Court Rules
Judge Mark R. Wolfe
Judge

Judge Mark R. Wolfe

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

Chambers Copy

  • Email

Courtesy copies

Court-wide

Extraordinary Writ Petition

Court-wide
  • Immediately Upon Filing

Financial Affidavit, Exhibits

Court-wide

Adjournments

Court-wide

Request must include

Reason For RequestProposed New Dates
5Working Daysnotice
48Hoursnotice

Communication

Email

Chambers

felonydiv3@fljud13.org
Status InquiriesScheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

legalbailbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

ilbonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

bonds@hillsclerk.com
Email
Court-wide
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide

Chambers

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsProposed OrdersLettersJuryTRO/InjunctionEvidence/Witnesses

Document Format Requirements5 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

Formatting

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

Every proposed order must be submitted in PDF format through the JAWS e-filing portal.

All proposed orders must be submitted in PDF format and uploaded to the Court’s E-Filing Portal via the JAWS system

Required Format

PDF

Formatting

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

Exhibits must use party-number labels, and composite exhibits must use letter suffixes such as 1A and 1B.

Exhibits must be labeled in the following format: “Petitioner/Plaintiff 1” or “Respondent/Defendant 1”. Composite exhibits must be labeled as 1A, 1B etc.

Formatting

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

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must bring enough exhibit copies 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.

Formatting

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

In civil cases, all exhibits must be premarked with a permanent tag or stamp in the manner prescribed by the Clerk's office.

Additionally, in civil cases, all exhibits shall be pre-marked with a permanent exhibit tag or stamp as prescribed by the Clerk’s office.

Document Filing Requirements7 rules

Filing Requirements

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

Every proposed order requires a cover letter; stipulated orders must be identified as stipulated, and disputed orders require a cover letter identifying the parties' disagreement.

All proposed orders must be accompanied by a cover letter. Stipulated orders must be reflected as such in the title or body of the proposed order. 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

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

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

By jury selection, each attorney must furnish and electronically file an Exhibit List identifying all trial exhibits in their proposed order and the witnesses through whom they will be offered.

At or before jury selection, each attorney shall furnish each other, the Court, clerk, and file via e-portal, an Exhibit List with exhibits numbered that correspond to all exhibits that have and are to be marked and introduced into trial (preferably, in the numerical/alphabetical order in which the exhibits are to be offered into evidence with the name of the witness the evidence is intended to be offered through.)

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing Requirements

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

A probation motion must be accompanied by 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

Probation Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Hillsborough:1ed0979f444c5faeee5da01f · Jun 2026
|SecMotions for Early Termination / Modification of Probation
Filing Requirements

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

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.

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.
Filing Requirements

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

Before voir dire, each attorney must provide the court and opposing counsel a witness list with full names and professional designations, plus an extra copy for the clerk and bailiff.

Prior to the start of voir dire, each attorney shall provide the Court, opposing counsel, with a list of all witnesses expected to be called, listing the full names of the witness and any professional designation applicable to that witness (e.g. M.D.), preferably, in the numerical order in which they are to be called. Please make an extra copy for the clerk and the bailiff.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Each exhibit listed for trial must be described sufficiently for identification.

The exhibits must be sufficiently described for identification.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

Notices of Hearing must include the document name, document number, the date of filing, and any responses with the correlating document name, document number and date of filing.

Summary: A Notice of Hearing must identify the document, filing date, and any response's corresponding document information.

Document Type

Notice Of Hearing

Content & Formatting
Page Count

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

If an order is disputed, each party must email a Word version of their respective order to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org.

If an order is disputed, each party shall submit a Word version of their respective order to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org.

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

Page 1 | Submission Method

Orders must be submitted by uploading them through the court's E-Filing Portal.

Orders shall be uploaded through the E-Filing Portal.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Submission Method

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

All exhibits must reach chambers at least 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 1 | Deadline for Submissions

A proposed order must be submitted within five business days after the hearing.

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

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Deadline for Submissions

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials are due no later than three days before the hearing.

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 1 | When required

Service and Proof of Service Rules

A party canceling a hearing must immediately notify the Judicial Assistant and immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

Parties must cancel hearings by notifying the judicial assistant immediately. Parties 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 1 | Cancelling Hearings

A copy of a 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.

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

Page 1 | Motions for Early Termination / Modification of Probation

The Probation Officer must be notified of a request 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 1 | Motions for Early Termination / Modification of Probation

The original probation motion must be filed with the Clerk, and a copy must be mailed or emailed to the Judicial Assistant.

A copy of the motion shall be mailed or forwarded via email to the JA at felonyDiv3@fljud13.org, while the original motion is filed with the Clerk’s Office.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Motions for Early Termination / Modification of Probation

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials must be submitted by email to the specified address.

Submission Method: E-mail to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | When required

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

Courtesy copies of case law and any proposed reference materials shall be submitted to the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | When required

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

All pretrial motions in cases transferred to Trial Division 3 must be filed and heard by the original transferring judge, and untimely filing or scheduling results in waiver.

ALL PRETRIAL MOTIONS FOR ANY CASE TRANSFERRED TO TRIAL DIVISION 3 FOR TRIAL, MUST BE SCHEDULED AND HEARD BY THE ORIGINAL ASSIGNED TRANSFERRING JUDGE. THE FAILURE OF ANY PARTY TO TIMELY FILE AND SET FOR HEARING ANY PRETRIAL MOTION BEFORE THE ORIGINAL TRANSFERRING JUDGE WILL BE DEEMED A WAIVER OF THE MOTION BY THIS COURT.

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

Page 1 | Other Procedures Relating to Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

After transfer for trial, the receiving trial judge will not entertain pretrial motions unless that judge consents.

Once a case is transferred by a standard division to a trial division or other division for trial, no pre-trial motions will be entertained by the judge to whom the case has been transferred for trial unless the judge consents to doing so.

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

Page 1 | Other Procedures Relating to Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

No hearing date needs to be secured when filing a probation motion because the court initially reviews it in chambers.

The Court will review these motions in Chambers; therefore, a hearing date does not need to be secured when the motion is filed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Motions for Early Termination / Modification of Probation

Chambers Communication Rules

Copies of all parties must be included on email to the judicial office unless legally authorized ex parte communication is permitted.

All parties must be copied on any e-mail directed to the judicial office, unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.

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

Page 1 | Ex parte Communications

All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org with specified subject-line information, and the Judicial Assistant may not provide legal advice.

All communications to the judicial office must be submitted by e-mail to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org. The subject line must contain the case number, case name, name and date of motion, and time requested (e.g., 2024 DR 001234 SC – Doe v. Doe – Motion to Compel 4/17/26 – 1-hour requested). Please note, the Judicial Assistant (JA) is not permitted to give you any legal advice.

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

Page 1 | Judicial Practices & Procedures

Parties must notify the Division Judicial Assistant by email of available dates for their matters.

Please notify the Division JA via email regarding available dates for all matters.

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

Page 1 | Court Schedule

A remote-appearance request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at least 10 days before the hearing and is subject to court approval.

Requests for remote appearances must be made at least (10) days in advance of a hearing. For appearances on Zoom, please email the Judicial Assistant at FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org for approval for a remote appearance.

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

Page 1 | Remote Appearance Procedure

Self-represented litigants may email the Judicial Assistant for procedural assistance or questions.

If you are representing yourself and need assistance or have questions concerning any of the procedures outlined above, you may contact the Judicial Assistant by email (FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org).

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

Page 1 | Pro Se/Self Represented Litigants

Email inquiries that may legally be answered will receive a response by the end of the next business day, but the Judicial Assistant cannot provide legal advice.

The judicial assistant is not authorized to provide legal advice and any inquiries via email will be responded to, if legally permissible, by the end of the next business day.

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

Page 1 | Response to Inquiries

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from nonparties, and parties must follow the stated contact practices.

Unsolicited communications from nonparties 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 | Unsolicited Communications

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 Mark R. Wolfe

The Honorable Mark R. Wolfe --- #### Year Appointed to the Bench: 2000 #### Assignments: - Circuit Court Judge (General Civil) (2011, 2021) - Circuit Court Judge (East Circuit) (2010) - Circuit Court Judge (Domestic Relations/Family) (2008) - Circuit Court Judge (Criminal Justice & Trial) (2007, 2015) - Circuit Court Judge (Juvenile Delinquency) (2004) - Criminal Domestic Violence (2002) - County Criminal (2000) --- #### Education - Law School: University of Miami School of Law Juris Doctorate (1981) - Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame Bachelor of Business Administratio (1978) --- #### Professional Honors - Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer of the Year Nominee (2007, 2013) - HCBA Board of Directors’ Outstanding Service Award (2015) --- #### Professional Activities - Florida Bar Board Certified in Appellate Practice (1996-2021) - Florida Bar Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee, Chair (2007-2009) - Hillsborough County Bar Association Board of Directors (2002-2014) --- #### Bar Admissions - State of Florida (1981) - United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (1981) - United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (1983) - State of New York (1989) - United States Supreme Court (1990)

**Edgecomb Courthouse (Office Only)** - 800 E. Twiggs St., Room #511 - Tampa, Florida 33602 - Courtroom 501 - Judicial Assistant: Christina Novia - Email: Divisionb@fljud13.org

Common questions about Judge Mark R. Wolfe's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Mark R. Wolfe?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for chambers copys. Details: by email. Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials must be submitted to the court.

View ruleSource: page 1, section When required

Does Judge Mark R. Wolfe require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Mark R. Wolfe's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. After transfer for trial, the receiving trial judge will not entertain pretrial motions unless that judge consents.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Other Procedures Relating to Pretrial Procedures and Conferences

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Mark R. Wolfe?

Judge Mark R. Wolfe's formatting rule includes file format PDF and must be uploaded through the jaws system.. Every proposed order must be submitted in PDF format through the JAWS e-filing portal.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Format

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Mark R. Wolfe?

The rule requires proposed order. Every proposed order requires a cover letter; stipulated orders must be identified as stipulated, and disputed orders require a cover letter identifying the parties' disagreement.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Format

What must be included with emergency hearing motion filings before Judge Mark R. Wolfe?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. 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.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Requirements

How may parties contact Judge Mark R. Wolfe's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Mark R. Wolfe's chambers. The rule lists email FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org. All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org with specified subject-line information, and the Judicial Assistant may not provide legal advice.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Judicial Practices & Procedures

Is electronic filing required before Judge Mark R. Wolfe?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Orders must be submitted by uploading them through the court's E-Filing Portal.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Submission Method

What filing deadlines apply to proposed order filings before Judge Mark R. Wolfe?

A proposed order must be submitted within five business days after the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Deadline for Submissions

What rule applies to service for notice of cancellation before Judge Mark R. Wolfe?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. A party canceling a hearing must immediately notify the Judicial Assistant and immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Cancelling Hearings
Complete rules summary for Judge Mark R. Wolfe

All communications to the judicial office must be emailed to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org with specified subject-line information, and the Judicial Assistant may not provide legal advice.

Copies of all parties must be included on email to the judicial office unless legally authorized ex parte communication is permitted.

The court will not consider unsolicited communications from nonparties, and parties must follow the stated contact practices.

Email inquiries that may legally be answered will receive a response by the end of the next business day, but the Judicial Assistant cannot provide legal advice.

A Notice of Hearing must identify the document, filing date, and any response's corresponding document information.

Parties must notify the Division Judicial Assistant by email of available dates for their matters.

A party canceling a hearing must immediately notify the Judicial Assistant and immediately file and serve a notice of cancellation on opposing counsel and any self-represented litigant.

A remote-appearance request must be emailed to the Judicial Assistant at least 10 days before the hearing and is subject to court approval.

Every proposed order must be submitted in PDF format through the JAWS e-filing portal.

Every proposed order requires a cover letter; stipulated orders must be identified as stipulated, and disputed orders require a cover letter identifying the parties' disagreement.

Orders must be submitted by uploading them through the court's E-Filing Portal.

If an order is disputed, each party must email a Word version of their respective order to FelonyDiv3@fljud13.org.

A proposed order 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.

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials must be submitted by email to the specified address.

Courtesy copies of case law and proposed reference materials are due no later than three days before the 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.

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

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

Exhibits must use party-number labels, and composite exhibits must use letter suffixes such as 1A and 1B.

All exhibits must reach chambers at least three business days before the evidentiary proceeding.

After transfer for trial, the receiving trial judge will not entertain pretrial motions unless that judge consents.

All pretrial motions in cases transferred to Trial Division 3 must be filed and heard by the original transferring judge, and untimely filing or scheduling results in waiver.

By jury selection, each attorney must furnish and electronically file an Exhibit List identifying all trial exhibits in their proposed order and the witnesses through whom they will be offered.

Each exhibit listed for trial must be described sufficiently for identification.

In civil cases, all exhibits must be premarked with a permanent tag or stamp in the manner prescribed by the Clerk's office.

Before voir dire, each attorney must provide the court and opposing counsel a witness list with full names and professional designations, plus an extra copy for the clerk and bailiff.

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

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

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

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