(A)     General Eligibility Requirements.  Unless the presiding judge otherwise specifically directs, there is no geographic limitation regarding who may appear by  the telephonic procedure in this rule.  When appearing pursuant to this rule, parties must be familiar with the presiding judge’s guidelines on telephonic appearances found on the judge’s homepage on the Court’s website maintained at www.flsb.uscourts.gov.

(B)     Restrictions.  Unless the presiding judge otherwise specifically directs, telephonic appearances are permitted in routine, non-evidentiary matters. Counsel appearing telephonically may not use a speakerphone; a handset or headset must be used.

(C)     Procedure.  Parties wishing to appear telephonically must follow the presiding judge’s scheduling procedures for telephonic appearances described on such judge’s homepage on the Court’s website maintained at www.flsb.uscourts.gov.   If there is an equipment failure for any reason, the judge will continue with the hearing without participation of counsel or the party appearing telephonically. Persons appearing by phone assume the risk of the prejudice that may result from not being present in person and possibly being unable to therefore advance the party’s points in favor of, or in opposition to, the relief requested.