CONTINUANCES AND SETTLEMENTS

(a) Continuances. A continuance may be granted only upon good cause shown. The motion for continuance may be oral unless the court requires that it be written. The action shall be set again for trial as soon as practicable and the parties shall be given timely notice. (b) Settlements. Settlements in full or by installment payments made by the parties out of the presence of the court are encouraged. The plaintiff shall notify the clerk of settlement, and the case may be dismissed or continued pending payments. Upon January 1, 2026 Florida Small Claims Rules Page 23 of 68 failure of a party to perform the terms of any stipulation or agreement for settlement of the claim before judgment, the court may enter appropriate judgment without notice upon the creditor’s filing of an affidavit of the amount due. Committee Notes 1984 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is altered to conform with rule 7.210(c), which provides for an affidavit but no notice.