What Does A Referral to the General Magistrate Mean? Why would I object to this referral?

I am a local attorney in your state and I can give you an answer. In Florida, we use General Magistrates to hear cases that involve Pro Se litigants to hear evidence to assist the Circuit Court Judges with their ever increasing case loads. If you agree to have a GM hear the evidence in your case, he or she will act with the same authority as the Judge does as far as conducting hearings, but cannot make Final Rulings on the ultimate factors. He/she will weigh the evidence and make a written Report and Recommendations to the Judge in your case and will suggest to the Judge what the Ruling should be. The Judge almost always follows the GM's recommendations. The proceedings are recorded for you electronically, and for a small fee you can get a CD of the hearing. If the GM 'rules' against you, you have 10 days to appeal it to the Judge, and you will have to have a new hearing. You do not have to agree to have your case heard by the GM. If you choose to bypass the GM and go straight to the Judge, you must file a written Objection in a timely manner. The nice thing about having a GM hear your case as a Pro Se litigant is that it is usually more casual and the GMs are trained to work with Pro Se litigants. Good luck to you.

Have to agree with Mr. Williams. You need to consult local counsel.