Rule 9.020 — Definitions

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The following terms have the meanings shown as used in these rules:

(a) Administrative Action. Administrative action shall include:

  1. (1) final agency action as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 120, Florida Statutes;
  2. (2) non-final action by an agency or administrative law judge reviewable under the Administrative Procedure Act;
  3. (3) quasi-judicial decisions by any administrative body, agency, board or commission not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act; and
  4. (4) administrative action for which judicial review is provided by general law.

(b) Clerk. The person or official specifically designated as such for the court or lower tribunal; if no person or official has been specifically so designated, the official or agent who most closely resembles a clerk in the functions performed.

(c) Court. The supreme court; the district courts of appeal; and the circuit courts in the exercise of the jurisdiction described by rule 9.030(c), including the chief justice of the supreme court and the chief judge of a district court of appeal in the exercise of constitutional, administrative, or supervisory powers on behalf of such courts.

(d) Family Law Matter. A matter governed by the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

(e) Lower Tribunal. The court, agency, officer, board, commission, judge of compensation claims, or body whose order is to be reviewed.

(f) Order. A decision, order, judgment, decree, or rule of a lower tribunal, excluding minutes and minute book entries.

(g) Parties.

  1. (1) Appellant. A party who seeks to invoke the appeal jurisdiction of a court.
  2. (2) Appellee. Every party in the proceeding in the lower tribunal other than an appellant.
  3. (3) Petitioner. A party who seeks an order under rule 9.100 or rule 9.120.
  4. (4) Respondent. Every other party in a proceeding brought by a petitioner.

(h) Applicability of Florida Rules of Judicial Administration. The Florida Rules of Judicial Administration are applicable in all proceedings governed by these rules, except as otherwise provided in these rules. These rules shall govern where in conflict with the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration.

(i) Rendition (of an Order). An order is rendered when a signed, written order is filed with the clerk of the lower tribunal. However, unless another applicable rule of procedure specifically provides to the contrary, if a final order has been entered and there has been filed in the lower tribunal an authorized and timely motion for new trial, for rehearing, for certification, to alter or amend, for judgment in accordance with prior motion for directed verdict, for arrest of judgment, to challenge the verdict, to correct a sentence or order of probation pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800(b)(1), to withdraw a plea after sentencing pursuant to Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.170(l), or to vacate an order based upon the recommendations of a hearing officer in accordance with Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.491, the following exceptions apply:

  1. (1) If such a motion or motions have been filed, the final order shall not be deemed rendered as to any existing party until the filing of a signed, written order disposing of the last of such motions.
  2. (2) If such a motion or motions have been filed, a signed, written order granting a new trial shall be deemed rendered when filed with the clerk, notwithstanding that other such motions may remain pending at the time.
  3. (3) If such a motion or motions have been filed and a notice of appeal is filed before the filing of a signed, written order disposing of all such motions, the appeal shall be held in abeyance until the filing of a signed, written order disposing of the last such motion.

(j) Rendition of an Appellate Order. If any timely and authorized motion under rule 9.330 or 9.331 is filed, the order shall not be deemed rendered as to any party until all of the motions are either withdrawn or resolved by the filing of a written order.

(k) Signed. A signed document is one containing a signature as provided by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.515(c).

This rule is a glossary of key terms used throughout the appellate rules.

  • Lower Tribunal: The court or agency whose decision is being appealed.
  • Order: The written decision, judgment, or decree that is being appealed.
  • Appellant: The party who files the appeal.
  • Appellee: Every other party in the case besides the appellant.
  • Petitioner / Respondent: Special names for parties in original proceedings like writs.

Rendition (Critically Important Definition):

"Rendition" is the official date an order becomes final, which starts the clock for filing a notice of appeal. Normally, an order is "rendered" when the signed, written order is filed with the clerk.

However, if a party files an "authorized and timely" post-trial motion (like a motion for rehearing or new trial), the order is **not considered rendered** until the judge issues a written ruling on the **last** of those motions. This rule is crucial because it pauses the deadline to appeal, giving the trial judge a chance to correct their own errors before a case goes to the appellate court.

Rule 9.010 Rule 9.030
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