Ninth Judicial Circuit · M.D. Fla., Orlando Division
Local counsel in Orange County.
Orlando draws hospitality, construction and franchise disputes from firms in every other state. Whether your matter is in the Ninth Judicial Circuit or in federal court, the admission mechanics differ — and in state court both of them need a Florida lawyer to press “file.”
Do I need local counsel in Orange County?
Yes for state court. A case in the Ninth Judicial Circuit or the Orange County Court is a Florida state case, so Rule 2.510(a) applies in full: a verified motion, a Florida Bar member associated as attorney of record, $250 to The Florida Bar and $100 to the clerk. For federal purposes Orange County sits in the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division — which does not require local counsel at all.
Ninth Judicial Circuit — state
Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division — federal
What I cover in Orange County
Admission
I sign and file the verified motion in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Hearings
Motion calendar, special-set hearings, case management and status conferences in Orlando — without a flight from your city.
Filings
Portal formatting, service under Rule 2.516, deadline computation under Rule 2.514, and division-specific practices.
Orange County questions
Do I need local counsel in Orange County?
Yes for state court. A case in the Ninth Judicial Circuit or the Orange County Court is a Florida state case, so Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.510(a) applies in full: a verified motion, a Florida Bar member associated as attorney of record, $250 to The Florida Bar and $100 to the clerk.
For federal cases, Orange County sits in the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. That district does not require local counsel — I will tell you so rather than take an engagement you do not need.
Which judicial circuit is Orange County in?
Orange County is in the Ninth Judicial Circuit — which also covers Osceola County. The Ninth Circuit covers Orange and Osceola Counties, and a business court division handles qualifying commercial matters.
Who files the pro hac vice motion in Orange County?
Local counsel does, in state court. Until The Florida Bar issues your pro hac vice number, every document — including the motion that would admit you — must be e-filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal by the Florida attorney designated in the motion.
Can you cover a hearing in Orlando?
Yes — motion calendar, special-set hearings, case management and status conferences, depositions, and second chair at trial, quoted per appearance. Travel outside Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade is identified separately in the quote rather than buried in the rate.
A Orange County matter?
Send the case number and the next hearing date. Conflicts run first, a quote in writing, an answer within one business day.
Retain local counsel in Orange County
Case number, parties, and the next hearing date.