Hon. Brett Szematowicz — Judicial Procedures
County 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
Zoom Hearings
Request use of communication technology by motion; attorneys may use Zoom only for the first two pretrial conferences.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Remote participants must conduct themselves and dress as if physically present in court.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Proposed Orders
Submit proposed orders in PDF/a or Word format with a cover letter or email stating whether all parties agree or identifying disagreements.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Submit proposed orders within 10 days after any hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Special Set Hearings
File motions in limine no later than two days before the motion-in-limine date and send the Court a courtesy copy when filed.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
File suppression motions and specified motions to dismiss no later than one week before the applicable motion-in-limine, final-pretrial, or calendar-call date.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Emergency Motions
File a detailed emergency-hearing motion identifying the issues, reasons for emergency treatment, and time needed for each party.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
If the court determines an emergency exists, all parties must make themselves available for the hearing absent exigent circumstances.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Cancellations
Immediately notify the judicial assistant of a hearing cancellation and immediately file and serve a cancellation notice.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Other
Submit communications to the judicial office by email or telephone, and include specified information in the email subject line.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Copy all parties on emails to the judicial office unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Provide and update an email address for electronic service using Form 2.603 when the registered email changes.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Request hearings by email.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Immediately file and serve a notice of hearing after reserving hearing time; include Zoom credentials for hearings involving remote appearance and the required ADA notification in every notice.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Provide all hearing materials to the court no later than two business days before the hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Submit exhibits to the clerk in paper format; submit videos on CD or DVD, not USB drives, and bring sufficient copies for specified recipients.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Defendants must appear in person at pretrial conferences unless their presence has been waived under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Absent good cause, file pretrial motions at least two days before the motion date; suppression and dismissal hearings require a written motion and copies to the Court and State.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Make motions to continue motion hearings or trials as soon as practicable after learning of the need.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Absent good cause, file a written trial-continuance motion at least one week before calendar call.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Set trial with all parties, including the Defendant, present in open court.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Contact the Human Rights Office at least seven days before a scheduled court appearance for an ADA accommodation.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
Kim Haumann
Phone
(727)464-6470Courtroom
Ch. 22
Official 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. Benjamin S. ThomasCircuit Civil
- Hon. Brian GnageCircuit Civil
- Hon. Cathy McKytonCounty Civil
- Hon. Christopher LaBruzzoCircuit Civil
