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Florida attorney’s fees motion deadline
In Florida, any party seeking costs or attorney’s fees generally must serve a motion within 30 days after the filing of the judgment.
Estimates based on standard Florida rules and federal-holiday closures; not legal advice. Confirm against your specific case, local administrative orders, and the current rules.
How the deadline works
Under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.525, a party seeking a judgment taxing costs, attorney’s fees, or both must serve a motion no later than 30 days after the filing of the judgment, including a judgment of dismissal, or the service of a notice of voluntary dismissal. The rule is a bright line: it converts an entitlement to fees into something you can lose purely on timing.
The 30-day count follows Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.514, rolling a final weekend or holiday to the next business day.
- Bright-line rule Even a clear contractual or statutory right to fees can be waived by missing the 30 days under Rule 1.525.
- Dismissals count The clock also runs from a judgment of dismissal or service of a notice of voluntary dismissal.
Questions
- How long do I have to move for attorney’s fees in Florida?
- Within 30 days after the filing of the judgment, under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.525. Serving later can forfeit the claim regardless of the merits.