Florida’s civil discovery rules just got a makeover, and they’re hotter than ever. The biggest headline? Initial discovery disclosures are now mandatory—and the clock is ticking. While the rules provide 60 days after service of a complaint to serve these disclosures, don’t wait until day 59! Here’s why:
- No Early Discovery. Under the new rules, you can’t conduct additional discovery until you’ve served your initial disclosures. That means no depositions, interrogatories, or document requests will fly until you’ve handed over your required info. Waiting could stall your defense strategy.
- Early Is Better. Sure, you technically have 60 days. But getting your disclosures in early gives you a major head start. It shows the court we are serious and allows the rest of your defense team to keep the ball rolling. Early disclosure also helps us spot any gaps or issues before they become last-minute headaches.
- Affirmative Duty to Supplement. Think of your disclosures, interrogatories, and production documents as living documents. If you discover new information or realize something was incomplete or incorrect, you must promptly update the other side. This ongoing obligation helps keep everyone honest.
- What’s Included. Expect to provide the basics in Initial Disclosures, like:
- Names of individuals with discoverable information
- Documents you intend to use to support your defenses
- Computation of damages (if you’re making a counterclaim)
- Insurance policies that might satisfy a judgment
- Team Effort. These rules underscore that discovery is a two-way street. Cooperation and transparency are key. Our job is to guide you through the process, but we need your help gathering documents, identifying witnesses, and staying on top of updates.
Bottom Line
The new Florida Rules of Civil Procedure have turned up the heat on initial disclosures. Get your documents and info ready sooner rather than later to keep your defense blazing. We’re here to help make sure you hit every deadline and protect your interests in the courtroom. With continuances becoming a thing of the past, an early discovery push is essential for a well-prepared case.
If you have any questions about these new rules—or need help getting your disclosures together—please reach out. We’re always happy to assist and keep your case HOT to go!