WHEREAS, the use of non-binding arbitration to aid in the resolution of civil disputes is authorized pursuant to § 44.103, Florida Statutes, and

         WHEREAS, the circuit judges of the Seventh Judicial Circuit have endorsed the use of non-binding arbitration in circuit civil, family law, and probate/guardianship/trust actions;

         NOW THEREFORE, I, JAMES R. CLAYTON, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, hereby order that the following procedures apply to the operation of the non-binding arbitration program in the Seventh Judicial Circuit:

1. Pursuant to Rule 1.810 (a), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, the Court Administrator’s Office shall maintain a list of individuals who are qualified to serve as arbitrators and who express interest in serving as arbitrators.

2. In cases referred to non-binding arbitration, the presiding judge will appoint an arbitrator from the Court’s list. In the alternative, the parties may mutually agree upon the selection of an arbitrator from the Court’s list.

3. When referring a case to non-binding arbitration, an Order of Referral in a format substantially similar to that attached hereto as Attachment A must be used.

4. Compensation is to be agreed upon by the parties and the arbitrator. If no agreement as to compensation can be reached, the court can set the rate subject to limitations by statute.  The limit can be exceeded by agreement of the parties.

5. Arbitration hearings must be conducted in accordance with applicable statutes, rules and laws. Arbitrators will set the date, time and place of arbitration hearings using a standard Notice of Court-Ordered, Non-Binding Arbitration. Arbitration hearings may not be conducted in Court facilities.

6. Arbitrators must supply summary statistical information to the Court Administrator’s Office in a manner and format prescribed by the Court.

TO BE RECORDED in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

DONE AND ORDERED in DeLand, Volusia County, Florida this 27^th  day of September 2022.