Court Rules
Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez
Judge

Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez

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, Other Relevant Documents

  • Upon request

Courtesy copies

  • Email
  • Upon request

Motion

Chambers Copy

Court-wide

Adjournments

  • Continuances are disfavored and granted only upon good cause shown; the request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date and, absent good cause, signed by the requesting party.
Reason For Request

Communication

Email

Chambers

felonydivb@fljud13.org
Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

legalbailbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

ilbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

bonds@hillsclerk.com
Phone
Court-wide

Chambers

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsProposed OrdersCourtesy CopiesTRO/Injunction

Document Format Requirements4 rules

Formatting

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

All proposed orders must be uploaded in PDF format.

• Format: All proposed orders must be uploaded in PDF format.

Required Format

PDF

judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Formatting

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

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, court, and each party.

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

judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 5
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

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

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk in paper format.

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk of court in paper format.

Required Format

Paper

judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 5
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

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

• Format: The Court has no particular preference as to the format, except that electronic submissions are preferred to paper copies.

Summary: The Court prefers electronic submissions over paper copies and has no other format preference for courtesy copies.

judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecE. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Document Filing Requirements5 rules

Filing Requirements

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

A notice of hearing for a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

A notice of hearing involving any remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 2
|SecB. Scheduling Procedures
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.
judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 2
|SecB. Scheduling Procedures
Filing Requirements

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

A motion requesting an emergency hearing must be detailed and state the issues to be resolved, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time each party needs to present.

• Requirements: If a party believes there is a factual basis for setting an emergency hearing, a detailed motion setting forth the following must be filed: (1) the issues to be resolved, (2) reasons why an emergency hearing is necessary, and (3) the amount of time needed for each party’s presentation.

Document Type

Emergency Hearing Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecF. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters
Filing Requirements

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

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

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

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 5
|SecG. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Filing Requirements

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

• Cancelling Hearings: You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

Summary: A hearing cancellation requires immediate notice to the judicial assistant and immediate filing and service of a cancellation notice on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

Document Type

Notice Of Cancellation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
judgekimberlyfernandez · Jun 2026 · p. 3
|SecB. Scheduling Procedures

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Proposed orders must be submitted through the e-Filing portal when the parties agree to the proposed order.

• Submission Method: All proposed orders are to be submitted through the e-Filing portal, only if the parties on the case agree to the proposed order.

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

Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

All exhibits must be submitted electronically by email to the division email account.

Submit all exhibits electronically by e-mail to the division e-mail account.

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

Page 5 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Each required plea-related form must be uploaded separately through the E-Portal, with a Waiver of Physical Presence in Court Form required for VOP cases.

Each form must be uploaded as a separate document via the E-Portal. Each individual case number requires each of these forms to be filed separately. VOP cases do not need the Felony Plea Form nor the DNA Form, but a Waiver of Physical Presence in Court Form is required.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | Signature on Forms; Filing of Forms

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

All hearing materials must be received by the court at least five business days before the hearing.

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

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Proposed orders must be submitted within 24 hours after the hearing or after an emailed request from the Court.

• Deadline for Submissions: Proposed orders must be submitted within 24 hours following the hearing or emailed request from the Court.

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

Page 4 | D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

All exhibits must be received in chambers three days before the evidentiary proceeding.

All exhibits must be received in chambers three days before the evidentiary proceeding.

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

Page 5 | G. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

All motions must be filed and heard before the pretrial date; motions not heard by then are waived and cannot support a continuance.

All motions shall be filed and heard prior to the Pre- Trial. All motions not heard prior to the Pre-Trial shall be deemed waived and shall not be grounds for a continuance.

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

Page 8 | Timing of Motions

Service and Proof of Service Rules

A notice of cancellation must be immediately served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

• Cancelling Hearings: You must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately. You must also immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

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

Page 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

A notice of hearing must be served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after reserving hearing time.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

The State's written response to a bond-reduction motion must be filed and emailed to the Court and opposing counsel within 24 hours.

A copy of said response by the State shall be filed, and emailed to the Court and opposing counsel within 24 hours.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 8 | Bond Motions considered in Chambers by the Court

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of case law, exhibits, or other relevant material may be submitted for an evidentiary proceeding, but become required when the court expressly requests them.

• When Required: Courtesy copies of case law, exhibits, or other relevant things may be submitted to the court for any evidentiary proceeding. Case law and legal authority are appreciated. The only exception is where the court expressly asks for courtesy copies to be supplied, in which case they are required.

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

Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Required courtesy copies must be delivered to the court no later than three business days before the evidentiary proceeding.

• Deadline for Submissions: Courtesy copies must be delivered to the court no later than three business days before any evidentiary proceeding.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Providing a courtesy copy of the motion with a hearing request is appreciated.

A courtesy copy of the motion is appreciated.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Courtesy copies should preferably be emailed to the Division with the opposing party copied; hard copies may be mailed or placed in the Division B dropbox.

• Submission Method: Email to the Division—copying the opposing party—is the preferred method. If hard copies are submitted, they can be mailed or dropped off in the Division B dropbox.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Continuances are disfavored and granted only upon good cause shown; the request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date and, absent good cause, signed by the requesting party.

• Continuance Procedure: 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 3 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Chambers Communication Rules

All communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to FelonyDivB@fljud13.org.

All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to FelonyDivB@fljud13.org.

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

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Hearing requests must be submitted by email to FelonyDivB@fljud13.org.

Hearings must be requested by e-mail to FelonyDivB@fljud13.org.

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

All parties must be copied on emails to the judicial office unless an 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.

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

Page 2 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

A copy of a bond-reduction motion must be forwarded to the Court through the Division B Judicial Assistant.

A copy of the Motion for Bond Reduction shall be forwarded to the Court via the Division B Judicial Assistant at ===== PAGE 8 ===== felonydivb@fljud13.org.

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

Page 7 | Bond Motions considered in Chambers by the Court

A copy of a motion filed ex parte or under seal must be emailed to chambers.

raised not only by the filing of the motion—ex parte or under seal, if necessary— but a copy of the motion must be emailed to chambers.

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

Page 5 | F. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

The opposing side must be copied on email communications unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

The opposing side must be copied on the email communication, unless authorized by law, or the communication will be deleted and ignored or, in some circumstances, the violator may be subject to sanctions.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

An email subject line must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter.

The subject line must contain the case number, case name, and relevant matter (e.g., 2025-CF-001234 – State v. Doe - 2-Hour Hearing Requested.)

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

For probation or community-control modification or termination motions, counsel must file the original with the clerk and send a copy to the Division B Judicial Assistant by mail or email.

A copy of the motion shall be mailed or forwarded via email to the Division B Judicial Assistant at felonydivb@fljud13.org, while the original motion is filed with the Clerk’s Office.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | Motions To Modify/Terminate Probation/Community Control

After filing a competency-evaluation motion, counsel must email a copy to the Judicial Assistant.

Once the motion has been filed, please email the Judicial Assistant at felonydivb@fljud13.org including a copy of the motion in the email.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | Competency Motions

An email concerning a motion must state whether the opposing party opposes or agrees to it.

The email should also explicitly state whether the opposing party opposes or agrees to the motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | 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 Kimberly K. Fernandez

**Criminal Courthouse Annex** - 401 N. Jefferson St., Room #540 - Tampa, Florida 33602 - Courtroom #55S - Judicial Assistant: Susan Tellefsen - Phone: (813) 272-6879 - Email: felonydivb@fljud13.org

Common questions about Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez?

Courtesy copies are required only when requested by chambers. Required courtesy copies must be delivered to the court no later than three business days before the evidentiary proceeding.

View ruleSource: page 4, section E. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez?

Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez's formatting rule includes file format PDF. All proposed orders must be uploaded in PDF format.

View ruleSource: page 4, section D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What must be included with notice of hearing filings before Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A notice of hearing for a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

View ruleSource: page 2, section B. Scheduling Procedures

What must be included with notice of cancellation filings before Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A hearing cancellation requires immediate notice to the judicial assistant and immediate filing and service of a cancellation notice on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Scheduling Procedures

How may parties contact Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez's chambers. The rule lists email FelonyDivB@fljud13.org. All communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to FelonyDivB@fljud13.org.

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

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request. Continuances are disfavored and granted only upon good cause shown; the request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date and, absent good cause, signed by the requesting party.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Scheduling Procedures

Is electronic filing required before Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Proposed orders must be submitted through the e-Filing portal when the parties agree to the proposed order.

View ruleSource: page 4, section D. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What filing deadlines does Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez set?

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

View ruleSource: page 2, section B. Scheduling Procedures

What rule applies to service for notice of hearing before Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. A notice of hearing must be served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

View ruleSource: page 2, section B. Scheduling Procedures
Complete rules summary for Judge Kimberly K. Fernandez

All communications to the judicial office must be sent by email to FelonyDivB@fljud13.org.

An email subject line must identify the case number, case name, and relevant matter.

An email concerning a motion must state whether the opposing party opposes or agrees to it.

The opposing side must be copied on email communications unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

All parties must be copied on emails to the judicial office unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

Hearing requests must be submitted by email to FelonyDivB@fljud13.org.

Providing a courtesy copy of the motion with a hearing request is appreciated.

A notice of hearing must be filed and served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

A notice of hearing must be served immediately after hearing time is reserved.

A notice of hearing for a remote appearance must list the judicial Zoom credentials.

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 at least five business days before the hearing.

Continuances are disfavored and granted only upon good cause shown; the request must be submitted at least five days before the scheduled court date and, absent good cause, signed by the requesting party.

A hearing cancellation requires immediate notice to the judicial assistant and immediate filing and service of a cancellation notice on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

A notice of cancellation must be immediately served on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

All proposed orders must be uploaded in PDF format.

Proposed orders must be submitted through the e-Filing portal when the parties agree to the proposed order.

Proposed orders must be submitted within 24 hours after the hearing or after an emailed request from the Court.

Courtesy copies of case law, exhibits, or other relevant material may be submitted for an evidentiary proceeding, but become required when the court expressly requests them.

The Court prefers electronic submissions over paper copies and has no other format preference for courtesy copies.

Courtesy copies should preferably be emailed to the Division with the opposing party copied; hard copies may be mailed or placed in the Division B dropbox.

Required courtesy copies must be delivered to the court no later than three business days before the evidentiary proceeding.

A motion requesting an emergency hearing must be detailed and state the issues to be resolved, why an emergency hearing is necessary, and the time each party needs to present.

A copy of a motion filed ex parte or under seal must be emailed to chambers.

All exhibits must be submitted electronically by email to the division email account.

Exhibits must be submitted to the clerk in paper format.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough copies of each exhibit for the clerk, court, and each party.

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

All exhibits must be received in chambers three days before the evidentiary proceeding.

Each required plea-related form must be uploaded separately through the E-Portal, with a Waiver of Physical Presence in Court Form required for VOP cases.

More Judges in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Hillsborough County

Adam L. Bantner
Judge
Alissa M. Ellison
Judge
Barbara Twine Thomas
Judge
Branden M. Henderson
Judge
Caroline Tesche Arkin
Judge
Catherine M. Catlin
Judge
Cheryl K. Thomas
Judge
Christine A. Marlewski
Judge