Fla. Fam. L.R.P. 12.500

(h) Expenses of Special Magistrate. The costs of a special magistrate may be assessed as any other suit money in family proceedings and all or part of it may be ordered prepaid by order of the court. Commentary 1995 Adoption. Originally, both general and special masters were governed under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.490. General and special masters are now governed under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.490 and 12.492, respectively. The requirements for appointing special masters are essentially the same as under the previous rule; but this rule eliminates the need for consent for the court to appoint an attorney/special master to preside over depositions and rule on objections. It also provides for the assessment of suit monies and allows for the filing of cross- exceptions. Committee Note 2004 Amendment. In accordance with Chapter 2004-11, Laws of Florida, all references to special master were changed to special magistrate. RULE 12.500. DEFAULTS AND FINAL JUDGMENTS THEREON (a) By the Clerk. When a party against whom affirmative relief is sought has failed to file or serve any document in the action, the party seeking relief may have the clerk enter a default against the party failing to serve or file such document. (b) By the Court. When a party against whom affirmative relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise respond as provided by these rules or any applicable statute or any order of court, the court may enter a default against such party provided that if such party has filed or served any document in the action, that party must be served with notice of the application for default. (c) Right to Plead. A party may plead or otherwise respond at any time before default is entered. If a party in default files any Family Law Rules of Procedure October 1, 2025 152