Court Rules
Judge Barbara Twine Thomas
Judge

Judge Barbara Twine Thomas

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Hillsborough County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

BriefCourt-wide
25 pgs
DocumentsCourt-wide
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Case Law, Reference Material

  • Email

Motion To Modify Probation, Motion To Terminate Probation, Notice Of Hearing

  • Hand Delivery

Chambers Copy

Court-wide

Courtesy copies

Court-wide

Communication

Email

Chambers

felonydivisiona@fljud13.org
Scheduling
Phone

Chambers

(813)272-6874
Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

legalbailbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

ilbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

bonds@hillsclerk.com
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsProposed OrdersConferences

Document Format Requirements5 rules

Formatting

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

All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format.

Format: All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format.

Required Format

PDF

JudgeBarbaraTwineThomass · Apr 2026 · p. 5
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Formatting

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

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk in single-sided paper format.

Format: Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format, single-sided.

Required Format

Paper

JudgeBarbaraTwineThomass · Apr 2026 · p. 6
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

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

When all parties agree to a proposed order, the order must be titled “STIPULATED.”

If all parties agree to the order, please title the Order “STIPULATED”.

JudgeBarbaraTwineThomass · Apr 2026 · p. 5
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Formatting

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

Exhibits must be labeled as “State’s Exhibit 1” or “Defendant’s 1.”

Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: State’s Exhibit 1 or Defendant’s 1.

JudgeBarbaraTwineThomass · Apr 2026 · p. 6
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?

Evidence should be brought to court pre-marked with exhibit tags stapled or affixed to each exhibit in the upper right-hand corner.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Evidence must be pre-marked with exhibit tags stapled or affixed to the upper-right corner of each exhibit.

JudgeBarbaraTwineThomass · Apr 2026 · p. 6
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Document Filing Requirements4 rules

Filing Requirements

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

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All notices of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

A hearing is required for probation modification or termination, and the moving party must obtain a date and time and file a notice of hearing containing that information.

Motions to Modify Probation/Terminate Probation: The Court does require a hearing on these matters. Therefore, a hearing date and time must be obtained from the Judicial Assistant and a Notice of Hearing, with the assigned date and time must be filed by the moving party.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Exhibit markings should correspond to an exhibit list filed with the clerk before the hearing.

The exhibit marking should track with an exhibit list filed with the Clerk of Court prior to the hearing.

Document Type

Exhibits

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
JudgeBarbaraTwineThomass · Apr 2026 · p. 6
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Filing Requirements

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

All motions must be filed and set for hearing before the pretrial conference.

All motions must be filed and set for hearing prior to the Pretrial conference.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeBarbaraTwineThomass · Apr 2026 · p. 7
|SecOther Procedures Relating to Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

When both parties agree to a proposed order, it should be submitted through the e-filing portal.

Submission Method: Proposed orders should be submitted through the e-filing portal, if the parties both agree to the proposed order.

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

Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

All hearing materials must be received by the court no later than five business days before the hearing.

Submission Deadlines: The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than five business days before the hearing.

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

Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing.

Deadline for Submissions: Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after any hearing.

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

Page 5 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

The moving party must file and serve a notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.

Notice of Hearing: A notice of hearing must be filed and served by the moving party, immediately after reserving hearing time.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Unless the court orders otherwise, all exhibits must be brought to the courtroom at the hearing.

Unless otherwise ordered, all exhibits must be brought to the courtroom at the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Service and Proof of Service Rules

After an agreed hearing cancellation is allowed, the moving attorney must immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

If cancellation is allowed and agreed to by both parties, the moving attorney must then also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

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

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The moving party must serve the notice of hearing on the required recipients.

Notice of Hearing: A notice of hearing must be filed and served by the moving party, immediately after reserving hearing time.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference material must be submitted to the court.

When Required: Courtesy copies of case law and any proposed reference material shall be submitted to the court.

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

Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

The filer must deliver a copy of the Motion to Modify/Terminate Probation and Notice of Hearing to Division A’s Judicial Assistant by hand, mail, or email.

A copy of the Motion to Modify/Terminate Probation and Notice of Hearing must be hand delivered, mailed or emailed to Division A Judicial Assistant at felonydivisiona@fljud13.org.

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

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Courtesy copies must be delivered to the court at least five days before the scheduled hearing.

Deadline for Submissions: Courtesy copies must be delivered to the court no later than five (5) days before the scheduled hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Courtesy copies must be submitted by email to felonydivisiona@fljud13.org.

Submission Method: E-mail to felonydivisiona@fljud13.org

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A motion to continue must be filed before counsel requests a hearing date.

The Motion to Continue must be filed before requesting a hearing date.

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

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A motion not heard before the pretrial conference is deemed waived and cannot support a continuance of the trial date.

All motions not heard prior to the Pretrial Conference shall be deemed waived and such motions shall not be grounds for a continuance of the Trial date.

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

Page 7 | Other Procedures Relating to Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

Motions to continue pretrial and jury trial dates are generally held every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. by Zoom.

Motions to Continue Pretrial and Jury Trial dates will generally be held every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. via zoom. Motions to Continue must be

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Chambers Communication Rules

Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3, and all parties must be copied on judicial-office emails unless an authorized ex parte communication applies.

All communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which prohibits a judge from initiating, permitting, or considering ex parte communications and from considering other communications outside the presence of the parties concerning a pending or impending proceeding, unless authorized by law. All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

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

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

All communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to the listed address and include the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.

All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to felonydivisiona@fljud13.org. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2025 CF 001234 – State v. Doe – Type of Hearing / 2-Hour Hearing Requested.)

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

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever the email account registered for electronic service changes.

It is the responsibility of attorneys and self-represented litigants to update their contact information using Form 2.603 any time there is a change in the e-mail account registered for electronic service.

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

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic delivery of signed orders unless excused.

All attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an e-mail address to receive signed orders electronically, unless excused.

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

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

The Judicial Assistant will not answer legal questions or explain matters to the judge; an unrepresented defendant may receive case information, while a represented defendant must have all requests or motions filed and argued by counsel.

The Judicial Assistant cannot answer your legal questions, and will not explain your situation to the judge. Your opportunity to speak to the Judge will be in court only. No information regarding any case will be provided to anyone other than the Defendant, ONLY if they are not being represented by an attorney. If the Defendant is represented by counsel, all requests or motions shall be filed and argued by counsel.

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

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Parties must request hearings by e-mail to felonydivisiona@fljud13.org, copying opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, to coordinate scheduling.

Scheduling Hearings: Hearings must be requested by e-mail at felonydivisiona@fljud13.org copying opposing counsel and any self- represented litigant, to coordinate the scheduling of the hearing.

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

Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Counsel seeking a continuance must email the Division A Judicial Assistant to obtain the next available motion date.

Counsel requesting the Motion to Continue shall contact the Division A, Judicial Assistant at felonydivisiona@fljud13.org to obtain the next available motion date.

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

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Before seeking cancellation of a hearing, the attorney must first notify the judicial assistant of the request.

Cancelling Hearings: In instances, when an attorney may be allowed to cancel a hearing, the attorney must first notify the judicial assistant and advise of the request to cancel a hearing.

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

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The Judicial Assistant may be contacted by email or phone to obtain a hearing date and time.

You may contact the Judicial Assistant at felonydivisiona@fljud13.org or (813)272-6874 to obtain a hearing date and time.

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

Page 4 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties; parties may contact the judicial office only as permitted by its practices and procedures.

Unsolicited communications from non- parties will not be considered by the court. Parties may only contact the judicial office in accordance with these practices and procedures.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 727 rules apply across Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Hillsborough County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 259
  • Applies to
    Waiver of jury trial

    A defendant electing a non-jury trial must personally sign and file a Waiver of Jury Trial form with the court.

  • Applies to
    Notice of related cases form

    A petitioner must complete and file a Notice of Related Cases form, using Form 12.900(h), when related cases are pending and known or reasonably ascertainable, except in the Domestic Relations I Family Law Divisions.

  • Applies to
    Notice of related cases

    Petitioners in the Domestic Relations I Family Law Divisions must complete and file a Notice of Related Cases form using Form 12.900(h), even when no related cases exist.

Filing Timing

All 126
  • All motions and notices of hearing must be filed by noon on the business day before the hearing.

  • An attorney of record may not withdraw unless a motion to withdraw is filed, heard, and granted at least 30 days before trial.

  • Deadline
    10 calendar days

    An objection to referral must be filed within 10 days of service of the order of referral.

Service

All 93
  • Deadline
    2 business days
    Applies to
    Case law
    Service
    Electronic service to court

    A party using case law in support of or opposition to a filed motion must provide an electronic copy of the case law, the notice of hearing, and the motion to the presiding judge's office and opposing counsel or party at least two business days before the hearing.

  • Service
    Court service to all parties

    After obtaining a hearing time, the clerk must notify all necessary parties.

  • Applies to
    Motion
    Service
    Email

    The clerk must email motions filed by self-represented defendants to the presiding judge and judicial assistant.

E-Filing

All 68
  • Applies to
    Probable cause application

    Law enforcement agency attorneys must submit the probable-cause application by email to the County Criminal Division C judicial assistant for filing in the Clerk's Administrative File.

  • Applies to
    Proposed order

    The law enforcement agency attorney must submit the proposed order through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal using the assigned Clerk's Administrative File number.

  • Applies to
    Motion

    Except for Motions for Discharge and Motions for Speedy Trial, an attorney must e-file a motion for hearing simultaneously with a Notice of Hearing after coordinating the hearing time with the opposing attorney or party.

About Judge Barbara Twine Thomas

The Honorable Barbara Twine Thomas --- #### Year elected to the Bench: 2015 #### Assignments: - Unified Family Law: Juvenile Delinquency - Criminal Justice & Trial --- #### Education - Law School: University of Florida - Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry Education, University of South Florida --- #### Professional Activities (Past and Present) - Florida Bar - 1977 - Georgia Bar - 1980 - United States Virgins Virgin Islands - 1983 - Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers – President Past - George Edgecombe Bar Association – President Past - Hillsborough County Bar Foundation – President Past - Hillsborough County Bar Association – Board of Directors Past - Tampa Bay Inn of Court - Goldberg Inn of Court Smith Inn of Court --- #### Community Involvement (Past and Present) - Athena Society - Life Member – National Council of Negro Women - Life Member - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Fellow Florida Bar - NAACP – National Award “Foot Soldier in the Sands” - General Counsel, Educational Advancement Foundation Alpha Kappa Alpha - League of Women Voters – Hillsborough County - Tampa Chapter, Jack and Jill of America – Past President - St. Peter Claver Catholic Church

**Criminal Courthouse Annex** - 401 North Jefferson St., Room #230 - Tampa, Florida 33602 - Courtroom #18 - Judicial Assistant: Christen Redding - Phone: (813) 272-6874 - Email: felonydiva@fljud13.org

Common questions about Judge Barbara Twine Thomas's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for case laws and reference materials. Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference material must be submitted to the court.

View ruleSource: page 5, section E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

Judge Barbara Twine Thomas' formatting rule includes file format PDF. All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format.

View ruleSource: page 5, section D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What must be included with notice of hearing filings before Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Scheduling Procedures

What must be included with exhibits filings before Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

The rule requires exhibit list. Exhibit markings should correspond to an exhibit list filed with the clerk before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 6, section G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

How may parties contact Judge Barbara Twine Thomas' chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Barbara Twine Thomas' chambers. The rule lists email felonydivisiona@fljud13.org. All communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to the listed address and include the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.

View ruleSource: page 1, section A. Communications with the Judicial Office

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. A motion to continue must be filed before counsel requests a hearing date.

View ruleSource: page 4, section B. Scheduling Procedures

Is electronic filing required before Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. When both parties agree to a proposed order, it should be submitted through the e-filing portal.

View ruleSource: page 5, section D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What filing deadlines apply to notice of hearing filings before Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

The moving party must file and serve a notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Scheduling Procedures

What rule applies to service for notice of hearing before Judge Barbara Twine Thomas?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. The moving party must serve the notice of hearing on the required recipients.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Scheduling Procedures
Complete rules summary for Judge Barbara Twine Thomas

All communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to the listed address and include the case number, case name, and relevant matter in the subject line.

Communications with the judicial office must comply with Canon 3, and all parties must be copied on judicial-office emails unless an authorized ex parte communication applies.

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties; parties may contact the judicial office only as permitted by its practices and procedures.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic delivery of signed orders unless excused.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever the email account registered for electronic service changes.

The Judicial Assistant will not answer legal questions or explain matters to the judge; an unrepresented defendant may receive case information, while a represented defendant must have all requests or motions filed and argued by counsel.

Motions to continue pretrial and jury trial dates are generally held every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. by Zoom.

Parties must request hearings by e-mail to felonydivisiona@fljud13.org, copying opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, to coordinate scheduling.

The moving party must file and serve a notice of hearing immediately after reserving hearing time.

The moving party must serve the notice of hearing on the required recipients.

Every notice of hearing must contain the ADA notification required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540.

All hearing materials must be received by the court no later than five business days before the hearing.

Counsel seeking a continuance must email the Division A Judicial Assistant to obtain the next available motion date.

A motion to continue must be filed before counsel requests a hearing date.

Before seeking cancellation of a hearing, the attorney must first notify the judicial assistant of the request.

After an agreed hearing cancellation is allowed, the moving attorney must immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

A hearing is required for probation modification or termination, and the moving party must obtain a date and time and file a notice of hearing containing that information.

The Judicial Assistant may be contacted by email or phone to obtain a hearing date and time.

The filer must deliver a copy of the Motion to Modify/Terminate Probation and Notice of Hearing to Division A’s Judicial Assistant by hand, mail, or email.

All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format.

When all parties agree to a proposed order, the order must be titled “STIPULATED.”

When both parties agree to a proposed order, it should be submitted through the e-filing portal.

Proposed orders must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing.

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference material must be submitted to the court.

Courtesy copies must be submitted by email to felonydivisiona@fljud13.org.

Courtesy copies must be delivered to the court at least five days before the scheduled hearing.

Evidence must be pre-marked with exhibit tags stapled or affixed to the upper-right corner of each exhibit.

Exhibit markings should correspond to an exhibit list filed with the clerk before the hearing.

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk in single-sided paper format.

Exhibits must be labeled as “State’s Exhibit 1” or “Defendant’s 1.”

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