Florida business lawsuits involve multiple phases. Once the Complaint and Summons are served, and the defendant files their Answer and any applicable counterclaims, the two sides can file various motions. Some of these motions will be simple and take little time to argue. However, there can also be hearings that are more complex and therefore require additional time on the court’s docket. In Florida, these longer hearings are called special set hearings. So, what are special set hearings?
What is a Special Set Hearing?
In Florida, the term special set hearing means a hearing requiring more than five minutes of the court’s time. Hearings expected to take five minutes or less are ordinarily heard on the court’s general docket or Uniform Motion Calendar. Special set hearings are scheduled on the court calendar for specific dates and times. The hearings are also set for a designated amount of time.
What Occurs at a Special Set Hearing?
Generally, special set hearings are reserved for legal matters that are more complex and require more time for the parties to argue. These hearings may involve motions such as:
- Discovery Disputes
- Motions to Dismiss
- Motions for Summary Judgment
- Evidentiary Hearings
Setting a Special Set Hearing
Florida civil courts typically have rules for how they expect parties to operate and schedule matters such as special set hearings. Generally, the court will expect the attorney for the party scheduling the hearing to confer with the other’s side’s counsel.
Both sides are also expected to cooperate and act in good faith when it comes to scheduling these types of hearings. If a plaintiff or defendant does not respond to the other to discuss the setting within a certain number of days, the requesting party should include that information in their motion or notice of hearing.
Any motion or notice should be filed with the court clerk. Depending on the court, there may also be other requirements for setting a special set hearing. Therefore, it’s important to work with your attorney to help ensure that you comply with the court’s requirements to have your special set hearing scheduled on the docket.
As indicated above, special set hearings usually involve complicated legal issues and detailed motions. These hearings take time because of their complexity. In some cases, a special set hearing could result in claims or a case being dismissed in its entirety. The best way to help ensure that your interests are protected during your special set hearing is by working with an experienced Florida business attorney.
Your Florida business lawyer can help you with your special set hearing by assisting with:
- Preparing your Pleadings
- Planning for Counterclaims
- Conducting and Defending Yourself During the Discovery Phase
- Preparing Dispositive Motions
- Managing Pre-trial Issues
- Protecting Your Interest in Other Preliminary Hearings
- Negotiating Settlement Terms
- Representing You During Trial
By working with experienced business counsel, you can help protect your interest during every stage of your case. Additionally, not every dispute needs to end up in court. Your lawyer can also help you plan for your enterprise’s future and identify ways to manage disputes and avoid litigation.
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.