Bad Zoom Connection = Absent; the Court Will NOT Reschedule — Division CC-E
Summary
Judge Nealis puts Zoom risk on the parties: anyone whose connection fails may be deemed absent from the hearing, and the division warns in capitals — DO NOT EXPECT THE COURT TO RESCHEDULE because you or a witness lacked an adequate connection.
Applies to
Florida > Fourth Judicial Circuit > Duval County > Duval County Court > Division CC-E (Judge James Nealis)
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"Anyone who appears via zoom but fails to maintain an adequate internet connection may be considered absent from the hearing. DO NOT EXPECT THE COURT TO RESCHEDULE YOUR HEARING BECAUSE YOU OR A WITNESS DOES NOT HAVE AN ADEQUATE ZOOM CONNECTION."
- Official source
- CC-E Civil Procedures (Judge Nealis) — PDF
- Source health
- Healthy · checked July 7, 2026
- Effective date
- —
- Last verified
- July 5, 2026Live fetch + sha256 of official PDF — 2026-07-05
Reviewer note: Verified against the live official PDF on 2026-07-05. 30-day recheck scheduled.
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.