The Florida Bar Board of Governors met January 17, 2025, in Tallahassee. Major actions and reports received included:
In his remarks to the Board of Governors, Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz said that the justices have been watching the recent civil procedure rule changes closely for their impact to the courts. He stated that they are open to further refinements and are aware the changes are significant. The goal was to reduce the cost of litigation and make the courts function more efficiently. He also reported on the Supreme Court’s December 12 certification of the need for 50 additional judgeships, which includes 25 county court judges, 23 circuit judges, and two Sixth District Court of Appeal judges. He stated that the courts have made a robust legislative budget request that calls for significant technology enhancements and more due process resources, among other things. For more on the Chief Justice’s remarks, read the full article in the Bar News.
In other business, the Board voted to accept the latest audited Florida Bar financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Conducted by Maudlin and Jenkins in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the U.S., and applicable standards in the Government Auditing Standards, the audit was reviewed with the Audit Committee.
As part of the report, the auditors issued a clean opinion. Highlights include:
- The Florida Bar’s total net position increased approximately $6.7 million (or 9%) in FY24 as compared to FY23. The increase was largely caused by strong investment performance resulting in positive returns on The Florida Bar’s investments. The market value adjustment on investments noted an approximate increase of $3.9 million and The Florida Bar generated realized investment income of nearly $2.5 million.
- Total operating revenues for FY24 increased by approximately $500,000 (or 1%) as compared to FY23. The increase in FY24 was primarily due to increased membership. Total operating expenses increased by approximately $3.3 million (or 7%) in FY24 as compared to FY23. A 5% raise to eligible employees, effective September 2023, along with the addition of two division directors and the filling of several vacant positions, and additional client security fund claims largely contributed to the noted increase.
In other action, the Board:
- Approved a Disciplinary Procedure Committee proposal to revise Rule 3-7.4 (Grievance Committee Procedures) to make it clear that a majority vote of a grievance committee is required for all decisions, not just those related to a probable cause finding, sponsors note.
- Approved amendments to Bylaw 2-3.11 (Electronic Meetings) adding language that makes the bylaw more consistent with Roberts Rules of Order, and to remove any ambiguity that [Florida Bar] committees can vote by email.
- Voted to appoint Jacksonville attorney Lynn Drysdale, and Miami attorney Miriam S. Ramos, to serve three-year terms, beginning July 1, 2026, on the FFLA Board of Directors.
- Voted to appoint board member John Schifino, representing the 13th Judicial Circuit, to the Executive Committee.
The Board of Governors also participated in the 2025 Pro Bono Awards ceremony featuring the Chief Justice’s Awards and The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Awards at the Florida Supreme Court. Learn more about the award winners or watch the ceremony on the Florida Channel.