Signed by Governor Rick Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the application of foreign law in Florida courts, effective October 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a court from enforcing the following contract provisions in selecting the law of a foreign county which contravenes the “strong public policy” of Florida or that is “unjust or unreasonable” (Sec. 1):
• A choice of law provision; or 
• A forum selection clause.

• Defines “strong public policy” as public policy of sufficient importance to outweigh the policy of protecting freedom of contract (Sec. 1).  

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill apply only matters governed by the following statutes (Sec. 1):
• Dissolution Of Marriage, Support, Time-Sharing; or
• Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.

• Requires a State court to ensure that a judgment or order from a foreign country complies with the rule of comity before enforcing the judgment or order (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the application of foreign law in Florida courts, effective October 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a court from enforcing the following contract provisions in selecting the law of a foreign county which contravenes the “strong public policy” of Florida or that is “unjust or unreasonable” (Sec. 1):
• A choice of law provision; or 
• A forum selection clause.

• Defines “strong public policy” as public policy of sufficient importance to outweigh the policy of protecting freedom of contract (Sec. 1).  

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill apply only matters governed by the following statutes (Sec. 1):
• Dissolution Of Marriage, Support, Time-Sharing; or
• Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.

• Requires a State court to ensure that a judgment or order from a foreign country complies with the rule of comity before enforcing the judgment or order (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text