The Honorable Laura E. Ward — Judicial Procedures
Circuit Civil
Quick operational summary based on publicly available court procedure materials. Always verify with the official court source before relying on this information.
Quick Rules
UMC / Motion Calendar
Non-Evidentiary Hearings - UMC, 15- minutes, or 30-minutesThese hearings are scheduled through JAWS. All dates are posted in JAWS. Please check periodically for any cancellations or updates. Non-Ev…
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Courtesy Copies
After reserving time in JAWS, please send the Court (circivdivo@fljud13.org) an efiled copy of the Notice of Hearing and Motion scheduled to be heard (Do not attach all exhibits.). Hearing binders …
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Zoom Hearings
In Division O, all Pretrial Conferences, Jury Trials, Non-Jury Trials, all hearings on discovery matters, and evidentiary hearings, will be conducted in person. All matters longer than 30 minutes w…
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Proposed Orders
Proposed Agreed OrdersA proposed agreed Order, along with a cover letter, can be uploaded, only as a PDF, for Judge Ward’s review and consideration through the Florida ePortal. Be sure Circuit Civi…
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Special Set Hearings
Pre-Trial Conferences are held IN-PERSON. Parties may agree to a trial date as provided on the Court’s calendar. Once you agree to a trial date, please notify our office to have an Order Setting Tr…
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Discovery Disputes
All Motions to Compel Discovery are conducted in person. Do not schedule on a UMC hearing docket.All discovery motions need to be noticed for hearing on the court’s monthly in person discovery dock…
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Cancellations
Cancelling Hearings within 24 Hours of Hearing: Email JA a copy of the FILED Notice of Cancellation AND call the JA to advise of cancellation. Leave a message if necessary and then follow up with a…
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Other
Contact the Clerk’s Office for instructions on the numbering and marking of exhibits for trials and in person hearings. Any questions about this process should be directed to the Clerk’s Office at …
Verified Jun 30, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
Monica Ortiz
JA Email
circivdivo@fljud13.orgPhone
(813) 272-5365Courtroom
Courtroom 510
Official Page
Court WebsiteLast Verified
June 30, 2026
Official Sources
Source: Official court page or published division procedure material.
Official court pageDivision procedures pageOther Hillsborough County judges
- The Honorable Adam L. BantnerCounty Civil
- The Honorable Alissa M. EllisonCircuit Civil
- The Honorable Barbara Twine ThomasCircuit Criminal
- The Honorable Branden M. HendersonCounty Civil
- The Honorable Caroline Tesche ArkinProbate
- The Honorable Catherine M. CatlinProbate
