Zoom Default for Everything but Jury Trials — Circuit Civil A
Summary
Judge Cheryl Thomas runs the 13th's strongest civil Zoom default: jury trials in person, everything else — including pretrials and evidentiary hearings — on Zoom unless designated otherwise.
Applies to
Florida > Thirteenth Judicial Circuit > Hillsborough County > Circuit Civil Division A (Judge Cheryl Thomas)
Verified requirements for Judge Cheryl Thomas — checklists, verbatim requirements, and deadlines — unlocks with a free account during early access. Founding members keep full access when billing begins.
Unlock free →Verified the action checklist — checklists, verbatim requirements, and deadlines — unlocks with a free account during early access. Founding members keep full access when billing begins.
Unlock free →Source of truth
"Division A encourages the use of remote appearances by ZOOM." / "Jury Trials are in person; all other matters, including pretrials and evidentiary hearings, are on Zoom, unless specifically designated as in-person." / "INCLUDE ZOOM INFORMATION ON NOTICES OF HEARING." / "Proposed Orders must be uploaded in pdf."
- Official source
- 13th Cir. — Judge Thomas (Civ A) Procedures & Preferences
- Source health
- Healthy · checked July 7, 2026
- Effective date
- —
- Last verified
- July 5, 2026Live fetch 2026-07-05; dual-researcher dossier, Fable 5 hash-verified
Reviewer note: Cross-model verified (accordion + PDF veins) 2026-07-05. 30-day recheck scheduled.
Change history
- July 7, 2026Monitor: content changed at 13th Cir. — Judge Thomas (Civ A) Procedures & Preferences. Review before republishing dependent rules.
Related rules
Hearings ≤30 Minutes Default to Zoom; Telephonic Allowed Absent Objection — Division CV-A
Most hearings set for 30 minutes or less are conducted by Zoom in CV-A; the setting order/notice prevails. Telephonic appearance is allowed if opposing counsel doesn't object — request it when scheduling.
Hybrid Zoom by Party Agreement; Notice Must Name Hearing Room 701 — Division CV-B
In CV-B the parties agree whether attendance is Zoom or in person; hybrid is permitted, and the Notice of Hearing must state Hearing Room 701 with the division's published Zoom ID (275-150-7351).
Zoom Is a Privilege; Remote TESTIMONY Requires Written Motion and Leave — Division CV-C
In CV-C, appearing by Zoom is a privilege (log in five minutes early; Court hosts); presenting testimony remotely — any hearing or non-jury trial, any length — requires a written motion showing good cause under Rule 2.530(b)(2).
Trials & Special Sets Over 15 Minutes Are In Person — Division AF
Judge Bell holds all trials and special-set hearings over 15 minutes in person; Zoom appearances must be on camera — no phone.