Rule 6-25.2 Definitions

(a) State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice. “State and federal government and administrative practice” is the practice of law on behalf of public or private clients on matters including, but not limited to, rulemaking or adjudication associated with state or federal government entity actions such as contracts, licenses, orders, permits, policies, or rules. State and federal government and administrative practice also includes appearing before or presiding as an administrative law judge, arbitrator, hearing officer, or member of an administrative tribunal or panel over a dispute involving an administrative or government action. The term also includes participation in Florida's legislative process as a legislator, legislative staff, or lobbyist.

(b) Government Entity. “Government entity” is any state agency, political subdivision, special district, or instrumentality of the state of Florida, and any federal agency, bureau, corporation, instrumentality, or other government body of the United States, including the United States armed forces. This definition should be broadly construed.

(c) Lead Advocate. “Lead advocate” is serving as a primary lawyer with substantial participation and responsibility in a matter, working on behalf of either a private party or a government entity by providing direct legal counsel on state and federal government and administrative practice matters or advocating on behalf of the client in those matters. Service as a supervisor and signatory of legal documents, but without substantial participation in the preparation of those documents, does not constitute service as a lead advocate. Service in the role of lead advocate also includes presiding as an administrative law judge, arbitrator, hearing officer, or member of an administrative tribunal or panel over a dispute involving an administrative or government action.

(d) State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice Certification Committee. The state and federal government and administrative practice certification committee includes at least 2 lawyers employed by government entities in Florida, and at least 3 lawyers in private practice. While all committee members should have experience in rulemaking and adjudication, the committee should also include at least 2 lawyers whose state and federal government and administrative practice is primarily non-litigation. Added July 6, 2006, effective August 1, 2006, (SC06 1269), (933 So.2d 1123); amended and effective December 4, 2020 by The Florida Bar Board of Governors; amended and effective March 28, 2025 by The Florida Bar Board of Governors.