In re: Amendments to Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530 and 2.540

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida declined to adopt a proposed amendment concerning audiovisual communication technology during depositions and referred that issue to the Civil Procedure Rules Committee. The Court adopted amendments to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540 concerning ADA notice language, font requirements, identification of the ADA Coordinator, and related accommodation procedures. The amendments become effective July 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

Holdings

1. The court declined to adopt the proposed amendment to rule 2.530 at that time and referred the matter to the Civil Procedure Rules Committee for consideration of an amendment to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.310 concerning the use of audiovisual communication technology during depositions.
2. The court adopted the proposed amendments to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540, effective July 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
3. All notices of court proceedings, including orders issued by judges, notices filed by attorneys or parties, and process compelling appearance such as a summons, must include the specified ADA accommodation statement in boldface, 14-point Bookman Old Style or Arial font.
4. The amended rule requires courts to maintain procedures for requesting accommodations and grievance procedures, permits courts to request additional impairment information when a proposed accommodation may fundamentally alter a proceeding, and requires courts to allow service animals as provided by the ADA and Florida law.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Florida should adopt the proposed amendments to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530 concerning communication technology during depositions.
2. Whether the Supreme Court of Florida should adopt the proposed amendments to Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.540 concerning notices, procedures, grievances, and service animals relating to accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Disposition

other