Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.270 — Consolidation; Separate Trials

The Rule Book — Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, by Florida Justice / Phillips, Hunt & Walker

Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.270 — Consolidation; Separate Trials

Last verified from official source: April 30, 2026 · Source: Florida Bar — Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (eff. April 1, 2026), p. 76

Rule Text (verbatim)

(a) Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

(b) Separate Trials. The court in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice may order a separate trial of any claim, crossclaim, counterclaim, or third-party claim or of any separate issue or of any number of claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, third- party claims, or issues.

Plain-English Breakdown

Practitioner notes by John M. Phillips, Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer — coming soon. Watch the video below for the plain-English breakdown.

Committee Notes

View Committee Notes (legislative history)

No Committee Notes for this rule version.

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Rule Text (verbatim from the Florida Supreme Court)

(a) Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay. (b) Separate Trials. The court in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice may order a separate trial of any claim, crossclaim, counterclaim, or third-party claim or of any separate issue or of any number of claims, crossclaims, counterclaims, third- party claims, or issues.

What this rule means in plain English

Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.270 — Consolidation; Separate Trials — sets out the procedural requirements for this aspect of Florida civil practice. (a) Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.270 — Consolidation; Separate Trials