The Florida Supreme Court has issued a ruling that amends the Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.820, which governs hearing procedures for non-binding arbitration. This decision, filed under docket number SC2026-0040 on November 12, 2026, will significantly change how arbitration decisions are handled in the state. The amendments affect parties involved in arbitration processes, including individuals and businesses seeking resolution through non-binding arbitration.

The court's ruling comes after the Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee proposed changes to the existing rule. The amendments aim to streamline the arbitration process and clarify the requirements for filing arbitration decisions and requests for trial de novo.

Background

The parties involved in this case include the Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee, which initiated the proposed amendments, and various stakeholders who provided comments on the proposal. The committee's report highlighted the need for updates to Rule 1.820 to improve the arbitration process in Florida.

The proposed amendments were published for public comment in The Florida Bar News, where four comments were received. Following these comments, the committee prepared a response, and the court considered the report, comments, and oral arguments before making its decision.

The Ruling

The court ruled to amend Rule 1.820 as proposed by the committee, with some minor modifications. The most notable change is the removal of the requirement that arbitration decisions and accompanying transcripts be filed under seal with the clerk. Instead, arbitrators will now file a notice of service indicating that the arbitration decision has been served on the parties involved.

The court stated, "A party will need only to file a timely request for trial de novo to reject an arbitration decision and proceed to a trial."

Additionally, the court amended subdivision (h)(1) to align more closely with Florida Statutes section 44.103(5). This change simplifies the process for parties wishing to reject an arbitration decision, allowing them to do so without additional language that could create uncertainty.

Impact

The amendments to Rule 1.820 are expected to have a significant impact on how arbitration cases are managed in Florida. By eliminating the requirement for sealing arbitration decisions, the court aims to enhance transparency in the arbitration process. This change allows for easier access to arbitration decisions, which can be beneficial for parties involved in disputes.

Furthermore, the simplified process for rejecting arbitration decisions may encourage more parties to utilize arbitration as a means of dispute resolution. By reducing the complexity involved in rejecting an arbitration decision, the court hopes to streamline the overall arbitration process, making it more efficient for all parties involved.

What's Next

The amendments to Rule 1.820 become effective immediately. There is no indication in the court filing that the ruling can be appealed. However, stakeholders may continue to monitor the impact of these changes on arbitration practices in Florida.