In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating the Florida Bar—Chapter 3

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida adopts, with modifications, amendments to Chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. The amendments revise provisions concerning the Board of Governors, disciplinary measures, waivers of time limits, and grievance committee voting, and become effective February 16, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.

Holdings

1. The court adopted the proposed amendments to rules 3-3.2, 3-5.1, 3-7.2, and 3-7.4, with modifications set forth in the appendix.
2. Rule 3-3.2(b)(2) was amended to use the term "interim probation" for consistency with rule 3-5.2.
3. Rules 3-5.1(a)(5) and (a)(6) were amended to make clear that permanent disbarment and disciplinary revocation without leave to apply for readmission bar a former member from applying for readmission.
4. Rule 3-7.2(l) was amended to permit a respondent to waive the rule's time requirements orally on the record at a hearing before a referee, subject to approval by the referee or the Supreme Court of Florida.
5. Rule 3-7.4(g)(3) was amended to require all grievance committee action to be taken by a majority vote, not merely findings of probable cause and recommendations of guilt.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Florida should adopt the Florida Bar's proposed amendments to Chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
2. What modifications should be made to the proposed amendments concerning interim probation terminology, disciplinary revocation and permanent disbarment, waiver of disciplinary time limits, and grievance committee voting.

Disposition

approved