Proposed orders are not required unless specifically requested by the court.

Typically, all inquiries should be directed to Courtroom Deputy Clerk Maria Hernandez at (407) 835-4304.

The court will schedule a trial status conference during the month prior to the trial term to discuss date certain for trial and to set a date for the final pretrial conference. No substantive matters will be heard at this time.

When filing motions electronically with the clerk, it is not necessary to provide separate courtesy copies; however, all PDF documents filed electronically should be in full-page, text-searchable format.

The court will hear motions in limine and address any objections to exhibits and witnesses at that time. Counsel should be prepared to address all pretrial matters.

Lead trial counsel’s appearance at the final pretrial conference is mandatory.

Counsel should make arrangements with the courtroom deputy clerk to test any electronic equipment expected to be used at trial.

As soon as practicable after the filing of any civil action, the clerk will designate the case for future management on one of three tracks. For civil cases designated as a Track Two case, the plaintiff must complete and file the case management report in accordance with Local Rule 3.05.

The court will not conduct a preliminary pretrial conference unless the parties request one or the court deems it necessary. The magistrate judge assigned to the case normally conducts the preliminary pretrial conference.

The parties may not extend deadlines established in the case management and scheduling order without the approval of the court.

The pendency of any motion, including motions to dismiss, does not automatically stay the deadlines in the case management and scheduling order.

The trial term lasts for one month, commencing on the first day of the month. Normally, criminal cases are tried first, civil jury trials are called up next, and then civil non-jury trials. Civil cases not reached during this trial term will be placed at the beginning of the following month’s trial term, after all criminal cases have been tried. Trials will normally be set for date certain at the trial status conference, which is held the third Thursday of the month preceding trial.

The court will conduct the jury voir dire, giving due consideration to questions proposed by the parties.

The court will normally be in session from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day; however, this schedule may change as circumstances require.

Counsel must adhere to Local Rule 5.03 at all times when appearing before this court.

The court requires a bench book of exhibits to be provided on the first day of trial.

The court does not set a deadline for entering a change of plea in criminal cases.

The court requires a transcript or closed-captioning of any audio or video evidence that is shown to the jury.