Sec. 406.408. - Hearings.

The following procedures relating to hearings before the Commission shall apply: (a) If within ten days after receipt of the Director's finding related to probable cause the respondent or the complainant submits a written request for a hearing before the Commission, then such hearing shall be granted expeditiously. (b) In any hearing before the Commission pursuant to this Section, the respondent may file a written answer to the complaint. All parties shall appear at the hearing in person, with or without counsel, and submit evidence and be heard. Testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and a transcript shall be made available at cost to any interested party. (c) Discovery shall be permitted upon motion of any party and shall proceed in the manner provided by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure. (d) The chairperson may direct that the parties submit pre-hearing statements addressing the issues of law and fact that will be involved in such hearing, identify the witnesses that will testify, and provide a list of all documents or other types of exhibits that will be submitted. (e) Upon the conclusion of the hearing, an adjudicative final order shall be issued and served upon the parties. (f) In any proceeding under this Chapter, the burden of proof rests upon the complainant. (g) Copies of current rules of procedures shall be available at the Office of the Commission. (Ord. 2004-699-E, § 15)