FL H0911

Revises legislative intent to promote efficient resolution of construction defect disputes through meaningful arbitration rather than extended litigation.

Repeals sections 558.003, 558.004, and 558.005, which previously required notice of claim filing and provided opportunity to repair before legal action.

Creates section 558.0045 requiring mandatory nonbinding arbitration in all construction defect actions, to occur within 180 days after civil suit is filed and after all parties are joined.

Requires arbitrators and juries to provide detailed breakdowns of monetary awards, separately identifying amounts for defective work repairs, non-defective property damage, and other damages against each party.

Allows parties to voluntarily agree in writing (before or within 30 days after arbitration award) to be bound by the arbitration award, with non-agreeing parties able to proceed to trial on unresolved claim portions; effective July 1, 2019.