(1) “”Mediation”” means a process whereby a mediator appointed by the Department acts to encourage and facilitate resolution of a legally sufficient complaint. It is an informal and nonadversarial process with the objective of assisting the parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
    (2) The Board finds that mediation is an acceptable method of dispute resolution for the following violations as they are economic in nature or can be remedied by the certified public accountant:
    (a) Failure of the certified public accountant to timely pay any assessed administrative fines or costs;
    (b) Retention of client records contrary to Fl. Admin. Code R. 61H1-23.002;
    (c) Issuance of a check to the Board or Department that is subsequently dishonored;
    (d) Practicing in or as an unlicensed firm less than three months; and/or
    (e) Practicing on a delinquent license less than three months.
    (3) A “”mediator”” means a person who is certified in mediation by the Florida Bar, the Florida Supreme Court, or the Division of Administrative Hearings.
Rulemaking Authority 455.2235 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 455.2235. History-New 11-21-94, Amended 7-23-06, 12-10-09.