Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.480

Motion for Directed Verdict

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RULE 1.480. 	MOTION FOR A DIRECTED VERDICT
(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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