All local rules for M.D. Fla., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Contacting Chambers Counsel of record and pro se litigants may contact chambers about procedures specific to Judge Dudek, scheduling, and other non-substantive matters. Law clerks will not discuss the merits of any case ex parte. Nor will they give legal advice, interpret federal and local rules, explain court orders, or provide time estimates on orders. Before contacting chambers, counsel and pro se litigants must review this website, the docket, and the federal and local rules. When calling chambers, counsel and pro se litigants must provide (1) the case number, (2) their name and party they represent, (3) whether opposing counsel has been consulted, and (4) why they are contacting chambers. For emails, all parties must be copied.
A motion must include — in a single document no longer than 25 pages — a concise statement of the precise relief requested, a statement of the basis for the request, and a legal memorandum supporting the request. The 25-page limit covers the motion and memorandum together. M.D. Fla. L.R. 3.01(b) ↗
Response memorandum may not exceed 20 pages. Response due within 14 days after service for most motions; 21 days for motions to dismiss, judgment on the pleadings, summary judgment, to exclude or limit expert testimony, to certify a class, for new trial, or to alter or amend judgment. M.D. Fla. L.R. 3.01(c)–(d) ↗
Replies require leave of court except for summary judgment replies, which are permitted as of right: 7 pages maximum, due within 14 days after service of the response. For all other motions, no reply without leave. M.D. Fla. L.R. 3.01(e) ↗
FL-MD uses a response-deadline model, not a noticed motion-day calendar. File the motion; opponent has 14 days to respond (21 days for complex motions: MTD, MSJ, class certification, new trial, alter/amend). No motion day or return date is required on the filing. M.D. Fla. L.R. 3.01(c)–(d) ↗
FL-MD uses a response-deadline model with no fixed motion-day calendar. Motions are submitted on the papers; the court rules without a hearing date unless a party requests oral argument under L.R. 3.01(i). Opposition is due 14 days after service (21 days for MTD, MSJ, and similar complex motions). M.D. Fla. L.R. 3.01(d) ↗
Unless otherwise permitted by these rules, no party in a civil action may submit a proposed judgment or other order without leave. M.D. Fla. L.R. 3.01(k) ↗
Proposed Orders Parties should not submit a proposed order unless directed. If the court requests a proposed order, a copy should be emailed in Microsoft Word format to chambers' email.
Oral argument is not automatic. A party must affirmatively request it in a separate document accompanying the motion or response, stating the time needed. If not requested, the motion will be decided on the papers. M.D. Fla. L.R. 3.01(i) ↗
A United States magistrate judge in the Middle District can exercise the maximum authority and perform any duty permitted by the Constitution and other laws of the United States. The chief judge must issue and publicize with the local rules an administrative order that delineates the authority and describes the duties of a United States magistrate judge. The chief judge can amend the administrative order as needed. M.D. Fla. L.R. 1.02 ↗