Did you know the Florida Supreme Court recently amended the Civil Cover Sheet (Form 1.997)?
 
This amendment requires a plaintiff now indicate the estimated amount of their claim when filing their action or proceeding, rounded to the nearest dollar with options being:
 
____     $8,000 or less
____     $8,001 – $30,000
____     $30,001- $50,000
____     $50,001- $75,000
____     $75,001 – $100,000
____     over $100,000.00
 
While the Florida Supreme Court provides that the basis for this amendment is for data collection and clerical processing purposes only, “clerical processing” seems vague and might be an avenue which the courts use to determine a case’s susceptibility for arbitration or placement on fast tracks for trial.
 
It might be anticipated that in all circuit court claims, the plaintiffs will likely choose to label their case with a value “over $100,000” notwithstanding the purpose of this rule.
 
We will keep an eye on this issue, but please contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss further at info@kubickidraper.com.