61B-50.124. Discovery

(1) The discovery process shall be used sparingly and only for the discovery of those things that are necessary for the proper disposition of the petition. Parties may obtain discovery only upon the prior approval of the arbitrator. A motion to conduct discovery shall describe with specificity the subject matter of the discovery and the method(s) by which discovery will be sought. The arbitrator may issue appropriate orders to effectuate the purposes of discovery and to prevent delay.

(2) Except as otherwise specified herein, parties may obtain discovery through the means and in the manner provided in Rules 1.280 through 1.390, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. However, a unit owner or member desiring to obtain copies of official association records for use in the proceeding shall utilize the owner’s right of access to the official records as provided by Sections 718.111(12), 719.104(2) and 723.079(4), F.S., in lieu of formal discovery.

(3) A party may seek enforcement of an order directing discovery by filing a petition for enforcement in the circuit court of the judicial circuit in which the person failing to comply with the order resides.

(4) At any time after the filing of the petition for arbitration, the arbitrator may enter an order requiring the parties to submit supplemental information, evidence or affidavits in support of or refuting the reason(s) listed in the petition as grounds for failing to certify the recall.

Rulemaking Authority 718.501(1)(f), 719.501(1)(f), 723.1255 FS. Law Implemented 718.112(2)(j), 718.1255, 719.106(1)(f), 719.1255, 723.078(2)(i) FS. History–New 7-1-82, Formerly 7D-50.15, 7D-50.015, Amended 1-17-93, Formerly 7D-50.124, Amended 1-19-97, 6-24-04, 3-2-16.