**NO Children are allowed in the courtroom or in Zoom hearings**
Please be aware that due to growing concerns about the safety of our community and the spread of the Coronavirus and COVID-19 disease, the Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse is closed to the public, except on mission critical matters. However, our divisions remain open. The Judge and his/her staff are working and available. We are able to address most matters remotely via phone conferences and/or COURTMAP and ZOOM.
It is important that ALL ATTORNEYS AND SELF REPRESENTED LITIGANTS MUST SIGN UP FOR AN ACCOUNT AT FLORIDA COURTS E-FILING PORTAL AT https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/ for filing pleadings or motions with the clerk and sign up for COURTMAP at https://www.jud11.flcourts.org/ Programs-and-Services/Online-Services/ for submitting proposed orders to your assigned Judge.
The judges will be using the ZOOM platform for most hearings. It is FREE. If you are unfamiliar with the Zoom platform, please go to the ZOOM training page website to learn how to access the platform for use. Zoom training page: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials Zoom Live Training page: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360029527911 We ask you to assist us by learning how to utilize ZOOM and your patience with us as we learn along with you. We are committed to the continued delivery of justice in the face of this pandemic. Please refer to the drop-down boxes to the right of the screen for clear instructions on how to proceed for specific types of calendars. Coronavirus/COVID-19: Courthouses are closed for in-person hearings and trials, unless instructed by the court, based on public health advisories at the direction of the Florida Supreme Court. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit wants you safe at home. We are establishing Virtual Courtrooms. Court hearings in your case that we can hold remotely via video or phone conference will be held on the Zoom platform, which is free to you. You will receive an email from the Court if we are proceeding with your hearing with the information you need to connect. To participate by video, you must click on the weblink you received in the email invitation at the time your hearing is scheduled or call the phone number listed in the invitation to participate by phone. You do not need to download anything or set up an account in order for you to participate in a zoom hearing. Video appearance is required for any participant whose testimony is necessary so the judge can administer the oath. Zoom invites are sent out at the time the hearings are set. Please wait until a day before your scheduled 5 minute motion hearing for the court to send you an email containing a Zoom link and instructions. If you resolve your matter, please cancel it in CourtMAP or, if you have no access to CourtMAP, by calling the judge’s judicial assistant.
All exhibits must be filed separately and listed ONE week prior to hearing. If not filed properly or as instructed the court will not accept or view the exhibits. **If you are attending a Live/In Person hearing then all exhibits MUST be brought with you and addressed as normal.
IT IS THE ATTORNEYS and LITIGANTS RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE ALL EXHIBITS APPROVED, LISITED, and FILED INDIVIDUALLY A WEEK PRIOR TO THE HEAR!
DO NOT email the judicial assistant the exhibits.
MINOR CHILDREN-Please make arrangements Not to bring children. Under no circumstances are minor children to be brought into the courtroom. Minor children will not be allowed into the courtroom, and your case will not be heard.
ALL HEARINGS ARE TO BE SET WITH OUR OFFICE-Please call to set hearings with opposing counsel between the hours of 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
Type: Closed
Notice Before Hearing: No
Files at Hearing: None
REMOTE 5 MINUTE MOTION CALENDAR Motion Calendar will be held for NON-EVIDENTIARY matters on Wednesday at 2:30PM, and should not take more than 10 minutes. Motion set on motion calendars are to be set by the attorney or pro-set litigant. This calendar will be heard via ZOOM, and you will receive your Zoom invite the day before the hearing.
**Motions to withdraw as attorney of record, do not require a hearing provided there is consent. Simply submit proposed order via CourtMap.
Instructions for setting: On the E-FILING PORTAL, file the Motion with any exhibits. Include 11thFC12@jud11.flcourts.org in all filings. On the E-FILING PORTAL, E-SERVE the opposing side with your filing. On COURTMAP, coordinate with opposing party and select the date to have the motion heard. Once a date is agreed upon you may set the hearing using in the Motion Calendar slot. As supporting documents, attach the motion and any responses with an e-file stamp. On COURTMAP also include as supporting documents a Notice of Hearing. The notice of hearing must be filed with the Clerk at least 7 business days prior to the hearing, not including the day of the hearing. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL NOTICES NOT FILED IN A TIMELY MANNER WILL BE REJECTED.
**Any motion to withdraw with consent, does not require a hearing. Once motion is filed, simply submit a proposed order via CourtMap separately.
Please be aware that certain items are prohibited on courthouse premises. If any listed prohibited item is detected to be in your possession when entering a court facility, you will be asked to exit the facility to secure the item elsewhere or dispose of it, before being allowed entry into the facility.