(1) An arbitrator or an arbitration organization acting in that capacity is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of a court of this state acting in a judicial capacity.
(2) The immunity afforded under this section supplements any immunity under other law.
(3) The failure of an arbitrator to make a disclosure required by s. 682.041 does not cause any loss of immunity under this section.
(4) In a judicial, administrative, or similar proceeding, an arbitrator or representative of an arbitration organization is not competent to testify, and may not be required to produce records as to any statement, conduct, decision, or ruling occurring during the arbitration proceeding, to the same extent as a judge of a court of this state acting in a judicial capacity. This subsection does not apply:
(a) To the extent necessary to determine the claim of an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of the arbitration organization against a party to the arbitration proceeding; or
(b) To a hearing on a motion to vacate an award under s. 682.13(1)(a) or (b) if the movant establishes prima facie that a ground for vacating the award exists.
(5) If a person commences a civil action against an arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of an arbitration organization arising from the services of the arbitrator, organization, or representative or if a person seeks to compel an arbitrator or a representative of an arbitration organization to testify or produce records in violation of subsection (4), and the court decides that the arbitrator, arbitration organization, or representative of an arbitration organization is immune from civil liability or that the arbitrator or representative of the organization is not competent to testify, the court shall award to the arbitrator, organization, or representative reasonable attorney fees and other reasonable expenses of litigation.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2013-232.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title XXXIX - Commercial Relations
Chapter 682 - Arbitration Code
682.013 - Applicability of Revised Code.
682.014 - Effect of Agreement to Arbitrate; Nonwaivable Provisions.
682.015 - Petition for Judicial Relief.
682.02 - Arbitration Agreements Made Valid, Irrevocable, and Enforceable; Scope.
682.03 - Proceedings to Compel and to Stay Arbitration.
682.031 - Provisional Remedies.
682.032 - Initiation of Arbitration.
682.033 - Consolidation of Separate Arbitration Proceedings.
682.04 - Appointment of Arbitrators by Court.
682.041 - Disclosure by Arbitrator.
682.05 - Majority Action by Arbitrators.
682.051 - Immunity of Arbitrator; Competency to Testify; Attorney Fees and Costs.
682.07 - Representation by Attorney.
682.08 - Witnesses, Subpoenas, Depositions.
682.081 - Judicial Enforcement of Preaward Ruling by Arbitrator.
682.10 - Change of Award by Arbitrators.
682.11 - Remedies; Fees and Expenses of Arbitration Proceeding.
682.12 - Confirmation of an Award.
682.14 - Modification or Correction of Award.
682.15 - Judgment or Decree on Award.
682.23 - Relationship to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.