Hon. Cynthia J. Newton — 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
Use the UMC Calendar for matters requiring notice to interested parties when no objection is expected; UMC hearings may be noticed for 15 minutes.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Zoom Hearings
Use the court conference-call number and PIN for telephonic hearings; advise when requesting hearing time if witnesses or evidence require a Zoom hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Proposed Orders
When checking order status, first review the Clerk’s online docket and contact the Clerk; do not contact the judge’s office unless the Clerk confirms the case has been sent to the judge and more than 72 hours have passed.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Respond to an Order Checklist, order to show cause, or guardianship-report disapproval by electronically filing a written Response to Order Checklist explaining compliance or why the requirement should be excused.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Fully address every Order Checklist item by filing the requested documents and/or an electronic written response before the Clerk forwards the case for judicial review.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Electronically submit a proposed order with every motion or pleading.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For a proposed order from a hearing, electronically submit it with a cover letter identifying the hearing date and whether opposing counsel approved it; e-file a priority request too if expedited processing is needed.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Submit a proposed amended order with a properly filed petition or motion to amend, except that a short explanatory letter is acceptable for a scrivener’s or other technical error; an explanation is required.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Special Set Hearings
Email Section3@jud6.org to request CMC hearing time for scheduling a pre-trial conference and non-jury trial.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Before requesting hearing time, e-file the petition or motion with the Clerk and ensure it is posted on the docket.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Request hearing time by email to Section3@jud6.org with the case number and name in the subject and the specified motion, duration, counsel, and appearing-party information in the body.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Provide multiple dates to the judicial assistant after coordinating with all participants; dates are not held pending a response.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Obtain permission from the judge’s office before adding a motion or petition to a scheduled hearing, and clear the addition with other counsel.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Emergency Motions
Include the case style and number, title the document “PRIORITY REQUEST,” and provide a detailed, specific explanation of why priority is warranted.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
If additional documents must be e-filed after a priority request is granted, e-file another priority request with those documents.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Discovery Disputes
Follow Administrative Order 2020-011 and its instructions and forms for motions to compel discovery seeking a ruling without a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Cancellations
Do not cancel a hearing without notifying the parties; e-file a Notice of Cancellation with the Clerk and email the judicial assistant with “CANCELLATION” in the subject line.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Other
Send scheduling emails only to Section3@jud6.org, do not email the judge directly, and include the case number and case name in the subject line.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Electronically submit all pleadings, including proposed orders, through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal; submit proposed orders and letters as File Document(s) on Existing Case to Clerk.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Send documents requiring filing with the Clerk, and checks for certified copies of orders, directly to the Clerk rather than the judge’s office.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Include a certificate of service with every petition or motion identifying who was served and the date and manner of service; state if there are no interested persons.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For formal notice matters with no objections, file proof of service in accordance with Fla. Prob. R. 5.040; a hearing is typically not necessary.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Seek extensions before the deadline or prior extension expires.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For substitution of counsel, obtain the client’s written agreement; proposed substitution orders without written consent will not be signed.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For withdrawal of counsel, submit a stipulation signed by all parties or otherwise obtain a motion and hearing; withdrawal from representing a personal representative or guardian also requires a hearing unless substitution has been filed.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Follow Administrative Order 2020-012 and its instructions and forms for motions decided on written submissions seeking a ruling without a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
Nicole Zordan
Phone
(727)582-7917Official 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. Brett SzematowiczCounty Civil
- Hon. Brian GnageCircuit Civil
- Hon. Cathy McKytonCounty Civil
