The federal multidistrict litigation statute (MDL) provides a mechanism for consolidation of related cases pending in multiple federal district courts. Yet unlike many states, Florida does not have a statutory equivalent to the federal multidistrict litigation statute. As common questions of law or fact in Florida cases become more frequent, Florida litigants have legitimate concerns about the possibility of inconsistent verdicts and need an efficient way to litigate these cases.

This article reviews the current method for consolidating cases in Florida and the reasons why this method should change. The Florida Supreme Court should consider amending the civil procedure rules and provide for a multidistrict litigation framework for Florida state courts.