FL S1960

Authorizes chief judges to limit the number of attorneys on circuit registries and establish "limited registries" for attorneys willing to accept flat fees as full compensation, with courts preferring these limited registry appointments when available.

Modifies regional conflict counsel appointment procedures by allowing the Governor to immediately appoint interim regional counsel during vacancies and requiring the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission to provide nominee lists within 6 months of a vacancy.

Changes indigent status determination by allowing (rather than requiring) clerks to review property and motor vehicle records to verify applicant indigency, and authorizes the clerk's discretionary investigation of financial circumstances.

Establishes procedures for court-appointed counsel seeking compensation exceeding statutory flat fees in criminal cases, including evidentiary hearings and limiting hourly rates to $75 for noncapital cases and $100 for capital cases.

Allows counties to enter agreements with the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office to fund additional guardian ad litem personnel, permits volunteer guardians ad litem to transport children (but prohibits requiring them to do so), and requires electronic reporting of traffic assessment collections.