Fla. S. Ct. Extends Previous Covid Mediator Measures

The Supreme Court of Florida issued an Administrative Order (AO) relating to several Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) items that continue addressing operational issues from the pandemic and allowing for things like mediation training by remote electronic means. The order extends a limited number of provisions that were first authorized in April 2020 and December 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 on the judicial system. Highlights of the order include suspending the Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators by eliminating the required points for mentorship activities through June 30, 2022. According to the Dispute Resolution Center which just advised of this new order, there are few important items to note in the AO: mentoring activities may still be needed for applicants to reach the required points for mediator certification (except for county); extending the ability of parenting coordination training to be conducted online through December 31, 2022; and waiving certain disciplinary requirements for certified mediators and qualified parenting coordinators. See more in AOSC20-24 Amendment 2 here-- https://bit.ly/3qgLaar