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In the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit
in and for Sarasota County, Florida

Administrative Order: 89-51

This administrative order was
renumbered by administrative
order number 2001-14-2.
The new number is
89–51–1

In Re:

Appointment and Duties of General Master
for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit

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

Whereas, all proceedings involving domestic 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.

Itis thereupon
Ordered as follows:

  1. Pursuant to F.R.C.P. 1,490(a), Braxton R. Ezell, a member of the Florida Bar, is hereby appointed as General Master of the Circuit Court in and for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit for Manatee, Sarasota and Desoto 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 domestic matters allowed by F.R.C.P. 1.490(a) and not covered by F.R.C.P. 1.491 and Administrative order 89-08.
  3. In addition to the general powers and duties set forth in F.R.C.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 domestic relations procedures.
    2. To subpoena witnesses, take testimony and do all things necessary in original and subsequent proceedings as provided herein.
    3. To conduct domestic hearings involving the determination of custody, visitation, modification of final judgments, property rights of the parties and attorney's fees and 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 respondent does not respond as required by law.
    6. To perform such other and related functions as the Chief Judge may from time to time direct concerning domestic matters.
  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 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., 2.070(c).
  8. This Administrative Order shall take effect on the 6th day of July, 1989.

This Done and Ordered at Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida, this 6th day of July, 1989.

Gilbert A. Smith, Chief Judge
Twelfth Judicial Circuit

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