61H1-36.006. Mediation

61H1-36.006 Mediation. (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 rule 61H1-23.002, F.A.C.; (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.