FL H1225

Requires the Administration Commission to appoint the Division of Administrative Hearings director from full-time administrative law judges employed by the division, removing Senate confirmation requirement

Prohibits administrative law judges from engaging in private practice of law during their term of office

Establishes a statewide nominating commission composed of 9 members appointed by the Governor and Cabinet members to recommend administrative law judge candidates, with meetings and determinations open to the public

Sets administrative law judge terms at 4 years with performance review by the nominating commission before term expiration; Governor and Cabinet may reappoint judges or appoint successors based on nominating commission recommendations

Implements staggered initial terms beginning July 1, 2018: 8 judges for 1-year terms, 8 for 2-year terms, 8 for 3-year terms, and 9 for 4-year terms; maintains 33 administrative law judge positions