Arbitration & Mediation

Florida Supreme Court Amends Rules on Mediator Sanctions & Discipline

By Christopher B. Hopkins, Esq.

The Florida Supreme Court last week amended various criminal, family, and mediator rules. Relative to mediators, the Court revised the appellate process relating to any finding of a violation of the mediator rules.

According to In Re: Amendments to Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, the Chief Justice or designee has jurisdiction to review any finding of a violation (or imposition of sanctions). The Rules of Appellate Procedure apply with a 30-day time period to file a notice of appeal running from the date of the finding. The initial brief is due in 30 days thereafter. Findings are reviewed on a "competent substantive evidence" standard without re-weighing evidence or substituting judgment.

Full post as published by Florida Arbitration Law on October 27, 2008 (boomark / email).