DEPOSITIONS OF EXPERT WITNESSES

(a) Definition. The term “expert witness” as used herein applies exclusively to a person duly and regularly engaged in the practice of a profession who holds a professional degree from a university or college and has had special professional training and experience, or one possessed of special knowledge or skill about the subject upon which called to testify. (b) Procedure. The testimony of an expert or skilled witness may be taken at any time before the trial in accordance with the rules for taking depositions and may be used at trial, regardless of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure for Involuntary Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators January 1, 2024 21 the place of residence of the witness or whether the witness is within the distance prescribed by rule 4.330(a)(2)(B). No special form of notice need be given that the deposition will be used for trial. (c) Fee. An expert or skilled witness whose deposition is taken is allowed a witness fee in such reasonable amount as the court may determine. The court must also determine a reasonable time within which payment must be made, if the deponent and party cannot agree. All parties and the deponent must be served with notice of any hearing to determine the fee. (d) Applicability. Nothing in this rule prevents the taking of any deposition as otherwise provided by law.