Arbitration Services

Achieve definitive and private resolutions for your disputes with our expert arbitration processes.

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a formal process where disputing parties present their case to a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator or an arbitration panel. Unlike mediation, the arbitrator listens to evidence and arguments from all sides and then renders a decision, known as an “award.” This award can be legally binding, meaning it is enforceable in court, or non-binding, serving as an advisory opinion. Arbitration offers a private, efficient, and often less formal alternative to traditional court litigation, making it a preferred choice for many commercial and complex disputes.

Key Principles of Arbitration

Finality: Binding arbitration provides a conclusive and enforceable decision, offering certainty.

Expertise: Parties can select arbitrators with specialized knowledge relevant to the dispute’s subject matter.

Privacy: Arbitration proceedings are confidential, keeping sensitive business or personal information out of public record.

Efficiency: Generally faster and more streamlined than court litigation, with fewer procedural complexities.

Enforceability: Binding arbitration awards are typically enforceable in courts worldwide, providing a global solution.

Benefits of Choosing Arbitration

Arbitration offers distinct advantages for legal professionals, businesses, and insurance companies seeking efficient and conclusive dispute resolution.

Speed & Efficiency

Arbitration typically proceeds faster than court litigation, leading to quicker resolutions and reduced operational disruption.

Confidentiality

Proceedings are private, protecting sensitive business information and reputations from public scrutiny.

Specialized Expertise

Parties can select arbitrators with specific industry or legal expertise relevant to their complex dispute.

Definitive Resolution

Binding arbitration provides a final, enforceable decision, eliminating the need for further litigation.

International Enforceability

Arbitration awards are often more easily enforceable across international borders than court judgments.

Cost Control

While not always cheaper than mediation, arbitration can offer more predictable costs than prolonged litigation.

Types of Arbitration We Offer

Our qualified arbitrators have extensive experience across various dispute types, providing tailored solutions for your specific needs.

Binding Arbitration

Binding arbitration is a formal process where parties agree in advance to accept the arbitrator’s decision as final and legally enforceable. This method is often chosen when parties seek a definitive resolution without the appeals process of court litigation. Our arbitrators conduct thorough hearings, review all evidence, and issue well-reasoned awards that provide a conclusive end to the dispute. It is a powerful tool for achieving finality and avoiding the uncertainties and time commitment of a trial.

Final and enforceable decisions
Faster than court trials
Private and confidential proceedings
Limited grounds for appeal

Non-Binding Arbitration

Non-binding arbitration provides an advisory opinion on the merits of a case, helping parties evaluate their positions and potentially encouraging a negotiated settlement. While the arbitrator’s award is not legally enforceable, it offers valuable insight into how a judge or jury might rule. This process can be a cost-effective way to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case before committing to binding arbitration or full litigation, allowing parties to recalibrate their expectations and pursue further negotiations with a clearer understanding of potential outcomes.

Advisory opinion, not enforceable
Helps evaluate case strengths/weaknesses
Can lead to negotiated settlement
Lower risk than binding arbitration

Commercial Arbitration

Commercial arbitration is a private and efficient alternative for resolving disputes between businesses. Our arbitrators possess deep expertise in commercial law, contract disputes, partnership conflicts, and other corporate disagreements. This process allows companies to resolve disputes discreetly and often more quickly than through public court proceedings, minimizing disruption to business operations and preserving commercial relationships where possible. We handle a broad spectrum of commercial issues, from breach of contract to intellectual property disputes.

Contract disputes
Partnership and shareholder disputes
Intellectual property disputes
Business torts and governance issues

Construction Arbitration

Construction arbitration provides a specialized forum for resolving complex disputes within the construction industry. Our arbitrators have a deep understanding of construction contracts, project management, engineering, and common issues such as delays, cost overruns, and defect claims. This method offers a private and efficient way to resolve disputes, leveraging the expertise of neutrals who are familiar with the unique technical and legal aspects of construction projects, often leading to more practical and industry-specific resolutions than traditional litigation.

Contract breaches and scope changes
Delay and disruption claims
Defective work and warranty disputes
Payment disputes and liens

Employment Arbitration

Employment arbitration offers a confidential and efficient mechanism for resolving workplace disputes outside of court. Our arbitrators are experienced in employment law, handling issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage and hour disputes, and contract breaches. This process provides a neutral forum for employees and employers to present their cases, leading to a final and binding decision that avoids the public nature and often lengthy timelines of litigation, while ensuring fair consideration of all facts and legal arguments.

Wrongful termination claims
Discrimination and harassment disputes
Wage and hour violations
Employment contract disputes

Consumer Arbitration

Consumer arbitration provides a streamlined and impartial process for resolving disputes between consumers and businesses. This method is often stipulated in consumer contracts and offers a faster, less formal, and more cost-effective way to address issues such as product defects, service disagreements, and warranty claims. Our arbitrators ensure a fair hearing for both parties, leading to a binding resolution that avoids the complexities and expenses of small claims court or traditional litigation, making dispute resolution more accessible for consumers.

Product liability claims
Service contract disputes
Warranty issues
Billing and pricing disagreements

Our Arbitration Process

Our arbitration process is designed to be fair, efficient, and structured, ensuring a professional and timely resolution to your dispute.

Initiation & Selection

The arbitration process begins with a formal demand for arbitration. Parties then select a neutral arbitrator or panel, often based on their expertise and the nature of the dispute.

Pre-Hearing & Discovery

Parties may engage in limited discovery, exchange documents, and submit pre-hearing briefs. The arbitrator may hold preliminary conferences to manage the process and set timelines.

The Hearing

A formal hearing is conducted where parties present their evidence, call witnesses, and make legal arguments. The arbitrator presides over the hearing, similar to a judge in a court trial.

Award & Enforcement

After the hearing, the arbitrator issues a written award, which is the final decision. For binding arbitration, this award is legally enforceable and can be confirmed by a court.

Online Calendar Scheduling

Frequently Asked Questions About Arbitration

What is the difference between binding and non-binding arbitration?

In binding arbitration, parties agree in advance to accept the arbitrator’s decision as final and legally enforceable, with very limited grounds for appeal. In non-binding arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision is advisory only, and parties are not obligated to accept it. It’s often used to help parties evaluate their case before pursuing other avenues.

Is an arbitration award enforceable?

Yes, a binding arbitration award is generally legally enforceable. Once issued, it can be confirmed by a court and converted into a judgment, making it as legally binding as a court order. Non-binding awards are not directly enforceable but can serve as a basis for settlement.

How long does arbitration usually take?

Arbitration is typically faster than traditional litigation. The duration depends on the complexity of the case, the number of parties, and the availability of the arbitrator and parties. Simple cases might conclude in a few months, while more complex ones could take six months to a year, still significantly less time than court trials.

Do I need an attorney for arbitration?

While not strictly mandatory in all arbitration settings, it is highly recommended to have legal representation. An attorney can help you navigate the procedural rules, present your case effectively, understand the legal implications of evidence, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the arbitration process.

What types of disputes are suitable for arbitration?

Arbitration is commonly used for commercial disputes, employment conflicts, construction disagreements, consumer issues, and international disputes. It is particularly well-suited for cases where parties prefer a private process, need a quick resolution, or require an arbitrator with specific industry expertise.

How are arbitrators chosen?

Arbitrators can be chosen in several ways. Parties may mutually agree on an arbitrator, or they might select from a list provided by an arbitration organization. In some cases, a contract may specify a particular method for arbitrator selection. Our firm provides a roster of highly qualified neutrals with diverse backgrounds to meet various dispute needs.

Rates & Policies

Transparency is a cornerstone of our practice. This section provides a clear and straightforward overview of our fee structure and operational policies. We believe in providing upfront information to help you make informed decisions without any surprises. For specific inquiries or complex cases, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Session Length

Two Hours (Minimum)
Half-Day (4 hours)
Full-Day (8 hours)

Rates Arbitration

$460 per hour (split amongst all parties)

With respect to arbitration, and for the sake of efficiency, we will not review documents provided in advance. Rather the arbitrator will wait for the parties to direct his/her attention to the parts that matter (i.e. rather than charge the parties for reading a 200-page deposition, it will save the parties money if the arbitrator focuses on the parts that both parties want reviewed, which are typically a fraction of the pages). However, if a party wishes for the arbitrator to read materials in advance they will do so, and that party will be charged at the rate of $460.00 per hour. Otherwise, documents submitted at the arbitration will be reviewed at that time and, to the extent necessary, during the preparation of the arbitrator’s decision/verdict/award. Such review will be billed at the rate of $460.00 per hour and divided equally among the participants. Please do not send confidential arbitration summaries. Anything you provide to the arbitrator must be provided at the same time to opposing counsel in order to avoid ex-parte communications.

Billing and Payment Terms

LAW FIRMS: We will send an invoice to counsel by email shortly after the mediation or arbitration. Counsel is responsible for payment. Payment is expected and appreciated no later than 7 days after we send the invoice. We accept checks and all major credit cards.

PRO SE PARTIES: A two-hour deposit is required upon scheduling, with the remaining balance due immediately after the mediation

Cancellation Policy/Charges

WHETHER YOUR MEDIATION/ARBITRATION IS VOLUNTARY OR COURT ORDERED, MEDIATIONS/ARBITRATIONS CAN ONLY BE CANCELED, MODIFIED OR RESCHEDULED IF ALL PARTICIPANTS AGREE OR THE COURT SO ORDERS.

Florida Alternative Dispute Resolution, Inc., accepts engagements to the exclusion of scheduling other work during the reserved time. To ensure fairness and efficiency, the following policies apply to all scheduled mediations:

All Cancellations or Rescheduling Requests must be submitted via email to info@FloADR.com.

Half-Day Cancellations (Less than 5 calendar days notice): 3-hour fee applies
Full-Day Cancellations (Less than 5 calendar days notice): 6-hour fee applies

Rescheduling requests received 5 or more calendar days in advance may be accommodated without penalty.

Cancellation / Reschedule fees may only be waived if the reserved time slot is re- booked with another mediation.
Unless otherwise agreed, all parties and their attorneys share equal responsibility for any cancellation fees incurred.

To further clarify, to avoid unnecessary cancellation charges: Monday mediations must be cancelled by the end of the preceding Tuesday; Tuesday mediations must be cancelled by the end of the preceding Wednesday; Wednesday mediations must be cancelled by the end of the preceding Thursday; Thursday mediations must be cancelled by the end of the preceding Friday; and, Friday mediations must be cancelled by the end of the preceding Monday.

Special Needs

If any of the participants have special safety or health concerns, or other special needs, please advise our office prior to the date of mediation/arbitration so that we have an opportunity to accommodate the needs of all concerned.

Ready for a Definitive Resolution?

Schedule Your Arbitration