§ 2.19 Lapse of Certification

Codes > Florida Statutes > Rules Regulating > Standing Policies : 200 > 2.19

2.19. Lapse of Certification

    (a) Authority. In accordance with rule 6-3.6(a), Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, no certificate shall last for a period longer than 5 years. A lapse of certification may occur for reasons including, but not limited to, a member's failure to

        (1) file an application for recertification by the published deadline;

        (2) file an application for recertification by the extension deadline, if an extension has been granted by BLSE; or,

        (3) respond as requested to supply additional information for application completion, providing confirmation of receipt of such request can be demonstrated by return receipt delivery to the member's record bar address.

    (b) Lapse Notification and Reinstatement. If a member allows a certificate to lapse, staff shall immediately send notification to the member by return receipt delivery to the member's record bar address. The notice shall advise that, if requested by the member within 3 days of receipt of lapse notification and upon payment of a lapse reinstatement fee, certification may be temporarily reinstated for a period not to exceed 10 days to allow the member to submit the required application and/or supplemental documentation.

    (c) Lapse Removal. If the completed application and/or supplemental documentation as requested are received within the 10-day period, the lapse status shall be removed and the application routinely processed as elsewhere provided in these policies.

    (d) Final Lapse Notification. If the completed application and/or supplemental documentation as requested are not received within the 10-day period, no further reinstatement opportunities shall be permitted and the member's certification shall permanently lapse. The member shall be so notified, by return receipt delivery to the member's record bar address, and advised that any misleading indication as to the member's certification status may result in professional discipline. Upon lapse of certification, the member's name shall be removed from any listings of board certified members.