https://www.floridabar.org/rules/ctproc/

Rule 7.090 identifies that the initial appearance in a small claims case must be a pretrial conference. This pretrial conference must take place no more than 50 days from the date of filing the small claims action. The pretrial conference may be managed by nonjudicial personnel employed by or under contract with the court. A judge must also be available to hear any motions and resolve any legal issues.