When a lawsuit is filed in a Florida civil court, the court will issue an order to establish when and how certain case events should occur. This trial order is a crucial document that will control key lawsuit events. Here is more on understanding the importance of Florida trial order deadlines.
The Florida Uniform Trial Order
When a case is assigned to a Florida court, the judge will create a uniform trial order that sets out the trial date and when certain trial-related matters must take place. Generally, the trial date will be firm, meaning the court will not move it outside of extraordinary circumstances and good cause. Likewise, all deadlines indicated in the uniform trial order will be strictly enforced.
Continuances and Extensions
Litigation can be inexact, and numerous contributing factors can impact a case and when the parties are prepared for a hearing or trial. That being said, courts tend to want their dockets to operate efficiently and on schedule. It’s not uncommon for a uniform trial order to include language such as “deadlines will be strictly enforced by the court” and “strict compliance means no continuances or extensions will be granted without a court order upon written motion setting forth good cause.” These statements put the parties on notice that they are expected to comply with all deadlines and to refrain from seeking an extension to file motions or documents or for a continuance. It’s important to know that these are more than just words—they are requirements.
Discovery, Hearing, and Mediation Deadlines
Uniform trial orders also set out important dates, such as when discovery should be completed, and motions are to be filed and scheduled. Likewise, a case may be ordered to mandatory mediation by a specific date. The order may also provide for certain requirements related to settlement. These are integral parts of a Florida business lawsuit, and parties need to be well aware of the dates indicated in the court orders. These are detailed orders, and courts rarely make exceptions to their requirements and deadlines.
Stipulations
Florida courts generally require parties to confer and determine what facts can be stipulated to in a lawsuit. The court is likely to order the parties to file very specific joint pre-trial stipulations close to the trial date. These stipulation requirements are usually extremely detailed and involved. Parties should avoid waiting until the last minute to prepare the requested information for the court.
Sanctions
Uniform trial orders typically include detailed sanction provisions. In addition to reminders regarding discovery and pleadings sanctions, the document will usually set out what will happen if a party fails to appear, follow the requirements, or file documents required by the court. The consequences typically include possible dismissal or the imposition of sanctions, including striking the pleadings.
Florida uniform trial deadlines are critical, and there are very few circumstances when courts will allow for contingencies. The best way to ensure you are in compliance with these important dates is by working with an experienced Florida business attorney. Your lawyer can help you make certain you attend to all required case deadlines and protect your case.
Contact an Experienced Florida Business Lawyer
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Legal Center assists clients like you with commercial leasing, business, and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.