Court Rules
Judge Jeffrey M. Rich
Judge

Judge Jeffrey M. Rich

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, Exhibits

  • Hand Delivery

Courtesy copies

  • No Less Than 5 Days Before Proceeding

Emergency Motion

Exhibits

  • For Hearing Or Trial

Adjournments

  • Continuances are disfavored and require good cause, must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date, and generally must be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.

Communication

Email

Chambers

famlawdivi@fljud13.org
Scheduling
Hours: The Judicial Assistant might not respond to incoming communications outside business hours
Email
ada@fljud13.org
Phone

Chambers

370-4372-256
Scheduling
Email
Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

legalbailbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

ilbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

bonds@hillsclerk.com
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingProposed OrdersExhibitsTRO/InjunctionConferencesTOC/TOABinders/TabsLetters

Document Format Requirements6 rules

Formatting

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

Motions must be typed, include opposing parties’ contact information, and be filed with the clerk before a hearing date is requested.

All motions will need to be typed (no handwritten motions) with opposing parties contact information included and filed with the Clerk of Court before asking for a hearing date.

Formatting

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

Corresponding tabs must be used to display and organize the documents in the exhibit binders or packet.

Please also organize the binders/documents with a “Table of Contents” with corresponding tabs displaying the documents.

JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 9
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

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

Exhibits must use the stated petitioner/plaintiff or respondent/defendant party-label format.

Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff #1” or “Respondent/Defendant A”.

JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 9
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

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

Proposed orders must provide sufficient signature area for the court's larger signature block without covering the order's text.

Proposed Orders should have sufficient space in the signature area for the Court to sign (with the larger signature block) and not cover any of the proposed Order’s text.

JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 8
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Formatting

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

If Equitable Distribution (ED) is an issue, please provide a single ED Worksheet in Excel highlighting those items the parties agree upon and a different highlight color for those items not agreed upon. Attorneys are required to confer prior to the submission and create one document for the Court’s consideration.

Summary: For equitable distribution, attorneys must confer, create one document, and provide the Court a single Excel worksheet using different highlight colors for agreed and disputed items.

Required Format

DOCX

JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 9
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

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

attached as a "WORD" formatted document

Summary: Competing proposed orders must be attached in Word format.

Required Format

DOCX

JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 7
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Document Filing Requirements20 rules

Filing Requirements

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

When all parties agree to a continuance, the Judicial Assistant must be contacted to remove the hearing or trial, and the agreed proposed order for continuance must be uploaded to E-Portal for electronic signature.

If a continuance is agreed upon by all parties, contact the Judicial Assistant to remove the Hearing and/or trial from the docket. Upload the AGREED proposed Order for Continuance to the E-Poral for electronic signature.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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

Attorneys must file a Notice of Hearing with the clerk and serve notice on opposing counsel or a self-represented party under the applicable procedural rules.

Attorneys must file a Notice of Hearing with the Clerk’s Office and serve notice upon opposing counsel or a self-represented party in accordance with the applicable rules of procedure.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 5
|SecB. Scheduling Procedures
Filing Requirements

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

An order referring a post-judgment matter to the general magistrate must be filed with the motion.

All post-judgment matters must have an order of referral to the Genera Magistrate filed at the same time the motion is filed.

Document Type

Post Judgment Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 6
|SecPOST-JUDGMENT HEARINGS
Filing Requirements

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

An order referring a post-judgment motion to the general magistrate must be filed simultaneously with the motion.

All post-judgment motions must have an order of referral to the General Magistrate filed at the same time the motion is filed.

Document Type

Post Judgment Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Each proposed order must include a cover letter stating the hearing date, motion docket number, whether the order was provided to the opposing party, whether an objection was received, whether no response was received, and when the order was provided.

All Proposed Order should include a cover letter containing explanatory information, specifically: when the issue that is the subject of the proposed order was heard, the docket number of the motion, if the proposed order was provided to the opposing party, if an objection was received, if no response was received, and when the proposed order was provided to the opposing party.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 7
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Requirements

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

A Final Disposition Form must accompany a proposed final order or final judgment when it is submitted to close the case.

A Final Disposition Form must be submitted at the time of submission of a proposed Final Order or Final Judgment in order to close the case.

Document Type

Final Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 8
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Requirements

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

Exhibit binders or documents must include a table of contents with corresponding tabs displaying the documents.

Please also organize the binders/documents with a “Table of Contents” with corresponding tabs displaying the documents.

Document Type

Exhibits

Content & Formatting
Table Of Contents
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 9
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Filing Requirements

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

In cases involving children, the parties must upload both a parenting-course completion certificate and a proposed parenting plan before the pretrial conference.

In cases involving children, the parties are required to upload a Certificate of Completion of Parenting Course and a Proposed Parenting Plan prior to PTC.

Document Type

Pretrial Conference

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 10
|SecI. Setting Case for Trial
Filing Requirements

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

A request for a case management or status conference must explain why the conference is necessary.

Any request for a CMC or status conference must articulate the reasons for the necessity of the conference.

Document Type

Conference Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 10
|SecH. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences
Filing Requirements

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

A hearing notice must identify the motion, underlying filing and docket number, hearing date and time, location, evidentiary status, and court-reporter status.

The hearing notice must include the following in addition to what the applicable law, including rules and administrative orders, requires:  The title of the motion to be heard  The date the underlying motion was filed and docket number, if available  The time and date of the scheduled hearing  The hearing location, including courtroom #  Whether the hearing is evidentiary  Whether a court reporter has been reserved for the hearing

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

A Notice of Hearing must be filed for every hearing scheduled before the court, sufficiently in advance to provide reasonable notice.

The Court requires that a Notice of Hearing be filed for all hearings scheduled before the court. The notice shall be filed a reasonable amount of time for notice prior to the scheduled hearing.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Every notice of hearing must include 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, 2026Important

An agreed proposed continuance order should state the rescheduled CMC hearing date and time.

Any agreed proposed order of continuance should include the CMC rescheduled hearing date and time.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 5
|SecB. Scheduling Procedures
Filing Requirements

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

A Notice of CMC Hearing must state that the conference will address obtaining hearing time.

Please include in the Notice of CMC Hearing that the nature of the CMC is to discuss obtained hearing time.

Document Type

Notice Of Cmc Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 5
|SecMORE THAN 30 MIN HEARINGS
Filing Requirements

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

The remotely appearing individual must have all exhibits that may be referenced at the hearing, and the appearing party or calling party is responsible for ensuring this.

It is the responsibility of the party who is appearing remotely, or the responsibility of the party who is calling the remote witness to ensure that the individual appearing remotely has any and all exhibits that may be referenced at the hearing.

Document Type

Remote Appearance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 7
|SecC. Remote Appearance
Filing Requirements

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

The Judicial Assistant will forward competing orders to the judge after receiving both orders or a cover letter identifying objections to portions of the proposed order.

which will be forwarded to the Judge upon receipt of both proposed competing Orders or with a cover letter indicating the objections to portions of the proposed order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 7
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Requirements

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

Division forms must be used for all relevant filings.

 Usage: Division forms must be used for all relevant filings.

Document Type

Relevant Filings

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

If your motion is Post-Judgment, IT MUST be referred to the General Magistrate and mediated if ordered to do so.

Summary: A post-judgment motion on the 15- or 30-minute hearing docket must be referred to the general magistrate and mediated if ordered.

Document Type

Post Judgment Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 5
|Sec15 MIN/30 MIN HEARING DOCKET
Filing Requirements

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

A proposed Parenting Plan is also required if the case involves minor child(ren).

Summary: A proposed parenting plan is required for a temporary-relief hearing when minor children are involved.

Document Type

Temporary Relief Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

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.

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

Requirement

Document requirement

Content & Formatting
Notice Of Electronic Filing
JudgeJeffreyRich · Dec 2025 · p. 2
|SecA. Communications with the Judicial Office

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

A Notice of Cancellation must be immediately e-filed with the Clerk of Court.

A Notice of Cancellation MUST be immediately e-filed with the Clerk of Court

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

Page 4 | Cancelling Hearings

The agreed proposed order for continuance must be uploaded to E-Portal for electronic signature.

Upload the AGREED proposed Order for Continuance to the E-Poral for electronic signature.

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

Page 4 | Continuances

Unless otherwise instructed, agreed-upon proposed orders must be submitted through the Florida E-Filing Portal in PDF format.

Unless otherwise instructed, Proposed Orders that are agreed upon by both parties shall be submitted through the Florida E-Filing Portal in “PDF” format.

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

Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

In dissolution-of-marriage cases, the parties must upload an agreed equitable-distribution chart before the pretrial conference.

The parties in Dissolution of Marriage cases are required to upload an agreed Equitable Distribution chart prior to the PTC.

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

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Each party's pretrial memorandum must be electronically filed and served on the other party, with copies of both memoranda delivered to the judge at least three business days before the pretrial conference.

NOTE: A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.

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

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Competing proposed orders should be emailed to the Judicial Assistant as Word-formatted documents.

Proposed Orders that are NOT agreed upon by the parties, in other words, Competing Orders, should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant by e-mail and attached as a "WORD" formatted document

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

Page 7 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Agreed-upon proposed orders should be submitted electronically to the judge in Family Law Division I through the Florida E-Filing Portal.

Proposed Orders that are agreed upon by the parties should be submitted to the Judge in Family Law Division "I" electronically through the Florida E-Filing Portal.

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

Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Incoming withholding orders may be uploaded through the E-Filing Portal.

Incoming Withholding Orders can be uploaded into E-Filing Portal.

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

Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Within 48 hours after all parties agree on the trial date, the Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pre-Trial must be uploaded through the E-Portal as a proposed order.

Once all parties agree to the trial date, the Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pre-Trial shall be uploaded, through the E-Portal as a proposed order, within 48-hours.

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

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Parties in cases involving children must upload the parenting-course completion certificate before the pretrial conference.

In cases involving children, the parties are required to upload a Certificate of Completion of Parenting Course and a Proposed Parenting Plan prior to PTC.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Physical exhibit copies may be submitted to the Court by mail or hand delivery.

Submission Method: Physical/paper/hard copies of the exhibits may be submitted to the Court via mail or hand delivery.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Exhibits, motion responses, and case-law copies must be delivered or mailed to the judge's chambers at least five business days before the hearing, with copies provided to all case parties.

Exhibits, responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered or mailed to the Judge's chambers (copies of any documents provided to the Judge must be provided to all parties to the case) five (5) business days before the hearing.

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

Page 4 | Submission Deadlines

Exhibits, motion responses, and case-law copies received less than five business days before the hearing will not be reviewed or considered.

Any exhibits, responses to motions and copies of case law received by the Court less than five (5) business days before the hearing will not be reviewed or considered at the hearing.

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

Page 4 | Submission Deadlines

A motion must be filed with the clerk before the party asks for a hearing date.

All motions will need to be typed (no handwritten motions) with opposing parties contact information included and filed with the Clerk of Court before asking for a hearing date.

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

Page 6 | MOTIONS

The moving party must file the original temporary-relief hearing memorandum with the clerk at least two business days before the hearing.

At least two (2) business days prior to the scheduled Hearing, the moving party shall file the original Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum with the Clerk of the Court

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

Page 6 | TEMPORARY RELIEF

A motion to use communication technology for an appearance must be filed at least 10 business days before the hearing.

Requests to use communication technology for an appearance must be made by motion NO LESS THAN TEN (10) BUSINESS DAYS before the hearing.

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

Page 7 | C. Remote Appearance

If the designated party fails to submit the proposed order or judgment, the opposing attorney or self-represented party may submit it within 5 business days after the initial 10-business-day period.

If the Attorney or self-represented party designated to prepare the Order or Judgement fails to submit it, the Attorney for the opposing party or the opposing self-represented party may submit a Proposed order or Judgment within five (5) business days after that initial ten (10) day period.

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

Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

The court will not provide hearing time before a motion on the underlying issue has been filed.

The Court will not provide hearing times before a motion has been filed on the issue the party is request hearing time for.

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

Page 3 | Notice of Hearing

The attorney or self-represented party directed to prepare an order or judgment must submit the proposed order within 10 business days after the court's decision.

the Attorney or self-represented party directed to prepare the Order or Judgment must submit the proposed order to the Court within ten (10) business days after the Court’s decision.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

The proposed Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pre-Trial must be uploaded through the E-Portal within 48 hours after all parties agree on the trial date.

Once all parties agree to the trial date, the Uniform Order Setting Trial and Pre-Trial shall be uploaded, through the E-Portal as a proposed order, within 48-hours.

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

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

The pretrial memoranda must be electronically filed and the required courtesy copies delivered at least three business days before the pretrial conference.

NOTE: A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Material delivered after the stated hearing deadline will not be reviewed or considered at the hearing.

Other Procedures Relating to Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings: Any material delivered to this court less than the deadline provided above for the hearing WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED AT THE HEARING.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Failure to submit the required pretrial documents may result in cancellation of the pretrial conference and trial.

Failure to file these required documents may result in cancellation of the PTC and Trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Service and Proof of Service Rules

An attorney-filed Notice of Hearing must be served on opposing counsel or the self-represented party in accordance with applicable procedural rules.

Attorneys must file a Notice of Hearing with the Clerk’s Office and serve notice upon opposing counsel or a self-represented party in accordance with the applicable rules of procedure.

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

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Cross-noticing or piggybacking a motion may occur only with timely notice to the parties and court.

There will be no cross noticing on hearing time or “piggybacking” one motion upon a previously scheduled motion without timely notice to the parties and the Court.

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

Page 6 | MOTIONS

All parties must be served with the filed motion or related documents.

Parties on the case will need to be served with the filed motion or documents.

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

Page 6 | MOTIONS

When a self-represented party has no email address associated with the case, the person filing the proposed order through the E-Filing Portal must mail a copy to that party.

if one of the parties to the case is representing themselves and does not have an email address associated with the case, the individual submitting the Proposed Order through the E-Filing Portal must send a copy of the Proposed Order to the party that is self-represented and without an email address via mail.

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

Page 8 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Each party or attorney must have an email address on file with the court to receive electronic service of the order.

All parties or attorneys must have an email address on file with the Court for service of the order.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

At least two business days before the hearing, the moving party must serve all parties and deliver a copy of the temporary-relief hearing memorandum to the judge.

At least two (2) business days prior to the scheduled Hearing, the moving party shall file the original Temporary Relief Hearing Memorandum with the Clerk of the Court and serve a copy on all parties, as well as deliver a copy to the Judge.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | TEMPORARY RELIEF

Each party must electronically serve its pretrial memorandum on the other party at least three business days before the pretrial conference.

NOTE: A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

A party without an email address on file must receive the proposed order by hard copy submitted with confirming copies and stamped envelopes.

If a party does not have an email address on file, the proposed order must be submitted in hard copy to the Court with confirming copies and stamped envelopes.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of case law or evidence must reach the Court at least five days before the proceeding.

Deadline for Submissions: Courtesy copies must be submitted to the Court no less than five (5) days prior to any proceeding in which case law/evidence is to be used.

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

Page 9 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered to the Court at least three days before a proceeding.

[Other Courtesy Copies Procedures]: Responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered to the Court three (3) days prior to any proceeding.

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

Page 9 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Motion responses and copies of case law must be delivered to the Court at least three days before the proceeding.

Responses: Responses to motions and copies of case law must be delivered to the Court three (3) days prior to any proceeding.

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

Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

At least five days before trial involving alimony, child support, or attorneys' fees, each party must provide the Court with a copy of the final financial affidavit highlighting only contested entries.

Five (5) days prior to Trial in which alimony, child support and/or Attorney’s fees are an issue, each party is required to provide the Court a copy of their respective final financial affidavit highlighting only the entries that are contested.

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

Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

A copy of an emergency motion must not be hand-delivered to the judge's chambers because the deputy clerk will transmit it for review.

Please Note: Do not hand-deliver a copy of the Emergency Motion to the Judge's chambers. A Deputy Clerk provides the Emergency Motion to the Judge for review.

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

Page 9 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the Court and every party to review during the hearing or trial.

Format: All attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring sufficient copies of each exhibit for the Court and each party to review during the hearing or trial.

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

Page 9 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Copies of both parties' pretrial memoranda must be delivered to the judge at least three business days before the pretrial conference.

NOTE: A Pre-Trial Memorandum SHALL be electronically filed and served on each party by the other party, as well as a copy of both delivered to the Judge, at least three (3) business days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.

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

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Physical paper copies of case law and exhibits must be submitted to the court before the proceeding in which they will be used.

Physical/paper/hard copies of the case law and/or exhibits must be submitted to the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

A courtesy copy of the Notice of Cancellation must be sent to the division email address immediately upon cancellation.

a courtesy copy of said Notice of Cancellation sent to the division email address at FAMLAWDIVI@fljud13.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | Cancelling Hearings

Physical copies of case law or exhibits may be submitted by U.S. mail or hand delivery.

Physical/paper/hard copies of the case law and/or exhibits may be submitted to the Court via U.S. mail or hand delivery.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 8 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Attorneys and self-represented parties must attend a case management conference unless the court excuses them in advance.

Unless excused by the court in advance, all CMCs are mandatory for attorneys and self-represented parties.

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

Page 10 | H. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

A request for a trial lasting more than one day must be set for a case management conference.

Procedure: Any trial request for over one (1) day must be set for a Case Management Conference.

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

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

The court strongly encourages early use of a case management conference for complex, multiparty, or potentially intervention-dependent cases.

The court strongly encourages the early use of CMC in more complex cases, multiple-party litigation, or any case that might benefit from court intervention.

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

Page 10 | H. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Continuances are disfavored and require good cause, must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date, and generally must be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.

Continuances are disfavored and will be granted only upon good cause shown. A request for continuance must be submitted at least five days prior to the scheduled court date. Except for good cause shown, the motion must be signed by the party requesting the continuance, as required by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.545(e).

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

Page 4 | Continuance Procedure

The first Case Management Conference may not be canceled or rescheduled absent good cause shown by written motion and an order.

The First Case Management Conference will not be canceled or rescheduled absent good cause shown by written motion and an order canceling or rescheduling.

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

Page 4 | CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE (CMC)

The parties must agree before a reset case management conference can be continued.

The parties must agree to a continuance of a reset CMC.

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

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Chambers Communication Rules

Post-judgment hearings must be scheduled by email to the judicial assistant.

You must email the Judicial Assistant to schedule post-judgment hearings.

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

Page 6 | MOTIONS

Email is the preferred method for communicating with the Judicial Office, and communications should identify the case, party, requested setting, and estimated hearing duration, although the Judicial Assistant may not respond outside business hours.

Method of Communication: The preferred method of communication with the Judicial Office is e-mail at FAMLAWDIVI@fljud13.org. All communication with the Judicial Office should include: case number, case name, which party you represent, what you are asking to be set, and how long you will need for the Hearing. ALTHOUGH THE JA MAY SEND COMMMUNICATIONS OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS HOURS, SHE MIGHT NOT RESPOND TO INCOMING COMMUNICATIONS.

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

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

A continuance of a reset CMC must be requested by email to the judicial assistant with all parties copied.

Contact JA by email, copying all parties, to request a continuance of CMC Reset.

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

Page 5 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A party unable to obtain time on a motion docket may email the judicial assistant, copying all parties, to request alternative hearing times.

If you are unable to clear time on an available Motion Docket, you may email the Judicial Assistant to obtain alternative hearing times, with all partied copied on email.

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

Page 5 | 15 MIN/30 MIN HEARING DOCKET

If an emergency-motion hearing is required, the Judicial Assistant will coordinate the hearing date and time with the parties by email.

Scheduling: Once the Judge has reviewed the court file and the Emergency Motion, the Judge will issue an Emergency Motion Handling Order to both parties. If a hearing is required, the Judicial Assistant will coordinate by email hearing dates/times with the parties.

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

Page 9 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

If the parties cannot agree on or locate a conference date, they may contact the Judicial Assistant for scheduling assistance.

If parties are unable to find a date or agree upon a date on the calendar, they may contact the Judicial Assistant for further assistance.

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

Page 10 | H. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must contact the judicial office only as directed by the division’s 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

All parties must be copied on emails to the Judicial Office unless ex parte communication is 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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

After scheduling the case management conference, a copy of the Notice of Hearing must be emailed to FamLawDivI@fljud13.org.

After the Case Management Conference is scheduled, a copy of the Notice of Hearing will be e-mailed to the Judicial Assistant at FamLawDivI@fljud13.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | I. Setting Case for Trial

Hearing times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis but are not held until all parties agree, and scheduling emails with opposing counsel should not copy the Court or Judicial Assistant.

Court Schedule: Hearing times are provided on a first come first served bases, however they will not be held until all parties have agreed upon the hearing time. Do not include the Court/Judicial Assistant in your scheduling emails with the opposing party.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Scheduling is preferably requested through JAWS; requests for hearing times longer than 30 minutes should be sent to the Judicial Assistant by email with the opposing party copied.

The preferred method for scheduling is by JAWS. For any request for hearing times more than 30 minutes, please contact the JA. For any scheduling request:  The requesting party should e-mail the JA for hearing time(s) and copy opposing party (if opposing party is not included, it will delay the response).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Requests for hearings longer than 30 minutes may be emailed to the judicial assistant at the stated address, with all parties copied.

You may contact the Judicial Assistant via email at FAMLAWDIVI@fljud13.org. All parties must be copied on the email

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | MORE THAN 30 MIN HEARINGS

A request for a temporary-relief hearing longer than 60 minutes must be sent by email with an explanation and whether the opposing party agrees.

If more than sixty (60) minutes is requested, please email explaining why more time is needed and whether the opposing party agrees to the additional time.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 6 | TEMPORARY RELIEF

The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.

The court uses Zoom for remote appearances.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | C. Remote Appearance

Judge Rich's Zoom Meeting ID is 370-4372-256 and no password is required.

The Zoom Meeting ID for Judge Rich is 370-4372-256, no password is required.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | C. Remote Appearance

If the court finds a case management or status conference necessary, the moving party may schedule it through JAWS.

If the court agrees that a CMC or status conference is required, the moving party may schedule the CMC or status conference through the online scheduling platform (JAWS).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 10 | H. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

The ADA Coordinator may be contacted by email at ADA@fljud13.org or by telephone at 1-813-272-7040 to request an ADA accommodation; hearing-impaired and voice-impaired contacts are also provided.

 ADA Accommodations: If you need an ADA accommodation, please contact the ADA Coordinator via e-mail ADA@fljud13.org; telephone 1-813-272-7040; hearing impaired 1-800-955-8771; voice impaired 1-800-955-8770; or US Mail Administrative Office of the Courts, Attn.: ADA Coordinator, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 11 | K. Other Division Procedures

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 Jeffrey M. Rich

The Honorable Jeffrey M. Rich --- #### Year Appointed to the Bench: 2021 #### Assignments: - Unified Family Court, Division I #### Education - Law School: Florida Coastal School of Law, 2005 - Undergraduate: University of Michigan B.A., 2003

**Edgecomb Courthouse** - 800 E. Twiggs St., Room #424 - Tampa, Florida 33602 - Courtroom #403 - Judicial Assistant: Merissa Clark - Phone: (813) 276-2968 - Email: famlawdivi@fljud13.org

Common questions about Judge Jeffrey M. Rich's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Jeffrey M. Rich?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for case laws and exhibits. Physical paper copies of case law and exhibits must be submitted to the court before the proceeding in which they will be used.

View ruleSource: page 8, section E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Does Judge Jeffrey M. Rich require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Jeffrey M. Rich's rules set a pre-motion procedure for all filers. Attorneys and self-represented parties must attend a case management conference unless the court excuses them in advance.

View ruleSource: page 10, section H. Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Jeffrey M. Rich?

Judge Jeffrey M. Rich's formatting rule includes label exhibits as “petitioner/plaintiff #1” or “respondent/defendant a”.. Exhibits must use the stated petitioner/plaintiff or respondent/defendant party-label format.

View ruleSource: page 9, section G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Jeffrey M. Rich?

The rule requires proposed order. When all parties agree to a continuance, the Judicial Assistant must be contacted to remove the hearing or trial, and the agreed proposed order for continuance must be uploaded to E-Portal for electronic signature.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Continuances

What must be included with notice of hearing filings before Judge Jeffrey M. Rich?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Attorneys must file a Notice of Hearing with the clerk and serve notice on opposing counsel or a self-represented party under the applicable procedural rules.

View ruleSource: page 5, section B. Scheduling Procedures

How may parties contact Judge Jeffrey M. Rich's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Jeffrey M. Rich's chambers. All parties must be copied on emails to the Judicial Office unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. Communications with the Judicial Office

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Jeffrey M. Rich?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Continuances are disfavored and require good cause, must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date, and generally must be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Continuance Procedure

Is electronic filing required before Judge Jeffrey M. Rich?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic delivery of signed orders unless excused.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. Communications with the Judicial Office

What filing deadlines does Judge Jeffrey M. Rich set?

Exhibits, motion responses, and case-law copies must be delivered or mailed to the judge's chambers at least five business days before the hearing, with copies provided to all case parties.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Submission Deadlines

What rule applies to service for order before Judge Jeffrey M. Rich?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: e-service, recipient: all parties. Each party or attorney must have an email address on file with the court to receive electronic service of the order.

View ruleSource: page 5, section B. Scheduling Procedures
Complete rules summary for Judge Jeffrey M. Rich

Email is the preferred method for communicating with the Judicial Office, and communications should identify the case, party, requested setting, and estimated hearing duration, although the Judicial Assistant may not respond outside business hours.

All parties must be copied on emails to the Judicial Office unless ex parte communication is authorized by law.

The Court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties must contact the judicial office only as directed by the division’s 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 registered electronic-service email information using Form 2.603 whenever the email account changes.

Hearing times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis but are not held until all parties agree, and scheduling emails with opposing counsel should not copy the Court or Judicial Assistant.

Scheduling is preferably requested through JAWS; requests for hearing times longer than 30 minutes should be sent to the Judicial Assistant by email with the opposing party copied.

A Notice of Hearing must be filed for every hearing scheduled before the court, sufficiently in advance to provide reasonable notice.

A hearing notice must identify the motion, underlying filing and docket number, hearing date and time, location, evidentiary status, and court-reporter status.

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

The court will not provide hearing time before a motion on the underlying issue has been filed.

Exhibits, motion responses, and case-law copies must be delivered or mailed to the judge's chambers at least five business days before the hearing, with copies provided to all case parties.

Exhibits, motion responses, and case-law copies received less than five business days before the hearing will not be reviewed or considered.

Continuances are disfavored and require good cause, must be requested at least five days before the scheduled court date, and generally must be signed by the requesting party unless good cause is shown.

A Notice of Cancellation must be immediately e-filed with the Clerk of Court.

A courtesy copy of the Notice of Cancellation must be sent to the division email address immediately upon cancellation.

When all parties agree to a continuance, the Judicial Assistant must be contacted to remove the hearing or trial, and the agreed proposed order for continuance must be uploaded to E-Portal for electronic signature.

The agreed proposed order for continuance must be uploaded to E-Portal for electronic signature.

The first Case Management Conference may not be canceled or rescheduled absent good cause shown by written motion and an order.

The parties must agree before a reset case management conference can be continued.

A continuance of a reset CMC must be requested by email to the judicial assistant with all parties copied.

An agreed proposed continuance order should state the rescheduled CMC hearing date and time.

Each party or attorney must have an email address on file with the court to receive electronic service of the order.

A party without an email address on file must receive the proposed order by hard copy submitted with confirming copies and stamped envelopes.

Attorneys must file a Notice of Hearing with the clerk and serve notice on opposing counsel or a self-represented party under the applicable procedural rules.

An attorney-filed Notice of Hearing must be served on opposing counsel or the self-represented party in accordance with applicable procedural rules.

A post-judgment motion on the 15- or 30-minute hearing docket must be referred to the general magistrate and mediated if ordered.

A party unable to obtain time on a motion docket may email the judicial assistant, copying all parties, to request alternative hearing times.

Requests for hearings longer than 30 minutes may be emailed to the judicial assistant at the stated address, with all parties copied.

A Notice of CMC Hearing must state that the conference will address obtaining hearing time.

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