Betancourt v. TJ Hotels, LLC

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA ORLANDO DIVISION RUDOLPH BETANCOURT, Plaintiff, v. Case No: 6:23-cv-468-PGB-LHP TJ HOTELS LLC and GSS 06, INC, Defendants ORDER TO STRIKE This cause comes before the Court sua sponte. Plaintiff instituted this action by complaint filed against Defendants TJ Hotels LLC and GSS 06, Inc on March 14, 2023. Doc. No. 1. On April 10, 2023, Kana Jeyaselvan, appearing pro se, purported to file an answer on behalf of TJ Hotels LLC. Doc. No. 13. However, a limited liability company may only appear and be heard through counsel admitted to practice in this Court. See Local Rule 2.02(b)(2). See also Energy Lighting Mgmt., LLC v. Kinder, 363 F. Supp. 2d 1331, 1332 (M.D. Fla. 2005) (“[L]imited liability companies, like corporations, may appear and be heard only through counsel.” (citation and quotation marks omitted)). It does not appear that Kana Jeyaselvan is a member of the bar of this Court. Therefore, the answer (Doc. No. 13) is hereby STRICKEN. It is ORDERED that TJ Hotels LLC shall have up to and including May 12, 2023 to appear by counsel and answer or otherwise respond to Plaintiff's complaint. If TJ Hotels LLC does not appear by counsel and answer or respond to Plaintiff's complaint by that date, a default may be entered against it. Given the rulings made herein, Plaintiff's Motion for Court to Strike Defendant, TJ Hotels LLC’s “Answer” (Doc. No. 15) is DENIED as moot. DONE and ORDERED in Orlando, Florida on April 13, 2023. LESLIE 3 AN PRICE UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE Copies furnished to: Counsel of Record Unrepresented Parties