Florida Family Law Rule 12.450

Evidence

Text of the rules effective October 1, 2026.

  1. (a)
    Record of Excluded Evidence. If, during trial, an objection to a question propounded to a witness is sustained by the trier of fact, the examining attorney may make a specific offer of what the attorney expects to prove by the answer of the witness.

    The court may add such other and further statement as clearly shows the character of the evidence, the form in which it was offered, the objection made, and the ruling thereon. The court on request must take and report the evidence in full unless it clearly appears that the evidence is not admissible on any ground or is privileged. The court may require the offer to be made outside the hearing of the trier of fact.

  2. (b)
    Filing. When documentary evidence is introduced in an action, the clerk or the judge must endorse an identifying number or symbol on it and when proffered or admitted in evidence, it must be filed by the clerk or judge and considered in the custody of the court and not withdrawn except with written leave of court. RULE 12.4501. JUDICIAL NOTICE In family cases, the court may take judicial notice of any matter described in section 90.202(6), Florida Statutes, when imminent danger to persons or property has been alleged and it is impractical to give prior notice to the parties of the intent to take judicial notice. Opportunity to present evidence relevant to the propriety of taking judicial notice under section 90.204(1), Florida Statutes, may be deferred until after judicial action has been taken. If judicial notice is taken under this rule, the court must, within 2 business days, file a notice in the pending case of the matters judicially noticed. For purposes of this rule, the term “family cases” has the same meaning as provided in the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration.