Puerto Rico law
Administrative Laws in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico administrative law is governed by the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Act No. 38-2017, replacing Act No. 170-1988). The UAPA governs rulemaking, adjudication, and judicial review of Commonwealth agency action. Rules are published in the Puerto Rico Administrative Register. Adjudicatory proceedings are heard by agency hearing examiners. Final agency decisions are reviewable in the Court of Appeals (directly) under the UAPA.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Key Puerto Rico Statutes
Puerto Rico's comprehensive APA governing rulemaking and adjudicatory proceedings. Replaced Act No. 170-1988 in 2017 with modernized procedures.
Final agency decisions are reviewable by petition for review in the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals (direct review — no District Court intermediate review). Standard: whether the decision is reasonable, supported by substantial evidence, not arbitrary, and within agency authority.
Rulemaking requires notice, public hearing opportunity, fiscal impact statement, and submission to the Department of State for publication in the Administrative Register.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.
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