Rule 9.370 - AMICUS CURIAE(a) When Permitted. An amicus curiae may file a brief only by leave of court. A motion for leave to file must state the movant's interest, the particular issue to be addressed, how the movant can assist the court in the disposition of the case, and whether all parties consent to the filing of the amicus brief.(b) Contents and Form. An amicus brief must comply with rule 9.210(b) but shall omit a statement of the case and facts and may not exceed 5,000 words if computer-generated or 20 pages if handwritten or typewritten. The cover must identify the party or parties supported. An amicus brief must include a concise statement of the identity of the amicus curiae and its interest in the case.(c) Time for Service. An amicus curiae must serve its brief no later than 10 days after the first brief, petition, or response of the party being supported is filed. An amicus curiae that does not support either party must serve its brief no later than 10 days after the initial brief or petition is filed. A court may grant leave for later service, specifying the time within which an opposing party may respond. The service of an amicus brief does not alter or extend the briefing deadlines for the parties. An amicus curiae may not file a reply brief. Leave of court is required to serve an amicus brief in support of or opposition to a motion for rehearing, rehearing en banc, or for certification to the supreme court.(d) Notice of Intent to File Amicus Brief in the Supreme Court of Florida. When a party has invoked the discretionary jurisdiction of the supreme court, an amicus curiae may file a notice with the court indicating its intent to seek leave to file an amicus brief on the merits should the court accept jurisdiction. The notice shall state briefly why the case is of interest to the amicus curiae, but shall not contain argument. The body of the notice shall not exceed 250 words if computer-generated or 1 page if handwritten or typewritten. Amended by 308 So.3d 53, effective 1/1/2021; amended by 256 So.3d 1218, effective 1/1/2019; amended by 941 So.2d 352, effective 1/1/2007.Committee Notes
1977 Amendment. This rule replaces former rule 3.7(k) and expands the circumstances in which amicus curiae briefs may be filed to recognize the power of the court to request amicus curiae briefs.
2008 Amendment. Subdivision (d) was added to establish a procedure for an amicus curiae to expeditiously inform the supreme court of its intent to seek leave to file an amicus brief on the merits should the court accept jurisdiction. This rule imposes no obligation on the supreme court to delay its determination of jurisdiction. Thus, an amicus curiae should file its notice as soon as possible after the filing of the notice to invoke discretionary jurisdiction of the supreme court. The filing of a notice under subdivision (d) is optional and shall not relieve an amicus curiae from compliance with the provisions of subdivision (a) of this rule if the court accepts jurisdiction.