Summary
holding that lower court's sua sponte venue transfer violated due process because parties did not receive notice of court's intention prior to the transfer
Summary of this case from Kunselman v. ScottOpinion
No. 92-2247.
April 9, 1993.
Non-Final Appeal from the Circuit Court for Lake County; Don F. Briggs, Judge.
Maxwell G. Battle, Jr., Dunedin, for appellant.
Michael R. Kercher, of Broad Cassel, Tallahassee, for appellee.
This is an appeal from a sua sponte order transferring this case from Lake County to Leon County, thereby depriving appellant of its chosen venue. We reverse because appellant did not receive notice of the trial court's intention to transfer venue of this action and, therefore, appellant was denied due process of law. Morris-Edge Masonry v. Tonn Blank, Inc., 461 So.2d 1036 (Fla. 4th DCA 1985). See also Bailey v. Treasure, 462 So.2d 537 (Fla. 4th DCA 1985); Ingaglio v. Ennis, 443 So.2d 459 (Fla. 4th DCA 1984); Fla.R.Civ.P. 1.100(b).
On remand a change of venue to Leon County may be proper; however, that issue can be decided only after both parties receive appropriate notice and an opportunity to be heard. Alternatively, any interested party may also consider the appropriateness of an abatement or a stay of these proceedings pursuant to the principles set forth in Lightsey v. Williams, 526 So.2d 764 (Fla. 5th DCA 1988).
REVERSED and REMANDED for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
W. SHARP and THOMPSON, JJ., concur.