Discovery
S.D. Fla. — SDFL discovery governed by two documents: Local Rules (binding) and Discovery Practices Handbook (guidance only, Admin Order 1996-36).
SDFL discovery governed by two documents: Local Rules (binding) and Discovery Practices Handbook (guidance only, Admin Order 1996-36). Discovery materials NOT filed until used. Privilege logs due within 14 days. Bates-stamping required. Deposition notice: 7 days in-state, 14 days out-of-state. Three tracks: Expedited (90-179 days), Standard (180-269), Complex (270-365). L.R. 26.1.
Filing Rule
Discovery materials NOT filed until used in proceeding or Court orders filing: depositions, interrogatories, RFPs, RFAs, notices, privilege logs, disclosures.
Key Rules
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Responses must follow quoted interrogatory | L.R. 26.1(e)(1) |
| Objections: all grounds with specificity; unstated = waived | L.R. 26.1(e)(2)(A) |
| Privilege log for all withheld docs | L.R. 26.1(e)(2)(C) |
| Privilege log: 14 days of production | L.R. 26.1(e)(2)(D) |
| Bates-stamping required (each page) | L.R. 26.1(e)(6) |
| Notice of Completion of Production required | L.R. 26.1(e)(7) |
Deposition Notice
In Florida: 7 days. Out of state: 14 days. Insufficient notice = deponent need not appear. No deposition usable against party with <11 days' notice who promptly filed protective order motion.
Case Management Tracks (L.R. 16.1(a))
Expedited: 1-3 trial days, 90-179 days discovery.
Standard: 3-10 trial days, 180-269 days.
Complex: 10+ trial days, 270-365 days.