Hon. Benjamin S. Thomas — 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
Confer with opposing counsel and agree on the actual time required before reserving and scheduling a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not file or serve a Notice of Hearing until JAWS confirms that the requested date and time has been scheduled.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Ensure all counsel and associated parties are in the JAWS database so they receive scheduling and cancellation emails.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Schedule hearings by emailing the Judicial Assistant and include the case number, case style, and matter to be heard in the subject line.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
When confirming a hearing time, provide the case number and style, attorneys and their offices, the motions to be heard, and the filing date of each motion.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not send a Notice of Hearing until email confirmation states that the requested date and time remains available and is scheduled.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not cross-notice a motion on another party’s scheduled hearing time unless the specified advance agreement or permission is obtained.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Courtesy Copies
Provide courtesy copies of Notices of Hearing to the Judicial Assistant by email.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Zoom Hearings
For Zoom hearings, dress and behave appropriately and do not interrupt or speak over other parties or the Judge.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For Zoom hearings, obtain meeting information from the Judicial Assistant and include the meeting information and telephone numbers in the Notice of Hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For telephone hearings, request the hearing line number and PIN by email and include them in the Notice of Hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Proposed Orders
Upload proposed orders to JAWS for electronic signature and upload an explanatory cover letter; upload all documents as PDFs.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Submit two JAWS uploads: the order or judgment with exhibits, and a single document containing the cover letter, motion or stipulation, and necessary exhibits.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not duplicate a JAWS upload; contact the JAWS Help Desk if there is an uploading problem.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not submit proposed orders through JAWS before a scheduled hearing unless the judge specifically requests it.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
The cover letter must include Florida Bar confirmation that the proposed order was shared with the other parties and that they do not object to its form or failed to respond within a reasonable time.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Upload proposed orders to JAWS within five days after the hearing unless the Judge specifies otherwise.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
If the parties cannot agree on the order’s form, email each proposed order in Word format with a cover letter explaining the specific objections or disagreement.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Emergency Motions
Email or hand deliver a copy of an e-filed emergency motion to the Court for emergency-status determination.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
If emergency status is granted and the attorney or party is unavailable for the Court-set hearing, immediately notify the Judicial Assistant by email.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Cancellations
Immediately email the section to cancel scheduled hearings or trials when a case settles or a scheduled hearing is resolved.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Other
Use the section email as the preferred contact method and include the case number, parties’ last names, and relevant matter in the subject line.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Before asking about a case status or pending order, consult the Clerk’s online docket.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not send ex parte communications about the substance of a pending case to the Judge.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Request disability accommodations from the Human Rights Office at least seven days before a scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving notice if less than seven days remain.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
File proof of Florida residency by an expressly listed method, and redact specified unnecessary personal information from identification or voter-registration copies.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Attend mediation before hearings on temporary relief and post-judgment matters.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
File a motion with the Clerk before scheduling a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
Lisa Schultz
Phone
(727)582-7200Official Page
Court WebsiteLast Verified
August 9, 2026
Official Sources
Source: Official court page or published division procedure material.
Official court pageDivision procedures pageOther Pinellas County judges
- Hon. Aaron HubbardCircuit Civil
- Hon. Amy M. WilliamsCircuit Civil
- Hon. Brett SzematowiczCounty Civil
- Hon. Brian GnageCircuit Civil
- Hon. Cathy McKytonCounty Civil
- Hon. Christopher LaBruzzoCircuit Civil
