Resources

New Procedures for Complex Business and Tort Litigation in Broward County: What You Need to Know for 2025

In July 2025, Broward County rolled out new rules to streamline complex civil litigation, impacting businesses and individuals in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. The Administrative Order No. 2025-22-Civ, effective July 22, 2025, sets clear guidelines for managing high-stakes business and tort disputes. These changes align with Florida’s 2025 updates to its Rules of Civil Procedure, which prioritize faster case resolution. For companies facing multi-million-dollar lawsuits or individuals pursuing complex tort claims, understanding these rules is critical. This blog dives into the new procedures, criteria for complex cases, practical strategies, and why these changes matter in South Florida’s legal landscape.

Understanding the New Administrative Order

The 2025 administrative order replaces older guidelines, focusing on complex business cases (Division 07) and tort cases (Division 26). It aims to reduce delays in high-value or intricate disputes, such as commercial fraud or construction negligence. By assigning cases to specialized divisions, Broward County courts can handle them more efficiently. For example, the order requires electronic filings and early reassignment requests to keep cases on track.

Additionally, the rules tie into Florida’s broader 2025 civil procedure updates. These emphasize mandatory case management tracks and proportional discovery to cut costs. As a result, Fort Lauderdale businesses benefit from faster resolutions, while plaintiffs gain clearer paths to justice. However, navigating these procedures requires careful planning to avoid pitfalls.

What Makes a Case “Complex”?

Not all lawsuits qualify as complex. The order lists specific criteria to determine eligibility. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• High Financial Stakes: Business cases involving over $250,000 in Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) disputes, trade secrets, or intellectual property. Cases like commercial foreclosures, business sales, or construction disputes need at least $500,000 at stake, excluding personal injury claims.

• Complex Legal Issues: Cases with multiple parties, extensive discovery, or trials expected to last 10+ days for torts or 5+ days for business disputes. For instance, shareholder derivative actions often meet this threshold.

• Specific Case Types: Includes franchise disputes, professional malpractice affecting businesses, securities litigation, or class actions over $250,000. Tort cases may involve construction-related injuries, eminent domain with technical issues, or professional negligence.

• Examples in Practice: A Fort Lauderdale developer suing over a $2 million contract breach could qualify. Similarly, a tort case involving defective construction materials causing injury might be deemed complex.

If a case meets these standards, it can be filed directly into a specialized division or reassigned from a general one. Otherwise, it remains in standard court divisions.

New Filing and Reassignment Processes

The order simplifies how complex cases start and move. For new cases, parties must submit Form “B” electronically to certify complexity. The Clerk then assigns the case to Division 07 for business disputes or Division 26 for torts. This ensures specialized judges handle the case from the start.

For existing cases, reassignment is key. Parties can request a transfer using Form “A” and schedule a hearing. Business cases go before Division 07 judges on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Tort cases are heard by the Chief Judge of Division 26 on Tuesdays. Judges review factors like trial length, case age, and court workload. For example, a case with 20 parties and extensive discovery is likely to be reassigned.

Moreover, division judges can propose transfers if a case grows complex. However, they may keep cases if resources allow. Post-judgment issues, like enforcing a verdict, rarely move without Chief Judge approval. Consequently, acting early avoids delays and ensures proper case placement.

Real-World Impact: Case Examples

These rules directly affect South Florida’s business and legal community. Consider a Fort Lauderdale tech company suing a competitor for stealing trade secrets worth $1 million. Under the new order, this case could go straight to Division 07, speeding up discovery and trial. Similarly, a Broward County construction firm facing a negligence lawsuit over a $5 million project collapse could seek Division 26 assignment for expert handling.

Recent trends show why these rules matter. In 2025, Broward County saw a rise in complex disputes, from commercial fraud to construction defects. For instance, a Miami-Dade case involving a $10 million contract breach highlights the need for specialized divisions. The new procedures ensure such cases avoid backlog, saving time and costs.

Strategies for Success in Complex Litigation

Navigating Broward County’s new rules requires careful steps. Here are practical tips for businesses and individuals:

• Evaluate Early: Review your case against the order’s criteria right after filing. This prevents missed opportunities for specialized handling.

• File Accurately: Use Form “B” for new cases or Form “A” for reassignments. Include specific details, like dollar amounts or party numbers, to justify complexity.

• Schedule Promptly: Contact judicial assistants to book hearings quickly. Early action avoids scheduling conflicts.

• Prepare Evidence: Gather documents, like contracts or injury reports, to support your filing or transfer request.

• Work with Experts: Attorneys familiar with Broward County courts can argue for proper case placement and streamline discovery.

These strategies align with Florida’s 2025 focus on efficient case tracks. For example, the state’s updated rules limit discovery to relevant issues, reducing costs. As a result, preparation leads to stronger outcomes in high-stakes cases.

Why These Changes Matter in Fort Lauderdale

Broward County’s economy thrives on industries like real estate, technology, and tourism, driving complex disputes. From contract breaches to tort claims, these lawsuits often involve millions. The new rules speed up justice, helping businesses avoid prolonged financial strain. For individuals, they offer clearer paths to recover damages in cases like professional negligence.

However, missing deadlines or misfiling can weaken your case. For instance, a delayed reassignment request might keep a case in a slower division. As 2025 progresses, Fort Lauderdale’s courts are expected to handle complex cases more efficiently, making compliance essential.

Contact Conrad & Scherer for Expert Guidance

Facing a complex business or tort case in Broward County? Conrad & Scherer’s Fort Lauderdale civil attorneys are ready to assist. With a proven record of winning major verdicts, we provide expert support for high-stakes disputes. Visit www.conradscherer.com or call our Fort Lauderdale office for a free consultation today.