CS/HB 821 Summary

• Creates the "Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act" to replace the existing Florida International Arbitration Act, modernizing procedures for international commercial arbitrations with a seat in Florida.

• Establishes comprehensive framework for arbitration agreements, arbitrator appointment and removal, jurisdiction determinations, and interim protective measures including preliminary orders and court enforcement.

• Requires courts to refer matters covered by arbitration agreements to arbitration unless the agreement is found null, void, inoperative, or incapable of performance.

• Specifies procedures for arbitral proceedings including rules for claims, evidence, hearings, expert witnesses, awards, and grounds for court set-aside (limited to capacity, notice, scope, composition/procedure violations, non-arbitrability, and public policy).

• Repeals Parts I, II, and III of Chapter 684, Florida Statutes (sections 684.01-684.35) effective July 1, 2010.