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On July 27, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court announced new rules aimed at expediting the resolution of civil cases in the state. These changes come in response to a growing backlog of cases in Florida's court system, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.One of the key changes introduced by the Supreme Court is the implementation of mandatory mediation for all civil cases filed in the state. Under the new rules, parties will be required to attend a mediation session within 60 days of a case being filed. This is intended to encourage parties to resolve their disputes quickly and efficiently, rather than allowing cases to languish in the court system for months or even years.Additionally, the Supreme Court has introduced a new expedited discovery process for civil cases. Under this process, parties will be required to exchange all relevant documents and information within a set timeframe, significantly reducing the amount of time typically spent on discovery in civil cases.In a statement announcing the new rules, Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court emphasized the importance of ensuring access to justice for all residents of the state. "Our court system is facing unprecedented challenges, and it is essential that we take proactive steps to address the backlog of cases and ensure timely resolution for all parties involved," the Chief Justice said.These new rules have been met with mixed reactions from legal professionals in Florida. Some believe that the changes will help to streamline the civil litigation process and reduce costs for parties involved in disputes. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on due process rights and the ability of parties to fully litigate their cases.Overall, the new rules introduced by the Florida Supreme Court represent a significant shift in the state's approach to civil practice. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the court system and the resolution of civil cases in Florida moving forward.