IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR HARDEE, HIGHLANDS AND POLK COUNTIES, FLORIDA
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 4-13.0
IN RE: MAGISTRATES – PROBATE DIVISION
WHEREAS, the judges of the Tenth Circuit have determined it would promote the efficient administration of the Probate Division to appoint special masters to hear and consider Baker Act Proceedings; and
WHEREAS, special masters were empowered to preside over hearings for involuntary commitment under Section 396.102, Florida Statutes, and involuntary treatment of habitual drug abusers under Section 397.052, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, during the 2004 legislative session SB192 was enacted and became Chapter 4002-11, Laws of Florida, which changed the term "general master" to "general magistrate"; and
WHEREAS, while the term "general master" continues to be used in the Florida Rules of Court, it is anticipated that the Florida Supreme Court will adopt amendments to the Florida Rules of Court to change the term to "general magistrate"; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to appoint magistrates in order to continue the efficient disposition of probate, guardianship, mental health and public health cases. It is, therefore,
ORDERED as follows:
Each of the following persons is hereby appointed Magistrate for the Tenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties, Florida, pursuant to Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.490, Fla. R. Prob. P. 5.697, Section 394.467, Florida Statutes, Section 397.681, Florida Statutes, Section 744.369, Florida Statutes and any other statutory or rule provision authorizing the appointment of a general magistrate or a general master.
a. Susan Barber-Flood
b. Robin Matis-Jackson
c. Sheryl Snodgrass
d. Amanda Traweek
Each Magistrate shall:
e. Take the oath of office required by the Constitution of the State of Florida and the oath shall be properly recorded in the Official Records of the Clerk of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Polk County, Florida with this administrative order.
f. Perform duties in accordance with Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.490, Fla. Prob. R. 5.697, Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.255(i), Section 394.467, Florida Statutes, Section 397.681, Florida Statutes and Section 744.369 92), Florida Statutes and any other statutory or rule provision authorizing the appointment of a general magistrate or general master, applicable Rules of Court, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and as provided herein.
g. Be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar.
h. Serve at the pleasure of the Chief Judge.
i. Serve without requirement of bond.
Each Magistrate may take testimony and establish a record by electronic means. The record will be made, retained and destroyed in accordance with Rule of Judicial Administration 2.075 and administrative orders governing court reporting in this circuit.
All actions taken before this date by previously appointed general masters, special masters and child support enforcement hearing officers are hereby confirmed.
This Order shall take effect November 22, 2004.
DONE AND ORDERED on this 15th day of December, 2004.
RONALD A. HERRING
Chief Judge