Hon. Philippe Matthey — 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
Courtesy Copies
Provide the Court a courtesy copy of any filed motion by email or in open court.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Zoom Hearings
Request remote appearance at a pretrial conference at least one week before the conference, absent an unanticipated exigency.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For a remote pretrial appearance request, file a written motion and proposed order with the Judicial Assistant and include a telephone number.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Untimely or repeated requests for remote pretrial appearances are not permitted absent good cause.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Remote appearances are not permitted when the Court has directed a mandatory appearance.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Telephonic appearances or waivers are not permitted for the first and final scheduled pretrial before trial absent prior court approval.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For remote evidentiary appearances, file a motion in advance, obtain opposing-party consent, and expressly waive any applicable confrontation right.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Use Zoom for remote evidentiary hearings and telephone for remote non-evidentiary pretrials.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Conduct matters requiring testimony via Zoom with the participant’s camera activated.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Attorneys and self-represented parties must share remote-hearing login information with clients, reporters, witnesses, and other attendees.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not make unauthorized recordings, including audio recordings, video recordings, or screen captures, of remote hearings.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Remote participants must be ready and available when the Court calls the case and should not contact chambers to report that they are waiting or ready.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Proposed Orders
Submit proposed orders to the Court by email to the Judicial Assistant.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Discovery Disputes
Confer with opposing counsel and make a good-faith effort to resolve discovery matters before seeking a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Schedule a necessary discovery hearing in open court with opposing counsel present or with the Judicial Assistant after obtaining opposing counsel’s prior agreement.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Other
File all motions and pleadings with the Clerk of Court, even when submitting documents by email.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
File a motion before requesting a hearing.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Substantive or evidentiary motions generally are scheduled in open court.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not schedule a hearing without a written motion filed and copies provided to the Court and the State.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
Peggy VanVliet
Phone
(727)464-6494Courtroom
Ch. 6
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. Brett SzematowiczCounty Civil
- Hon. Brian GnageCircuit Civil
- Hon. Cathy McKytonCounty Civil
