judge console · S.D. Fla.
S.D. Fla. · Judge Altonaga · Practice Guide

Hon. Cecilia M. Altonaga

All local rules for S.D. Fla., integrated with this judge's published requirements.

Before You File
Ex parte applications
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Include 'ex parte' in title and explain reasons for ex parte treatment; filing restricted from public view (public docket reflects only that a restricted filing was made) S.D. Fla. L.R. 5.4(d)(1) ↗

Contacting chambers
👤 Judge Altonaga — standing order

No published individual procedures. No chambers email published. Contact chambers by phone.

Drafting the Motion
Length limits — motion, opposition, reply
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule
Motion

20 pages maximum for motion and incorporated memorandum S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(2) ↗

Opposition

20 pages maximum for opposing memorandum S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(2) ↗

Reply

10 pages maximum for reply memorandum S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(2) ↗

Filing & Scheduling
Briefing schedule & hearing date
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule
Notice period

Opposition due 14 days after service; reply due 7 days after opposition S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(1) ↗

Hearing days

No hearing held unless set by the court S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(b)(1) ↗

Proposed orders
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Required for listed routine motions and for all emergency, ex parte, and TRO motions; Word format emailed to chambers per CM/ECF Admin. Procedures §3I(6) S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(a)(2) ↗

The Hearing
Oral argument
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Request hearing within motion or opposition in a separate titled section S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(b)(2) ↗

Discovery
Discovery referral procedure
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Discovery motions may be referred to and heard by the assigned magistrate judge S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(b)(3) ↗

Know Before You Go
👤 Judge Altonaga — deviations that burn people
  • No published standing order and no chambers email published. Contact chambers by phone to confirm how to submit proposed orders. Do not assume the standard chambers email format applies without verifying first.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment