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WHEREAS, the undersigned has determined that an Administrative Order establishing rates of compensation for expert witnesses appointed and paid by the Court pursuant to Chapters 393 (Developmental Disability Examining Committee), 744 (Guardianship Examining Committee), 916 (Adult Competence to Proceed), and 985 (Juvenile Competence to Proceed), Florida Statutes, is necessary for the efficient and proper administration of justice in the Seventh Judicial Circuit, and
WHEREAS, the Florida Supreme Court adopted a rate structure for court-appointed expert witnesses in 2017 (see AOSC 17-12 & AOSC18-17), and
WHEREAS, the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court has found it increasingly difficult to locate qualified experts to accept court appointments for the amounts listed in the rate structure adopted 8 years ago, and
WHEREAS, payment amounts higher than those listed in the current rate structure are permissible in “extraordinary circumstances.”
NOW THEREFORE, I, LEAH R. CASE, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, hereby declare the existence of “extraordinary circumstances” regarding rates of compensation for court-appointed expert witnesses and adopt the rate structure outlined below for experts appointed on or after July 1, 2025.
Expert Witness Rate Structure (7/1/2025)
| Type of Evaluation / Expert | Rate of Compensation | No-Show Rate | Testimony Rate |
| Adult Competency – Mental Illness (§916.12) | $550 | $220 | $175 / hour |
| Adult Competency – Developmental Disability / Autism (§916.301) | $600 | $240 | $175 / hour |
| Juvenile Competency – Mental Illness (§985.19(1)(d)) | $450 | $180 | $175 / hour |
| Juvenile Competency – Developmental Disability / Autism (§985.19(1)(e)) | $500 | $200 | $175 / hour |
| Guardianship Examining Committee – Doctor (§744.331) | $500 | $180 | $175 / hour |
| Guardianship Examining Committee – Other (§744.331) | $300 | $120 | $100 / hour |
| Developmental Disability Examining Committee – Doctor (§393.11(5)) | $600 | $240 | $175 / hour |
| Developmental Disability Examining Committee – Other (§393.11(5)) | $400 | $160 | $125 / hour |
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that experts subject to this Order are encouraged to contract with the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. Original invoices including the court case number, the name of the person examined, the date of the examination, and the amount of compensation sought must be submitted to the Court Administrator’s office to be compensated. A copy of the judge’s Order of Appointment should accompany the invoice.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that previous Administrative Orders on this subject are hereby rescinded effective July 1, 2025.
TO BE RECORDED in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
DONE AND ORDERED in Daytona Beach, Volusia County, Florida this 14th day of May 2025.
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