(1) A petitioner may withdraw or dismiss the petition in writing at any time prior to the entry of a final order. Such withdrawal or dismissal shall be without prejudice to re-filing the petition at a later date. Upon the filing of a dismissal or withdrawal, the arbitrator shall enter an order closing the case file. The filing of a dismissal or withdrawal shall not preclude an award of prevailing party costs and attorney’s fees. Where a petitioner voluntarily dismisses the petition, such dismissal shall not relieve the petitioner of the requirement of mandatory binding arbitration for resolution of the dispute; the dispute shall not be filed in the courts but may be re-filed for binding arbitration at a later date.
    (2) The petitioner or the parties may request dismissal of the case based on settlement of the dispute. The settlement of a dispute shall not preclude a later award of prevailing party costs and attorney’s fees.
    (3) Withdrawal of a petition for arbitration of a recall shall be with prejudice; that is, the recall petition can never be re-filed with reference to that recall effort. If the board withdraws the petition, unless otherwise provided in the final order, the recall shall be deemed certified and the board members recalled. The board member or members recalled shall turn over all association records in his or their possession within five full business days after the withdrawal is filed (i.e., received by the division).
    (4) Where a respondent undertakes corrective action that ends the dispute between the parties, the respondent shall immediately so notify the arbitrator.
Specific Authority 718.1255(4)(i), 718.112(2)(j)5., 720.303(10)(d), 720.306(9), 720.311(1) FS. Law Implemented 720.303(10), 720.306(9), 720.311(1) FS. History-New 2-3-05.