Court Rules
Judge Lawrence M. Lefler
Judge

Judge Lawrence M. Lefler

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, Proposed Reference Materials

  • Email
  • No Later Than 3 Days Before Scheduled Hearing

Exhibits

Chambers Copy

Court-wide

Courtesy copies

Court-wide

Communication

Other Contacts3 contacts

  • ada@fljud13.org
  • interpreterrequest@fljud13.org
  • maya.delconte@fljud13.org@fljud13.org

Clerk3 contacts

  • legalbailbonds@hillsclerk.com
  • ilbonds@hillsclerk.com
  • bonds@hillsclerk.com

Chambers2 contacts

  • maya.delconte@fljud13.org
  • 813-272-5450
Filters:AllMandatoryFormattingProposed OrdersExhibitsLetters

Document Format Requirements3 rules

Formatting

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

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

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

Required Format

Paper

JudgeLawrenceLefler · Aug 2026 · p. 3
|SecF. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings
Formatting

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

A stipulated proposed order must identify its stipulated status in the title or body.

Stipulated orders must be reflected as such in the title or body of the proposed order.

JudgeLawrenceLefler · Aug 2026 · p. 3
|SecC. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Formatting

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

All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format.

Required Format

PDF

JudgeLawrenceLefler · Aug 2026 · p. 3
|SecC. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Document Filing Requirements4 rules

Filing Requirements

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

When the parties dispute a proposed order, it must be accompanied by a cover letter identifying their disagreement.

If the parties are in disagreement, the proposed order must be accompanied by a cover letter containing a statement identifying any disagreement of the parties as to the proposed order.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeLawrenceLefler · Aug 2026 · p. 3
|SecC. Submission of Orders and Judgments
Filing Requirements

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

A probation motion must be prepared using the required termination or modification form and filed with the Clerk of Court.

If you file a probation motion, fill out the form requesting termination / modification of probation and file your motion with the Clerk of Court.

Document Type

Early Termination Or Modification Of Probation Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
JudgeLawrenceLefler · Aug 2026 · p. 4
|SecG. Other Division Procedures
Filing Requirements

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

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

Summary: Every notice 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.
JudgeLawrenceLefler · Aug 2026 · p. 2
|SecB. Scheduling Procedures
Filing Requirements

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

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.

Summary: A request for an emergency hearing must be made by a detailed motion stating the issues, reasons for emergency relief, and time needed for each party's presentation.

Document Type

Emergency Hearing Motion

Content & Formatting
Legal Argument
JudgeLawrenceLefler · Aug 2026 · p. 3
|SecE. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

For a disputed order, each party must email a marked-up Word version of its proposed order to the Judicial Assistant.

If an order is disputed, each party shall submit a marked up Word version of their respective order to Maya.delconte@fljud13.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | C. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Orders must be uploaded through the E-Filing Portal.

Order are shall be uploaded through the E-Filing Portal.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | C. Submission of Orders and Judgments

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Motions set for hearing on the day of trial without court permission are struck, and no oral motions will be heard on the trial day.

Any motions filed and set for hearing the day of trial without the Court’s permission, are hereby struck. There will be no oral motions heard the day of trial.

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

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

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

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

All motions must be filed and heard before the pretrial conference unless the court determines good cause; otherwise, the motion will be considered abandoned.

ALL MOTIONS SHALL BE FILED AND HEARD PRIOR TO THE PRETRIAL CONFERENCE, unless the Court determines good cause. Any motion not filed and heard before the pretrial conference shall be considered abandoned.

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

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

The court must receive all materials for the hearing no later than three (3) business days prior to the hearing.

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

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

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

All exhibits must be received in chambers three (3) business days before the evidentiary proceeding.

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

Page 3 | F. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Proposed orders must be submitted within five business days after the hearing.

Proposed orders must be submitted within five (5) business days after any hearing.

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

Page 3 | C. Submission of Orders and Judgments

A probation motion filed fewer than 10 business days before its hearing must be assigned to the following month's hearing.

If the filing date is less than 10 business days from the hearing date, please choose the following month.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | G. Other Division Procedures

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The Probation Officer must be notified before filing a motion to terminate or modify probation.

Please make sure the Probation Officer is aware of your request before filing a Motion to Early Terminate / Modify Probation.

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

Page 4 | G. Other Division Procedures

All parties must be copied on emails sent 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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

The probation motion must be mailed or emailed to the Judicial Assistant, while the original is filed with the Clerk's Office.

A copy of the motion shall be mailed or forwarded via email to the JA at Maya.delconte@fljud13.org@fljud13.org, while the original motion is filed with the Clerk’s Office.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | G. Other Division Procedures

A copy of the filed probation motion must be sent to the Probation Officer, State Attorney, and Judge.

A copy of the filed motion must be sent to the Probation Officer, the State Attorney and the Judge.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | G. Other Division Procedures

Courtesy Copy Requirements

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

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

Page 3 | F. Exhibits for Evidentiary Proceedings

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials must be submitted to the court so they can be reviewed before the hearing.

When Required: Courtesy copies of case law and any proposed reference materials shall be submitted to the court. The Court frowns upon case law submitted at the hearing when neither the Court nor the parties have had an opportunity to review.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | D. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Required courtesy copies of case law and reference materials must be emailed to maya.delconte@fljud13.org.

Submission Method: E-mail to maya.delconte@fljud13.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | D. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Courtesy copies must be delivered no later than three days before the scheduled hearing.

Deadline for Submissions: Courtesy copies must be delivered to the court no later than three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | D. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

When the court finds an emergency, it unilaterally schedules the hearing and all parties must be available unless exigent circumstances exist.

If the court determines that an emergency exists, a hearing will be scheduled unilaterally by the court. All parties shall make themselves available for the emergency hearing, barring exigent circumstances.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | E. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Chambers Communication Rules

A self-represented litigant may contact the Judicial Assistant for procedural assistance, but the Judicial Assistant may not provide legal advice.

If you are representing yourself and need assistance or have questions concerning any of the procedures outlined above, you may contact the Judicial Assistant at (Maya.delconte@fljud13.org@fljud13.org). Please note, the Judicial Assistant is not permitted to give you any legal advice.

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

Page 4 | Pro Se/Self-Represented Litigants

Interpreter services may be requested by email or through the court's online request form.

Request interpreter services by emailing: interpreterrequest@fljud13.org or fill out a request form online https://www.fljud13.org/CourtPrograms/CourtInterpreterCenter/ContactUs.aspx

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

Page 4 | G. Other Division Procedures

Communications to the judicial office must be submitted by email, although the Judicial Assistant may also be contacted by phone.

Method of Communication: All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to maya.delconte@fljud13.org. You may also contact the Judicial Assistant at 813-272-5450.

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

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide an email address for electronic receipt 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 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must update their contact information using Form 2.603 whenever their registered email account 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 ===== PAGE 2 ===== for electronic service.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties may contact the judicial office only as directed by the court’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 1 | A. Communications with the Judicial Office

Before scheduling a hearing on the docket, parties must email the Judicial Assistant and copy opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

Scheduling Hearings: Please contact the Judicial Assistant by e-mail at maya.delconte@fljud13.org before scheduling a Hearing on the Docket. Dates and times may change without Notice. Please make sure to copy opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant, to coordinate the scheduling of the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

Parties must email the Judicial Assistant before scheduling a hearing on the criminal division docket.

Dispositions, status conferences, plea changes, and other short (less than 15-minutes) motions will be held during the docket weeks; please contact the Judicial assistant by email at maya.delconte@fljud13.org before scheduling a Hearing on the Docket

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | B. Scheduling Procedures

ADA accommodations may be requested from the ADA Coordinator by email or telephone.

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.

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

Page 4 | G. 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 Lawrence M. Lefler

**Criminal Courthouse Annex** - 401 N. Jefferson Street., Room #226 - Tampa, Florida 33602 - Courtroom #14 - Judicial Assistant: Maya DelConte - Phone: (813) 272-5450

Common questions about Judge Lawrence M. Lefler's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Lawrence M. Lefler?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for case laws and proposed reference materials. Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials must be submitted to the court so they can be reviewed before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section D. Courtesy Copies of Case Law and Other Documents

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Lawrence M. Lefler?

Judge Lawrence M. Lefler's formatting rule includes file format PDF. All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format.

View ruleSource: page 3, section C. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What must be included with notice of hearing filings before Judge Lawrence M. Lefler?

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 2, section B. Scheduling Procedures

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Lawrence M. Lefler?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. When the parties dispute a proposed order, it must be accompanied by a cover letter identifying their disagreement.

View ruleSource: page 3, section C. Submission of Orders and Judgments

How may parties contact Judge Lawrence M. Lefler's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Lawrence M. Lefler's chambers. The rule lists email maya.delconte@fljud13.org and phone 813-272-5450. Communications to the judicial office must be submitted by email, although the Judicial Assistant may also be contacted by phone.

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

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Lawrence M. Lefler?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. When the court finds an emergency, it unilaterally schedules the hearing and all parties must be available unless exigent circumstances exist.

View ruleSource: page 3, section E. Emergency and Other Urgent Matters

Is electronic filing required before Judge Lawrence M. Lefler?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Orders must be uploaded through the E-Filing Portal.

View ruleSource: page 3, section C. Submission of Orders and Judgments

What filing deadlines does Judge Lawrence M. Lefler set?

All motions must be filed and heard before the pretrial conference unless the court determines good cause; otherwise, the motion will be considered abandoned.

View ruleSource: page 2, section B. Scheduling Procedures

What rule applies to service by email for all parties before Judge Lawrence M. Lefler?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: service by email, recipient: all parties. All parties must be copied on emails sent to the judicial office unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

View ruleSource: page 1, section A. Communications with the Judicial Office
Complete rules summary for Judge Lawrence M. Lefler

Communications to the judicial office must be submitted by email, although the Judicial Assistant may also be contacted by phone.

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

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from non-parties, and parties may contact the judicial office only as directed by the court’s practices and procedures.

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

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

Parties must email the Judicial Assistant before scheduling a hearing on the criminal division docket.

Before scheduling a hearing on the docket, parties must email the Judicial Assistant and copy opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

All motions must be filed and heard before the pretrial conference unless the court determines good cause; otherwise, the motion will be considered abandoned.

Motions set for hearing on the day of trial without court permission are struck, and no oral motions will be heard on the trial day.

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

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 three business days before the hearing.

All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format.

A stipulated proposed order must identify its stipulated status in the title or body.

When the parties dispute a proposed order, it must be accompanied by a cover letter identifying their disagreement.

Orders must be uploaded through the E-Filing Portal.

For a disputed order, each party must email a marked-up Word version of its proposed order to the Judicial Assistant.

Proposed orders must be submitted within five business days after the hearing.

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials must be submitted to the court so they can be reviewed before the hearing.

Required courtesy copies of case law and reference materials must be emailed to maya.delconte@fljud13.org.

Courtesy copies must be delivered no later than three days before the scheduled hearing.

A request for an emergency hearing must be made by a detailed motion stating the issues, reasons for emergency relief, and time needed for each party's presentation.

When the court finds an emergency, it unilaterally schedules the hearing and all parties must be available unless exigent circumstances exist.

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

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

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

ADA accommodations may be requested from the ADA Coordinator by email or telephone.

Interpreter services may be requested by email or through the court's online request form.

The Probation Officer must be notified before filing a motion to terminate or modify probation.

A probation motion must be prepared using the required termination or modification form and filed with the Clerk of Court.

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