mail or hand delivery, not by email.

Any motion over 20 pages shall not be emailed but instead delivered by U.S. Mail or hand delivery.

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

Page 6 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS, MOTIONS FOR REHEARING AND MOTIONS FOR NEW TRIAL

The party filing the motion must provide a copy for review by U.S. Mail, hand delivery, or e-mail when filing the motion.

The party filing the motion shall provide a copy for review by U.S. Mail, hand delivery or e-mail at the time the motion is filed.

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

Page 6 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS, MOTIONS FOR REHEARING AND MOTIONS FOR NEW TRIAL

The party submitting the proposed order is responsible for providing addressed, stamped envelopes to parties not using the e-Portal.

Further, the party presenting the proposed Order, shall be responsible for providing addressed, stamped envelopes for parties not using the e-Portal.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

The proposed order service list must include addresses for every unrepresented party or party not using the e-Portal.

The proposed Order service list must contain addresses for any unrepresented party or party not using the e-Portal.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

The moving party is responsible for serving the notice of hearing.

4. The moving party is responsible for filing and serving the notice of hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | PROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Pleadings exceeding 20 pages, including attachments, must not be emailed.

However, voluminous pleadings (more than 20 pages, including attachments) must not be emailed.

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

Page 5 | V. COURTESY COPIES

A no-hearing e-Portal submission must include a courtesy copy of the motion, stipulation, or other material related to the proposed order, and that material must be copied to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

Proposed Orders without a hearing may be submitted to the Court via the Florida Courts e-Portal with a cover letter and courtesy copy of the motion, joint stipulation, etc. related to the proposed Order, which must be copied to all opposing counsel/unrepresented parties.

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

Page 7 | PROPOSED ORDERS WITHOUT A HEARING

Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered to the court at least three days before the scheduled hearing.

Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered to the Court at least three days before a scheduled hearing on the matter.

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

Page 5 | V. COURTESY COPIES

Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should reach the Court at least three days before the scheduled hearing.

Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered to the Court at least three days before a scheduled hearing on the matter.

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

Page 5 | COURTESY COPIES

The party filing the motion must provide a copy for review by U.S. Mail, hand delivery, or e-mail when the motion is filed.

The party filing the motion shall provide a copy for review by U.S. Mail, hand delivery or e-mail at the time the motion is filed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | VI. EMERGENCY MOTIONS, MOTIONS FOR REHEARING AND MOTIONS FOR NEW TRIAL

An emergency motion, motion for rehearing, or motion for new trial exceeding 20 pages must not be emailed and must instead be delivered by U.S. mail or hand delivery.

Any motion over 20 pages shall not be emailed but instead delivered by U.S. Mail or hand delivery.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | VI. EMERGENCY MOTIONS, MOTIONS FOR REHEARING AND MOTIONS FOR NEW TRIAL

Pleadings exceeding 20 pages must be delivered by hand, U.S. mail, or another delivery service.

They will need to be provided via hand-delivery, U.S. Mail, or other delivery service.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | V. COURTESY COPIES

Pleadings exceeding 20 pages, including attachments, must not be emailed.

However, voluminous pleadings (more than 20 pages, including attachments) must not be emailed.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases

Page 5 | COURTESY COPIES

Binders containing case law must be received by the Court at least five days before the hearing.

Any binders containing case law shall be received by the Court at least 5 days prior to the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | COURTESY COPIES

Voluminous pleadings must be provided by hand delivery, U.S. Mail, or another delivery service.

They will need to be provided via hand-delivery, U.S. Mail, or other delivery service.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | COURTESY COPIES

Motions, pleadings, and memoranda may be provided to the court by email.

Motions, pleadings and memoranda may be provided by e-mail as well as U.S. Mail or hand delivery.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | V. COURTESY COPIES

Motions, pleadings, and memoranda may be delivered to the Court by email, U.S. Mail, or hand delivery.

Motions, pleadings and memoranda may be provided by e-mail as well as U.S. Mail or hand delivery.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | COURTESY COPIES

Filing Bundling Requirements

Parties are encouraged, where possible, to work together and submit one copy of supporting materials for the court’s consideration.

The Court encourages all parties to work together where possible to submit one copy of the supporting materials necessary for the Court’s consideration.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | V. COURTESY COPIES

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

A certification that opposing counsel was unavailable for a pre-filing conference does not satisfy the obligation to confer.

A certification to the effect that opposing counsel was unavailable for a conference before filing a motion is insufficient to satisfy the parties’ obligation to confer.

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

Page 4 | IV. MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

A claim that opposing counsel was unavailable does not excuse the conference; the motion must describe attempted conference, the moving party must promptly contact opposing counsel after filing and supplement the motion, and non-moving counsel must promptly respond and provide conference availability.

A certification to the effect that opposing counsel or the unrepresented party was unavailable for a conference before filing a motion is insufficient to satisfy the parties’ obligation to confer. If, for any reason, the moving party is unable to confer with counsel for the non-moving party, the motion should describe actions taken by the moving party to confer. The moving party retains the duty to contact opposing counsel expeditiously after filing and to supplement the motion promptly with a statement certifying whether or to what extent the parties have resolved the issue(s) presented in the motion. Counsel for the non-moving party is obligated to promptly reply to a ‘meet-and-confer’ request and to provide availability for such conference.

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

Page 4 | MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

Except for specified motions, the moving party must confer with opposing counsel or an unrepresented party in good faith before filing.

Before filing a motion, except a motion (a) for injunctive relief, (b) for judgment on the pleadings, (c) for summary judgment, or (d) relating to the maintenance of a class action, the moving party shall confer with counsel for the opposing party in a good faith effort to resolve the issues raised by the motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

Before filing a motion to compel discovery, the moving party must confer in good faith with the non-moving party to attempt to resolve the dispute.

As with all motions filed in this Division (as set forth above), prior to filing a motion to compel discovery, the moving party shall confer in good faith with the non-moving party in an attempt to resolve the discovery dispute.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES

Chambers Communication Rules

Hearing requests must be coordinated with opposing counsel or an unrepresented party, and the requesting party should contact the Judicial Assistant.

All hearings must be coordinated with opposing counsel or party if unrepresented. The party requesting a hearing on any pending motion should contact the Judicial Assistant

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

Page 4 | MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

If the parties agree that the 150-day case management conference is unnecessary to set the actual trial period, emailing the judicial assistant a completed Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum permits the court to cancel the conference.

If the parties agree that the 150-day CMC is not necessary to set the actual trial period, the Court will enter an order canceling the CMC hearing upon a party emailing to the Court’s Judicial Assistant a completed Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum.

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

Page 2 | II. SETTING MATTERS FOR TRIAL

Counsel is strongly encouraged to check with the Court a few days before the Uniform Motion Calendar to confirm that the hearing date has not been cancelled.

12. Occasionally, it may become necessary for the Court to cancel the Uniform Motion Calendar. It is strongly recommended that counsel check with the Court a few days before the Uniform Motion Calendar to ensure the hearing date has not been cancelled.

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

Page 2 | PROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR

The parties must complete the Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum with the requested mediator and trial date, email it as an attachment to the judicial assistant, and include any mediator or trial-date disagreements and each party’s recommendation.

The parties shall complete all information in the form, including the desired mediator and trial date, and submit it as an e-mail attachment to the Court’s judicial assistant. Any disagreements on mediators or trial dates shall be included in the email along with each party’s recommendation.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | II. SETTING MATTERS FOR TRIAL

A party requesting a hearing on a pending motion should contact the Judicial Assistant by telephone with all other parties on the line or by email at PowellS@coj.net.

The party requesting a hearing on any pending motion should contact the Judicial Assistant with all other parties on the line or by email at PowellS@coj.net.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | IV. MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 62 rules apply across Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 30
  • Applies to
    Motion
    Must include
    case number

    A motion must be entered on the clerk's docket, with its docket number provided, before hearing time may be requested.

  • Applies to
    Motion to set for hearing

    A motion to set a hearing is required when the requested hearing will exceed one hour.

  • Applies to
    Notice of hearing

    The notice of hearing must satisfy Rule 2.530(b), including identifying the communication technology and providing access directions.

Filing Timing

All 13
  • Counsel may not file a notice of hearing until the court confirms the hearing by email.

  • Counsel must file a compliant notice of hearing within three days after hearing confirmation, identifying the communication technology and providing access directions.

  • Proposed orders for remote-hearing requests must be submitted at least one week before the hearing.

Communication

All 7
  • Contact
    Email to clerk

    All scheduling must be conducted by email with the clerk.

  • Contact
    Email

    Proposed orders subject to this direction must be emailed directly to the judicial assistant.

  • The court must be notified upon settlement so the case can be removed from the trial docket.

Service

All 6
  • Service
    Electronic service

    The court cannot use electronic service as the sole method for a party who has not filed a Notice of Designation of Email Address.

  • Service
    Email

    All pro se parties must serve a designation of a primary email address, and may obtain the form from the clerk of court.

  • Applies to
    Papers and pleadings
    Service
    Mail to opposing party

    Further papers and pleadings may be served by mail or email, and service is complete upon mailing or emailing.

About Judge Katie L. Dearing

**Division or court number:** CV-B **Court level:** Circuit **Courtroom or hearing room:** Hearing Room 701 **Address:** Duval County Courthouse, 501 West Adams Street, Suite 7029, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 **Judicial assistant:** Sandra Powell **Email:** PowellS@coj.net **Phone:** (904) 255-1246

Common questions about Judge Katie L. Dearing's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Katie L. Dearing?

Courtesy-copy rule applies when a filing is > 20 pages. Pleadings exceeding 20 pages, including attachments, must not be emailed.

View ruleSource: page 5, section V. COURTESY COPIES

Does Judge Katie L. Dearing require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Katie L. Dearing's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. A certification that opposing counsel was unavailable for a pre-filing conference does not satisfy the obligation to confer.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IV. MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Katie L. Dearing?

The rule requires certificate of conference. A Certificate of Conferral complying with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.202 is required for a motion hearing to be set.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IV. MOTION PRACTICE AND SCHEDULING HEARINGS

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Katie L. Dearing?

The rule requires proposed order. When an unrerepresented party is not using the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted in writing with enough copies for the court and each non-e-Portal party.

View ruleSource: page 6, section VIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

How may parties contact Judge Katie L. Dearing's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications. The rule lists email PowellS@coj.net. The parties must complete the Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum with the requested mediator and trial date, email it as an attachment to the judicial assistant, and include any mediator or trial-date disagreements and each party’s recommendation.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. SETTING MATTERS FOR TRIAL

Does Judge Katie L. Dearing require motion papers to be bundled?

Bundling is encouraged for covered papers before Judge Katie L. Dearing. Parties are encouraged, where possible, to work together and submit one copy of supporting materials for the court’s consideration.

View ruleSource: page 5, section V. COURTESY COPIES

Is electronic filing required before Judge Katie L. Dearing?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. When all parties use the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal.

View ruleSource: page 6, section VIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING

What filing deadlines does Judge Katie L. Dearing set?

Uniform Motion Calendar hearings must be scheduled no later than one week before the hearing date.

View ruleSource: page 2, section PROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM MOTION CALENDAR

What rule applies to service for proposed order before Judge Katie L. Dearing?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties, timing: at filing. All counsel and unrepresented parties must receive copies of the cover letter and proposed order when those materials are provided to the court.

View ruleSource: page 6, section VIII. PROPOSED ORDERS FOLLOWING A HEARING
Complete rules summary for Judge Katie L. Dearing

A motion caption must identify agreed, stipulated, unopposed, or partially unopposed relief when the interested parties agree to all or part of the requested relief.

A Notice of Hearing should identify Hearing Room 701 at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.

If the parties agree that the 150-day case management conference is unnecessary to set the actual trial period, emailing the judicial assistant a completed Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum permits the court to cancel the conference.

The parties must complete the Division CV-B Trial Set Memorandum with the requested mediator and trial date, email it as an attachment to the judicial assistant, and include any mediator or trial-date disagreements and each party’s recommendation.

A Certificate of Conferral complying with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.202 is required for a motion hearing to be set.

A certification that opposing counsel was unavailable for a pre-filing conference does not satisfy the obligation to confer.

A party requesting a hearing on a pending motion should contact the Judicial Assistant by telephone with all other parties on the line or by email at PowellS@coj.net.

Courtesy copies of motions and memoranda should be delivered to the court at least three days before the scheduled hearing.

Motions, pleadings, and memoranda may be provided to the court by email.

Pleadings exceeding 20 pages, including attachments, must not be emailed.

Pleadings exceeding 20 pages must be delivered by hand, U.S. mail, or another delivery service.

Parties are encouraged, where possible, to work together and submit one copy of supporting materials for the court’s consideration.

Emergency motions, motions for rehearing, and motions for new trial should be e-filed with the clerk before submission of a review copy.

The party filing the motion must provide a copy for review by U.S. Mail, hand delivery, or e-mail when the motion is filed.

An emergency motion, motion for rehearing, or motion for new trial exceeding 20 pages must not be emailed and must instead be delivered by U.S. mail or hand delivery.

When requested by the court, counsel must prepare a proposed order reflecting rulings announced verbally during a hearing.

When an unrerepresented party is not using the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted in writing with enough copies for the court and each non-e-Portal party.

The party submitting the proposed order must provide addressed, stamped envelopes for parties not using the e-Portal.

The proposed-order service list must include the addresses of every unrepresented party and every party not using the e-Portal.

When all parties use the e-Portal, the proposed order must be submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal.

Every post-hearing proposed order must include a cover letter identifying what the order addresses, confirming that opposing counsel and unrepresented parties received the same materials, and stating whether they agree with the proposed language.

All counsel and unrepresented parties must receive copies of the cover letter and proposed order when those materials are provided to the court.

If counsel lacks an email address for an unrepresented party, counsel must mail or hand-deliver the proposed order and cover letter to the court.

A party requesting resolution of a motion without a hearing should provide the motion, proposed order, and request for resolution without a hearing.

A proposed order submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal must include a cover letter and a courtesy copy of the related motion, stipulation, or other materials, which must be sent to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

Related materials accompanying a proposed order submitted through the Florida Courts e-Portal must be copied to all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties.

The cover letter must state that opposing counsel or an unrepresented party received the same materials as the Court, whether the party consents to the requested relief, and if so, whether it agrees with the proposed order language.

The party submitting the proposed order is responsible for providing addressed, stamped envelopes to parties not using the e-Portal.

The proposed order service list must include addresses for every unrepresented party or party not using the e-Portal.

Every proposed consent order must include either “Consent” or “Agreed” in its caption.

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