When by these rules or by a notice given thereunder or by order of court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the court for good cause shown may, at any time, in its discretion (1) with or without notice, order the period enlarged if a request therefor is made before the expiration of the period originally prescribed or extended by a previous order or (2) upon motion made and notice after the expiration of the specified period, permit the act to be done when the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect; but it may not, except as provided by statute or elsewhere in these rules, extend the time for making a motion for new trial, for taking an appeal, or for making a motion for a judgment of acquittal.
RULE 3.050. ENLARGEMENT OF TIME
- A court can extend most deadlines for "good cause."
- If requested before a deadline expires, the court has broad discretion and may not require notice.
- If requested after a deadline expires, you must file a motion and show that the failure to act was due to "excusable neglect."
- A court CANNOT use this rule to extend the time for filing a motion for new trial, a notice of appeal, or a motion for judgment of acquittal. These deadlines are jurisdictional and must be strictly followed.
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1968 Adoption. Taken from the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
1972 Amendment. Same as prior rule.