New Florida Supreme Court ADR Order

The Supreme Court of Florida in monitoring and taking measures to address the effects on court operations of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has issued a new order affecting mediators and arbitrators. As the Supreme Court of Florida is the authority to establish standards and procedures for qualifications, certification, conduct, and training for mediators and arbitrators who are appointed pursuant to Florida Statutes, the court has issued an order during this crisis including: -Granting deadline extensions and abating late fee assessments for mediator certification and mediator renewal. -Allowing certified mediation training programs, approved arbitration and approved parenting coordination training programs to be conducted online. -Allowing certified mediators to complete all of their CME requirements in any format including non-live programs. -Granting deadline extensions for approved mediation trainers and certified mediation training program provider renewal applications. -Providing for remote training means instead of physical attendance through the end of the year for mediators and arbitrators. In addition, the Dispute Resolution Center will accept mediator certification applications and mediator renewal materials electronically. Instructions for electronic submission will be sent to individual mediators at the time of renewal notification. Materials can be faxed to 850-922-9290 or emailed to DRCmail@flcourts.org. See full order here-- https://bit.ly/2Xzi09Z

DRC implements new CME reporting / renewal process

Beginning this month, in compliance with the Supreme Court of Florida's efforts to reduce paper and the Dispute Resolution Center's (DRC) initiative to provide efficiencies to increase productivity and reduce processing times for applications and renewals, DRC will no longer be mailing out renewal applications. Mediators who are due for renewal will receive an email notification three (3) months prior to renewal that it is time to renew along with a link to complete a generic downloadable renewal form. The forms will then need to be completed, notarized and mailed to the DRC with appropriate renewal fees and the CME Reporting Form. Any changes in information (address, email, phones, etc.) should be indicated at this time as well. See complete details at - http://flcourts.org/gen_public/adr/RenewalChanges2013.shtml For additional information contact DRC at 850-921-2910 or at DRCMail@flcourts.org

DRC Updates Mediator Renewal Process

The Dispute Resolution Center of the Supreme Court of Florida's Office of the State Courts Administrator (DRC) today put out information regarding a revamped mediator renewal process. Explained as a change complying with the Court's efforts to reduce paper and the DRC's initiative to provide efficiencies to increase productivity and reduce processing times for applications and renewals, beginning in January 2013, the DRC will no longer be mailing out renewal approval notices or providing renewal seals when your mediator certification has been renewed. When your renewal has been approved, it will be reflected on your record on the Florida DRC website at www.flcourts.org and your renewal date will appear as updated through the next two year period. A confirming email that your renewal has been approved will also be sent. Beginning in March 2013, the DRC will no longer be mailing out renewal applications. Mediators who are due for renewal will receive an email notification three months prior to renewal that it is time to renew along with a link to complete a generic downloadable renewal form. The form will then need to be completed, notarized and mailed to the DRC with appropriate renewal fees and the CME Reporting Form. Requirements of CME remain the same.