§ 1-10-343. Qualifications of hearing officers.

To be eligible for appointment, hearing officers shall have been a member in good standing of The Florida Bar for the preceding five (5) years. The selection of a hearing officer shall be based primarily on the person's knowledge and prior experience in the law of public utilities and regulated industries; administrative law and practice; the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure and the Florida Evidence Code. No hearing officer shall hold an elective office of, or be employed by, any municipality or county government in Charlotte County. A hearing officer's participation in a specific matter shall be governed by the provisions of Part III of Chapter 112, Fla. Stat., pertaining to conflict of interest.

(1)

The referral of proceedings may be considered on the motion of any party to a pending case or on the board's own motion.

(2)

If a hearing officer becomes unavailable after assignment, he shall notify the board, which shall make another assignment as soon as practicable.

(3)

When a case is assigned for hearing to a hearing officer, the case shall be decided by the board.

(Ord. No. 93-44, § 3, 8-25-93)