Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.625

(a) Presence of Counsel. The Department of Children and

Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice must be

represented by an attorney at every stage of these proceedings when

such department is a party.

(b) Presence of Child. The child shall be present unless the

child’s presence is waived. If the child is present at the beginning of

a hearing and during the progress of the hearing voluntarily

absents himself or herself from the presence of the court without

leave of the court, or is removed from the presence of the court

because of disruptive conduct during the hearing, the hearing shall

not be postponed or delayed, but shall proceed in all respects as if

the child were present in court at all times.

(c) In Camera Proceedings. The child may be examined by

the court outside the presence of other parties under circumstances

as provided by law. The court shall assure that the proceedings are

recorded unless otherwise stipulated by the parties.

(d) Invoking the Rule. Before the examination of any

witness the court may, and on the request of any party shall,

exclude all other witnesses. The court may cause witnesses to be

kept separate and to be prevented from communicating with each

other until all are examined.

(e) Continuances. The court may grant a continuance

before or during a hearing for good cause shown by any party.

(f) Record. A record of the testimony in all hearings shall be

made by an official court reporter, a court-approved stenographer,

or a recording device. The records of testimony shall be preserved

as required by law. Official records of testimony shall be transcribed

only on order of the court.

(g) Notice. Where these rules do not require a specific

notice, all parties will be given reasonable notice of any hearing.

(h) Magistrates. Pursuant to the Florida Rules of Civil

Procedure, both general and special magistrates may be appointed

to hear issues involved in proceedings under this part.