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A recusing dependency magistrate hands the case down a fixed loop (GM-1 to GM-2 to GM-4 to GM-1). A motion to disqualify goes to the presiding judge for a legal-sufficiency ruling — and if granted, the successor is drawn with a true random number generator.
Applies in the Juvenile Dependency Division of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit (Hillsborough County).
Under AO S-2025-007, a general magistrate who disqualifies themself serves a Notice of Recusal on all parties, files it with the clerk, and brings it to the presiding judge's attention; the case then moves automatically GM-1 to GM-2, GM-2 to GM-4, and GM-4 back to GM-1. A motion to disqualify must be filed with the clerk and served on the other party and the presiding general magistrate, who must immediately bring it to the presiding judge. The judge rules on legal sufficiency. If legally insufficient, the magistrate remains, and a petition for writ of prohibition in the Second District Court of Appeal does not stop the referred matter unless that court issues an order to show cause under Fla. R. App. P. 9.100(h). If legally sufficient, the judge randomly reassigns the case to another general magistrate using a true random number generator and enters an amended order of referral identifying the successor.
If the presiding judge determines the motion is legally sufficient, the judge will enter an order granting the motion to disqualify the general magistrate and the case will be randomly reassigned by the presiding judge to another general magistrate by using a true random number generator (see www.random.org). Once the reassigned general magistrate division is determined, the judge will enter an amended order of referral identifying the successor general magistrate.
The 17th Circuit's circuit-wide AI disclosure/certification mandate (Jan 2026, twice amended) was VACATED in its entirety effective June 15, 2026 by Chief Judge Phillips's AO 2026-19-Gen, expressly citing the statewide framework (AOSC26-12; Rule 2.515(d)(2), SC2026-0673). Several division procedure pages still cite the vacated order.
Every circuit-civil case reviewed within 120 days of commencement and assigned a track (complex, streamlined, or general); case management orders required; firm continuance policy; sanctions for missed deadlines. Rescinds AO 21-09.
Circuit-civil hearing-availability standards: motion calendars ~2 weeks from request; 15-30 min special sets within 45-60 days; longer special sets scale.