New Rules Effective November 26, 2026

 The new Chapter 60Q-6 Rules of Procedure for Workers' Compensation Adjudications

https://www.jcc.state.fl.us/JCC/rules/Proposed2026/Rule60Q-6_Proposed20260924.pdf

have been posted and are effective on Thanksgiving Day, 2026 (November 26, 2026). What are the highlights?

1.   Know how to abbreviate: Fla.Admin.CodeR. 60Q-6. Rule 60Q6.101.

2.   Stop using half a page or more in each pleading for unnecessary information; the "style" should now be simple and direct (No party addresses, telephone numbers, or other information shall be included in the style of the proceeding.) Rule 60Q6.102:

3.   The rules have long said not to file proposed orders, with a small exception for "60Q6.115(3)." Now they say, "Proposed orders shall not be submitted." Rule 60Q6.103(3).

4.   Any and all disclosures shall now be included in the Notice of Appearance, not a separate filing. Rule 60Q6.104.

5.   If you appear virtually in a hearing, camera on, "unless excused by the judge." Rule 60Q6.106(3). If you appear at mediation, all parties and counsel shall have their cameras on "unless excused by the mediator." Rule 60Q6.110(5)(a).

6.   Final orders will no longer be uploaded and served by the judge. The judge will send those to the Clerk, who will upload and serve. This is important for rendition. Rule 60Q6.108(1)(b)

7.   Signature on a pleading is also a certification Rule 60Q6.108(1)(c).

8.   There is a list of things not to file unless needed for trial, and then no more than 10 days prior. Filing something means you need some action by the OJCC. Rule 60Q6.108(1)(d).

   a.    requests or notices to produce and objections or responses thereto, 

    b.    deposition transcripts, 

    c.    correspondence between counsel or parties, 

    d.    correspondence to the judge or the judge’s staff, 

    e.     subpoenas, and returns of service, 

    f.    notices of unavailability, 

    g.    mileage reimbursement forms unless attached to a petition, 

    h.    requests to produce or responses thereto, 

   i.  postal or delivery service tracking information or proof of delivery, 

    j.    notices of filing, 

    k.    proof of service, 

   l.   notices of disclosure pursuant to any rules regulating The Florida Bar except as part of a notice of appearance, or 

   m.   notices of change of address for any attorney, carrier, servicing agent, or third party administrator. 

9.   Stop emailing the OJCC to seek relief except in an emergency. Parties and lawyers file motions (Rule 60Q6.115), and judges enter orders. Stop the email. Rule 60Q6.108(1)(e).

10.   Claimants are to provide an email address. Insurer and TPA registration is a representation of business authorization and consent to service. Rule 60Q6.108(12).

11.   If there is a mediation, there must be a report. Do not file a notice of resolution as a substitute after mediation has occurred. Rule 60Q6.114(4).

12.   Return the mediation agreement, or the mediation is an impasse. Rule 60Q6.110(5)(b).

13.   In-person mediation is still an option, but the request process is different. Rule 60Q6.111(1)(b).

14.   All pretrial hearings shall be recorded. Rule 60Q6.113.

15.   The "initial disclosure" portion of Civil Rule 1.280 never applied in workers' compensation. The rules now say so. Rule 60Q6.114(3).

16.   Some motions or other rulings may be effected by "docket remark ruling." The decision on a motion may be only a docket remark, e.g., "the motion to compel at DKT 141 is GRANTED" or "the motion to withdraw at DKT 57 is DENIED." Rule 60Q6.115(7).

17.   There is a procedure now for suggestion of death. Rule 60Q6.116(13).

18.   The Motion for Rehearing has been amended to conform to the expansive interpretation of the District Court of Appeal; the motion is now effectively a stay of rendition. Former Rule 60Q6.122(3) has been deleted.

19.   Child support information will now come exclusively from the Florida Clerks. Rule 60Q6.123.

20.  Appellate attorney fee procedure is streamlined. Rule 60Q6.124(4)

21. The "voluntary" nature of "recusal," compared to "disqualification," is clarified. Rule 60Q6.126(2). 

There are multiple changes that provide clarification. The mediation scheduling process in use since late 2025-26 is clarified and defined.