(b) Generally. Use of communication technology in proceedings subject to the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure is governed by this rule, except that rules 3.130(a), 3.160(a), 3.180(b), 3.220(h), and 3.851(f) govern the use of audio-video communication technology in the manner authorized by those rules.
(c) Pretrial Conferences. A judge may, upon the court’s own motion or upon the written request of a party, direct that communication technology be used by one or more parties for attendance at a pretrial conference, except that, before a judge may direct that the defendant participate in the pretrial conference using communication technology, the defendant or the defendant’s counsel must waive the defendant’s physical attendance at the pretrial conference pursuant to rules 3.180(a)(3) and 3.220(o)(1). A judge must give notice to the parties and consider any objections they may have to the use of communication technology before directing that communication technology be used. The decision to use communication technology over the objection of parties will be in the discretion of the trial court, except as noted below.
(2) Procedure. Any party desiring to present testimony through communication technology must, prior to the hearing or trial at which the testimony is to be presented, contact all parties to determine whether each party consents to this form of testimony. The party seeking to present the testimony must move for permission to present testimony through communication technology, which motion must set forth good cause as to why the testimony should be allowed in this form.
(3) Oath. The oath must be administered for testimony taken through communication technology in the manner provided by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.530(b)(2)(B).
(4) Confrontation Rights. The defendant must make an informed waiver of any otherwise applicable confrontation rights.
