The procedural rules applied by Florida courts—like the summary judgment rule—have serious consequences for case outcomes. Previously, rule changes were subject to a lengthy process, typically occurring only once every three years. In this rules case, the Florida Supreme Court sought comment on a proposal to amend the rulemaking process to allow the Florida Bar’s rules committees to propose and the Court to adopt procedural rule changes in a more efficient, timely manner. The Court’s proposed amendments would largely do away with the ponderous, three-year-cycle review process and allow the Bar’s rule committees to propose changes to the Court whenever deemed necessary. The Institute submitted a public comment in support of these changes. On January 28, 2021, the Court formally adopted the streamlined process.
FJRI represented by George Meros of Shutts & Bowen LLP and William W. Large.