(1) The capital collateral regional counsel shall not accept an appointment or take any other action that will create an actual conflict of interest. If, at any time during the representation of a person, the capital collateral regional counsel alleges that the continued representation of that person creates an actual conflict of interest, the sentencing court shall, upon determining that an actual conflict exists, designate another regional counsel. If the replacement regional counsel alleges that an actual conflict of interest exists, the sentencing court shall, upon determining that an actual conflict exists, appoint one or more members of The Florida Bar who meet the requirements of s. 27.704(2) and who are not disqualified pursuant to s. 27.7045 to represent the person. An actual conflict of interest exists when an attorney actively represents conflicting interests. A possible, speculative, or merely hypothetical conflict is insufficient to support an allegation that an actual conflict of interest exists.

(2) Appointed counsel shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Chief Financial Officer. The hourly rate may not exceed $100. However, all appointments of private counsel under this section shall be in accordance with ss. 27.710 and 27.711.

(3) Capital collateral regional counsel appointed pursuant to this section must have participated in at least five felony jury trials, five felony appeals, or five capital postconviction evidentiary hearings, or any combination of at least five of such proceedings, and must not be disqualified pursuant to s. 27.7045.

History.—s. 3, ch. 85-332; s. 147, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 96-290; s. 3, ch. 97-313; s. 2, ch. 99-221; s. 13, ch. 2000-3; s. 86, ch. 2003-261; s. 5, ch. 2013-216.