Structured Settlement Laws in Florida

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.

Table of Contents

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🏛️ Court
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
⏱️ Processing Time
45-75 days from filing to final order
Filing fee: $400.00 (plus service and publication fees)
👥 Population
1,513,301 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Address: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 272-5894
Clerk: Cindy Stuart
Jurisdiction: Hillsborough County
Established: Established 1845

Venue Overview

The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court serves Hillsborough County with Tampa as the county seat and major metropolitan area of West Central Florida. As a major business and transportation hub, Hillsborough County processes significant numbers of structured settlement transfers from various industries including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. The court maintains specialized civil divisions with judges experienced in complex financial transactions. The civil division processes cases efficiently while maintaining thorough review standards for payee protection under Florida's Structured Settlement Protection Act.

Major Cities Served: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed with clerk and assigned to civil division judge within 24-48 hours
2.Notice issued to all interested parties within 5 business days
3.25-day response period for objections from annuity issuers and insurance companies
4.Financial discovery period typically 2-3 weeks
5.Pre-hearing conference scheduled 7-10 days before final hearing
6.Final hearing includes sworn testimony from payee and financial advisor
7.Court issues detailed written order with findings of fact
8.30-day appeal period from entry of final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • •Online filing available through court portal but original documents may be required
  • •Hearing typically scheduled within 30-45 days of completed filing
  • •Court conducts thorough review of payee's financial situation and alternatives
  • •Mandatory mediation available for contested transfers
  • •Publication notice required in Tampa Bay Times if personal service not possible
  • •All transfer calculations must be clearly documented and verified

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • •Original signatures required on all petitions and affidavits
  • •Proof of service documentation mandatory for all parties
  • •Comprehensive financial impact analysis required including budget projections
  • •Independent financial advisor consultation mandatory
  • •Detailed explanation of transfer necessity and intended use of funds
  • •Court must make specific findings regarding payee's best interest
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$400.00 (plus service and publication fees)
Processing Time:45-75 days from filing to final order
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Ronald Ficarrotta
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Complex Business Litigation
Specializes in complex civil litigation including structured settlement transfers
Former commercial litigator with extensive business and financial law background
Hon. Cheryl Thomas
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - General Jurisdiction
Handles civil financial matters and settlement transfer cases
Background in civil litigation and financial services regulation
Hon. Paul L. Huey
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Probate and Guardianship
Experienced in financial decision-making and asset protection cases
Former attorney with focus on estate planning and financial protection

Local Resources & Links

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Official Website
Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
Florida Statute 626.99296 - Structured Settlements
Hillsborough County Bar Association
Florida Department of Financial Services

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Florida Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

Florida specific information. The information provided here is specific to Florida state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: November 20, 2025

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Florida

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Florida requires understanding both state-level regulations and local court procedures. Each county may have specific filing requirements, court rules, and administrative procedures that supplement the broader Florida structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Florida, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court court will review your petition to ensure the transfer serves your best interest, considers mandatory disclosure documents, and verifies that you've received independent professional advice. Local court procedures may include specific filing fees, timeline requirements, and documentation standards that vary from other counties in Florida.

The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court court system's familiarity with structured settlement transfers can impact processing times and approval rates. Courts with high transfer volumes often have streamlined procedures, while others may require additional documentation or extended review periods. Working with professionals experienced in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court court procedures helps ensure your petition is filed correctly and moves through the approval process efficiently.

Smarter Payouts partners with licensed brokers and legal professionals who understand both Florida state laws and Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court local court requirements. This local expertise helps streamline the approval process, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and protects your rights throughout the transfer. Whether you're filing in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court or another jurisdiction in Florida, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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