judge console · S.D. Fla.
S.D. Fla. · Judge Augustin-Birch · Practice Guide

Hon. Panayotta Augustin-Birch

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 Augustin-Birch — standing order

Call (954) 769-5460 to schedule hearing; confirm availability with opposing counsel; call back to finalize hearing date; file motion same day hearing is finalized.

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) ↗

Discovery dispute procedure
👤 Judge Augustin-Birch — standing order

Model B -- Chambers-first, motion same day. (1) Call (954) 769-5460 to schedule; (2) confirm with opposing counsel; (3) call back to finalize; (4) file motion <=3 pages same day hearing finalized. Only one discovery motion per hearing absent prior authorization. Motion must: state dispute specifics; cite best legal authority; certify conferral; attach all source materials. The parties need not use a significant portion of their briefing allotment to apprise the Court of the claims and allegations being made in the case or the procedural background of the case. Response <=3 pages within 2 business days; reply <=2 pages within 1 business day. Unless a party requests otherwise, the Court typically will hold the first discovery hearing in a case via Zoom Video Teleconference. The Court may choose to hold subsequent discovery hearings in person. Court may rule on papers without holding hearing (canceling any previously scheduled hearing).

Know Before You Go
👤 Judge Augustin-Birch — deviations that burn people
  • - Only one discovery motion per hearing (absent prior court authorization).
  • - Briefing need not include case background -- court reviews pleadings and docket itself.
  • - Privilege log failure: failure to timely log may be deemed waiver.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment