The bill amends several sections of the Florida Statutes to enhance the availability of judges and improve the arbitration process. Specifically, it mandates that at least one circuit judge in each judicial circuit must be available at all times to conduct hearings with limited notice, ensuring that there is always a judge on duty to address urgent matters, particularly in domestic violence cases. Additionally, the bill removes the previous cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered, nonbinding arbitration, allowing for more flexibility in payment arrangements based on the parties' agreements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new method for authenticating oaths, affidavits, and acknowledgments taken before judges, clerks, or deputy clerks of courts. It allows for the jurat or certificate of proof to be authenticated by a judge's signature along with their printed name, title, and court, in addition to the existing requirement of an official seal. This change aims to streamline the process of authentication and make it more accessible. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 813 Filed: 26.20, 44.103, 92.50