Carlton Fields Shareholders Bruce J. Berman and Peter D. Webster published the latest edition of the book Berman’s Florida Civil Procedure, 2021 ed. (Vol. 4., Florida Practice Series™) (Thomson Reuters).

The book, published annually since 1998, is considered one of the most authoritative treatises on Florida state practice and procedure. Among other things, the 2021 edition, updated through December 31, 2020, includes:

  • Discussion of the December 2020 amendment to Rule 1.510 adopting the federal summary judgment standard, effective May 1, 2021
  • Discussion of Florida Supreme Court COVID-19 administrative orders permitting persons qualified to administer oaths in Florida to swear witnesses remotely by audio-video communication technology from a location within the State
  • Discussion of significant 2020 amendments to Florida federal district court local rules

The book continues to address civil procedure on a rule-by-rule basis, with all the rules cross-referenced to modern case law. The text provides the latest procedural issues, rule amendments, and references to the local rules of each of the three federal district courts in Florida, with thousands of citations to the most recent cases. It also analyzes significant differences between Florida’s procedural rules and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Particularly ample coverage is provided on Florida class actions and Florida’s rule and statute governing proposals for settlement.

At Carlton Fields, Berman focuses his nationwide practice on large and complex commercial disputes in federal and state trial and appellate courts, and in domestic and international arbitration tribunals. He represents U.S. and international clients in cases spanning a wide range of substantive law, including corporate finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions (including post-acquisition representations and warranties), health law, aviation, and intellectual property (copyright, trademark, and unfair competition).

Webster’s practice focuses on appellate law after a distinguished career in judicial service spanning more than 25 years. He was a judge in Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, sitting in Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs, from 1986 until 1991. In 1991, he was appointed to Florida’s First District Court of Appeal, where he served until 2011. While on the appellate bench, he authored hundreds of opinions involving virtually every area of the law.

To purchase the book, click here. 

©2026 Carlton Fields, P.A. Carlton Fields practices law in California through Carlton Fields, LLP. Carlton Fields publications should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information and educational purposes only, and should not be relied on as if it were advice about a particular fact situation. The distribution of this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship with Carlton Fields. This publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication or proceeding without the prior written consent of the firm, to be given or withheld at our discretion. To request reprint permission for any of our publications, please use our Contact Us form via the link below. The views set forth herein are the personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the firm. This site may contain hypertext links to information created and maintained by other entities. Carlton Fields does not control or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this outside information, nor is the inclusion of a link to be intended as an endorsement of those outside sites.

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