Order Of Referral To General Magistrate (Civil)

ORDER OF REFERRAL TO GENERAL MAGISTRATE (Civil Matter). This form is used in the Lee County, Florida Circuit Court's Civil Division to refer a civil case to a General Magistrate for further proceedings. The order specifies that the case is being referred under Rule 1.490 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. The General Magistrate is authorized to conduct hearings, take evidence, and prepare a Report and Recommendation for the Circuit Court Judge, which includes findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations on how the Court should rule. Parties involved in the case have the right to object to the referral to the Magistrate by filing a timely objection. After the Magistrate issues the Report and Recommendation, parties may file exceptions within 10 days, with the option to file cross-exceptions within 5 days thereafter. The Court will then resolve the exceptions at a hearing, if necessary, based on the record provided by the parties, which includes transcripts, depositions, and evidence presented before the Magistrate. The order also outlines procedures for recording proceedings before the Magistrate, stating that these proceedings will be electronically recorded unless a party opts to provide a live Court Reporter at their own expense. Requests for transcripts or recordings are governed by specific procedures outlined in the order. The form includes a Certificate of Service confirming that copies of the order were mailed to all parties or their legal representatives. www.FormsWorkflow.com