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).