In re: Amendments to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida adopts amendments to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215 concerning trial court administration. The amendments require circuits to publish local rules, administrative orders, and individual judge and divisional practices and procedures on circuit websites, prohibit requiring communication solely by written letter, and require procedures to ensure compliance with law and court rules. The amendments take effect January 1, 2024, at 12:01 a.m.

Holdings

1. The Supreme Court of Florida adopted the proposed amendments to rule 2.215, effective January 1, 2024, at 12:01 a.m.
2. Individual judge and divisional practices and procedures must be published on the applicable circuit's website; administrative orders of a general and continuing nature must also be published there; and circuits must maintain procedures for continuing review to ensure accessibility and consistency with established law and rules of procedure.
3. No judge or division may establish a practice or procedure that requires attorneys or parties to communicate with the court solely by written letter.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Florida should adopt the proposed amendments to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215.
2. What requirements should govern the publication, accessibility, and consistency of individual judge and divisional practices and procedures, local rules, and administrative orders.

Disposition

approved