RULE 2.310. JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE, REMOVAL,
RETIREMENT, AND SUSPENSION

(a) Filing. Any recommendations to the supreme court from
the Judicial Qualifications Commission pursuant to article V,
section 12, of the Florida Constitution shall be in writing. The
original and 7 copies shall be filed with the clerk of the court, and a
copy shall be served expeditiously on the justice or judge against
whom action is sought.

(b) Procedure.

(1) Promptly upon the filing of a recommendation from
the commission, the court shall determine whether the
commission’s recommendation complies with all requirements of
the constitution and the commission’s rules. Upon determining that
the recommendation so complies, and unless the court otherwise
directs, an order shall issue directing the justice or judge to show
cause in writing why the recommended action should not be taken.

(2) The justice or judge may file a response in writing
within the time set by the court in its order to show cause, and the
commission may serve a reply within 20 days from service of the
response.

(3) If requested by the commission, or by a justice or
judge at the time of filing a response, the court may allow oral
argument on the commission’s recommendation.

(c) Costs. The supreme court may award reasonable and
necessary costs, including costs of investigation and prosecution, to
the prevailing party. Neither attorneys’ fees nor travel expenses of
commission personnel shall be included in an award of costs.
Taxable costs may include:

(1) court reporters’ fees, including per diem fees,
deposition costs, and costs associated with the preparation of the
transcript and record; and

(2) witness expenses, including travel and out-of-
pocket expenses.