Hon. Thomas M. Ramsberger — 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
Schedule a Case Management Conference in JAWS on a 15-minute Motion Calendar docket to schedule a jury or non-jury trial lasting more than 15 minutes.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Email the judicial assistant before requesting a 30- or 45-minute hearing slot if adjacent JAWS slots must be combined.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
For hearings of one hour or more, email the judicial assistant for available times, copy all parties, and attach the e-filed motion and any response.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Courtesy Copies
Bring jury instructions and verdict forms to court and email courtesy copies to the judicial assistant in Word format.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Zoom Hearings
Obtain advance approval for Zoom hearings; generally, Zoom is permitted only for hearings lasting one hour or more, and the moving party must include the meeting ID and passcode in the notice.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Proposed Orders
The opposing party or counsel has 15 days after service of both the motion and notice to file opposition and may request a hearing within that period.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
After the written-submission period expires, submit the proposed order in hard copy with a cover letter documenting ripeness and compliance, and include the proposed order form.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Submit competing proposed orders by email in Word format with a cover letter identifying the parties’ disagreement.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Special Set Hearings
The judicial assistant schedules pretrial conferences, which are set at 15-minute intervals beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Emergency Motions
For an emergency hearing request, file a detailed motion stating the issues and reasons, email a copy to the judicial assistant with all parties copied, and state any objection and requested hearing time.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
If the court determines an emergency exists, hearing time will be offered by reply email.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Other
Submit all communications to the judicial office by email and include the case number and case name in the subject line.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Copy all parties on emails directed to the judicial office unless an ex parte communication is authorized by law.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Make and receive service by email unless excused, generally through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Ensure counsel and associated parties are entered in JAWS to receive scheduling notifications and associate counsel as Plaintiff’s or Defendant’s counsel upon appearance.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Do not e-file or email a notice of hearing until the hearing request has been approved or scheduled in JAWS.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Include the required ADA notification in every notice of hearing in 14-point font.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Submit an agreed Case Management Order and cover letter through JAWS; if a party is self-represented, submit it in hard copy with conforming copies and stamped envelopes.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
If no Case Management Order agreement is reached, schedule a Case Management Conference through JAWS.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Email the proposed Pre-Trial Order to the judicial assistant at least two days before the pretrial conference.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
A motion to continue trial must be signed by the client, and the judicial assistant must be told whether opposing counsel objects.
Verified Aug 10, 2026
Contact Information
Judicial Assistant
Valerie McGivern
Phone
(727)582-7874Official 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
