RULE 9.500. ADVISORY OPINIONS TO GOVERNOR
(a)
Filing. A request by the governor for an advisory opinion
from the justices of the supreme court on a question affecting
gubernatorial powers and duties shall be in writing. The request
shall be filed with the clerk of the supreme court.
(b)
Procedure. As soon as practicable after the filing of the
request, the justices shall determine whether the request is within
the purview of article IV, section 1(c) of the Florida Constitution,
and proceed as follows:
(1)
If 4 justices concur that the question is not within
the purview of article IV, section 1(c) of the Florida Constitution, the
governor shall be advised forthwith in writing and a copy shall be
filed in the clerk’s office.
(2)
If the request is within the purview of article IV,
section 1(c) of the Florida Constitution, the court shall permit,
subject to its rules of procedure, interested persons to be heard on
the questions presented through briefs, oral argument, or both.
(3)
The justices shall file their opinions in the clerk’s
office not earlier than 10 days from the filing and docketing of the
request, unless in their judgment the delay would cause public
injury. The governor shall be advised forthwith in writing.
Committee Notes
1977 Amendment. This rule simplifies former rule 2.1(h)
without material change.
Source: Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, effective September 4, 2025.
View the official rules: Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure — The Florida Bar (PDF)