Title: In Re: Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for Involuntary Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators
Citation: N/A
Docket Number: SC08-998
State: Florida
Issuer: Florida Supreme Court
Date: July 9, 2009

Supreme Court of Florida 
 
 
____________ 
 
No. SC08-998 
____________ 
 
 
IN RE:  FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE FOR INVOLUNTARY 
COMMITMENT OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS. 
 
[July 9, 2009] 
 
LABARGA, J. 
 
This matter is before the Court for consideration of a proposal by the Florida 
Supreme Court Criminal Court Steering Committee (Committee) to adopt the 
Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for Involuntary Commitment of Sexually Violent 
Predators.  The new rules are to be used specifically in proceedings brought under 
Chapter 394, Part V, Involuntary Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators, 
Florida Statutes.  We have jurisdiction.  See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const. 
In Chapter 98-64, Laws of Florida, the Legislature created “The Jimmy Ryce 
Involuntary Civil Commitment for Sexually Violent Predators‟ Treatment and Care 
Act” (Act).1  The Act provides for “the involuntary commitment of persons who 
                                          
 
1.  The Legislature, in Chapter 99-222, Laws of Florida, renumbered 
sections 916.30 through 916.49, Florida Statutes, as sections 394.910 through 
 
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are convicted of sexual offenses and found to be „sexually violent predators.‟”  
Westerheide v. State, 831 So. 2d 93, 97 (Fla. 2002).  A “sexually violent predator,” 
as defined under the Act, is one who has been convicted of a sexually violent 
offense as defined by section 394.912(9), Florida Statutes (2008), and who is likely 
to reoffend due to “mental abnormality” or “personality disorder.”  § 394.912(10), 
Fla. Stat. 
The Court requested that the Committee create a comprehensive set of 
proposed rules to be used in commitment proceedings brought under the Act.  The 
proposals for use in civil commitment proceedings under Chapter 394, Part V, 
submitted by the Committee on May 28, 2008, were drafted using the existing 
rules of civil procedure as a model.  The proposed rules include the following: 
4.010 - Scope and Title of Rules; 4.030 - Nonverification of Pleadings; 4.040 - 
Parties; 4.050 - Commencement of Action/Responsibility of Clerk to Notify 
Presiding Court/Probable Cause Finding; 4.060 - Venue and Transfers of Actions;  
4.070 - Process; 4.080 - Service of Pleadings and Papers; 4.090 - Time; 4.100 - 
Pleadings and Motions; 4.110 - Motions;  4.200 - Appointment of Counsel; 4.220 - 
Adversarial Probable Cause Hearing; 4.240 - Trial Proceedings After Finding of 
Probable Cause; 5 Day Status Hearing; Determination of Counsel for the 
                                                                                                                                        
394.930.  In Chapter 99-222, Section 1, Laws of Florida, the Legislature removed 
reference to “Jimmy Ryce” in the title of the act. 
  
 
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Respondent; Waiver of Time Limitations; 4.260 - Continuance of Trial; 4.280 - 
General Provisions Governing Discovery; 4.310 - Depositions upon Oral 
Examination; 4.330 - Use of Deposition in Court Proceedings; 4.360 - Examination 
of the Respondent; 4.380 - Failure to Make Discovery; Sanctions; 4.390 - 
Depositions of Expert Witnesses; 4.410 - Subpoena; 4.430 - Demand for Jury 
Trial; Waiver; 4.431- Trial by Jury; 4.440 - Rules of Procedure and Evidence; 
4.450 - Appeal; 4.460 - Post Judgment Habeas Corpus; and 4.470 - Post 
Commitment Proceedings. 
The Court adopts the aforementioned rules as proposed except for rules 
4.220, 4.260, 4.310, 4.380, 4.410, and 4.460, which are adopted with modification 
as discussed below, and declines to adopt rules 4.050 and 4.360. 
Rule 4.220, Adversarial Probable Cause Hearing, derives from section 
394.915(2), Florida Statutes (2008), and sets forth various rights held by the 
respondent.  If the State fails to establish probable cause at the adversarial hearing 
to believe that the respondent is a sexually violent predator, the court shall release 
the respondent from custody.  The Court modifies the Committee‟s proposal to 
include the requirement that, in addition to releasing the respondent upon a finding 
that the State failed to meet its burden, the court also enter an order of no probable 
cause. 
 
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As adopted, rule 4.260, Continuance of Trial, tracks the language of section 
394.916(2), Florida Statutes (2008), which provides that  
[t]he trial may be continued once upon the request of either party for 
not more than 120 days upon a showing of good cause, or by the court 
on its own motion in the interests of justice, when the person will not 
be substantially prejudiced.  No additional continuances may be 
granted unless the court finds that a manifest injustice would 
otherwise occur. 
 
The Court declines to dispense with the 120-day presumptive maximum length for 
a continuance, as proposed. 
Rule 4.310, Depositions Upon Oral Examination, tracks rule 1.310.  The 
Committee anticipated by its proposal under rule 4.310(c) that depositions may be 
taken by telephone: 
The officer before whom the deposition is to be taken shall put the 
witness on oath and shall personally, or by someone acting under the 
officer‟s direction, and in the officer‟s presence, record the testimony 
of the witness, except that when a deposition is taken by telephone, 
the witness shall be sworn by a person present with the witness who is 
qualified to administer the oath in that location. 
 
The Court therefore modifies rule 4.310(b)(4) to explicitly permit telephone 
depositions. 
Rule 4.380, Failure to Make Discovery; Sanctions, is modeled after rule 
1.380.  In adopting rule 4.380, the Court clarifies that if the deponent is a party, 
failure to be sworn or to answer a question after being directed to do so by the 
 
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court constitutes a basis for the court to enter an order against the “disobedient 
party.” 
In proposing rule 4.410, Subpoena, the Committee opined that subpoenaing 
of minors does not apply under the Act.  There may be circumstances, however, 
where a child victim could still be a minor at the time of commencement of the 
civil commitment proceedings.  The Court therefore modifies the Committee‟s 
proposal to include the language of rule 1.410(h), Subpoena of Minor. 
Rule 4.460 sets forth the procedure for a respondent under the Act to raise a 
claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in the civil commitment proceedings.  
The rule expressly provides that the habeas petition be filed in the county in which 
the respondent was adjudged a sexually violent predator subject to chapter 394.  
By its terms, the rule does not apply to habeas corpus proceedings brought under 
section 394.9215, Florida Statutes (2008).2  Rule 4.460 is modified to allow a two-
year period for filing a petition for writ of habeas corpus. 
 
Finally, the Court declines to adopt rules 4.050, Commencement of 
Action/Responsibility of Clerk to Notify Presiding Court/Probable Cause Finding,  
and 4.360, Examination of the Respondent. 
                                          
 
2.  Section 394.9215(1)(a) permits the filing of a habeas petition upon 
allegations that the person‟s confinement violates a statutory right under state law 
or a constitutional right under the state or federal constitutions, or that the facility 
in which the person is confined is not an appropriate secure facility, as the term is 
used in section 394.915. 
 
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 Under proposed rule 4.050, Commencement of Action/Responsibility of 
Clerk to Notify Presiding Court/Probable Cause Finding, any action brought under 
the rules for the involuntary commitment of sexually violent predators would be 
deemed commenced when the state attorney files a petition on behalf of the State 
setting forth a cause of action alleging that the respondent is in total confinement 
and is a sexually violent predator and stating sufficient facts to support the 
allegations.  In addition, the respondent would be transferred to a secure facility if 
his or her sentence expires during the time that a petition is pending until 
resolution of the petition.  Finally, the Committee‟s proposal would have included 
a ten-day cure period, giving the state attorney, if a petition is denied as 
insufficient on its face, an opportunity to amend the petition within ten days from 
the date of denial.  The issue of whether a respondent must be in total confinement 
when the petition is filed presents a substantive issue that the Court has not 
conclusively decided, and we decline to do so absent an actual case or controversy.  
Moreover, under the Act, the Legislature did not create a right to cure a deficient 
petition, and we will not do so as a matter of procedure. 
In respect to proposed rule 4.360, section 394.9155(7), Florida Statutes 
(2008), addresses the consequences of a respondent not permitting the State to 
subject him or her to a mental examination.  Section 394.9155 provides in pertinent 
part as follows: 
 
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(7) If the person who is subject to proceedings under this part 
refuses to be interviewed by or fully cooperate with members of the 
multidisciplinary team or any state mental health expert, the court 
may, in its discretion: 
 
 
(a) Order the person to allow members of the multidisciplinary 
team and any state mental health experts to review all mental health 
reports, tests, and evaluations by the person‟s mental health expert or 
experts; or 
 
(b) Prohibit the person‟s mental health experts from testifying 
concerning mental health tests, evaluations, or examinations of the 
person. 
 
§ 394.9155(7), Fla. Stat. (2008). 
 
We thank the Florida Supreme Court Criminal Court Steering Committee 
and its subcommittee (the “Blake” committee) for its hard work and thorough 
recommendations.  We also thank the Florida Association of Criminal Defense 
Lawyers and the various offices of the Public Defender, which provided the Court 
with valuable input. 
Upon consideration of the Committee‟s proposals, the comments filed by the 
interested parties, and the representations made at oral argument in this case, we 
adopt the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for Involuntary Commitment of 
Sexually Violent Predators as set forth in the appendix, which shall become 
effective immediately upon release of this opinion. 
It is so ordered. 
QUINCE, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, CANADY, and POLSTON, JJ., concur. 
PERRY, J., did not participate. 
 
 
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NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION, AND 
IF FILED, DETERMINED. 
 
Original Proceeding – Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 
 
Judge O. H. Eaton, Jr., Chair, Criminal Court Steering Committee, Eighteenth 
Judicial Circuit, Sanford, Florida,  
 
 
for Respondent 
 
Nancy A. Daniels, Public Defender, and Robert S. Friedman, Assistant Public 
Defender, Second Judicial Circuit, Tallahassee, Florida, on behalf of the Public 
Defender‟s Office, Second Judicial Circuit; Michael Ufferman, Chair, FACDL 
Amicus Curiae Committee, Tallahassee, Florida, on behalf of The Florida 
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL); and Bill White, Public 
Defender, and Ann E. Finnell, Assistant Public Defender, Fourth Judicial Circuit, 
Jacksonville, Florida, on behalf of the Fourth Judicial Circuit 
 
 
Responding with comments 
 
 
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APPENDIX 
 
FLORIDA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE FOR INVOLUNTARY 
COMMITMENT OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS 
 
 
RULE 4.010.  
SCOPE AND TITLE OF RULES  
 
These rules shall apply to all civil actions filed in the circuit courts of the 
State of Florida pursuant to part V, chapter 394, Florida Statutes.  These rules shall 
be known as the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for Involuntary Commitment of 
Sexually Violent Predators and abbreviated as Fla. R. Civ. P. – S.V.P. 
 
 
RULE 4.030.  
NONVERIFICATION OF PLEADINGS 
 
Every written pleading or other paper of a party represented by an attorney 
need not be verified or accompanied by an affidavit except when otherwise 
specifically provided by these rules or an applicable statute. 
 
 
RULE 4.040.  
PARTIES 
 
The State of Florida shall be the petitioner in actions brought under these 
rules.  Any person who is alleged to be a sexually violent predator shall be 
designated as the respondent. 
 
 
RULE 4.060.  
VENUE AND TRANSFERS OF ACTIONS 
 
Venue for bringing a petition under Part V, chapter 394, Florida Statutes, 
shall be (1) in the county where the respondent was last charged and convicted of a 
qualifying offense; (2) if the person has never been convicted of a qualifying 
offense in this state but has been convicted of such an offense in another state or in 
federal court, in the county where the person was last convicted of any offense in 
this state; or (3) if the person is being confined in this state pursuant to interstate 
compact and has a prior or current conviction for a sexually violent offense, in the 
county where the person plans to reside upon release or, if no residence in this state 
is planned, in the county where the facility from which the person to be released is 
 
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located.  If it should appear at any time that the action is pending in the wrong 
county it may be transferred by motion of any party or on motion by the court. 
 
 
RULE 4.070.  
PROCESS 
 
 
(a)  Issuance.  The clerk of the court shall issue a summons, a copy of the 
petition, any accompanying affidavits, and a copy of the order finding probable 
cause to the respondent upon receipt of an order finding probable cause signed by a 
circuit judge.  The summons shall direct the respondent to file an answer to the 
petition within ten days after the date of service.  The state attorney shall serve a 
copy of the petition and related documents upon the attorney appointed to 
represent the respondent pursuant to rule 4.080.  The finding of probable cause 
shall not become effective until the summons is returned served and filed with the 
clerk of the court. 
 
 
(b)  Service; By Whom Made.  The state attorney shall electronically 
transmit a copy of the summons, petition, any accompanying affidavits, and the 
order finding probable cause to the person in charge of the facility in which the 
respondent is confined.  The person in charge of the facility shall serve a printed 
copy of the summons, the petition, any accompanying affidavits, and order finding 
probable cause on the respondent within 24 hours after receiving it and before the 
respondent is transferred to a secure facility.  The person in charge of the facility in 
which the respondent is confined shall make a return on the summons within 24 
hours after making service, by electronically confirming to the state attorney that 
service has been made.  The state attorney shall file a printed copy of the return 
with the clerk, along with the summons, on the first business day after receiving it. 
Additional process may be issued as in other civil actions. 
 
 
RULE 4.080.  
SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND PAPERS 
 
 
(a)  Service; When Required.  Unless the court otherwise orders, every 
pleading subsequent to the initial pleading and every other paper filed in the action, 
except applications for a witness subpoena, shall be served on the opposing party. 
  
 
(b)  Service of Subsequent Pleadings Other Than Original Petition; How 
Made.  When service is required or permitted to be made upon a party represented 
by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney unless service upon the 
party is ordered by the court.  Service on the attorney or party shall be made by 
 
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delivering a copy or mailing it to the attorney or the party, or as provided in 
4.070(b).   
 
 
(c)  Service by Electronic Mail.  Service by electronic mail shall be 
permitted if all parties or their counsel file with the clerk of the court a written 
agreement that such service is acceptable.  The agreement shall set forth the 
method of service and provide e-mail addresses or facsimile numbers.  The original 
pleadings shall be filed with the clerk with the counsel‟s attestation of the time of 
electronic service. 
 
 
RULE 4.090.  
TIME 
 
 
(a)  Computation.  In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed 
by these rules, by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act, 
event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run, shall not 
be included.  The last day of the period so computed shall be included unless it is a 
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, in which event the period shall run until the 
end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.  When 
the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than 7 days, intermediate 
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation. 
 
 
(b)  Enlargement.  When an act is required or allowed to be done at or 
within a specified time by order of court, by these rules, or by notice given 
thereunder, for cause shown, the court at any time in its discretion (1) with or 
without notice, may order the period enlarged if request therefor is made before the 
expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order, or 
(2) upon motion made and notice after the expiration of the specified period, may 
permit the act to be done when failure to act was the result of excusable neglect, 
but it may not extend the time for making a motion for new trial, for rehearing, or 
to alter or amend a judgment. 
  
 
RULE 4.100.  
PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS 
 
 
(a)  Pleadings.  There shall be a petition and an answer to it.  The answer 
shall set forth any affirmative defense to the petition, including the failure of the 
petition to state a cause of action.  No other pleadings shall be allowed.  All 
pleadings shall comply with the rules governing pleadings in other civil actions. 
(Rules 1.100 and 1.110, Fla. R. Civ. P.)  
 
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(b)  Motions.  An application to the court for an order shall be by motion 
which shall be made in writing unless made during a hearing or trial, shall state 
with particularity the grounds therefor, and shall set forth the relief or order sought.  
The requirement of writing is fulfilled if the motion is stated in a written notice of 
the hearing of the motion.  All notices of hearing shall specify each motion or other 
matter to be heard. 
 
 
(c)  Caption.  Every pleading, motion, order, judgment, or other paper shall 
have a caption containing the name of the court, the uniform case number, the 
name of the party on each side, and a designation identifying the party filing it and 
its nature or the nature of the order, as the case may be.  All papers filed in the 
action shall be styled in such a manner as to indicate clearly the subject matter of 
the paper and the party requesting or obtaining relief. 
 
 
RULE 4.110. 
 MOTIONS 
 
 
(a)  Motion for Summary Judgment.  After the pleadings and discovery 
are closed, but within such time as not to delay the trial, any party may move for 
summary judgment.  Summary judgment practice shall be governed by Fla. R. Civ. 
P. 1.510. 
 
 
(b)  Motions to Dismiss.  Motions directed to the sufficiency of the petition 
shall be contained in the answer as an affirmative defense.  
 
 
(c)  Motion for More Definite Statement.  A respondent may file a motion 
for a more definite statement which shall be considered a motion for a statement of 
particulars in response to the original petition.  The motion shall disclose the 
defects in the petition. 
 
 
RULE 4.200. 
APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL 
 
 
(a)  Appointment of Attorney.  The presiding judge shall appoint an 
attorney to represent the respondent at the time an order finding probable cause is 
entered.  The appointment shall continue until the court determines whether the 
respondent is not entitled to court appointed counsel, private counsel represents the 
respondent, or the respondent waives the right to counsel.  Stand-by counsel may 
be appointed if the respondent waives the right to counsel. 
 
 
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(b)  Waiver of Counsel.  The court shall conduct a thorough inquiry as set 
forth in Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 406 (1975), in the event the respondent  
requests self representation, and shall consider appointment of stand-by counsel if 
the respondent proceeds unrepresented. 
 
 
RULE 4.220.  
ADVERSARIAL PROBABLE CAUSE HEARING 
 
 
(a)  An adversarial probable cause hearing shall be held, within 5 days after 
service of a demand upon the petitioner, if the court determines that the failure to 
begin a trial in accordance with the time provided in rule 4.240(a) is not the result 
of any delay caused by the respondent and the time limitation to begin the hearing 
has not been waived.  The respondent may waive the adversarial probable cause 
hearing in writing or on the record in open court. 
 
 
(b)  An adversarial probable cause hearing shall be held, within 5 days after 
service of a demand upon the petitioner, if the respondent‟s incarcerative sentence 
has expired and the respondent has been transferred to the custody of the 
Department of Children and Family Services. 
  
 
(c)  The court shall receive evidence, hear argument of the attorneys, and 
determine whether probable cause exists to believe that the person is a sexually 
violent predator at the adversarial probable cause hearing. 
 
 
(d)  At the adversarial probable cause hearing, the respondent has the right 
to: 
 
  
(1)  be represented by counsel; 
 
  
(2)  present testimony and other evidence; 
 
  
(3)  cross-examine any witnesses who testify against the respondent; 
and 
 
  
(4)  view and copy all petitions and reports in the court file. 
 
 
(e)  The court shall issue an Order of No Probable Cause and release the 
respondent from custody if the evidence does not establish probable cause to 
believe the respondent is a sexually violent predator. 
 
 
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RULE 4.240. 
TRIAL PROCEEDINGS AFTER FINDING OF 
PROBABLE CAUSE; 5 DAY STATUS HEARING; 
DETERMINATION OF COUNSEL FOR THE 
RESPONDENT; WAIVER OF TIME LIMITATIONS 
 
 
(a)  The court shall conduct a status hearing within 5 days after the summons 
is served.  At the hearing, the court shall determine if the respondent is entitled to 
court appointed counsel, and appoint counsel if the respondent requests it.  The 
respondent shall be given a reasonable time to obtain private counsel if time is 
requested for that purpose.  A Faretta inquiry shall be conducted if the respondent 
elects self representation.  The trial to determine if the respondent is a sexually 
violent predator shall be commenced within 30 days after the summons has been 
returned served and filed with the clerk of the court, unless the respondent waives 
the 30 day time period in writing, with a copy to the assigned judge, or on the 
record in open court.  The court shall set a trial date not less than 90 days after the 
date of the waiver of the 30 day period.  Further continuances shall be allowed 
only on good cause shown.  A future trial date shall be set if a further continuance 
is allowed. 
 
 
(b)  The trial shall be to the court without a jury unless the state attorney or 
the respondent files a demand for jury trial in accordance with rule 4.430. 
 
 
(c)  The burden of proof for the judge or jury to determine if the respondent 
is a sexually violent predator is clear and convincing evidence. 
 
 
(d)  The court shall enter final judgment for the petitioner if the jury 
unanimously finds the respondent to be a sexually violent predator. 
 
 
(e)  The court shall declare a mistrial if the jury cannot reach a unanimous 
verdict.  The court shall poll the jury before it is discharged to determine if at least 
four jurors would have found the respondent to be a sexually violent predator. 
 
 
 
(1) A re-trial shall be scheduled if at least four jurors would have 
found the respondent to be a sexually violent predator.  The re-trial on the petition 
must commence within 90 days after the date of the mistrial, unless the case is 
continued at the request of the respondent for good cause.  The court shall enter 
final judgment for the respondent if the re-trial is not commenced within 90 days 
from the date of the mistrial unless the respondent has waived the time limit by 
receiving a continuance.  
 
 
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(2)  If three or more jurors do not find that the respondent is a sexually 
violent predator, the court shall enter a final judgment in favor of the respondent. 
 
 
RULE 4.260. 
CONTINUANCE OF TRIAL 
 
 
 
A motion for continuance by either party shall be in writing unless made in a 
hearing in open court and shall be signed by the party or attorney requesting the 
continuance.  The motion shall state all of the facts that the movant contends 
entitles the movant to a continuance.  If a continuance is sought on the ground of 
non-availability of a witness, the motion must show when the witness will be 
available.  The trial may be continued once upon the request of either party for not 
more than 120 days upon a showing of good cause, or by the court on its own 
motion in the interests of justice, when the person will not be substantially 
prejudiced.  No additional continuances may be granted unless the court finds that 
a manifest injustice would otherwise occur.  Continuances should only be ordered 
upon a showing of good cause.  A motion for continuance on behalf of the 
respondent shall state that the respondent has been advised of all consequences of 
the request and of any rights waived by the motion. 
 
 
RULE 4.280. 
GENERAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISCOVERY 
 
 
(a)  Discovery methods.  Parties may obtain discovery by one or more of 
the following methods: depositions upon oral examination; production of 
documents or things for inspection and other purposes; and physical and mental 
examinations.  
 
 
(b)  Scope of Discovery.  Unless otherwise limited by order of the court in 
accordance with these rules, the scope of discovery is as follows: 
 
 
 
(1)  In General.  Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, 
not privileged, that is relevant to the subject matter of the pending action, whether 
it relates to the claim or defense of the party seeking discovery, including the 
existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, 
documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having 
knowledge of any discoverable matter.  It is not ground for objection that the 
information sought will be inadmissible at the trial if the information sought 
appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.  
 
 
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(2)  Trial Preparation: Materials.  Subject to the provisions of 
subdivision (b)(1) of this rule, a party may obtain discovery of documents and 
tangible things otherwise discoverable under subdivision (b)(1) of this rule and 
prepared in anticipation of litigation for trial only upon a showing that the party 
seeking discovery has need of the materials in the preparation of the case and is 
unable without undue hardship to obtain the substantial equivalent of the materials 
by other means.  In ordering discovery of the materials when the required showing 
has been made, the court shall protect against disclosure of the mental impressions, 
conclusions, opinions, or legal theories of an attorney or other representative of a 
party concerning the litigation.  
 
 
 
(3)  Trial Preparation.   
 
 
 
 
(A)(i)  The state attorney bringing the action shall disclose the 
names and addresses of all witnesses to be called by the petitioner to testify at trial 
at the time of the filing of the petition.  The respondent shall disclose the names 
and addresses of all witnesses to be called by the respondent at trial at the time of 
filing the answer to the petition.  The list of witnesses may be amended without 
leave of court until ten days prior to trial.  Thereafter, the witness lists may be 
amended by leave of court. 
 
 
 
 
 
     (ii)  The witness list shall include the names and addresses 
of expert witnesses.  A copy of all reports made by experts shall be disclosed as 
soon as they are received.  An expert may be required to produce financial and 
business records only under the most unusual or compelling circumstances and 
may not be compelled to compile or produce nonexistent documents.  Upon 
motion, the court may order further discovery by other means, subject to such 
restrictions as to scope and other provisions pursuant to subdivision (b)(1) of this 
rule concerning fees and expenses as the court may deem appropriate. 
 
 
 
 
     (iii)  The state attorney shall provide the respondent with 
copies of case reports, depositions, witness statements and other records regarding 
the respondent‟s prior criminal history and confinement, and any other document 
or material reviewed and relied upon by the multidisciplinary team in evaluating 
the respondent, within ten days after the summons has been returned served and 
filed with the clerk of the court. 
 
 
 
(B) A party may discover facts known or opinions held by an 
expert who has been retained or specially employed by another party in 
anticipation of litigation or preparation for trial, and who is not expected to be 
 
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called as a witness at trial, only upon a showing of exceptional circumstances 
under which it is impracticable for the party seeking discovery to obtain facts or 
opinions on the same subject by other means. 
 
 
 
(C) Expert witnesses shall be paid a reasonable fee for time 
spent responding to discovery under subdivision (b)(3)(A) and (b)(3)(B) of this 
rule unless a manifest injustice would result.  Respondents who are not indigent 
may be required to pay for discovery obtained under (b)(3)(A) and shall be 
responsible for discovery obtained under (b)(3)(B).  The state attorney and indigent 
respondents shall apply for compensation for experts in the manner prescribed by 
law. 
 
 
 
(4)  Claims of Privilege or Protection of Trial Preparation 
Materials.  When a party withholds information otherwise discoverable under 
these rules by claiming that it is privileged or subject to protection as trial 
preparation material, the party shall make the claim expressly and shall describe 
the nature of the documents, communications, or things not produced or disclosed 
in a manner that, without revealing information itself privileged or protected, will 
enable other parties to assess the applicability of the privilege or protection.  
Attorney work product claims and preparation for trial privilege claims shall be 
allowed.   
 
 
(c)  Protective Orders.  Upon motion by a party, or by the person from 
whom discovery is sought, and for good cause shown, the court may make any 
order to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or 
undue burden or expense that justice requires, including one or more of the 
following:  
 
 
 
(1)  the discovery not be had;  
 
 
 
(2)  the discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, 
including a designation of the time or place;  
 
 
 
(3)  the discovery may be had only by a method of discovery other 
than that selected by the party seeking discovery;  
 
 
 
(4)  certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of the 
discovery be limited to certain matters;  
 
 
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(5)  the discovery be conducted with no one present except persons 
designated by the court;  
 
 
 
(6)  a deposition after being sealed be opened only by order of the 
court; and 
 
 
 
(7)  the parties simultaneously file specified documents or information 
enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the court.  If the motion 
for a protective order is denied in whole or in part, the court may, on such terms 
and conditions as are just, order that any party or person provide or permit 
discovery.  
 
 
(d)  Sequence and Timing of Discovery.  Except as provided in subdivision 
(b)(1) or unless the court upon motion for the convenience of parties and witnesses 
and in the interest of justice orders otherwise, methods of discovery may be used in 
any sequence, and the fact that a party is conducting discovery, whether by 
deposition or otherwise, shall not delay any other party‟s discovery. 
 
(e)  Supplementing of Responses.  A party who has responded to a request 
for discovery with a response that was complete when made is under a continuing 
duty to supplement the response to include information thereafter acquired.  This 
provision shall apply to the reciprocal discovery obligation of the petitioner and the 
respondent to reveal witnesses‟ names and addresses on a continuing basis.  The 
court shall inquire into all claims of failure to disclose and rule appropriately as to 
duties to disclose and as to sanctions.   
 
 
RULE 4.310.  
DEPOSITIONS UPON ORAL EXAMINATION 
 
 
(a)  When Depositions May Be Taken.  Any party may take the testimony 
of any person, including the respondent, by deposition upon oral examination after 
the action is commenced.  The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by 
subpoena as provided in Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.410.  The deposition of a person in 
custody, except the respondent, may be taken only by leave of court on such terms 
as the court prescribes. 
 
 
(b)  Notice; Method of Taking; Production at Deposition. 
 
 
 
 
(1)  A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon oral 
examination shall give reasonable notice in writing to every party to the action.  
 
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The notice shall state the time and place for taking the deposition and the name and 
address of each person to be examined.  If a subpoena duces tecum is to be served 
on the person to be examined, the designation of the materials to be produced 
under the subpoena shall be attached to or included in the notice. 
 
 
(2)  For cause shown, the court may enlarge or shorten the time for 
taking the deposition. 
 
 
(3)  Any deposition may be recorded by videotape without leave of 
the court or stipulation of the parties, provided the deposition is taken in 
accordance with this subdivision. 
 
        (4)  On motion the court may order that the testimony at a deposition be 
taken by telephone.  The order may prescribe the manner in which the deposition 
will be taken.  A party may also arrange for a stenographic transcription at that 
party‟s own initial expense. 
 
 
 
 
(A)  Notice.  A party intending to videotape a deposition shall 
state in the notice that the deposition is to be videotaped and shall give the name 
and address of the operator. 
 
 
 
(B)  Stenographer.  Videotaped depositions shall also be  
recorded stenographically, unless all parties agree otherwise. 
 
 
 
 
(C)  Procedure.  At the beginning of the deposition, the officer 
before whom it is taken shall, on camera: (i) identify the style of the action, (ii) 
state the date, and (iii) swear the witness. 
 
 
 
(D)  Custody of Tape and Copies.  The attorney for the party 
requesting the videotaping of the deposition shall take custody of and be 
responsible for the safeguarding of the videotape, shall permit the viewing of it by 
the opposing party, and, if requested, shall provide a copy of the videotape at the 
expense of the party requesting the copy.  
 
 
 
 
(E)  Cost of Videotaped Depositions. The party requesting the 
videotaping shall bear the initial cost of videotaping. 
 
 
(c)  Examination and Cross-Examination; Record of Examination; 
Oath; Objections.  Examination and cross-examination of witnesses may proceed 
as permitted at trial.  The officer before whom the deposition is to be taken shall 
 
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put the witness on oath and shall personally, or by someone acting under the 
officer‟s direction, and in the officer‟s presence, record the testimony of the 
witness, except that when a deposition is taken by telephone, the witness shall be 
sworn by a person present with the witness who is qualified to administer the oath 
in that location.  The testimony shall be taken stenographically or recorded by any 
means ordered in accordance with subdivision (b).  If requested by one of the 
parties, the testimony shall be transcribed at the initial cost of the requesting party 
and prompt notice of the request shall be given to all other parties.  All objections 
made at the time of the examination to the qualifications of the officer taking the 
deposition, the manner of taking it, the evidence presented, or the conduct of any 
party, and any other objection to the proceedings shall be noted by the officer upon 
the deposition.  Any objection during a deposition shall be stated concisely and in a 
non-argumentative and non-suggestive manner.  A party may instruct a deponent 
not to answer only when necessary to preserve a privilege, to enforce a limitation 
on evidence directed by the court, or to present a motion under subdivision (d).  
Otherwise, evidence objected to shall be taken subject to the objections. 
 
(d)  Motion to Terminate or Limit Examination.  At any time during the 
taking of the deposition, on motion of a party or of the deponent and upon a 
showing that the examination is being conducted in bad faith or in such manner as 
unreasonably to annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, or that 
objection and instruction to a deponent not to answer are being made in violation 
of rule 4.310(c), the court in which the action is pending or the circuit court where 
the deposition is being taken may order the officer conducting the examination to 
cease forthwith from taking the deposition or may limit the scope and manner of 
the taking of the deposition under rule 4.280(c).  If the order terminates the 
examination, it shall be resumed thereafter only upon the order of the court in 
which the action is pending.  Upon demand of any party or the deponent, the taking 
of the deposition shall be suspended for the time necessary to make a motion for an 
order.   
 
 
(e)  Witness Review.  A transcript of the testimony shall be furnished to the 
witness for examination and shall be read to or by the witness unless the witness 
cannot be found or the examination and reading are waived by the witness and the 
parties.  Any changes in form or substance that the witness wants to make shall be 
listed in writing by the officer with a statement of the reasons given by the witness 
for making the changes.  The changes shall be attached to the transcript.  It shall 
then be signed by the witness unless the parties waived the signing or the witness 
refuses to sign.  Transcripts that are not signed by the witness after being made 
available for a reasonable time shall be signed by the officer, who shall state on the 
 
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transcript the reason why the witness did not sign it, such as waiver, illness, 
absence, or refusal to sign.  The deposition may then be used as fully as though 
signed unless a motion to suppress the deposition, or part of it, is made with 
reasonable promptness after the defect is, or with due diligence might have been, 
discovered and the court holds that the reasons given for the refusal to sign require 
rejection of the deposition wholly or partly.   
 
 
 
(f)  Filing; Exhibits.   
 
 
 
(1)  If the deposition is transcribed, the officer shall certify on each 
copy of the deposition that the witness was duly sworn by the officer and that the 
deposition is a true record of the testimony given by the witness.  Documents and 
things produced for inspection during the deposition shall be marked for 
identification and annexed to and returned with the deposition upon the request of 
a party, and may be inspected and copied by any party except that the person 
producing the materials may substitute copies to be marked for identification if that 
person affords to all parties fair opportunity to verify the copies by comparison 
with the originals.  If the person producing the materials requests their return, the 
officer shall mark them, give each party an opportunity to inspect and copy them, 
and return them to the person producing them and the materials may then be used 
in the same manner as if annexed to and returned with the deposition. 
 
 
 
(2)  The officer shall furnish a copy of the deposition to any party, or 
to the deponent, upon payment of reasonable charges.  The cost of transcripts 
ordered by the state attorney or an indigent respondent shall be paid in the manner 
prescribed by law. 
 
 
 
(3)  A copy of a deposition may be filed only under the following 
circumstances: 
 
 
 
 
(A)  It may be filed by a party or the witness when the contents 
of the deposition must be considered by the court on any matter pending before the 
court.  Prompt notice of the filing on the deposition shall be given to all parties 
unless notice is waived.  A party filing the deposition shall furnish a copy of the 
deposition or the part being filed to other parties unless the party already has a 
copy. 
 
 
 
 
(B)   The court may order a copy of the deposition be filed by 
any party if the deposition is necessary to decide a matter pending before the court.   
 
 
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(g)  Obtaining Copies. A party or witness who does not have a copy of the 
deposition may obtain it from the officer taking the deposition unless the court 
orders otherwise.  If the deposition is obtained from a person other than the officer, 
the reasonable cost of reproducing the copies shall be paid to the person by the 
requesting party or witness. 
 
 
RULE 4.330. 
USE OF DEPOSITION IN COURT PROCEEDINGS 
 
 
(a)  Use of Depositions.  At the trial or upon the hearing of a motion or an 
interlocutory proceeding, any part or all of a deposition may be used against any 
party who was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had 
reasonable notice of it so far as admissible under the rules of evidence applied as 
though the witness were then present and testifying in accordance with any of the 
following provisions: 
   
 
 
(1)  Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of 
contradicting or impeaching the testimony of the deponent as a witness or for any 
purpose permitted by the Florida Evidence Code. 
 
 
 
(2)  The deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be used 
by any party for any purpose if the court finds:  
 
 
 
 
(A)  the witness is dead;  
 
 
 
 
(B)  the witness is at a greater distance than 100 miles from the 
place of trial or hearing, or is out of the state, unless it appears that the absence of 
the witness was procured by the party offering the deposition;  
 
 
 
 
(C) the witness is unable to attend or testify because of age, 
illness, infirmity, or imprisonment; 
 
 
 
 
(D) the party offering the deposition has been unable to procure 
the attendance of the witness by subpoena; 
 
 
 
 
(E) upon application and notice, that such exceptional 
circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the interest of justice and with due 
regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses orally in open 
court, to allow the deposition to be used; or  
 
 
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(F)  the witness is an expert or skilled witness. 
 
 
 
(3)  If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, an 
adverse party may require the party to introduce any other part that in fairness 
ought to be considered with the part introduced, and any party may introduce any 
other parts. 
 
 
(b)  Objections to Admissibility.  Subject to the provisions of rule 4.310(c), 
objection may be made at the trial or hearing to receiving in evidence any 
deposition or part of it for any reason that would require the exclusion of the 
evidence if the witness were then present and testifying. 
 
 
(c)  Effect of Taking or Using Depositions.  A party does not make a 
person the party‟s own witness for any purpose by taking the person‟s deposition. 
The introduction in evidence of the deposition or any part of it for any purpose 
other than that of contradicting or impeaching the deponent makes the deponent 
the witness of the party introducing the deposition, but this shall not apply to the 
use by an adverse party of a deposition under subdivision (a) of this rule.  At the 
trial or hearing any party may rebut any relevant evidence contained in a 
deposition whether introduced by that party or by any other party. 
 
 
(d)  Effect of Errors and Irregularities.   
 
 
 
(1)  As to Notice.  All errors and irregularities in the notice for taking 
deposition are waived unless a written objection is promptly served upon the party 
giving the notice.   
 
 
 
(2) As to Disqualification of Officer.  Objection to taking a 
deposition because of disqualification of the officer before whom it is to be taken 
is waived unless the objection is made before the taking of the deposition begins or 
as soon thereafter as the disqualification becomes known or could be discovered 
with reasonable diligence. 
 
 
RULE 4.380.  
FAILURE TO MAKE DISCOVERY; SANCTIONS 
 
 (a)  Motion for Order Compelling Discovery.  A party may apply for an 
order compelling discovery upon reasonable notice to the other party and all 
persons affected, as follows: 
 
 
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(1)  Motion.  If a deponent fails to answer a question propounded or 
submitted under rule 4.310, fails to respond that the examination will be permitted 
as requested, or fails to submit to or to produce a person in that party‟s custody or 
legal control for examination, the discovering party may move for an order 
compelling an answer, or a designation or an order compelling inspection, or an 
order compelling an examination in accordance with the request.  The motion must 
include a certification that the movant, in good faith, has conferred or attempted to 
confer with the person or party failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure 
the information or material without court action.  When taking a deposition on oral 
examination, the proponent of the question may complete or adjourn the 
examination before applying for an order.  If the court denies the motion in whole 
or in part, it may make such protective order as it would have been empowered to 
make on a motion made pursuant to rule 4.280(c). 
 
 
 
(2)  Evasive or Incomplete Answer.  For purposes of this subdivision 
an evasive or incomplete answer shall be treated as a failure to answer. 
 
 
(b)  Failure to Comply with Order. 
 
 
 
If a deponent fails to be sworn or to answer a question after being 
directed to do so by the court, the failure may be considered a contempt of the 
court, or, if the deponent is a party, the court may enter any of the following 
orders: 
 
 
 
(1)  an order that the matters regarding which the questions were 
asked or any other designated facts shall be taken to be established for the purposes 
of the action in accordance with the claim of the party obtaining the order; 
 
 
 
(2)  an order refusing to allow the disobedient party to support or 
oppose designated claims or defenses, or prohibiting that party from introducing 
designated matters in evidence; 
 
 
 
(3)  an order striking out pleadings or parts of them or staying further 
proceedings until the order is obeyed, or dismissing the action or proceeding or any 
part of it, or rendering a judgment by default against the disobedient party; 
 
 
 
(4)  instead of any of the foregoing orders or in addition to them, an 
order treating as a contempt of court the failure to obey any orders except an order 
to submit to an examination made pursuant to rule 4.360(b)(2); or 
 
 
- 25 - 
 
 
(5)  an order imposing the sanctions listed in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) 
of this subdivision if the respondent fails to submit to an examination as ordered. 
 
 
RULE 4.390. 
DEPOSITIONS OF EXPERT WITNESSES 
 
 
(a)  Definition.  The term “expert witness” as used herein applies 
exclusively to a person duly and regularly engaged in the practice of a profession 
who holds a professional degree from a university or college and has had special 
professional training and experience, or one possessed of special knowledge or 
skill about the subject upon which called to testify. 
 
 
(b)  Procedure.  The testimony of an expert or skilled witness may be taken 
at any time before the trial in accordance with the rules for taking depositions and 
may be used at trial, regardless of the place of residence of the witness or whether 
the witness is within the distance prescribed by rule 4.330(a)(2)(B).  No special 
form of notice need be given that the deposition will be used for trial. 
 
 
(c)  Fee.  An expert or skilled witness whose deposition is taken shall be 
allowed a witness fee in such reasonable amount as the court may determine.  The 
court shall also determine a reasonable time within which payment must be made, 
if the deponent and party cannot agree.  All parties and the deponent shall be 
served with notice of any hearing to determine the fee.  
 
 
(d)  Applicability.  Nothing in this rule shall prevent the taking of any 
deposition as otherwise provided by law. 
 
 
RULE 4.410.  
SUBPOENA 
 
 
(a)  Subpoena Generally.  Subpoenas for testimony before the court, 
subpoenas for production of tangible evidence, and subpoenas for taking 
depositions may be issued by the clerk of court or by any attorney of record in an 
action. 
 
 
(b)  Subpoena for Testimony before the Court.  Every subpoena for 
testimony before the court shall be issued by an attorney of record in an action or 
by the clerk under the seal of the court and shall state the name of the court and the 
title of the action and shall command each person to whom it is directed to attend 
and give testimony at a time and place specified in it.  On oral request of an 
 
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attorney or party and without praecipe, the clerk shall issue a subpoena for 
testimony before the court or a subpoena for the production of documentary 
evidence before the court signed and sealed but otherwise in blank, both as to the 
title of the action and the name of the person to whom it is directed, and the 
subpoena shall be filled in before service by the attorney or party. 
 
 
(c)  For Production of Documentary Evidence.  A subpoena may also 
command the person to whom it is directed to produce the books, papers, 
documents, or tangible things designated therein, but the court, upon motion made 
promptly and in any event at or before the time specified in the subpoena for 
compliance therewith, may: 
 
 
 
(1)  quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable and 
oppressive, or 
 
 
 
(2)  condition denial of the motion upon the advancement by the 
person in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable cost of producing 
the books, papers, documents, or tangible things.  A party seeking production of 
evidence at trial which would be subject to a subpoena may compel such 
production by serving a notice to produce such evidence on an adverse party as 
provided in rule 4.070(b).  Such notice shall have the same effect and be subject to 
the same limitations as a subpoena served on the party. 
 
 
(d)  Service.  A subpoena may be served by any person authorized by law to 
serve process or by any other person who is not a party and who is not less than 18 
years of age.  Service of a subpoena upon a person named therein shall be made as 
provided by law.  Proof of such service shall be made by affidavit of the person 
making service if not served by an officer authorized by law to do so. 
 
 
(e)  Subpoena for Taking Depositions. 
 
 
 
(1)  Filing a notice to take a deposition as provided in rule 4.310(b) 
with a certificate of service on it showing service on all parties to the action 
constitutes an authorization for the issuance of subpoenas for the persons named or 
described in the notice by the clerk of the court in which the action is pending or 
by an attorney of record in the action.  The subpoena may command the person to 
whom it is directed to produce designated books, papers, documents, or tangible 
things that constitute or contain evidence relating to any of the matters within the 
scope of the examination permitted by rule 4.280(b), but in that event the subpoena 
will be subject to the provisions of rule 4.280(c) and subdivision (c) of this rule. 
 
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Within 10 days after its service, or on or before the time specified in the subpoena 
for compliance if the time is less than 10 days after service, the person to whom the 
subpoena is directed may serve written objection to inspection or copying of any of 
the designated materials.  If objection is made, the party serving the subpoena shall 
not be entitled to inspect and copy the materials except pursuant to an order of the 
court from which the subpoena was issued.  If objection has been made, the party 
serving the subpoena may move for an order at any time before or during the 
taking of the deposition upon notice to the deponent. 
 
 
 
(2)  A person may be required to attend an examination only in the 
county wherein the person resides or is employed or transacts business in person or 
at such other convenient place as may be fixed by an order of court. 
 
 
(f)  Contempt.  Failure by any person without adequate excuse to obey a 
subpoena served upon that person may be deemed contempt of the court from 
which the subpoena issued. 
 
(g) Subpoena of Minor.  Any minor subpoenaed for testimony shall have 
the right to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during the taking 
of testimony notwithstanding the invocation of the rule of sequestration of section 
90.616, Florida Statutes, except upon a showing that the presence of a parent or 
guardian is likely to have a material, negative impact on the credibility or accuracy 
of the minor‟s testimony, or that the interests of the parent or guardian are in actual 
or potential conflict with the interests of the minor. 
 
 
RULE 4.430.  
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL; WAIVER 
 
 
(a) Right Preserved.  The right of trial by jury as declared by the 
constitution or by statute shall be preserved to the parties inviolate. 
 
 
(b) Waiver of Jury Trial; Demand.  The trial shall be before the court 
without a jury unless the petitioner files a demand for jury trial with the petition or 
the respondent files such a demand with the answer. 
 
 
(c)  Late Demand for Jury Trial.  If waived, a jury trial may not be granted 
without the consent of the parties, but the court may allow an amendment in the 
proceedings to demand a trial by jury or order a trial by jury on its own motion.      
 
 
 
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RULE 4.431.  
TRIAL BY JURY 
 
 
(a)  Number of Jurors. 
 
 
 
(1) The jury shall be composed of six persons. 
 
 
 
(2)  The court may direct that 1 or more jurors be impaneled to sit as 
alternate jurors in addition to the regular panel.  Alternate jurors shall replace 
jurors who have become unable or disqualified to perform their duties, in the order 
in which they are called, before the jury retires to consider its verdict.  Alternate 
jurors shall be drawn in the same manner, have the same qualifications, be subject 
to the same examination, take the same oath, and have the same functions, powers, 
facilities, and privileges as principal jurors.  An alternate juror who does not 
replace a principal juror shall be discharged when the jury retires to consider the 
verdict. 
 
 
 
(3)  If alternate jurors are called, each party shall be entitled to one 
peremptory challenge in the selection of each alternate juror.  Additional 
peremptory challenges allowed pursuant to this subdivision may be used only 
against the alternate jurors.  The peremptory challenges allowed pursuant to 
subdivision (d) of this rule shall not be used against the alternate jurors. 
 
 
(b)  Questionnaire. The circuit court may require prospective jurors to 
complete a questionnaire in the form approved by the Supreme Court of Florida to 
assist in selecting prospective jurors.  The questionnaire shall be used after the 
names of jurors have been selected as provided by law but before certification and 
the placing of the names of prospective jurors in the jury box.  
 
 
(c)  Examination by Parties.  The parties have the right to examine jurors 
orally on their voir dire.  The order in which the parties may examine each juror 
shall be determined by the court.  The court may ask such questions of the jurors as 
it deems necessary, but the right of the parties to conduct a reasonable examination 
of each juror orally shall be preserved.  
 
 
(d)  Juror List.  Upon request, any party shall be furnished by the clerk of 
the court with a list containing names and addresses of prospective jurors 
summoned to try the case together with copies of all jury questionnaires returned 
by the prospective jurors. 
 
 
- 29 - 
 
(e)  Challenge to the Panel.  The state or defendant may challenge the 
panel.  A challenge to the panel may be made only on the ground that the 
prospective jurors were not selected or drawn according to law.  Challenges to the 
panel shall be made and decided before any individual juror is examined, unless 
otherwise ordered by the court.  A challenge to the panel shall be in writing and 
shall specify the facts constituting the ground of the challenge.  Challenges to the 
panel shall be tried by the court.  Upon the trial of a challenge to the panel the 
witnesses may be examined on oath by the court and may be so examined by either 
party.  If the challenge to the panel is sustained, the court shall discharge the panel. 
If the challenge is not sustained, the individual jurors shall be called. 
 
 
(f) Oath for Voir Dire.  The prospective jurors shall be sworn collectively 
or individually, as the court may decide.  The form of oath shall be as follows: 
 
“Do your solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will answer 
truthfully all questions asked of you as prospective 
jurors, so help you God?” 
 
If any prospective juror affirms, the clause “so help you God” shall be omitted. 
 
 
(g) Examination.  The court may then examine each prospective juror 
individually or may examine the prospective jurors collectively.  Counsel for both 
the state and defendant shall have the right to examine jurors orally on their voir 
dire.  The order in which the parties may examine each juror shall be determined 
by the court. The right of the parties to conduct an examination of each juror orally 
shall be preserved. 
 
 
(h) Prospective Jurors Excused.  If, after the examination of any 
prospective juror, the court is of the opinion that the juror is not qualified to serve 
as a trial juror, the court shall excuse the juror from the trial of the cause.  If, 
however, the court does not excuse the juror, either party may then challenge the 
juror, as provided by law or by these rules. 
 
 
(i) Time for Challenge.  The state or defendant may challenge an individual 
prospective juror before the juror is sworn to try the cause; except that the court 
may, for good cause, permit a challenge to be made after the juror is sworn, but 
before any evidence is presented. 
 
 
(j) Exercise of Challenge.  On the motion of any party, all challenges shall 
be addressed to the court outside the hearing of the jury panel in a manner selected 
 
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by the court so that the jury panel is not aware of the nature of the challenge, the 
party making the challenge, or the basis of the court's ruling on the challenge, if for 
cause. 
 
 
(k) Manner of Challenge.  A challenge to an individual juror may be oral. 
When a juror is challenged for cause the ground of the challenge shall be stated. 
 
 
(l) Determination of Challenge for Cause.  The court shall determine the 
validity of a challenge of an individual juror for cause.  In making such 
determination the juror challenged and any other material witnesses, produced by 
the parties, may be examined on oath by either party.  The court may consider also 
any other evidence material to such challenge 
 
 
(m) Number of Challenges.  Each party shall be allowed three peremptory 
challenges. 
 
 
(n) Alternate Jurors.  If 1 or 2 alternate jurors are called, each party is 
entitled to 1 peremptory challenge, in addition to those otherwise allowed by law, 
for each alternate juror so called.  The additional peremptory challenge may be 
used only against the alternate juror and the other peremptory challenges allowed 
by law shall not be used against the alternate juror. 
 
 
(o) Additional Challenges.  The trial judge may exercise discretion to allow 
additional peremptory challenges when appropriate. 
 
 
(p) Oath of Trial Jurors.  The following oath shall be administered to the 
jurors:  
 
“Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will well 
and truly try the issues between the State of Florida and 
the respondent and render a true verdict according to the 
law and the evidence, so help you God?”  
 
If any juror affirms, the clause “so help you God” shall be omitted. 
 
 
(q) Interview of a Juror.  A party who believes that grounds for legal 
challenge to a verdict exist may move for an order permitting an interview of a 
juror or jurors to determine whether the verdict is subject to the challenge.  The 
motion shall be served within 10 days after rendition of the verdict unless good 
cause is shown for the failure to make the motion within that time.  The motion 
 
- 31 - 
shall state the name and address of each juror to be interviewed and the grounds for 
challenge that the party believes may exist.  After notice and hearing, the trial 
judge shall enter an order denying the motion or permitting the interview.  If the 
interview is permitted, the court may prescribe the place, manner, conditions, and 
scope of the interview. 
 
 
RULE 4.440. 
RULES OF PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE 
 
 
(a)  In all commitment proceedings initiated under part V, chapter 394 
Florida Statutes and this rule, the following applies: 
 
 
 
(1)  The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure apply unless otherwise 
superseded by these rules.   
 
 
 
(2)  The Florida Rules of Evidence apply unless superseded by these 
rules. 
 
 
 
(3)  The psychotherapist-patient privilege under section 90.503, 
Florida Statutes, does not apply to any communication relevant to an issue 
pertaining to an involuntary civil commitment proceeding. 
 
 
 
(4)  Evidence of prior behavior by the person subject to the 
proceedings, if relevant to prove the person is a sexually violent predator, may be 
considered by the judge or jury. 
 
 
 
(5)  Hearsay evidence, including reports of the multidisciplinary team 
or reports prepared on behalf of the multidisciplinary team, is admissible unless the 
trial judge finds that the evidence is not reliable.  However, hearsay evidence may 
not serve as the sole basis for the involuntary civil commitment of a person subject 
to the proceedings. 
 
 
(b)  No rule adopted by the Department of Children and Family Services 
pursuant to section 394.930, Florida Statutes, as amended, shall constitute (1) an 
evidentiary predicate for the admission of any testimony of physical evidence; (2) 
a basis for excluding or limiting the presentation of any testimony or physical 
evidence; or (3) elements of the cause of action the state must allege or prove, in 
any proceeding initiated under part V, chapter 394 Florida Statutes, and these rules. 
 
 
- 32 - 
 
(c)  The failure of either party to comply with these rules does not constitute 
a defense in any proceedings initiated under part V, chapter 394, Florida Statutes. 
 
 
RULE 4.450. 
APPEAL 
 
 
(a)  An appeal to review a final judgment shall be pursuant Rule 9.110, 
Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, as amended. 
 
 
(b)  An indigent respondent who requests the appointment of counsel for 
appeal must file an affidavit to establish entitlement to the appointment.  The 
public defender of the circuit in which the respondent was determined to be a 
sexually violent predator shall be appointed to represent an indigent respondent on 
appeal.  The public defender may request the public defender who handles criminal 
appeals to represent a respondent as provided in section 27.51(4), Florida Statutes. 
 
 
RULE 4.460. 
POST JUDGMENT HABEAS CORPUS 
 
 
The respondent may file a petition for habeas corpus alleging ineffective 
assistance of counsel in the county in which the judgment was rendered within two 
years after the judgment becomes final.  All other habeas corpus petitions, 
including petitions filed pursuant to section 394.9215(1)(a), Florida Statutes, must 
be filed in the county where the facility in which the petitioner is confined is 
located.  Habeas corpus proceedings brought under this rule shall be governed by 
Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.850. 
 
 
RULE 4.470. 
POST COMMITMENT PROCEEDINGS 
 
 
(a)  A respondent committed after a trial shall be entitled to examination of 
his or her mental condition at least one time each year.  Examinations may be 
ordered more frequently at the discretion of the court.   
 
 
(b)  The respondent may retain, or if indigent, the court may appoint, a 
qualified professional to conduct the examination.  The examiner shall be given 
access to all records concerning the respondent. 
 
 
(c)  The report stating the result of any examination conducted pursuant to 
paragraph (a) or (b) shall be provided to the court for review. 
 
- 33 - 
 
 
(d)  A  respondent who receives written notice of the examination, and 
waives his or her rights to confidentiality of the result, and who petitions the court 
over the objection of the director of the facility where the respondent is housed, has 
the right to a hearing limited to determining whether probable cause exists to 
believe the respondent‟s condition has so changed, that it is safe for the respondent 
to be at large, and that the respondent will not engage in acts of sexual violence if 
discharged.  The respondent has the right to be represented by retained counsel but 
does not have the right to be present at the hearing. 
 
 
(e)  If it is determined that there is sufficient probable cause to believe it is 
safe to release the person, the court shall set the petition for a non-jury trial. 
 
 
(f)  The state attorney shall have the right to have the person examined by a 
professional chosen by the state prior to the trial. 
 
 
(g)  The burden is on the state to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, 
that it is not safe for the person to be at large and that, if released, the person is 
likely to engage in acts of sexual violence. 
 
 
(h)  At the conclusion of any trial conducted under this rule, the judge shall 
enter an appropriate final judgment which shall be appealable pursuant to the 
applicable Rules of Appellate Procedure.