Summary Final Order

(1) The judge may enter a summary final order when such an order would be dispositive of the issues raised by the subject petition. Issues that would be dispositive include, but are not limited to, whether there is coverage, whether the statute of limitations has run, whether the accident or occupational disease is compensable, whether the claim is barred by res judicata or a prior settlement, whether the judge has jurisdiction over the subject matter, whether the benefit sought has been paid, and whether the alleged employee is an independent contractor.

(2) Any party may file a motion for a summary final order when there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the granting of the motion would be dispositive of the issues raised by the subject petition. A summary final order shall be rendered if the judge determines from the pleadings and depositions, together with affidavits, if any, that no genuine issue as to any material fact exists and that the moving party is entitled as a matter of law to the entry of a final order. A summary final order may be rendered on the issue of entitlement to a benefit alone, although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of the benefits. No motion for summary final order may be filed less than 45 days prior to a scheduled final hearing.

(3) The opposing party shall file a response to a motion for summary final order together with supporting depositions, affidavits, and/or other documents within 30 days after service of the motion for summary final order. The judge shall grant an extension for good cause shown.

(4) When a motion for summary final order is denied, the judge shall impose sanctions pursuant to subsections 60Q-6.125(4) and (5), F.A.C., if the judge determines that the motion violates subsection 60Q-6.125(1), F.A.C.

(5) The motion is deemed denied if the judge has not ruled upon the motion by the commencement of the final hearing.

(6) The summary final order standard provided for in this rule shall be construed and applied in accordance with the Florida summary judgment standard.