Answer to requests for admission served with process (defendant)
Under Florida Rule 1.370(a), a defendant served with requests for admission together with the summons and complaint does not have to answer before 45 days after service of process and the initial pleading. Later requests are due in 30 days.
- Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.370(a)
- Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.514
Find your answer date
Requests for admission to a defendant in Florida.
Service of process, or service of the requests if served later.
Holidays and court closures
Core holidays Florida clerks close for are skipped. Circuits set their own extra holidays, so add any closure for your court.
For weather or emergency closures. Check the court's notice to confirm it extends deadlines.
How the deadline is counted
- Skip the service day. Rule 2.514 does not count the day of the event.
- Count 45 days if the requests came with process, or 30 days if served later.
- Add mail time for later requests. Rule 2.514(b) adds 5 days for service by mail. Email service adds nothing.
- Move past closed days. A weekend or legal holiday moves the deadline to the next day the clerk's office is open.
Worked examples
| Example | Served | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Served with process | Mon, Oct 26, 2026 | Thu, Dec 10, 2026 |
| Served later by email | Mon, Oct 26, 2026 | Wed, Nov 25, 2026 |
| Served later by mail | Mon, Oct 26, 2026 | Mon, Nov 30, 2026 |
Unanswered means admitted. Each matter is admitted unless a written answer or objection is served in time. The court may shorten or lengthen the time, and may allow withdrawal or amendment of an admission under Rule 1.370(b).
Common questions
How long does a Florida defendant have to answer requests for admission served with the complaint?
45 days after service of process and the initial pleading, under Rule 1.370(a), unless the court shortens the time.
What about requests served later?
30 days after service, plus 5 days if served by mail.
What happens if I do not answer?
The matters are deemed admitted. You can ask the court for relief under Rule 1.370(b).
Sources
- Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 1.370
- Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, Rule 2.514
Rules last checked October 2026. This calculator does not give legal advice. Confirm the date against the rule and any order in your case.