IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SIXTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES, FLORIDA

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2012-002 PA/PI-CIR

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RE:     REVISION OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE PROCEDURES

                On December 19, 2011, the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court issued Administrative Order AOSC11-44, “In re:  Managed Mediation Program for Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Cases.”  This Administrative Order terminated the statewide managed mediation program that had been mandated by Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC09-54. 

                In order to address the immediate effective date of Administrative Order AOSC11-44, the Court issued Administrative Order 2011-064 on December 20, 2011.  That Administrative Order temporarily suspended referrals to the Foreclosure Mediation Program and provided that a further order on mediation of foreclosure cases would be forthcoming.

                Residential mortgage foreclosure case filings have increased substantially in recent years and the backlog of pending mortgage foreclosure cases in the Sixth Circuit is significant.   For calendar year 2011, 9,983 mortgage foreclosure cases were filed.  As of December 31, 2011, a total of 28,727 cases were pending. 

            Mediation is an alternative means of resolving disputes and can be helpful in resolving mortgage foreclosure cases. It provides a forum for the parties to resolve their own dispute.   Resolving mortgage foreclosure cases through mediation can help to prevent more serious increases in the backlog of cases and is consistent with the Court’s responsibility to take charge of cases at an early stage of the litigation.  See Rule of Judicial Administration 2.545.  Mediation also provides a more efficient use of limited judicial resources in an overburdened court system, especially when the cases that are referred to mediation involve a Defendant/Borrower who has been personally served or has responded to the lawsuit. 

            The Circuit Civil Mediation Program has managed foreclosure cases referred to mediation when the cases were not eligible for the managed mediation program.  The Circuit Civil Mediation Program does not have sufficient resources to handle the volume of mortgage foreclosure cases referred to mediation under the managed mediation program or the volume of cases anticipated to be referred under this Administrative Order.  

            Mediation Managers, Inc., is an independent, not for profit corporation that was selected as the Foreclosure Program Manager for the Sixth Circuit’s managed mediation program required by Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC09-54.  That selection was made after a formal bidding process.  The principals of Mediation Managers, Inc., are attorneys who have demonstrated expertise in civil mediation, including foreclosure mediation.  Mediation Managers, Inc., has proven experience with the Court, has demonstrated expertise with a managed mediation program, and has effectively managed a large number of mediation referrals.  The exchange of information between the Plaintiff/Lender and Defendant/Borrower is an important prerequisite to successful mediation of a mortgage foreclosure case.  The web based information platform that was developed by Mediation Managers, Inc., to allow for exchange of information between the Plaintiff/Lender and Defendant/Borrower, is critical to the success of a managed mediation program.  Because of Mediation Manager Inc.’s proven capabilities and expertise, the continued availability of its services including its web based platform, and the compatibility of existing services with the program manager services provided for in this Administrative Order, the Court is continuing its contract with Mediation Managers, Inc. to assist in the processing of mortgage foreclosure cases that are referred to mediation.       

            This Administrative Order is being issued to provide for management of mortgage foreclosure cases referred to mediation, including those previously referred to mediation under Administrative Order 2010-025.  It also establishes requirements for cases that were filed from December 20, 2011 until the effective date of this Administrative Order.  Additionally, it continues the procedures for processing of all mortgage foreclosure cases in this Circuit, including updated forms to comply with this Administrative Order.

            Under the authority granted the Chief Judge in Article V, section 2(d), of the Florida Constitution, Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215, Rules of Civil Procedure 1.700 – 1.730, and section 43.26, Florida Statutes, it is

ORDERED:

 

I.    PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE CASES INVOLVING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

      This section applies to all mortgage foreclosure cases involving residential property, both homestead and non-homestead, regardless of the type of lender.  It applies only to foreclosure of mortgages.  It does not apply to foreclosure of other liens such as condominium or association liens for assessments; however, the Court may still order such matters to mediation in accordance with the provisions of section 44.102, Florida Statutes, and Rules of Civil Procedure 1.700 – 1.730, using the Sixth Circuit’s Civil Mediation Program.

 

A.  Plaintiff/Lender’s Responsibilities

 

      For each residential mortgage foreclosure case, the Plaintiff/Lender’s attorney must:

 

1.   File a verified complaint in accordance with Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.110(b). 

 

2.   File with the complaint a verified Form A - Plaintiff’s Certificate.  If the case involves multiple plaintiffs, only one Form A - Plaintiff’s Certificate must be filed.  The Form A - Plaintiff’s Certificate, which must be used, is Attachment A to this Administrative Order.  Previous versions of Form A must not be used.  The forms and information needed by the Plaintiff/Lender should be listed in Form A and uploaded to the web enabled information platform maintained by the Foreclosure Program Manager.  The forms should not be filed with Form A and are not required to be served with Form A.  

 

3.  File with the complaint a Form B - Notice to Homeowner, which contains information for the homeowner on mediation, the options that might be available at mediation, and other resources for the homeowner.  Form B – Notice to Homeowner, is Attachment B to this Administrative Order.  Previous versions of Form B must not be used. 

 

4.   Provide the Clerk of the Circuit Court with sufficient copies of the complaint, summons, Form A - Plaintiff’s Certificate, and Form B – Notice to Homeowner, for service on all Defendant/Borrowers.

 

5.   Within one business day of the assignment of a case number but not later than five  business days after the filing of the foreclosure case, electronically upload to the web enabled information platform maintained by the Foreclosure Program Manager, a verified Form A, with the forms needed by the Plaintiff/Lender; the case number, including the section judge number; the contact information for the Plaintiff/Lender and the Defendant/Borrower, including telephone numbers and email addresses if known; and indicate whether the Plaintiff/Lender will accept service by email. 

6.  If a case is referred to mediation, submit the mediation fee as provided in the Order of Referral.

7.   If a case is referred to mediation and a Defendant/Borrower requests the Plaintiff/Lender’s Disclosure for Mediation, upload the information to the web enabled information platform maintained by the Foreclosure Manager in accordance with the Order of Referral.

      B.  Clerk of the Circuit Court Responsibilities

 

The Clerk of the Circuit Court shall not issue a summons in a residential mortgage foreclosure case until a Plaintiff/Lender files a verified complaint, a Form A – Plaintiff’s Certificate, and a Form B - Notice to Homeowner.

 

C.  Process Servers’ Responsibilities

 

1.   For every residential mortgage foreclosure case filed, the process server must note on the return of service that the summons was served with the complaint, Form A - Plaintiff’s Certificate, and Form B - Notice to Homeowner.

 

2.   When the Defendant/Borrower in a residential mortgage foreclosure case is served either by personal service or substituted service upon an authorized person, the process server must:

 

a.   Note the location where service was obtained and any other contact information for the Defendant/Borrower; and

 

b.  Provide a copy of the return of service to the Foreclosure Program Manager, preferably by electronically uploading it to the web enabled information platform maintained by the Foreclosure Program Manager or by other electronic means.

 

 

 

D.  Foreclosure Program Manager’s Responsibilities

 

1.  All references in this Administrative Order to the Foreclosure Program Manager are to Mediation Managers, Inc.   In performing its services, the Foreclosure Program Manager must comply with Rules of Civil Procedure 1.700-1.730 and Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, including the requirement to act with impartiality.

2.   For every residential mortgage foreclosure case where the Defendant/Borrower is served either by personal service or substituted service upon an authorized person, or the Defendant/Borrower files any type of paper with the Court within 120 days of constructive service, the Foreclosure Program Manager must:

a.   Prepare an Order of Referral to Mediation and provide it to the Court as directed. A sample Order of Referral is Attachment C to this Administrative Order.  The Order of Referral may be modified by the Court without amendment to this Administrative Order.  For those Defendant/Borrowers who are served either by personal service or substituted service upon an authorized person, submit the Order of Referral within 10 days of the filing of the return of service.  For those Defendant/Borrowers who file any type of paper with the Court within 120 days of constructive service, submit the Order of Referral within 10 days of the filing.  

 

b.   If issued by the Court, serve a copy of the Order of Referral on the Plaintiff/Lender and Defendant/Borrower.   If the Plaintiff/Lender has agreed to service by email in Form A or in a subsequent notice to the Foreclosure Program Manager, service of the Order of Referral to the Plaintiff/Lender may be by email.

 

c.   Assign a mediator unless the parties:

(i) notify the Foreclosure Program Manager in writing within 10 days of the service of the Order of Referral that they have agreed upon a mediator other than through the Foreclosure Program Manager, or   

(ii) file a joint stipulation with the Court with a copy to the Foreclosure Program Manager requesting to opt out of mediation.

As permitted by Rule of Civil Procedure 1.700(f) the appointment of mediators to foreclosure cases will not be by strict rotation, but rather will be assigned by the Foreclosure Program Manager.  Only Supreme Court certified circuit civil mediators who are specially trained in mortgage foreclosure cases may be assigned by the Foreclosure Mediation Program.  The Foreclosure Mediation Program must have sufficient mediators to conduct the volume of mediations referred to the program.

d.   Encourage the Defendant/Borrower to participate in voluntary financial counseling.

 

e.   If the Defendant/Borrower does not have an attorney, inform the Defendant/Borrower of his or her right to consult with an attorney and also advise of the availability of pro bono, lawyer referral, and legal aid services. 

f.    Explain mediation procedures to the Defendant/Borrower, time limits for participation in mediation, and the consequences of non-compliance. 

 

g.   Collect the mediation fee of $225.00 per hour with a minimum of two hours, except as otherwise provided in the Order of Referral.  

 

h. In order to prepare for mediation and reduce obstacles to communication in mediation, and consistent with Florida Rule for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators 10.220, within 30 days from service of the Order of Referral, 

(i)   confirm with the Plaintiff/Lender that the only forms and documents needed by the Plaintiff/Lender in order to participate in mediation were identified in Form A.  If additional information or forms are needed by the Plaintiff/Lender to participate in mediation, convey that information to the Defendant/Borrowers and their attorney, if any.

(ii)  obtain from the Defendant/Borrowers or their attorney, if any, all the forms and information required by the Plaintiff/Lender that are necessary to conduct the mediation. 

(iii) submit the forms and information provided by the Defendant/Borrowers to the Plaintiff/Lender.

(iv) if the Defendant/Borrower submitted Defendant/Borrower’s Request for Plaintiff/Lender’s Disclosure for Mediation, which is Attachment D to this Administrative Order, obtain the information from the Plaintiff/Lender and provide it to the Defendant/Borrower. 

These preparations for mediation may be done in person, by telephone, or by electronic submission as determined by the Foreclosure Program Manager.  The Foreclosure Program Manager must provide the forms and information by uploading them to a secure web platform, by encrypted email, or by other secure means to protect the confidentiality of the information.

i.    Within 30 days from the submission of the required documents to the Plaintiff/Lender, conduct a mediation conference.  If the Plaintiff/Lender requests additional information that was not identified in Form A or in subsequent communications to the Foreclosure Program Manager, do not begin the mediation conference but reschedule the mediation conference. 

j.    If the Plaintiff/Lender fails to appear at the mediation conference, or appears at mediation but requests additional information that was not identified in Form A or in subsequent communications to the Foreclosure Program Manager, assess a $200.00 rescheduling fee.   

k.   Facilitate arrangements for the Plaintiff/Lender’s representative to appear by telephone at the mediation conference if authorized by the Court in the Order of Referral. 

 

l.    Ensure that the mediator’s report is timely submitted to the Court;

 

m.  If the Defendant/Borrower does not timely provide the information necessary to participate in mediation, or does not appear at a mediation conference, refund $250.00 to the Plaintiff/Lender and retain $200.00 as a mediation cancellation fee.  

 

n.  If the Defendant/Borrower has obtained a stay of the foreclosure action from the United States Bankruptcy Court, suspend activities under the Order of Referral.  If the stay is lifted within 60 days, continue with the mediation process.  If the stay is not lifted within 60 days, refund $250.00 to the Plaintiff/Lender and retain $200.00 as a mediation cancellation fee.

 

o.   If the Defendant/Borrower does not timely provide the information necessary to participate in mediation or does not appear at mediation and does not cooperate in timely rescheduling the mediation, submit a Notice of Defendant/Borrower Nonparticipation in the Foreclosure Mediation Program to the Court, which is Attachment E to this Administrative Order.

 

p.   If the Plaintiff/Lender does not timely provide the forms and information necessary for mediation, does not provide the Plaintiff/Lender’s Disclosure for Mediation, or does not appear at mediation and does not cooperate in timely rescheduling the mediation, prepare an Order to Show Cause for the Court as directed. 

 

q.   Prepare statistical reports to the Court as required.

 

3.  For every residential mortgage foreclosure case where the Defendant/Borrower is not served either by personal service or substituted service upon an authorized person and the Defendant/Borrower and has not filed any type of paper with the Court within 120 days of constructive service, the Foreclosure Program Manager must file a Notice of Ineligibility for the Foreclosure Mediation Program.  A Notice of Ineligibility for the Foreclosure Mediation Program is Attachment F to this Administrative Order.  The Foreclosure Program Manager must also prepare and periodically submit a list of those cases to the section judge in accordance with directions provided by the Court. 

E.  Defendant/Borrowers Responsibilities

 

1.   The Defendant/Borrower must cooperate with the Foreclosure Program Manager and provide the financial information required by the Plaintiff/Lender to the Foreclosure Program Manager within the time frames established by Order of Referral in order to participate in mediation.

2.  Even when a case is referred to mediation, the Defendant/Borrower must timely file an answer or other responsive pleading to the foreclosure.  Rule of Civil Procedure 1.140. 

 

3.   If a case is referred to mediation and a Defendant/Borrower wishes to receive a Plaintiff/Lender Disclosure for Mediation, submit Defendant/Borrower’s Request for Plaintiff/Lender’s Disclosure for Mediation, Attachment D to this Administrative Order, in accordance with the Order of Referral. 

II.  PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO ALL MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE CASES

      This section applies to all mortgage foreclosure cases, residential and commercial. 

A.  Summary Judgment Hearings

1.   Certificate Filed Prior to Requesting Summary Judgment Hearing Date

Prior to requesting a summary judgment hearing for a mortgage foreclosure, the attorney of record for the Plaintiff must file Form G – Certificate of Compliance with Foreclosure Procedures with the Clerk, which is Attachment G to this Administrative Order.  This certifies that the attorney has completed the necessary steps prior to setting the matter for hearing.  Only the Certificate of Compliance with Foreclosure Procedures attached to this Administrative Order may be used.  Previous versions of the Certificate of Compliance must not be used. 

2.   Foreclosure Judgment Packet Prior to Hearing

Unless the presiding judge provides otherwise, the Plaintiff’s attorney must deliver a foreclosure judgment packet to the presiding judge’s office at least five business days prior to the scheduled hearing on a motion for summary judgment.  The packet must include:

a.   the proposed Uniform Final Judgment of Foreclosure, which is Attachment H to this Administrative Order, including sufficient copies for conforming and stamped, addressed envelopes for all parties;

b.   the original Promissory Note (unless previously filed, in which case previous filing should be noted);

c.   an affidavit of non-payment with a copy of the payment records upon which the affiant relies;

d.   a copy of the Certificate of Compliance with Foreclosure Procedures, which is Attachment G to this Administrative Order; and

e.   a copy of the Notice of Hearing.

3.   Uniform Judgment of Foreclosure

All proposed final judgments of foreclosure must be in the format of the Uniform Final Judgment of Foreclosure for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which is Attachment H to this Administrative Order, unless otherwise specifically approved by the judge entering the final judgment.  Any changes to Attachment H must be brought to the attention of the presiding judge at the final judgment hearing. 

B.  Foreclosure Sales

1.   Notice of Sale

The Plaintiff is responsible for completing and submitting the Notice of Sale directly to the appropriate newspaper.  Notices must be prepared and published in accordance with chapters 45 and 702, Florida Statutes.  The Plaintiff must file the original Notice of Sale and Affidavit of Proof of Publication with the Clerk no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the sale.  Failure to comply with these procedures may result in the cancellation of the sale.

2.   Cancellation of Sale

If a Plaintiff wishes to cancel a sale, a written motion must be filed with the Court in substantial compliance with Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Form 1.996(b).  The motion also must state the number of times the Plaintiff has previously requested the cancellation of a sale. 

C.  Bankruptcy

If, prior to the commencement of a foreclosure sale, the Clerk receives a suggestion of bankruptcy on behalf of a named Defendant in that foreclosure case, the Clerk is directed to cancel the foreclosure sale.  The Clerk must not cancel the sale if the presiding judge or a United States Bankruptcy Judge directs otherwise.  The Plaintiff must file with the Court any order from a United States Bankruptcy Judge that restricts the Clerk from cancelling the sale.  The filing of this order must be as a separate filing and not as an attachment or exhibit.

D.  Clerk of the Circuit Court Responsibilities

1.   Retention of Documents

All original mortgages and promissory notes in each mortgage foreclosure case are required to be surrendered to the Court, and the Clerk must retain such documents in the court file.  The Clerk shall not return any of these instruments to a party absent specific order of the Court.  Any other exhibits in the court file may not be released by the Clerk until ninety days after the judgment becomes final.

2.   Clerk’s Default

The Clerk of the Circuit Court shall not enter a Clerk’s default as to a Defendant/Borrower until the Foreclosure Program Manager files a Notice of Ineligibility, Notice of Nonparticipation, or the mediator files a report indicating that the mediation has failed to achieve a settlement.  If a Plaintiff files a motion for the entry of a default by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in violation of this section, the Clerk shall take no action on the motion. 

E.  Additional Procedures

The judicial practice preferences of each judge, which may contain a judge’s individualized procedures for mortgage foreclosure cases, may be found on the Circuit’s website at:  http://www.jud6.org/LegalCommunity/PracticeRequirementsofJudges.html.

 

 

III. PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO WRITS OF POSSESSION

The following provisions apply to motions for a writ of possession arising from the mortgage foreclosure of any residential property, regardless of homestead status. 

     

A. Certification Regarding Tenant

An attorney who files a motion for a writ of possession must include a certification regarding the status of any tenants on the property.

 

1.   If there are no tenants other than the Defendant/Borrower or the spouse, child or parent of the Defendant/Borrower, Form I – Certification of No Tenants, which is Attachment I to this Administrative Order, must be filed.  A proposed order also must be submitted with the motion for a writ of possession.

2.   If there are tenants other than the Defendant/Borrower or the spouse, child or parent of the Defendant/Borrower, Form J – Certification of Notice to Tenants, which is Attachment J to this Administrative Order, must be filed.  This notice must certify that the tenants have been provided notice as required by the federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act.

B.  Consideration by the Court

When a motion for a writ of possession is filed and is accompanied by a Certification of No Tenants and a proposed order, the Clerk shall forward the motion, proposed order, and Certification for review to the section that heard the underlying foreclosure case.

C.  Hearing

When a motion for a writ of possession is filed and accompanied by a Certification of Notice to Tenants, the moving party must contact the judicial assistant for the section judge and set the motion for hearing on the uniform motion calendar or such other time as may be directed.  Notice of the hearing must be provided to all tenants.  At the hearing on the motion, the moving party must bring:

1.   a copy of the Certification of Notice to Tenants;

2.   a copy of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure; and

3.   a copy of the Notice of Sale.

D.  Issuance of Writ by Clerk

If a Final Judgment of Foreclosure authorizes the Clerk to issue a writ of possession without further action of the Court, the Clerk shall not do so unless the procedures established in this Administrative Order for a Certification of No Tenants or a Certification of Notice to Tenants have been followed and the Court has specifically authorized the writ.

 

IV.   OTHER PROCEDURES

A.  Designation of Attorney Liaison

      Any law firm that has more than five residential foreclosure cases pending in the Sixth Judicial Circuit on behalf of the same Plaintiff/Lender while this Administrative Order is in effect must appoint two liaisons, one of whom must be an attorney and the other a representative of the Plaintiff/Lender or the entity servicing Plaintiff/Lender’s mortgages.  The law firm must provide written notice of the name, telephone number with extension, email, and mailing address of both liaisons to the Chief Judge and the Foreclosure Program Manager within 30 days of the filing of the sixth Foreclosure Mediation Program case or within 30 days of the effective date of this Administrative Order, whichever is later.  Subsequent written notices are due on the first Monday of each January thereafter while this Administrative Order is in effect.

 

        The liaisons must be familiar with this Administrative Order and be capable of answering questions concerning the status of pending cases and the Plaintiff/Lender’s internal procedures on processing foreclosures.  They should also be readily accessible to discuss administrative and logistical issues affecting the progress of Plaintiff/Lender’s cases.  Plaintiff/Lender’s counsel must promptly inform the Chief Judge and the Foreclosure Program Manager of any changes in the designation of liaisons or their contact information.

 

      B.  Circuit Civil Mediation

1.  Commercial Foreclosure Cases

The Foreclosure Program Manager will not prepare and submit to the court an Order of Referral to Mediation in commercial foreclosure cases.  A party in a commercial foreclosure case may file a Motion to Participate in Circuit Civil Mediation in accordance with section 44.102, Florida Statutes, and Rules of Civil Procedure 1.700 – 1.730. 

2.   Residential Foreclosure Cases Not Referred to Mediation

      If the Foreclosure Program Manager does not prepare an Order of Referral to Mediation, a party may file a motion to participate in Circuit Civil Mediation in accordance with section 44.102, Florida Statutes, and Rules of Civil Procedure 1.700-1.730. 

3.  Authority to Order Mediation

      Nothing in this Administrative Order limits the Court’s ability to order any case to Circuit Civil Mediation in accordance with section 44.102, Florida Statutes, and Rules of Civil Procedure 1.700 – 1.730.  The provision in this Administrative Order implement and do not replace or modify existing statutory and rule provisions regarding referral to mediation.

 

 

C.  Opting out

If a party wishes to opt out of mediation with the Foreclosure Program Manager, the parties may:

1.  notify the Foreclosure Program Manager in writing within 10 days of the service of the Order of Referral that both parties have agreed upon a different mediator other than through the Foreclosure Program Manager,

2.  file a joint stipulation with the Court with a copy to the Foreclosure Program Manager stating that both parties have agreed to opt out of mediation, or

3.  file a motion with the Court stating that party’s objections to the Order of Referral.

      D.  Confidentiality

The Plaintiff/Lender, Foreclosure Program Manager, information technology provider, and any other third-party vendor must keep confidential all personal financial information and any other protected information disclosed by the Defendant/Borrower.  This information may not be released except as authorized or permitted by federal or state law, or with the written consent of the Defendant/Borrower, or as authorized by the Court.  Any violation of this provision will subject the violator to all available civil and criminal sanctions.

E.  Mediation Transition Issues

1.   Cases filed before July 1, 2010.

 

    Cases filed before July 1, 2010, in which Court has issued an Order of Referral to the Foreclosure Mediation Program are governed by the Order of Referral; provided that mediation must be concluded no later than June 30, 2012, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

 

2.   Cases filed between July 1, 2010 and December 19, 2011.

 

      Cases filed between July 1, 2010 and December 19, 2011, which remain in the mediation process, are to continue in accordance with the procedures established in Administrative Orders 2010-025 and 2011-014.  All cases must be concluded no later than June 30, 2012, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. 

 

        Administrative Orders 2010-025 and 2011-014 are amended effective nunc pro tunc December 20, 2011, to provide that the mediation procedures for cases referred prior to December 20, 2011, remain in effect until June 30, 2012 or until further order of the Court.

 

3.  Cases filed December 20, 2011 through January 20, 2012.

 

     Cases filed December 20, 2011 through January 20, 2012, are referred to in this Administrative Order as transition cases, or cases filed during the transition period. 

 

 

     The Foreclosure Program Manager is directed to prepare and submit to the Court as soon as practicable an Order of Referral to Mediation for every residential mortgage foreclosure case filed during the transition period, where the Defendant/Borrower is served either by personal service or substituted service upon an authorized person, or the Defendant/Borrower files any type of paper with the Court within 120 days of constructive service. 

 

     If the Plaintiff/Lender has submitted funds to the Foreclosure Program Manager for cases filed during the transition period and the Plaintiff/Lender requests return of those funds,    the Foreclosure Program Manager must promptly return those funds.  If the Plaintiff/Lender has submitted funds to the Foreclosure Program Manager for cases filed during the transition period but does not request return of those funds, the Foreclosure Program Manager may retain those funds and apply them to the mediation fees as provided in this Administrative Order or an Order of Referral.

 

Except as specifically provided in section IV.E Mediation Transition Issues, the provisions of this Administrative Order apply nunc pro tunc December 20, 2011.  Administrative Orders 2010-052 and 2011-064 are hereby rescinded.  Administrative Orders 2010-025 and 2011-014 are rescinded effective July 1, 2012.

 

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida this _____ day of January 2012.                                

 

                                                            ORIGINAL SIGNED on January 20, 2012

                                                            BY J. THOMAS MCGRADY, CHIEF JUDGE

 

cc:        All Judges

            The Honorable Paula S. O’Neil, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Pasco County

            The Honorable Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Pinellas County

            Gay Inskeep, Trial Courts Administrator

            Myriam Irizarry, Chief Deputy Director, Pinellas County Clerk’s Office

            Lillian Simon, Director of Administrative Services for Pasco County

            Bar Associations, Pasco and Pinellas Counties

            Law Libraries, Pasco and Pinellas Counties

            Mediation Managers, Inc.

 

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS TO ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2012-002

Attachment A FORM A – PLAINTIFF’S CERTIFICATE
Attachment B FORM B – NOTICE FROM THE COURT TO HOMEOWNER
Attachment C-1 ORDER OF REFERRAL – PASCO COUNTY
Attachment C-2 ORDER OF REFERRAL – PINELLAS COUNTY
Attachment D DEFENDANT/BORROWER’S REQUEST FOR PLAINTIFF/LENDER’S DISCLOSURE FOR MEDIATION
Attachment E NOTICE OF DEFENDANT/BORROWER’S NONPARTICIPATION AND NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF FORECLOSURE MEDIATION PROGRAM SESSION
Attachment F NOTICE OF INELIGIBILITY FOR THE FORECLOSURE MEDIATION PROGRAM
Attachment G CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FORECLOSURE PROCEDURES
Attachment H UNIFORM FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE
Attachment I CERTIFICATION OF NO TENANTS
Attachment J CERTIFICATION OF NOTICE TO TENANTS