The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida continues to closely monitor the national and local response to the Coronavirus virus (COVID-19) with respect to public health concerns. We will be following guidance provided by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), available at www.cdc.gov, but at this time will be making NO CHANGES to normal bankruptcy court operations.
In-Person Visits to the Courthouses: Please note that if you have traveled to China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, New Rochelle New York, or any locale that is in quarantine within the last 14 days, reside or have had close contact with someone who has traveled to one of the above areas within the last 14 days, have been asked to self-quarantine by any hospital or health agency, or have been diagnosed with, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, YOU MUST inform the Court Security Officers upon entering any of the federal courthouses within the Southern District of Florida and will be restricted from entering the building. [See Public Notice of Courthouse Entry Protocol [English] [Spanish] [Creole].
Attendance by Telephone at Designated Court Hearings: To the extent not already permitted by the Bankruptcy Judges of this court, effective immediately, the use of telephonic service providers (CourtCall or Court Solutions) will be permitted in ALL non-evidentiary and chapter 13 matters. NOTE: If counsel decides to appear by telephone, you must notify your client that they should NOT appear at the courthouse. Details regarding procedures for using telephonic service providers in chapter 13 matters will be posted on the court website next week.
Any future changes or updates will be communicated as appropriate. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation during this time.
Joe Falzone, Clerk of Court