Proposed Voluntary Trial Resolution Process

The Frame

What this does

This legislation would create a new, privately funded pathway for resolving legal disputes, shifting the cost of judicial services from the state to the participating parties while maintaining public access to the proceedings.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Civil, family, and probate litigants

These parties gain the option to hire a private judge to adjudicate their cases, provided they cover the associated costs.

Florida Bar members

Attorneys with over 5 years of experience become eligible to be appointed as voluntary trial resolution judges.

Presiding judges

They are required to appoint the selected private judge, maintain jurisdiction over specific enforcement matters, and coordinate public resources.

What changed

Last recorded activity March 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This bill would allow parties in civil, family, or probate cases to hire a private '' to decide their case instead of using a standard court judge. The private judge would be required to be a Florida Bar member with at least five years of experience and would follow standard court rules and evidence codes.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a voluntary trial resolution judge for my child custody case?

No, the bill explicitly excludes disputes involving child custody, visitation, or child support from this process.

Who pays for the private judge?

The parties involved in the case are responsible for the compensation of the and any associated costs.

Are these proceedings private?

No, the bill requires that voluntary trial resolution proceedings be noticed and open to the public, just like proceedings before a standard judge.

Why It Matters

This legislation would create a new, privately funded pathway for resolving legal disputes, shifting the cost of judicial services from the state to the participating parties while maintaining public access to the proceedings.

News Coverage

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Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift95% confidence

Privatization of Judicial Adjudication

The bill represents a shift toward allowing private parties to bypass standard court dockets by funding their own judicial proceedings, while still utilizing public court facilities and oversight for enforcement.

Florida Legislature