Court Rules
Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo
Judge

Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Hillsborough County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

BriefCourt-wide
25 pgs
DocumentsCourt-wide
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Case Law, Legal Authority

  • At Least 3 Business Days Before Hearing

Chambers Copy

Court-wide

Courtesy copies

Court-wide

Extraordinary Writ Petition

Court-wide
  • Immediately Upon Filing

Communication

Email

Chambers

trafficdivm@fljud13.org
Scheduling
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:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingProposed OrdersExhibitsTRO/InjunctionLettersElectronics

Document Format Requirements1 rule

Formatting

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

Proposed orders must be submitted as PDFs through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal.

Proposed orders must be submitted in .pdf format through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal.

Required Format

PDF

Hillsborough:1b80a01a27ede254f736168c
|SecProcedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

Document Filing Requirements4 rules

Filing Requirements

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

Proposed final judgments involving a damages award must include Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Form 1.977 when applicable.

All proposed Final Judgments including a damages award shall attach Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Form 1.977, Fact Information Sheet, if applicable.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Hillsborough:1b80a01a27ede254f736168c
|SecProcedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders
Filing Requirements

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

A party seeking to introduce exhibits must give the opposing party an opportunity to review them before the hearing or trial begins.

Any Party seeking to introduce any Exhibits into evidence shall provide the opposing Party an opportunity to review said Exhibit(s) prior to the commencement of the hearing/trial.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Hillsborough:1b80a01a27ede254f736168c
|SecProcedures & Preferences — Witnesses/Exhibits
Filing Requirements

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

When an order is contested, both parties must upload a proposed order with a cover letter stating that they could not agree.

If the order is contested, both parties shall upload a proposed order with a cover letter indicating the lack of agreement between the parties.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Hillsborough:1b80a01a27ede254f736168c
|SecProcedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders
Filing Requirements

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

An emergency motion should include the opposing party’s email address(es) and phone number(s).

If a party or counsel files an “emergency” motion, the contact information for the opposing party should be included, including email address(es) and phone number(s).

Document Type

Emergency Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Hillsborough:1b80a01a27ede254f736168c
|SecProcedures & Preferences — Emergency Motions

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

When neither party has counsel or the e-Filing Portal is unavailable, proposed orders and conforming copies must be submitted on paper.

If neither party is represented by counsel or there is a lack of access to the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal, proposed orders along with copies for conforming are to be submitted to the Court on paper.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

Motions must be filed through the e-portal or directly with the Clerk, and the Court will rule only on a filed written motion or an oral motion made in the Clerk’s presence.

Any motions should be filed through the e-portal or directly with the Clerk. The Court will rule only on a written motion that has been filed with the Clerk or on an oral motion made in Court in the Clerk’s presence.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Motions

After obtaining hearing time, a Notice of Hearing should be filed through the e-portal or submitted directly to the Clerk.

After obtaining a hearing time, a Notice of Hearing should be filed through the e-portal or submitted directly to the Clerk of Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Scheduling/Cancelling Hearings

Matters requiring 15 minutes or less of hearing time should be scheduled through JAWS.

Any matter requiring 15 minutes or less hearing time should be scheduled through JAWS.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Scheduling/Cancelling Hearings

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Orders must be submitted to the Court within three weeks after the hearing and ruling.

Following a hearing, please submit orders to the Court within three (3) weeks of a hearing and ruling.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

The party responsible for submitting the order must circulate it to all parties within ten calendar days after the hearing and make a concerted effort to agree on proposed language.

The party directed to submit the order must circulate the order with all parties within ten (10) calendar days of the hearing and make a concerted effort to agree on proposed language.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

Service and Proof of Service Rules

When one party is unrepresented, counsel must mail a hard copy of the signed order to the self-represented party within five calendar days after receiving the electronic order.

If a party is not represented by counsel, counsel shall mail a hard copy of any signed order to the opposing, self-represented party within five (5) calendar days of receiving the signed, electronic order.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Case law and legal authority should be provided to the Court at least three business days before the scheduled hearing.

Case law and any legal authority should be provided to the Court at least three (3) business days prior to a scheduled hearing.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Courtesy Copies

Filing Bundling Requirements

No additional hard copy of a proposed order should be sent to the Court when the order is filed through the e-portal.

If a proposed order is filed through the e-portal, please do not send an additional, hard copy to the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

A motion pending for at least 60 days without a scheduled hearing is presumed denied without prejudice unless the filing party shows good cause.

Filed motions that have been pending for sixty (60) or more days without being scheduled for a hearing are presumed to be denied without prejudice, unless the Party who filed said motion shows good cause.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Motions

A written motion must be filed with the Clerk before requesting or setting a hearing.

A written motion must be filed with the Clerk before setting it for hearing in JAWS or requesting hearing time from the Court’s Judicial Assistant.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Scheduling/Cancelling Hearings

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A continuance request must be written, filed, and timestamped by the clerk, or made orally in open court with the clerk present.

If a continuance of an arraignment or a hearing is desired, a request must either be written, filed with, and timestamped by the clerk or be made orally in open Court while the Clerk is present.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Continuances

Continuances of specially set hearings are strongly disfavored.

Continuances of hearings that have been specially set, such as a fatality trial, are strongly disfavored.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Continuances

Chambers Communication Rules

Matters requiring more than 15 minutes of hearing time should be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant by email.

Any matter requiring more than 15 minutes hearing time should be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant by emailing trafficdivm@fljud13.org

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Scheduling/Cancelling Hearings

The Judicial Assistant may answer general scheduling and docket questions but may not provide legal advice or discuss specific case details.

The Judicial Assistant may be able to assist with general questions about scheduling the Court’s cases and docket, but she cannot provide legal advice or discuss specific case details.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Communication

Email is the preferred communication method, and emails should include the case number, case name, and information sought.

The preferred method of communication with this office is by email at trafficdivm@fljud13.org . The following information should be included in the email: case number, case name, and what information you are seeking.

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

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Communication

Hearing cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to the court office.

Any cancellations of hearings must be made in writing and emailed to trafficdivm@fljud13.org

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Procedures & Preferences — Scheduling/Cancelling Hearings

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 Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo

**Criminal Courthouse Annex** - 401 N. Jefferson St., Room #235 - Tampa, Florida 33602 - Courtroom #21 - Judicial Assistant: Emily McGregor - Phone: (813) 272-7266

Common questions about Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for case laws and legal authoritys. Details: delivery at least 3 business days before hearing. Case law and legal authority should be provided to the Court at least three business days before the scheduled hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Courtesy Copies

Does Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motions. A written motion must be filed with the Clerk before requesting or setting a hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Scheduling/Cancelling Hearings

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo?

Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo's formatting rule includes file format PDF. Proposed orders must be submitted as PDFs through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo?

The rule requires body. When an order is contested, both parties must upload a proposed order with a cover letter stating that they could not agree.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

What must be included with exhibits filings before Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo?

The rule requires body. A party seeking to introduce exhibits must give the opposing party an opportunity to review them before the hearing or trial begins.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Witnesses/Exhibits

How may parties contact Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo's chambers. The rule lists email trafficdivm@fljud13.org. Matters requiring more than 15 minutes of hearing time should be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant by email.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Scheduling/Cancelling Hearings

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. A continuance request must be written, filed, and timestamped by the clerk, or made orally in open court with the clerk present.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Continuances

Does Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo require motion papers to be bundled?

No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. No additional hard copy of a proposed order should be sent to the Court when the order is filed through the e-portal.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

Is electronic filing required before Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo?

Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. Motions must be filed through the e-portal or directly with the Clerk, and the Court will rule only on a filed written motion or an oral motion made in the Clerk’s presence.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Motions

What filing deadlines does Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo set?

Orders must be submitted to the Court within three weeks after the hearing and ruling.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders

What rule applies to service by mail for the opposing party before Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: service by mail, recipient: the opposing party. When one party is unrepresented, counsel must mail a hard copy of the signed order to the self-represented party within five calendar days after receiving the electronic order.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Procedures & Preferences — Submitting Proposed Orders
Complete rules summary for Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo

Motions must be filed through the e-portal or directly with the Clerk, and the Court will rule only on a filed written motion or an oral motion made in the Clerk’s presence.

A motion pending for at least 60 days without a scheduled hearing is presumed denied without prejudice unless the filing party shows good cause.

A written motion must be filed with the Clerk before requesting or setting a hearing.

Matters requiring 15 minutes or less of hearing time should be scheduled through JAWS.

Matters requiring more than 15 minutes of hearing time should be scheduled with the Judicial Assistant by email.

After obtaining hearing time, a Notice of Hearing should be filed through the e-portal or submitted directly to the Clerk.

Hearing cancellations must be made in writing and emailed to the court office.

A continuance request must be written, filed, and timestamped by the clerk, or made orally in open court with the clerk present.

Continuances of specially set hearings are strongly disfavored.

An emergency motion should include the opposing party’s email address(es) and phone number(s).

Proposed orders must be submitted as PDFs through the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal.

Orders must be submitted to the Court within three weeks after the hearing and ruling.

The party responsible for submitting the order must circulate it to all parties within ten calendar days after the hearing and make a concerted effort to agree on proposed language.

When an order is contested, both parties must upload a proposed order with a cover letter stating that they could not agree.

When one party is unrepresented, counsel must mail a hard copy of the signed order to the self-represented party within five calendar days after receiving the electronic order.

When neither party has counsel or the e-Filing Portal is unavailable, proposed orders and conforming copies must be submitted on paper.

No additional hard copy of a proposed order should be sent to the Court when the order is filed through the e-portal.

Proposed final judgments involving a damages award must include Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Form 1.977 when applicable.

A party seeking to introduce exhibits must give the opposing party an opportunity to review them before the hearing or trial begins.

Case law and legal authority should be provided to the Court at least three business days before the scheduled hearing.

Email is the preferred communication method, and emails should include the case number, case name, and information sought.

The Judicial Assistant may answer general scheduling and docket questions but may not provide legal advice or discuss specific case details.

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