IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO FLORIDA RULES OF GENERAL PRACTICE AND JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION. (2025)

In 2021, Chief Justice Canady issued an administrative order establishing the Workgroup on Judicial Practices in the Trial Court to review the implementation of trial judges’ procedures for practice within their individual courtrooms to determine whether the instructions were accessible, understandable, and consistent with court rules and law. See Fla. Admin. Order No. AOSC21-57. During its review, the Workgroup determined that there was confusion regarding the distinction between local rules and administrative orders. The Court then asked the Local Rule Advisory Committee (LRAC) to review the Workgroup's report and determine whether the rules should be amended to provide clarification.

In response to the Court's referral, the LRAC filed a report proposing amendments to Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.120 (Definitions), 2.140 (Amending Rules of Court), and 2.215 (Trial Court Administration).¹ The Court published the proposal, three comments were received, and the LRAC filed a response which included an updated proposal based on the comments.

We now amend rules 2.120, 2.140, and 2.215. First, we amend the definitions in rule 2.120 to expressly explain that chief judges may issue administrative orders to establish rules of practice or procedure as long as they are not inconsistent with the constitution, court rules, local court rules, or this Court's administrative orders. And the definitions in rule 2.120 are amended to clarify that local court rules address matters required by the Florida Constitution, general law, rules of court, or supreme court opinions to be adopted in local court rules. Next, we amend rule 2.215 to simplify the process for the promulgation of local court rules. Finally, we amend rule 2.140 consistent with our amendments to rule 2.215.

The Court hereby amends the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration as reflected in the appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring; deletions are indicated by struck-through type. The amendments to the rules shall become effective January 1, 2026, at 12:02 a.m.

It is so ordered.

APPENDIX

FOOTNOTES

1.   We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.; see also Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.140(d).

PER CURIAM.

MUÑIZ, C.J., and CANADY, LABARGA, COURIEL, GROSSHANS, FRANCIS, and SASSO, JJ., concur.