Rule 7.160 - FAILURE OF PLAINTIFF OR BOTH PARTIES TO APPEAR(a) Plaintiff. If plaintiff fails to appear on the initial appearance date (pretrial conference), or fails to appear at trial, the action may be dismissed for want of prosecution, defendant may proceed to trial on the merits, or the action may be continued as the judge may direct, subject to rule 7.090(b).(b) Both Parties. If both parties fail to appear on the initial appearance date (pretrial conference), the judge may continue the action or dismiss it for want of prosecution at that time or later as justice requires, subject to rule 7.090(b).Amended by 285 So.3d 896, effective 1/1/2020; amended by 200 So.3d 746, effective 1/1/2017; amended by 785 So.2d 401, effective 1/1/2001.