(1) Named parties shall automatically be allowed to participate. Other jurisdictions, public or private organizations, groups, or individuals may be suggested by a named party in response letters or during RDRP meetings. Any such entity or individual may also submit a petition to participate. In any case, such an entity or individual may become a named party if agreed to by a two-thirds majority of the participating named parties, except as provided for in subsection 29I-7.003(3), F.A.C. Fee allocation agreements will be amended as appropriate.
    (2) All initiation and response letters that are made in accordance with intergovernmental coordination elements of local government comprehensive plans shall list only affected local government jurisdictions as named parties. The named parties, at the initial settlement meeting or at subsequent RDRP meetings, may add public or private named parties by mutual agreement of all the current named parties.
    (3) Other jurisdictions, public or private organizations, groups or individuals seeking to become named parties shall submit to the Regional Planning Council (RPC) staff a written petition to participate, including reasons for the request and information required in subsection 29I-7.010(2), F.A.C. Such jurisdictions, organizations, groups, or individuals shall become named parties if agreed to by a two-thirds majority of the named parties, prior to or during RDRP meetings, except as pursuant to subsection 29I-7.003(2), F.A.C. Named parties who do not respond within 21 days of the date of the initiation letter may not participate in the RDRP unless they submit a petition for participation.
    (4) Each of the jurisdictions, organizations, groups, or individuals participating as a named party in this process shall designate a representative, in writing, or be represented by the chief executive officer. Such a representative shall have authority to act, to the maximum extent feasible, and shall have responsibility to represent that party’s interest in this process and to maintain communications with that party throughout the process. Jurisdictions are encouraged to designate a representative to participate in this process in advance of initiating or receiving a request.
    (5) Individuals or organizations who can provide information and technical assistance useful in the resolution of the dispute may be invited by a named party or the presiding neutral to attend meetings under this process. The parties, by agreement, or the presiding neutral shall determine when and under what circumstances such individuals or entities may be invited. Invited parties may provide input as agreed by the named parties or the presiding neutral.
    (6) All communications by a named party called for in this process shall be submitted to all other named parties and the RPC staff in writing.
    (7) Any named party may withdraw from participation in dispute resolution under this process upon written notice to all other named parties and the RPC staff.
Rulemaking Authority 186.509 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 186.509. History-New 4-12-94.