HB 1337 Summary

• Authorizes service of process on the Secretary of State for domestic and registered foreign corporations when no other corporate representatives can be found in the state, with requirements for a $10 fee, sworn affidavit showing diligent search efforts, and multiple copies of process documents.

• Requires the Secretary of State to mail process copies to the defendant corporation at registered and additional addresses listed in the affidavit, send notice of service to the plaintiff's attorney, and return submissions with explanation if requirements are not met.

• Adds jurisdiction basis allowing Florida courts to exercise jurisdiction over persons who enter into contracts that designate Florida law and include provisions submitting to Florida court jurisdiction.

• Expands the definition of "foreign judgment" to include any judgment entitled to full faith and credit in Florida, rather than limiting it to judgments from other states or the United States.

• Clarifies arbitration procedures under the Florida International Commercial Arbitration Act by specifying requirements for interim measures to preserve evidence and correcting cross-references; changes application dates for jurisdiction provisions from June 27, 1989, to July 1, 2011.