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

Hon. Eduardo I. Sanchez

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 Sanchez — standing order

If those efforts are successful, counsel should contact United States Magistrate Judge Sanchez's chambers (Sanchez@flsd.uscourts.gov) as soon as practicable so that the hearing can be timely canceled. Alternatively, if the parties resolve some, but not all, of their issues before the hearing, counsel shall timely contact chambers to relay which issues are no longer in dispute. All such communications with chambers regarding discovery matters must be by email, and all counsel of record must be copied on the email. No argument or background about the dispute is permitted by email.

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 Sanchez — standing order

Model C -- Traditional. Confer first, then file motion. Motion <=5 pages; attach all relevant exhibits (pertinent discovery requests and responses). Response <=5 pages within 5 business days; no reply permitted. If court determines hearing is necessary, court enters scheduling order. Special case: if district judge has prohibited filing discovery motions and no alternative procedure established by Magistrate Sanchez, email chambers for instructions.

Know Before You Go
👤 Judge Sanchez — deviations that burn people
  • - If the district judge has prohibited filing discovery motions and no alternative procedure has been established, do not just file a motion -- email chambers for instructions first.
  • - Parties encouraged to continue pursuing resolution even after hearing is scheduled.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment