WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2025, chief judges must adopt, by administrative order, forms for case management orders in civil cases (see Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.200(i);

        NOW THEREFORE, I, LEAH R. CASE, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, hereby Order as follows:

1. Judges presiding over civil cases are to strictly comply with Rules 2.545, Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. and 1.200 Fla. R. Civ. P. Specifically, they must manage their dockets in such a manner as to (a) conclude litigation as soon as it is reasonably and justly possible to do so, (b) take charge of cases at an early stage and control the progress of cases thereafter until determined, and (c) apply firm continuance policies allowing continuances only for good cause.

2. The Clerks of Court for Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties are to file the Uniform Case Management Order attached hereto as Exhibit A in all circuit court civil cases, and all county court civil cases governed by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Absent a showing of good cause, judges are to strictly adhere to the deadlines and procedures specified in the Uniform Case Management Order.

3. The requirements of this Administrative Order and the Uniform Case Management Order apply to all civil cases except those specifically exempted by rule or statute. Civil cases with trial orders rendered prior to January 1. 2025, that remain in effect, will be governed by the deadlines specified in those trial orders.

TO BE RECORDED in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties.

DONE AND ORDERED, in Daytona Beach, Volusia County Florida this 4th day of December 2024.