RULE 1.480. MOTION FOR A DIRECTED VERDICT
Rule text current through The Florida Bar’s October 1, 2026 edition of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure (amendments through 2026 WL 2603472). Cox Law, PLLC endeavors to update these pages as rule changes are adopted, but be sure to verify the current rule with the official Florida Bar publication or the Florida Supreme Court before relying on it. Page updated October 12, 2026.
(a) Effect. A party who moves for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence offered by the adverse party may offer evidence in the event the motion is denied without having reserved the right to do so and to the same extent as if the motion had not been made. The denial of a motion for a directed verdict shall not operate to discharge the jury. A motion for a directed verdict shall state the specific grounds therefor. The order directing a verdict is effective without any assent of the jury.
(b) Reservation of Decision on Motion. When a motion for a directed verdict is denied or for any reason is not granted, the court is deemed to have submitted the action to the jury subject to a later determination of the legal questions raised by the motion. Within 15 days after the return of a verdict, a party who has timely moved for a directed verdict may serve a motion to set aside the verdict and any judgment entered thereon and to enter judgment in accordance with the motion for a directed verdict. If a verdict was not returned, a party who has timely moved for a directed verdict may serve a motion for judgment in accordance with the motion for a directed verdict within 15 days after discharge of the jury.
(c) Joined with Motion for New Trial. A motion for a new trial may be joined with this motion or a new trial may be requested in the alternative. If a verdict was returned, the court may allow the judgment to stand or may reopen the judgment and either order a new trial or direct the entry of judgment as if the requested verdict had been directed. If no verdict was returned, the court may direct the entry of judgment as if the requested verdict had been directed or may order a new trial.
Committee Notes
1996 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is amended to clarify that the time limitations in this rule are based on service.
2010 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is amended to conform to 2006 changes to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50(b) eliminating the requirement for renewing at the close of all the evidence a motion for directed verdict already made at the close of an adverse party’s evidence.
2013 Amendment. Subdivision (b) is amended to change the time for service of a motion from 10 to 15 days after the specified event.
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Rule Update: Text verified October 12, 2026 against The Florida Bar’s October 1, 2026 edition of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. Rule 1.480 has not been amended since before 2019.
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