Section 61B-45.039 - Conduct of Formal Hearing; Evidence(1) Hearings shall be open to the public. However, the arbitrator shall exclude any observer, witness or party who is disruptive to the conduct of the hearing.(2) Each party shall have the right to present evidence, cross-examine the other party's witnesses, enter objections, and to rebut the evidence presented against the party.(3) The arbitrator is authorized to administer oaths. Oral testimony shall be taken only upon oath or affirmation.(4) Unless otherwise ordered by the arbitrator, the petitioner shall present its evidence and witnesses, then the respondent shall present its evidence and witnesses.(5) Evidence. (a) An arbitration proceeding is less formal than a court proceeding, and the formal rules of evidence applicable to court proceedings do not generally apply. Any relevant evidence shall be admitted if it is the kind of evidence on which reasonable, prudent persons rely in the conduct of their affairs. Reliable, relevant evidence may be presented by the parties. Facts are to be proved through the testimony of witnesses under oath at the final hearing and through documents admitted into evidence at the request of a party. Hearsay evidence (i.e., statements not made at the final hearing under oath) may be used to supplement or explain other evidence, but shall not be sufficient in itself to support a finding, unless the hearsay evidence would be admissible over objection in a civil action. The rules of privilege shall be effective to the same extent that they are recognized in civil actions. Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded.(b) All exhibits shall be identified as petitioner's exhibits, respondent's exhibits, or as joint exhibits and shall be so marked in the order received and made a part of the record.(c) Documentary evidence may be received in the form of a photocopy.(6) The arbitrator shall afford the parties an opportunity to submit proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and proposed orders, or legal briefs or memoranda on the issues, within a time designated by the arbitrator after the final hearing.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 61B-45.039
Specific Authority 718.1255, 719.1255 FS. Law Implemented 718.1255, 719.1255 FS.
New 4-1-92, Amended 2-2-93, Formerly 7D-45.039, Amended 9-21-94, 6-19-96.New 4-1-92, Amended 2-2-93, Formerly 7D-45.039, Amended 9-21-94, 6-19-96.