The bill amends section 725.08 of the Florida Statutes and creates a new section, 725.09, which establishes regulations regarding contracts with design professionals. It specifies that any professional services contract entered into with design professionals on or after July 1, 2026, will be void and unenforceable if it includes certain indemnification clauses that require the design professional to indemnify contracting parties for liabilities not caused by their own negligence or misconduct. Additionally, the bill mandates that professional services contracts must adhere to a specified standard of care, ensuring that design professionals perform their services with the skill and care typically expected in their field.

The bill also includes editorial changes to existing law, such as clarifying that the provisions do not affect contracts entered into before May 25, 2000, and it emphasizes that the new regulations will not alter existing insurance contracts or affect state liability laws. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026, allowing time for stakeholders to adjust to the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
H 699 Filed: 725.08