FL S1488

Amends Florida's construction defect dispute resolution process to require mandatory nonbinding arbitration within 180 days after a civil suit is filed, with parties able to agree to be bound by the arbitration award or proceed to trial

Requires claimants to personally sign notices of claim and include detailed information about alleged defects, repair costs, monetary damages, and expert reports before filing any construction defect action

Removes special provisions for associations (condos, HOAs) representing more than 20 parcels, including extended timeframes for notices and responses

Changes response timeline from 15 days to 45 days for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, or design professionals to respond to notices of claim

Establishes payment procedures for repair judgments, requiring claimants to enter into a repair contract within 90 days of judgment, with the judgment amount reduced to the actual contract price if lower than the award