A special master or master in chancery is an individual appointed by the court to assist with some part of a lawsuit, such as discovery—depositions, written questions, and production of documents—and to make recommendations to the judge on how to resolve related disputes. Courts have held that discovery questions that require extensive examination of highly technical and complex documents by a person having both a technical and a legal background may constitute an exceptional condition sufficient to justify the appointment of a master to supervise such discovery.

In Florida, a special master, sometimes referred to as a master in chancery, is an individual appointed by the court to assist with specific aspects of a lawsuit, particularly when the case involves complex issues that require specialized expertise. Florida courts may appoint a special master for various reasons, including to oversee the discovery process, which can involve depositions, written questions, and the production of documents. The appointment of a special master is often justified when the discovery involves highly technical and complex documents that necessitate the expertise of someone with both technical knowledge and a legal background. The use of a special master is governed by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 1.490, which outlines the circumstances under which a special master may be appointed, their powers, duties, and the procedures for their reports and compensation. The decision to appoint a special master is at the discretion of the court and is typically considered an exceptional measure taken to ensure that complex matters are handled efficiently and accurately.