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

Hon. Lisette M. Reid

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) ↗

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) ↗

Filing under seal
👤 Judge Reid — standing order

With regard to sealed filings, counsel shall comply with the local rules.

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 Reid — standing order

Discovery Procedures tab: 'Written discovery motions are not permitted without leave of Court. Counsel are to confer first and, if Court intervention is necessary, contact Chambers for the setting of a hearing.' Personal conference (in-person or telephone) required before seeking hearing; email alone insufficient. Court issues standing discovery order with case-specific procedures upon referral.

Know Before You Go
👤 Judge Reid — deviations that burn people
  • General Advice tab: 'Do NOT wait until one month before discovery cutoff before commencing discovery.' 'Do not certify attempt at conferring without personally talking with counsel. Emailed requests for conference, with no response, usually are not enough.' Key trap (Model A): filing any written discovery motion without first obtaining leave of court (a hearing date from chambers) is procedurally improper — the motion will not be considered.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment