Administrative Order Viewer

In the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in and for
DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties, Florida

Administrative Order No: 2018–15.4

Whereas, the Supreme Court of Florida has adopted Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.490 relating to General Masters; and

Whereas, all proceedings involving juvenile truancy issues are brought before the Circuit Court; and

Whereas, the interests of the public and of the litigants requires a flexible and speedy resolution of such matters and the time and resources of the court are limited.

It is thereupon ordered as follows:

1. Pursuant to Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.490(a), Linda A. Lorrier, a member of the Florida Bar, is hereby appointed General Master of the Circuit Court for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in and for DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Florida.
2. Said General Master shall serve under the direction and pleasure of the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit as the court’s representative on juvenile truancy matters allowed by Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.490(a) and not covered by Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.491 and Administrative Order 89-08-12.
3. In addition to the general powers and duties set forth in Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.490, said General Master shall have the power and duty:
   1. To prepare notices, set hearings, prepare recommended orders and prepare and disseminate correspondence relating to juvenile truancy procedures.
   2. To subpoena witnesses, take testimony and do all things necessary in original and subsequent proceedings as provided herein.
   3. To conduct hearings involving truancy petitions as filed by the School Board, to include arraignment hearings, trials and review hearings, and any other proceeding which may originate from a truancy petition, and to enter appropriate orders in such cases.
   4. To take testimony and establish a record at hearings.
   5. To prepare and enter default orders if the child or parent(s) do not respond as required by law.
4. The General Master shall promptly make and enter a recommended order in each case. The recommended order shall contain findings of fact and shall have the same force and effect as an order entered by the court when approved and ratified by a Circuit Judge.
5. The parties may serve exceptions to the report within ten (10) days from the time it was served on them. If no exceptions are filed within the period, the court shall take appropriate action on the recommended order. If exceptions are filed, they shall be heard by the Circuit Court upon reasonable notice by either party.
6. This is an Administrative Order authorized by Fla.R.Jud.Admin. 2.020(c), and is not a local court rule as defined in Fla.R.Jud.Admin. 2.030(b).
7. All hearings before the General Master shall be reported by electronic means as provided by Fla.R.Jud.Admin. 2.535.
8. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

Done and ordered in Chambers, in Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida, this 3^rd day of September, 2018.

Charles E. Williams
Chief Judge