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United States District Court
Middle District of Florida
G UIDE FOR P ROCEEDING
W ITHOUT A L AWYER
This guide is the product of librarians, lawyers, and judges
around the district, with special thanks to the Tampa
Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Pro Se
Assistance Subcommittee of the Bench Bar Fund
Committee. This guide aims to help a person proceeding in
court without a lawyer. As only a guide, it is not authority
and should not be cited as authority. This guide was last
updated on February 10, 2022.
Contents
1.
Introduction ................................................................. 3
2.
Definitions ................................................................... 3
3.
Things to Know Before Representing Yourself .............. 5
4.
Rules Everyone Must Follow ........................................ 6
5.
Preliminary Questions to Ask ....................................... 6
6.
Getting the Action Started .......................................... 13
7.
Pretrial ....................................................................... 19
8.
Trial ........................................................................... 25
9.
Post-Trial ................................................................... 26
10. Resources ................................................................... 27
11. Visiting the Courthouse .............................................. 29
12. Frequently Asked Questions ....................................... 29
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1. Introduction
If you are reading this guide, you are probably thinking about bringing or
defending a lawsuit without a lawyer’s help. Federal court can be an
intimidating place, and there are a lot of things you need to think about and
know before bringing or defending a lawsuit.
This guide will not answer all your questions about how to represent yourself
in a lawsuit. Instead, it summarizes basic steps required to file and pursue a
lawsuit or defend a lawsuit filed against you. This is just a guide. It is not a set
of rules or an official document. You should not cite it as authority.
If you are reading this guide on a computer, you can click on any red-colored,
italicized text to access another website that will have more information on the
topic. If you find a broken link, just use a keyword search to find the website.
If you are reading this guide in hardcopy, you cannot take advantage of a link,
but know that any italicized text indicates there is a website with more
information on the topic.
2. Definitions
2.1 Action
An action is, collectively, the claims a party asserts in a pleading.
2.2 Answer
An answer is the response to a complaint. In that document, the defendant
states defenses and, for each allegation in the complaint, admits it, denies it,
or states the defendant is without knowledge of it.
2.3 Case
A case is the content of the docket in an action (for example, if remand occurs,
the action returns to state court, but the case remains in federal court).
2.4 Claim or Claim for Relief
A claim or “claim for relief” is the basis for relief a party asserts in a count of
a pleading and is similar to the state court term “cause of action.”
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2.5 Complaint
A complaint is the document that gets the lawsuit started. In that document,
the plaintiff states a claim or claims, a demand specifying the relief sought, the
facts supporting the claim or claims, and the basis for the court’s jurisdiction
(in other words, the court’s authority to decide the action).
2.6 Defendant
A defendant is the party being sued.
2.7 Discovery
Discovery is the process by which parties collect information from each other
and “discover” facts about the dispute.
2.8 Docket
The docket is a chronological list of each court event and document in the
case.
2.9 Judge
The judge is the person who presides over the action. In the Middle District of
Florida, each action is randomly assigned a United States District Judge and
a United States Magistrate Judge.
2.10 Judgment
A judgment is the final action by the court that ends the lawsuit in the district
court.
2.11 Lawsuit
A lawsuit, also called an action, is a legal claim or accusation that one person
or entity makes against another in a court to get resolution from the court. A
lawsuit usually begins when someone files a complaint.
2.12 Litigant
A litigant, also known as a party, is a person or entity in the lawsuit.
2.13 Mediation
A mediation is a settlement conference. A certified, qualified mediator
presides over a mediation. The goal of a mediation is to settle the action. The
Local Rules require most litigants to participate in a mediation.
2.14 Motion
A motion is a request to the court for some relief. An example is a motion for
an extension of a deadline.
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2.15 Order
An order is an action by the judge directing someone to do something or
deciding a matter.
2.16 Plaintiff
A plaintiff is the party suing.
2.17 Pro Se Litigant
A pro se litigant is a person who proceeds in court without the help of a lawyer.
3. Things to Know Before Representing Yourself
Representing yourself carries responsibility and risk. Consider them carefully.
Here are some:
If you miss a deadline, submit a document that is false, make a
false statement, disregard a court order, refuse to follow a court
rule, or ask for something to which you know you are not entitled,
you may lose on that ground alone and the court may impose a
fine against you or hold you in contempt.
Lying in a court document is perjury and is a crime punishable by
imprisonment.
Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure prohibits anyone
from bringing a claim that is clearly frivolous or meant only to
harass someone. If the court determines that you have brought a
claim for an improper or unnecessary purpose, the court may
impose a sanction against you, including ordering you to pay the
other side’s attorney’s fee.
If you are not a licensed lawyer, you may represent only yourself.
Representing anyone but yourself is illegal.
If you lose your action, you likely will have to pay some costs that
the winning party incurred during the lawsuit. Costs can be
expensive.
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4. Rules Everyone Must Follow
The saying “Ignorance of the law is no excuse” is true here. You are
responsible for following the rules and procedures that govern the court
process, including the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of
Evidence, the Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Middle
District of Florida, and, if you or the other party appeal the final decision, the
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Here are the websites for those rules
(you can also get a copy of the Local Rules at any clerk’s office):
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/current-rules-practiceprocedure/federal-rules-civil-procedure
Federal Rules of Evidence
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/rules-of-evidence.pdf
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/rules-of-appellate-procedure.pdf
Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Middle
District of Florida
www.flmd.uscourts.gov/LocalRules.htm
5. Preliminary Questions to Ask
5.1 Is this the right court to decide my dispute?
The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida is one of 94
trial courts in the federal court system. A federal court can decide only certain
types of actions. This is known as “subject matter jurisdiction.” Generally, this
court can hear only a dispute that falls into one or more of these four
categories:
A dispute that involves a right in the United States Constitution;
A dispute that involves a federal law (as opposed to a state law
or local ordinance);
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A dispute that involves the United States of America (or any of
its agencies, officers, or employees in their official capacities) as
a party; and
A dispute between citizens of different states with an amount in
controversy that is more than $75,000.
If your dispute does not fall into one of those categories, you should not bring
your lawsuit here. Instead, consider state, local, or administrative courts (or
perhaps arbitration, mediation, or other types of alternative-dispute-resolution
means).
If your dispute falls into one of those categories and you want to proceed in
federal (as opposed to state) court, you must decide whether the Middle
District of Florida is the correct venue. Generally, you may file a civil action
in the district where any defendant lives or where the claim arose (28 U.S.C.
§1391). If that district is the Middle District of Florida, you then must figure
out the proper division of the Middle District of Florida. There are five
divisions with clerk’s offices. Division offices and their associated counties are:
Fort Myers: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, and
Lee;
Jacksonville: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler,
Hamilton, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Union;
Ocala: Citrus, Lake, Marion, and Sumter;
Orlando: Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia;
and
Tampa: Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco,
Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota
5.2 Is there an alternative to representing myself?
Most people who sue or are being sued hire a lawyer familiar with the law and
the court’s rules. A lawyer can accept your action for an hourly rate or on
contingency under which you agree to pay a percentage of recovery as the fee
if you win your action, and no fee (but sometimes costs and expenses) if you
do not. The lawyer likely will screen your action to make sure you have a
reasonable chance of winning. Some laws may require the other side to pay
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for your lawyer if you win. Other laws may require you to pay for the other
side’s lawyer if you lose.
If you want to have a lawyer represent you but you cannot afford one, you
may contact Florida Legal Services at (407) 801-4350. Its staff can explain the
options for obtaining legal services for free or at a reduced rate. The Florida
Bar also has a lawyer referral service you may contact at (800) 342-8011 or
https://lrs.floridabar.org. A referral service does not guarantee a lawyer for you;
it merely will try to refer you to lawyers who may consider—in their discretion
and under their terms—serving as your lawyer.
Depending on where you live, you might also consider contacting one of the
following referral services or legal-aid organizations. Some organizations offer
free legal help, free clinics in various subjects, and ask-a-lawyer events. If you
do not see your area, you can go to www.lsc.gov and enter your county, and it
will provide a list of services or organizations in your area.
This court is not affiliated with these services or organizations and merely
provides them as a possible source of help for you. This list is not exhaustive;
there might be other organizations that can help you.
Fort Myers
Lee County Legal Aid Society
(239) 334-6118
www.leecountylegalaid.org
Florida Rural Legal Service Inc.
(239) 334-4554
(800) 277-7680
(888) 582-3410
www.frls.org
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.
(904) 356-8371
(866) 356-8371
www.jaxlegalaid.org
Jacksonville Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
(904) 399-5780
www.jaxbar.org/public-resources/lawyer-referral-services
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Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.
(866) 256-8091
www.trls.org
Ocala
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
(352) 629-01-05
www.clsmf.org
Orlando
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
(407) 841-7777
www.clsmf.org
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association
(407) 841-8310
www.legalaidocba.org
Orange County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
(949) 440-6747
(877) 257-4762
www.lrisoc.org
Tampa
Bay Area Legal Service, Inc.
(813) 232-1343
(800) 625-2257
www.bals.org
Gulfcoast Legal Services
(941) 746-6151 (Bradenton)
(727) 821-0726 (St. Petersburg)
(727) 443-0657 (Clearwater)
(941) 366-1746 (Sarasota)
www.gulfcoastlegal.org
St. Michael’s Legal Center
(813) 289-5385
www.stmichaelslegalcenter.com/seeking-assistance
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Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
(813) 221-7780
www.hillsbar.site-ym.com/?LRIS
You can also move the court to ask a lawyer to represent you. But unlike in a
criminal matter, you do not have a right to counsel in a civil action. Asking a
lawyer to represent you is reserved for extraordinary circumstances, and a
lawyer can say no.
5.3 Free Face-to-Face Legal Information Program
The Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa Chapters of the Federal Bar
Association allow a pro se litigant to meet face-to-face with a lawyer to ask
general questions about procedures governing an action in federal court. The
lawyer cannot provide legal advice or represent the litigant. No appointment
is necessary.
Jacksonville
Every Tuesday, 11:00 to 12:30
Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse
Clerk’s Office
300 North Hogan Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 549-1900
www.flmd.uscourts.gov/legal-information-program
Orlando
Every Tuesday, 11:00 to 12:30
George C. Young United States Courthouse
Clerk’s Office
401 West Central Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 835-4205
www.flmd.uscourts.gov/legal-information-program
Tampa
Every Tuesday, 11:00 to 12:30
Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse
Clerk’s Office
801 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 301-5400
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www.flmd.uscourts.gov/legal-information-program
5.4
If I represent myself, what will I have to do?
If you cannot find a lawyer to represent you, you can pursue your claim or
defend a lawsuit by appearing without a lawyer (except a business and
corporate entity must be represented by a lawyer).
If you sue, you must diligently prosecute your action or your action will be
dismissed. You are responsible for doing everything necessary for the action
to move forward. You must:
Prepare, file, and serve a pleading and legal memoranda;
Gather evidence, bring the action to trial, and have a witness
who can testify about your claim;
Locate, serve, and reimburse each witness for the expenses the
witness incurs in having to appear;
Provide required discovery (for example, the names and contact
information of each witness you plan to call at trial and each
document you plan to introduce at trial);
Answer the opposing party’s discovery requests (in other words,
upon request, give them the evidence in your possession not
subject to protection, even if the evidence is bad for you);
Prepare and serve your discovery requests;
File each disclosure required by court rules;
Know and meet each deadline and filing requirement;
Attend each court hearing and meeting;
Attend a court-ordered mediation and pay for some of its costs
or attend a court-ordered settlement conference before a United
States Magistrate Judge; and
Arrange for and attend depositions, if necessary.
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If you are the defendant, you do not have the burden of proving the claim
against you, but you do have the burden of proving an affirmative defense and
must do many of the same things to successfully defend yourself.
5.5
Can the court give me legal advice?
Although the staff of the clerk’s office can give basic, general information
about court rules and procedures and certain forms, they are prohibited from
giving legal advice, interpreting or applying a court rule, or otherwise
participating, directly or indirectly, in any action. They cannot explain the
meaning of a rule, interpret case law, explain the result of taking or not taking
an action, answer whether jurisdiction is proper, answer whether a complaint
properly presents a claim, or give advice on the best procedure to accomplish
a particular objective.
A judge cannot give legal advice because the judge will rule on motions by the
parties and may ultimately decide the dispute. A judge must remain neutral.
A law clerk or other judicial staff member likewise cannot give legal advice.
When pursuing your action, you generally cannot speak to the judge or a law
clerk without the other party (or the other party’s lawyer) present. Except for
a proceeding in open court, your communication with the judge must be in
writing and filed with the clerk’s office, with a copy sent to each party (or the
party’s lawyer if the party is represented). No filing may be in the form of a
letter. Sending correspondence directly to a judge or to a judge’s chambers is
improper.
The court library staff is prohibited from giving legal advice or helping
complete a form. A staff member can show you where a book is in the library
and how to make a copy of a page from a book.
5.6
What information can the court give me?
The clerk’s office maintains a computer record for each lawsuit. It includes a
docket, which is a chronological list of all court events and documents filed in
a case. You can view the docket at a public-access terminal in one of our clerk’s
offices. A copy of a document in the docket costs $.50 a page if made by a
clerk’s office employee and $.10 a page if made by the litigant using a terminal.
The clerk’s office staff may provide basic docket information, in person or over
the phone, but may charge a fee of $31 for a records search.
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If you have internet access, you can also register for PACER (Public Access to
Court Electronic Records) and view and print the documents in a case. To
register, go to the PACER registration page on the PACER website
(www.pacer.gov) or call (800) 676-6856. Using PACER may cost $.10 a page for
viewing or printing. PACER will give you details when you register. Problems
with PACER should be addressed to PACER, not to the court.
6. Getting the Action Started
Filing the
Complaint
Drafting the
Complaint
Serving the
Complaint
6.1 Drafting the Complaint (First Step)
Every civil action starts with a complaint. A complaint outlines a problem or
reason for the lawsuit, which is also known as a claim or cause of action. A
complaint (and all other documents filed with the court) must be on 8 ½” x
11” paper, double-spaced, and typed using certain typefaces required by the
Local Rules. A judge may allow you file a handwritten document. Here are
the things that must be in a complaint and with a complaint.
Caption. A complaint, a motion, a notice, and a similar
document filed with the court must have a caption that includes
JOHN SMITH,
United States District Court
Middle District of Florida
Jacksonville Division
Plaintiff,
v.
Case No. 3:13-cv-5555-J-34PDB
SHERIFF OF DUVAL COUNTY,
Defendant.
Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial
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the court’s name and division (Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala,
Orlando, or Tampa), the parties’ names and designations
(plaintiff or defendant), the case number if known, and a
descriptive title, such as “Complaint.” Here is an example of a
caption you would see at the top of a complaint:
Subject-Matter Jurisdiction. A complaint must include a short
statement of the basis for subject-matter jurisdiction, which is
what gives the court, as a federal court, the authority to hear and
resolve your claim. As explained in the above section, “Is This
the Right Court to Decide My Dispute?” your action must
involve a right in the United States Constitution, a federal law,
the United States of America or one of its agencies as a party, or
a dispute between citizens of different states with an amount in
controversy that is more than $75,000. You must tell the court
which category matches your facts and how it matches those
facts so the court knows it can hear and resolve your claim.
Claim or Claims. A complaint must include a short statement
of the claim or claims showing you are entitled to relief. In this
section, you must include the core facts that support each
element of your claim. When you write your claim, you must
explain what happened by stating facts, not conclusions or what
relief you want. For example, do this, “The Commissioner of
the Social Security Administration issued a final decision
denying my claim for disability benefits on July 27, 1997”; not
this, “The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
denied me my right to benefits.” A complaint is no place for a
citation to a case, an argument, a long diatribe, or a rambling
narrative.
Demand for Relief. A complaint must include a demand for
judgment stating the relief sought, such as damages (money), a
court order, and possibly a jury trial (you usually must ask for
one in your complaint if you want one).
If you are seeking a temporary restraining order (an immediate
order prohibiting the other side from doing something or
requiring the other side to do something), you must follow the
Local Rules and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure addressing
a temporary restraining order. If you are seeking a preliminary
injunction (an order at the beginning of the action prohibiting a
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party from doing something or requiring a party to do something
pending resolution), you must follow the Local Rules and
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure addressing a preliminary
injunction. A request for a temporary restraining order, a
preliminary injunction, or an injunction must be in the
complaint. A request for a temporary restraining order and a
preliminary injunction also must be in a motion.
Signature Block. A complaint (and other documents filed with
the court, except for exhibits) must include a signature block for
each person filing it. A signature block must include a signature,
name, address, and phone number. If you change your name,
phone number, or address, you must update your information
with the court.
Attachments. Any written document referenced in a complaint
(a contract or a right-to-sue notice, for example) may be attached
to a complaint.
Civil Cover Sheet. A complaint must come with a civil cover
sheet. You can get the form from the clerk’s office or from the
court’s website:
Civil Cover Sheet Form JS 44
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/js044.pdf
Summons. A complaint must come with a summons for each
defendant. You can get the form from the clerk’s office or from
the court’s website:
Summons/Civil Form AO 440
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao440.pdf
The Administrative Office of the United States Courts offers forms for civil
complaints and related documents. They are on the United States Court
website, www.uscourts.gov/forms/civil-forms:
Form
Name/Description
AO 85
AO 85A
AO 88
AO 88A
AO 88B
AO 239
Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge
Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Dispositive Motion to a Magistrate Judge
Subpoena to Appear and Testify at a Hearing or Trial in a Civil Action
Subpoena to Testify at a Deposition in a Civil Action
Subpoena to Produce Documents, Information, or Objects or to Permit Inspection of Premises
Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
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AO 240
AO 398
AO 399
AO 440
AO 441
JS 44
Pro Se 1
Pro Se 2
Pro Se 3
Pro Se 4
Pro Se 5
Pro Se 6
Pro Se 7
Pro Se 8
Pro Se 9
Pro Se 10
Pro Se 11
Pro Se 12
Pro Se 13
Pro Se 14
Pro Se 15
Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Short Form)
Notice of a Lawsuit and Request to Waive Service of a Summons
Waiver of the Service of Summons
Summons in a Civil Action
Summons on Third-Party Complaint
Civil Cover Sheet
Complaint for a Civil Case
Complaint and Request for Injunction
Defendant’s Answer to the Complaint
Complaint for a Civil Case Alleging Breach of Contract
Complaint for a Civil Case Alleging Negligence
Complaint for a Civil Case Alleging that the Defendant Owes the Plaintiff a Sum of Money
Complaint for Employment Discrimination
Complaint for Violations of Fair Labor Standards
Complaint for Specific Performance or Damages Based on Contract to Convey Real Property
Complaint for the Conversion of Property
Third Party Complaint
Complaint for Interpleader and Declaratory Relief
Complaint for Review of Social Security Decision
Complaint for Violation of Civil Rights (Prisoner)
Complaint for Violation of Civil Rights (Non-Prisoner)
6.2 Filing the Complaint (Second Step)
If you are suing, you must pay a filing fee of $400 by money order, cashier’s
check, or in-person credit card. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can
apply to the court for permission to proceed without paying the filing fee up
front. That is called proceeding “in forma pauperis.” To do so, you must
complete and file an affidavit-of-indigency form so the court can consider your
finances and whether you cannot afford the filing fee. You can get the form
from the clerk’s office or the court’s website:
Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs-Long Form AO
239
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao239_1.pdf
Filing the form does not guarantee you can proceed without prepaying the
filing fee. The court makes that decision. Even if the court waives the filing
fee, you are still responsible for other costs of litigation, including costs for a
photocopy, deposition transcript, witness, and mediation. If your request to
proceed in forma pauperis is denied, you must pay the filing fee or the court
will dismiss your action.
You must file your complaint and other documents by mail or in person at a
clerk’s office. If you mail your documents, addresses (and phone numbers) for
the Middle District of Florida courts are below. File your action in the division
that covers the county or counties that have the closest connection to your
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dispute. See the section above titled “Is this the right court to decide my
dispute” The clerk there will provide a case number.
Fort Myers
Clerk’s Office
2110 First St., Rm. 2-194
Ft. Myers, FL 33901
(239) 461-2000
Jacksonville
Clerk’s Office
300 N. Hogan St., Rm. 9-150
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 549-1900
Ocala
Clerk’s Office
207 N.W. Second St., Rm. 337
Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 369-4860
Orlando
Clerk’s Office
401 W. Central Blvd., Ste. 1200
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 835-4200
Tampa
Clerk’s Office
801 N. Florida Ave.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 301-5400
6.3 Serving the Summons and the Complaint (Third Step)
Service of process is the procedure used to notify a defendant of the lawsuit.
Because it is fair and important for someone to have an opportunity to respond
to allegations and defend against a claim, service of process is required by law,
is exacting, and must be done in one of several specific ways. If service of
process is not done according to the law, the court can dismiss your complaint.
Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure states the requirements for
service of process. (Note that Rule 4 includes special requirements for service
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of process when suing the United States, one of its agencies, or one of its
employees.)
If you are the one suing, you must complete a summons form (one for each
defendant) and present it to the clerk’s office, where a clerk will sign the form
and stamp it with the court’s seal. From there, you will need each official
summons (the one with the clerk’s signature and seal) and a copy of the
complaint and each of its attachment (one copy for each defendant). You must
serve those documents on each defendant within 90 days of filing the
complaint or risk dismissal of your action.
There are three ways to serve process:
Personal Service. You can tell someone else to personally
deliver or serve the summons and complaint. The server must be
older than 18 and cannot be a party in the action. The server then
must complete and sign the back of the original summons form
and return it to you so you can file it with the court. That is called
the return of service. It is proof to the court that the defendant
knows about the action.
Waiver of Service. A defendant may waive service of process,
which means the defendant agrees to respond to the complaint
even though you did not personally serve the defendant with the
summons and complaint. You can get a waiver-of-service form
from the clerk’s office or from the court’s website:
Form 1:
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao398.pdf
Form 2:
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao399.pdf
Once you have completed those two forms, you can mail them
to each defendant with a copy of the complaint and each of its
attachments. If the defendant completes the form and either you
or the defendant returns it to the court, you do not have to
complete personal service of process.
Service by U.S. Marshal. If the court allows you to proceed in
forma pauperis and waives the filing fee, and if the court further
finds your complaint is not subject to dismissal (for example,
because it is frivolous or the person being sued is immune from
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liability), the court will direct the U.S. Marshal to complete
service of process at no cost to you. But note that for each
defendant, you still must provide a completed summons and a
copy of the complaint to the clerk’s office for forwarding to the
U.S. Marshal.
7. Pretrial
7.1 Filing and Serving Documents
Pretrial proceedings include exchanges of documents between the parties. The
documents vary, but there are several rules to follow that never change during
litigation:
You must file original documents with the court. That includes
each document you write (such as a motion and memorandum
of law) and exhibit. You must sign each document you have
written.
You may file a document in the clerk’s office in person or by
mail. In-person filing must be done Monday through Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The clerk’s offices are closed on federal
holidays and occasionally during an emergency. If you want a
file-stamped copy of any document for your records, provide the
clerk with a copy of that document (if you are not filing the
document in person, you also need to provide a self-addressed,
stamped envelope for a file-stamped copy).
When you file a document, you must also mail or deliver a copy
of that document to each other party’s lawyer. If a party does not
have a lawyer, you must instead mail or deliver a copy directly
to that party. (There is a rare exception for an ex parte
proceeding, meaning a proceeding that does not include the
opposing party.)
With every filing except the complaint, you must include a
certificate of service stating when and how you served a copy of
that document on each party or the party’s lawyer. Here is an
example of a certificate of service:
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I, [name of person filing document], certify that on [month, day, year] I
served a copy of this document on [name of other party’s attorney or other
party if not represented by an attorney] by [mailing, hand delivering,
faxing] it to [him, her] at [address, fax number].
7.2 Responding to the Complaint
After the plaintiff has finished service of process, the defendant has 21 days to
respond, usually by an answer or motion to dismiss. More time may be given
under certain statutes or if the defendant waived service of process. Rule 12 of
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides details. An answer includes the
defendant’s responses to the plaintiff’s claim (he or she admits or denies each
allegation), and any affirmative defense (for example, a claim is barred by the
statute of limitations). The defendant also may bring a counterclaim against
the plaintiff.
7.3 Case Management
When an action is filed, Rules 16 and 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure and the Local Rules govern case management. Read those rules
carefully for deadlines.
One obligation near the beginning of a lawsuit is to meet with the other party’s
lawyer (or, if unrepresented, the party) in person or by telephone, for a “case
management conference” to develop a mutually agreeable discovery plan and
mutually agreeable deadlines and dates as part of a “case management report”
that must be filed with the court. In the report, the parties can also inform the
court of any preliminary disputes or special considerations. The conference is
also a good time to discuss how to resolve differences and settle without further
court action. The conference is not meant to be adversarial; it is meant to be a
cordial meeting of adults sharing a goal of the speedy, just, and inexpensive
resolution of the dispute.
Once the report is filed, the court will use it to develop a “case management
and scheduling order” that will govern the timeline for the action, including
deadlines for completing discovery, deadlines for filing certain motions, and
designation of the month and year in which the action will be tried (if not
disposed of earlier).
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7.4 Motions
A motion is a party’s oral or written request to the court asking the court to do
a particular thing or rule a particular way. You must file each written motion
with the court and serve a copy on each other party’s lawyer (or, if
unrepresented, the party). Before filing a motion with the court, consult the
rules regarding filing and serving a motion, paying particular attention to
Local Rule 3.01. Violating a rule may cause the court to strike or deny your
motion.
There are two types of motions: dispositive and non-dispositive. The
Magistrate Judge assigned to an action can rule on a non-dispositive motion,
which, if granted, affects the action but does not dispose of it or bring it to a
close. Within a certain number of days, any party may request that the District
Judge reconsider a Magistrate Judge’s ruling on a non-dispositive motion but
must show that the Magistrate Judge’s ruling is clearly erroneous or contrary
to law. A dispositive motion (a motion that can dispose of the action or bring
it to a conclusion) is handled differently. A Magistrate Judge does not have the
authority to rule on a dispositive motion unless the parties agree to allow their
action to proceed entirely with the Magistrate Judge. If the parties do not
agree, the Magistrate Judge instead, upon request from the District Judge,
prepares a report and recommendation to be submitted to the District Judge
who will make the final decision on the dispositive motion. Any party may
object to the Magistrate Judge’s report and recommendation within 14 days.
The parties can mutually consent to having the Magistrate Judge assigned to
the action, as opposed to the District Judge assigned to the action, hear all
matters, whether dispositive or non-dispositive. An advantage to consent
typically is obtaining a set date (as opposed to a set term) for the trial to begin
if the action proceeds to trial.
Usually, the court does not schedule a hearing on a motion. Instead, the court
sends a written decision in an order to the parties. If a dispositive motion is
submitted and the judge dismisses all claims, the written decision is a
judgment. The judgment is final and concludes United States District Court
proceedings but may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the
Eleventh Circuit within a specified number of days as stated in the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. More
information about an appeal is below under the heading “Appeal.”
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To write a motion, it may help to begin with a form or sample that fits your
situation. If you cannot find one which fits your situation, you may write your
request yourself, including the relevant facts and citations to law as you need
them. Motion forms can be found in books in law libraries. Here is the start of
a typical motion:
[Name of the party filing the motion] asks the court to [statement of the
relief requested]. Below is a memorandum of law in support of this request.
A motion has at least three parts but sometimes may include four. In the first
part, the movant asks the court to act. If the court does as the party requests,
the motion is granted; if the court does not do as the party requests, the motion
is denied. A motion may be granted in part and denied in part.
The second part of a motion is a memorandum of law, which is required by
the Local Rules. A memorandum of law is the section in which the movant
provides the court with authority and argues why the court should allow the
request under that authority. Citations to the law are included in a
memorandum of law because whatever the party requests must be within the
court’s authority. If granting the request is not within the court’s authority, the
court is prohibited from granting it and therefore must deny it. A
memorandum of law is part of the motion; not a separate document.
The third part of a motion is a “Rule 3.01(g) certificate.” Local Rule 3.01(g)
requires almost every motion to include (1) a statement from the moving party
that the moving party has made a good-faith effort to confer with the other
party to resolve the motion and (2) a statement that the other party either
opposes it or does not oppose it. Rule 3.01(g) has additional requirements.
Take a moment to read Rule 3.01(g) very carefully. Failing to comply with
Rule 3.01(g) is the number one reason motions are denied.
Occasionally, as a fourth part of a motion, a sworn declaration or an affidavit
may be included so the court has the facts to rule on the motion. A sworn
declaration or an affidavit is not required for all motions.
Common types of motions include requests for compelling discovery,
dismissing claims, and extending time.
A copy of motion papers must be sent to each party in the lawsuit to give the
party a chance to oppose the motion. Opposing a motion can be as much work
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as preparing a motion because the response must state why the court should
deny the motion and also include a memorandum of law.
The motion process includes a deadline for a response. Days must be counted
in a specific manner. Time periods vary, but a response to a motion is usually
due within 14 days of the date stated in the motion’s certificate of service. Rule
6 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure guides computing time, extending
time, and motions.
Under the Local Rules, a party must obtain permission to file a reply to a
response. If you file a reply without permission, the court likely will strike it or
refuse to consider it.
7.5 Disclosures and Discovery
Disclosures of facts are often made during a lawsuit. Some disclosures are
required while others are not. If you are wondering whether you or another
party must disclose a fact, consult the rules and the law for guidance. Rule 26
of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure is a good place to start.
Discovery is the process by which parties exchange facts relevant to the action.
A party may not seek discovery from the court. A party may not seek discovery
until after the case management conference discussed in the above section,
“Case Management.”
There are rules regarding discovery just as there are rules for other court
processes. A party can get facts from another party by asking for them. There
are several ways to do this:
Interrogatory. An interrogatory is a written question to the
other party for information that will prove or disprove a fact. A
response to an interrogatory must be in writing and under oath.
Interrogatories are governed by Rules 26 and 33 of the Federal
Rules of Civil Procedure.
Request for Production. A request for production is a written
request to the other party for a copy of a document or access to
any other tangible thing that will prove or disprove a fact.
Requests for Production are governed by Rules 26 and 34 of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Deposition. A deposition is an in-person, recorded, questionand-answer event used by a party to ask the other party or a
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witness questions about the facts surrounding the action. A party
seeking the deposition of another party should try to work with
the schedules of others and, at a minimum, must serve 14-days
advance notice of its time and place. A party seeking the
deposition of a non-party may request a subpoena from the
clerk’s office and serve the summons on the non-party. The party
setting the deposition hires and pays for a court reporter to
transcribe the deposition. Depositions are governed by Rules 26,
30, 31, 32, and 33 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Request for Admission. A request for an admission is just
that—a written request to another party asking him or her to
admit a fact important to proving a claim or narrowing the
issues. A response to a request for admission must be in writing
and under oath. Requests for Admission are governed by Rules
26 and 33 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
A party must not file a discovery document with the court unless the document
is used during a hearing or at trial, is necessary for a motion (such as a motion
to compel discovery or for summary judgment), or the court orders the
document to be filed.
Parties may share information informally, and they often do so when trying to
negotiate a settlement of their claims so they can avoid the time and cost of
continuing with the lawsuit.
The discovery process may not be used to harass; it must be used in a manner
that is efficient, effective, and fair. Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure requires that discovery be proportional, so the relevancy of the
material, the burden of obtaining and producing the material, and the amount
or importance of the action are all considered in determining whether the
discovery is appropriate. If the court grants a motion to compel discovery, the
court must order the other side to pay expenses in bringing the motion unless
certain circumstances apply.
The court publishes a handbook on civil discovery practice. The handbook is
not law, and therefore is not binding. But it is highly persuasive and, as a
general overview of discovery practice in this court, serves as a helpful resource
for litigants and lawyers alike. You can view the form at the clerk’s office or
on the court’s website:
www.flmd.uscourts.gov/sites/flmd/files/documents/mdfl-guide-for-proceedingwithout-a-lawyer.pdf
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A party who violates disclosure and discovery obligations may be sanctioned.
The sanctions vary but can include dismissal and an award of an attorney’s fee
to the other side.
7.6 Mediation
A mediation is nothing more than a settlement conference presided over by a
certified, qualified, neutral mediator. The goal of a mediation is to settle to
avoid risk of loss and the additional time, cost, and burden of proceeding to
trial. The Local Rules require most litigants to participate in mediation.
Sometimes, a District Judge may ask a Magistrate Judge to conduct a
settlement conference instead. A settlement conference is very similar to a
mediation.
8. Trial
Preparing for trial is one of the most time-consuming and difficult parts of an
action—for everyone. The court must prepare just as the parties and the
lawyers prepare. From courtroom scheduling to managing discovery to ruling
on motions, everyone at the court is very busy completing tasks leading to and
during the trial.
A pro se litigant, like a lawyer representing a client, must prepare an opening
statement, a closing argument, a witness list, an exhibit list and exhibits, and
questions for each witness. If a witness is needed, the party who needs the
witness must have the witness subpoenaed to appear and must usually pay the
witness’s fee and travel costs. Each original document to be offered as evidence
must be brought to the courthouse. A copy of the document must be made too.
There must be an original for the witness to testify about and a copy of the
original for every party. If there is physical evidence other than a document a
party intends to introduce at trial, the evidence also should be brought to court
so a witness can testify about it and the other party can use it during
questioning. Of course, a prohibited item like a weapon may not be brought
into the courthouse.
Not all witnesses may testify. Not all documents or other objects offered as
evidence are accepted as evidence during a trial. Only a judge can decide if a
witness may testify or an object or document will be accepted as evidence. If
you are unsure whether you can offer witness testimony, a document, or
another object as evidence, consult the Federal Rules of Evidence well before
trial.
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9. Post-Trial
9.1 Final Judgment
A final judgment is the end. In it, the court will enter judgment for one party
on each claim. Its entry starts the time for filing a notice of appeal. Orders
before the final judgment usually are not immediately appealable.
9.2 Appeal
The appellate court over the Middle District of Florida is the United States
Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. That court handles appeals from all
federal district courts in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It is headquartered in
Atlanta. Like this court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals also offers a
handbook for a pro se litigant. You can view it on the Eleventh Circuit’s
website:
Preparing an Appeal — Pro Se Appellants
www.ca11.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/courtdocs/clk/Pro_Se_Handbook_Final_
DEC19.pdf
If you disagree with an appealable order or a final judgment of the district
court, you can appeal under the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. First
reading the rules and determining if you have a right to an appeal is important.
If you do not have a right to an appeal and file one anyway, the proceedings
in your action will be delayed.
If you have a right to an appeal, you must quickly file a notice of appeal in the
district court. The number of days to file an appeal after a judgment varies, so
you must consult the rules. The number of days can be as few as 20. Here are
the contents of a typical notice of appeal:
[Name of party appealing] appeals to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit from the [final judgment or order]
entered in this case on [month] [day], [year].
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When you appeal, you must pay a $505 filing fee to the district court. If you
cannot afford the filing fee, you may request to proceed in forma pauperis on
appeal and have the fee waived. Any party who is not a prisoner and who has
been allowed to proceed in forma pauperis in the district court also may
proceed in forma pauperis on appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
If you did not proceed in forma pauperis in this court but would like to proceed
in forma pauperis on appeal to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, you
must file a special form with your notice of appeal so the court can decide
whether you qualify to proceed in forma pauperis. If the court waives the filing
fee, you are still be responsible for all other costs of the appeal. You can get
the form from the clerk’s office or from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals’
website:
Motion for Permission to Appeal In Forma Pauperis with Affidavit
www.ca11.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/courtdocs/clk/FormFormaPauperisJ
UN18.pdf
10. Resources
10.1 Law Libraries
If you would like to research the law, court libraries are open to the public.
The libraries are open during normal business hours from Monday through
Friday if library staff members are available. They are closed on federal
holidays and occasionally during an emergency. Calling ahead to make ensure
the library will be open is suggested. Here is information about them:
Jacksonville
300 N. Hogan St.
Suite 13-350
(904) 301-6650
Orlando
401 W. Central Blvd.
Suite 3400
(407) 835-5812
Tampa
801 N. Florida Ave.
Suite 62
(813) 301-5320
10.2 Websites
The court’s website has a section dedicated to the needs of a pro se litigant. To
access it, click the tab, “For Litigants” in the top bar on the homepage and
from the dropdown menu select “Litigants without Lawyers.” The page
includes forms, this guide, information about lawyer referral services, and
information about the Legal Information Program.
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The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit’s website also has
a section dedicated to the needs of pro se appellant or appellee:
www.ca11.uscourts.gov/pro-se-forms-and-information
Many other online resources may be helpful. Here are just a few:
Affidavit of Indigency
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/ao239_1.pdf
Civil Cover Sheet
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/js044.pdf
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Civil Appeals Statement
www.ca11.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/courtdocs/clk/FormCivilAppealStatemen
t.pdf
Federal Bar Association
www.fedbar.org
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/rules-of-civil-procedure.pdf
Federal Rules of Evidence
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/rules-of-evidence.pdf
Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure
www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/rules-of-evidence.pdf
Florida Legal Services
www.floridalegal.org
Forms and Fees on the U.S. Courts Website
www.uscourts.gov/FormsAndFees.aspx
Local Rules for the Middle District of Florida
www.flmd.uscourts.gov/LocalRules.htm
PACER Registration
www.pacer.gov/register.html
United States Code (unofficial edition)
uscode.house.gov
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United States Courts
www.uscourts.gov/Home.aspx
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
www.ca11.uscourts.gov
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
www.flmd.uscourts.gov
11. Visiting the Courthouse
Each person who enters a federal courthouse must present a valid photo
identification, must go through a metal detector, and may be scanned by a
handheld wand. Each bag, package, purse, and other item are examined
through an x-ray machine. No weapon of any kind is allowed in a courthouse.
An electronic device such as a cell phone, a laptop computer, a tablet, and
audio-file player and recorder, a camera, broadcasting equipment, a smart
watch, smart glasses, and other device is not allowed in a courthouse without
a court order or bar identification card. Proper attire (church attire is a good
comparison) is expected.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
When will my motion be decided and why is it taking so long?
There is no timeframe for deciding a motion. The Middle District of Florida
is one of the busiest federal courts in the nation. A judge may decide a motion
the same day it is filed or take more than a year to decide a motion, depending
on numerous factors, including the number of pending motions before the
judge.
Can I speak to the judge assigned to my action?
That depends. A litigant may speak to the assigned judge if the judge schedules
a courtroom proceeding on a matter. Telephoning or emailing a judge directly
is not fair and is not allowed.
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How much is it to file an action?
$402. Prepayment of the fee may be waived if the court finds the plaintiff
is indigent.
Is there a new-case packet to help me file?
There is no “packet,” but there are forms you can use. Please see AO 440
(Summons in a Civil Action), JS 44 (Civil Cover Sheet), AO 239 (Application
to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)),
and Pro Se 1 (Complaint for a Civil Case).
How do I fill out a summons? Can the clerk’s office do it for me?
Please see AO 440 (Summons in a Civil Action). The clerk’s office cannot
complete it for you.
How do I serve the defendant if I’m not proceeding in forma pauperis?
There are many ways, but a litigant usually hires a private process server who
knows the rules regarding service. Process servers can be found online.
How do I get a copy of everything filed in my action?
You can print a copy of the docket and any filing using a terminal in any clerk’s
office or ask the clerk’s office to print the copy. The clerk’s office charges $.10
a page for a copy by a litigant and $.50 a page for a copy by the clerk.
How do I get a CM/ECF username and password?
The CM/ECF filing system is unavailable to non-lawyers. A litigant may file
a document by hand-delivery, United States Postal Service, or a private mail
service (like UPS or Federal Express).
How do I file my action? Can it be mailed or faxed?
A complaint must be filed by hand-delivery, United States Postal Service, or a
private mail service (like UPS or Federal Express). It cannot be filed by
facsimile or email.
How do I get court-appointed counsel?
You can ask the court to ask a lawyer to represent you at no cost, but you have
no right to counsel in a civil action, and that relief is reserved for exceptional
circumstances.
How do I file a criminal charge?
To file a criminal charge, you must contact your local law enforcement agency.
Filing a civil complaint in federal court to initiate a criminal charge is
improper.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.