Florida Streamlined Arbitration Rules

1. Purpose and Scope

These rules govern any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to the agreement in which they are incorporated. Arbitration under these rules shall be final and binding.

2. Governing Law

The arbitration shall be governed by:

• The Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), 9 U.S.C. §§ 1–16; and

• The Florida Arbitration Code, Chapter 682, Florida Statutes, to the extent not inconsistent with the FAA.

3. Agreement to Arbitrate

The parties agree that any dispute shall be resolved exclusively by arbitration in accordance with these rules. By agreeing to arbitration, the parties waive their right to trial by jury.

4. Initiation of Arbitration

• A party may initiate arbitration by serving a written Notice of Arbitration stating the nature of the dispute, relief sought, and relevant contractual provisions.

• The notice must be served on all other parties and filed with Narotsky Dispute Resolution within the applicable limitations period.

5. Selection of Arbitrator

• Narotsky Dispute Resolution shall assign an Arbitrator and send a written Engagement Letter identifying the Arbitrator, the time and manner of hearing(s), fees and costs.

• The Arbitrator will be impartial, independent, and disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

• The parties may request an administrative conferences to discuss any procedural matters relating to the administration of the Arbitration.

6. Conduct of Arbitration

• The arbitrator shall have the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and conduct discovery consistent with Fla. Stat. §682.08.

• Discovery shall be limited to ensure efficiency

• The hearing(s) may be conducted in person or remotely, at the arbitrator’s discretion.

• The hearing(s) will take place within 45 days after the arbitrator’s appointment.

• The arbitrator will issue a schedule that includes time limits for opening statements, evidence presentation, and closing arguments.

• The hearing will be informal and not subject to formal rules of evidence

7. Interim Relief

The arbitrator may grant interim, provisional, or equitable relief (including injunctions)consistent with applicable law. Parties may also seek temporary court relief before appointment of an arbitrator under Fla. Stat. § 682.031 and the FAA.

8. Award

• The award shall be in writing, state the arbitrator’s findings of fact and conclusions of law and be issued within 30 days of the conclusion of the final hearing.

• The award shall be final and binding, and judgment may be entered in any court having jurisdiction pursuant to 9 U.S.C. § 9 and Fla. Stat. § 682.12.

9. Costs and Fees

• Each party shall bear its own fees & costs unless the underlying agreement, statute, or the arbitrator’s decision provides otherwise.

• Arbitration costs (including arbitrator’s fees) shall be shared equally unless otherwise ordered.

10. Confidentiality

All arbitration proceedings, including filings, evidence, and awards, shall be confidential except as required by law or necessary to enforce or vacate an award.

11. Enforcement and Judicial Review

• The award may be confirmed, vacated, or modified only as provided in 9 U.S.C. §§ 9–11 and Fla. Stat. §§ 682.12–682.14.

• Judicial review shall be limited to the statutory grounds set forth therein.

12. Severability

If any portion of these rules is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

13. Modification of Rules

The parties may modify these rules by written agreement prior to appointment of the arbitrator, provided the modifications comply with applicable law.