Procedures verified June 25, 2026
Magistrate Judge Panayotta Augustin-Birch -- United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
Broward County Courthouse, 299 E. Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
warning
Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. - Only one discovery motion per hearing (absent prior court authorization).
- 2. - Briefing must NOT include case background -- court reviews pleadings and docket itself.
- 3. - Pre-hearing conferral about objections does NOT eliminate the need to confer again specifically before requesting a discovery hearing.
- 4. - Privilege log failure: failure to timely log may be deemed waiver.
- 5. - Rule 30(b)(6) scope objections: serve before deposition (do not file); adjudicated after.
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Chambers Copies | Conditional |
Procedural Briefing by Motion Type
S.D. Fla. · Standing Orders
Procedural Requirements
Key Traps
Compare to Other S.D. Fla. Judges
Procedural facts only. Judges shown to illustrate variance in this district.
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Before You File
Pre-Motion Conference
Model B -- Chambers-first, motion same day. (1) Call (954) 769-5460 to schedule hearing; (2) confirm availability with opposing counsel; (3) call back to finalize hearing date; (4) file motion limited to 3 pages same day hearing is finalized. [fl-sd-mj-augustin-birch — pre_motion_procedure]
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
Conditional
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Before the Hearing
Oral Argument
First hearing via Zoom; subsequent hearings may be in person. Court may rule on papers without holding a hearing (previously scheduled hearing is then canceled). [fl-sd-mj-augustin-birch — oral_argument_procedure]
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
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. [fl-sd-mj-augustin-birch — chambers_contact_restrictions]
Discovery Dispute Procedure District-default
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. Briefing must NOT include case background. Response <=3 pages within 2 business days; reply <=2 pages within 1 business day. First hearing via Zoom; subsequent hearings may be in person. Court may rule on papers without holding hearing (canceling any previously scheduled hearing). [Augustin-Birch Standing Discovery Order PDF]
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Sources: Judge Augustin-Birch's Standing Discovery Order PDF (6 pages). Fort Lauderdale division. Model B. Chambers phone number: (954) 769-5460. Hearing sequence requires two phone calls to chambers: one to get a proposed date, one to finalize. First hearing via Zoom.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified June 25, 2026.
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