Administrative Order Viewer

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

Administrative Order: 2025–17.4

The Supreme Court of Florida has adopted Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.490 and Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.257 relating to General Magistrates.

All proceedings involving juvenile truancy issues are brought before the Circuit Court; and 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.

Pursuant to the authority vested in the Chief Judge in Rules 2.215 and 2.535, Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin., and in accordance with Article V, §2, Florida Constitution, and §43.26, Florida Statutes, it is ordered as follows:

1. Pursuant to Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.490 and Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.257, Nicole Cameron, a member of the Florida Bar, is hereby appointed General Magistrate of the Circuit Court for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in and for DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Florida.
2. Said General Magistrate shall serve under the direction of the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit as the court’s representative on juvenile truancy matters allowed by Florida Statute 984.151 and truancy proceedings as defined in Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.850 through 8.870.
3. General Magistrates for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit must comply with the following requirements:
   1. Take the oath of office required of officers by the Florida Constitution, and the oath shall be properly recorded in the Official Records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court with this Administrative Order. The requisite oath is attached.
   2. Serve without the requirement of a bond.
   3. Serve at the pleasure of the Chief Judge.
   4. Promptly make and enter a recommended order in each case. The order shall contain findings of fact.
   5. Avoid practices or occupations that would be a conflict of interest or give the appearance of impropriety.
   6. Comply with provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct, applicable to General Magistrates.
4. In addition to the general powers and duties set forth in Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.490 and Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.257, the General Magistrates 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.
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. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.215.
7. All hearings before the General Magistrate shall be reported by electronic means as provided by Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.535.
8. A General Magistrate is authorized to wear a judicial robe while presiding over any judicial proceeding, unless otherwise prohibited by statute or rule of court.
9. This Administrative Order is effective November 10, 2025.

Done and ordered in Chambers in Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida this 24 day of October, 2025.

Diana L. Moreland,
Chief Judge, Twelfth Judicial Circuit