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District Court of Appeal of Florida,Fifth District.
Albert K. MORRELL, Sr., Millicent Morrell, et al,
Appellants,
v.
WAYNE FRIER MANUFACTURED HOME
CENTER, etc., et al, Appellees.
No. 5D02-105.
Jan. 17, 2003.
After purchasers of a mobile home brought ac-
tion against mobile home sales company regardinghome purchase, the company asserted its right to ar-
bitrate. The Judicial Circuit Court, Citrus County,
Patricia Thomas, J., ordered matter to arbitration.
Purchasers appealed. The District Court of Appeal,
Thompson, C.J., held that company, which waited
until the eve of trial to assert its contractual right to
arbitrate purchasers' claim against it, waived such
right.
Reversed.
West Headnotes
[1] Alternative Dispute Resolution 25T
182(2)
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk182 Waiver or Estoppel
25Tk182(2) k. Suing or Participat-ing in Suit. Most Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23.3(2) Arbitration)
Mobile home sales company waived its con-
tractual right to arbitrate home purchasers' com-
plaint against it, where company filed an answer, an
affirmative defense, and a motion to dismiss which
addressed merits of purchasers' case and which did
not assert right to arbitrate, company allowed litiga-
tion to reach point at which a case management
conference was held, and at which case was set for
mediation and trial, company and purchasers en-
gaged in discovery and submitted their witness
lists, and company did not assert right to arbitrate
until eve of trial, nearly a year after complaint was
served on it; fact that purchasers filed an amended
complaint does nothing to revive company's right to
arbitration.
[2] Alternative Dispute Resolution 25T
182(1)
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk182 Waiver or Estoppel
25Tk182(1) k. In General. Most
Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23.3(1) Arbitration)
A contractual right to arbitrate a dispute maybe waived.
[3] Alternative Dispute Resolution 25T 178
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk178 k. In General. Most Cited
Cases(Formerly 33k23 Arbitration)
In ruling on a motion to compel arbitration, a
court must determine whether: (1) a valid written
agreement containing an arbitration clause exists;
(2) an arbitrable issue exists; and (3) the right to ar-
bitration has been waived.
Page 1
834 So.2d 395, 28 Fla. L. Weekly D256
(Cite as: 834 So.2d 395)
2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0316788101&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0273538501&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk178http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk178http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk178http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk178http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk178http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk178http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0273538501&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0316788101&FindType=h -
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[4] Alternative Dispute Resolution 25T
182(1)
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk182 Waiver or Estoppel
25Tk182(1) k. In General. Most
Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23 Arbitration)
A party who opposes arbitration, on basis that
other party waived right, need not demonstrate ac-
tual prejudice unless waiver is premised on delay inasserting the right.
[5] Alternative Dispute Resolution 25T
182(1)
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk182 Waiver or Estoppel25Tk182(1) k. In General. Most
Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23.3(1) Arbitration)
Alternative Dispute Resolution 25T 182(2)
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk182 Waiver or Estoppel
25Tk182(2) k. Suing or Participat-
ing in Suit. Most Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23.3(2) Arbitration)
A party waives its right to arbitrate by: (1) act-
ively participating in the lawsuit; or (2) taking ac-
tion which is inconsistent with the right to arbitrate.
*396 Kevin K. Dixon of Brannen, Stillwell & Per-
rin, P.A., Inverness, for Appellants.
Frank C. Amatea, Ocala, for Appellees.
THOMPSON, C.J.
Millicent and Albert K. Morrell, Sr., appeal an
order granting the motion of defendants Wayne Fri-
er Manufactured Home Center of Homosassa
Springs, Inc., and Wayne Frier Mobile Home Sales,
Inc. (Frier), to require arbitration of the Morrells'
complaint against Frier. We reverse.
The Morrells, along with Joseph and KathleenStafford (collectively plaintiffs) sued Frier under
The Motor Vehicle Retail Sales Finance Act,
Chapter 520, Florida Statutes. They alleged that the
Staffords had wanted to purchase a mobile home
from Frier to place on their land. The Morrells, who
were Kathleen Stafford's parents, agreed to co-sign
the credit application, and signed the documents
given to them by Frier. After the home was placed
on the Staffords' land, the plaintiffs discovered that
the Morrells were not co-signors, but were the own-
ers of the mobile home and the sole obligors on the
note. They alleged that Frier had altered the creditapplication submitted by the Morrells, resulting in
an overstatement of their income by $2000. Further,
the plaintiffs discovered that instead of the model
contracted for, a five bedroom home with a fire-
place, Frier delivered a four bedroom model
without a fireplace.
The complaint was served on 3 October 2000.
Frier answered the complaint in October 2000, and
asserted as an affirmative defense that the Staffords
were not signatories to the contract, an apparent
contention that the Staffords did not have standing
to sue under chapter 520. Frier also filed a motion
to dismiss the complaint as to the Staffords, on the
ground that the Staffords were not signatories to the
contract and therefore had no cause of action under
chapter 520. On 4 June 2001, the plaintiffs filed no-
Page 2
834 So.2d 395, 28 Fla. L. Weekly D256
(Cite as: 834 So.2d 395)
2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0186731301&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0186731301&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0293484401&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0273538501&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0273538501&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0293484401&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Find/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&DB=PROFILER-WLD&DocName=0186731301&FindType=hhttp://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%282%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Thttp://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/Digest/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=MCC&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182%281%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk182http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25Tk177http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TII%28D%29http://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25TIIhttp://www.westlaw.com/KeyNumber/Default.wl?rs=dfa1.0&vr=2.0&CMD=KEY&DocName=25T -
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tice that the action was ready for trial. A status con-
ference was held on 1 August 2000, and the attor-
neys for all parties attended. On 2 August 2000, the
court issued an Order Setting Case for Mediation
Conference, Discovery Cut Off Date, Pretrial Con-
ference and Trial. Among other things, this order
set a pre-trial conference for 28 November 2001,
and required all attorneys to attend and to be ac-
companied by someone authorized to settle. The at-
torneys were required to present all of the docu-
mentary evidence to be introduced at trial, a synop-
sis of testimony, and requests for preliminary rul-
ings. The case was set for trial during the 10
December 2001 docket.
In July 2001, the plaintiffs requested produc-tion of documents, and in August 2001, the defend-
ants complied. Twice in July 2001, Frier noticed
the plaintiffs' depositions, but these were apparently
canceled. Also in July, Frier noticed a 14 August
2001 hearing on its motion to dismiss. It does not
appear that this hearing was ever held. In August
2001, Frier set the plaintiffs' depositions for 18
September 2001, but four days before the depos-
itions were to be taken, they were rescheduled by
Frier for the same day but a different time. Appar-
ently, these depositions were also canceled. The
plaintiffs moved to amend their complaint to add acount for fraud based on the allegations made with
respect to their claim under chapter 520. *397 In
September 2001, Frier served its motion to stay the
proceedings and refer the matter to arbitration. In
December 2001, the court entered an order allowing
the plaintiffs to amend their complaint. On that
date, the court also entered the order on appeal,
which referred the matter to arbitration.
[1][2][3][4] A contractual right to arbitrate a
dispute may be waived. See e.g., Klosters Rederi A/
S v. Arison Shipping Co., 280 So.2d 678 (Fla.1973);
Graham Contracting, Inc. v. Flagler County, 444
So.2d 971 (Fla. 5th DCA 1983). In ruling on a mo-
tion to compel arbitration, a court must determine
whether: (1) a valid written agreement containing
an arbitration clause exists; (2) an arbitrable issue
exists; and (3) the right to arbitration has been
waived. North American Van Lines v. Collyer, 616
So.2d 177 (Fla. 5th DCA 1993). A party who op-
poses arbitration need not demonstrate actual preju-
dice unless waiver is premised on delay in asserting
the right. Beverly Hills Development Corp. v.
George Wimpey of Florida, Inc., 661 So.2d 969
(Fla. 5th DCA 1995).
[5] A party waives its right to arbitrate by: (1)
actively participating in the lawsuit; or (2) taking
action which is inconsistent with the right to arbit-
rate. Klosters Rederi; R.W. Roberts Construction
Co., Inc. v. Masters & Co., Inc., 403 So.2d 1114
(Fla. 5th DCA 1981) (the defendant's motion to
transfer the action, a contention that the case was inthe court of the wrong county, rather than that the
case should not be in court at all, waived the right
to arbitration). Compare Mike Bradford & Co. v.
Gulf States Steel Co., 184 So.2d 911 (Fla. 3d DCA
1966) (waiver where the defendant submitted an
answer and a counterclaim without raising the issue
of arbitration, allowed the cause to proceed for five
months, and allowed a jury to be impaneled); King
v. Thompson & McKinnon, Auchincloss, Kohlmey-
er, Inc., 352 So.2d 1235 (Fla. 4th DCA 1977)
(waiver where the defendant repudiated the right to
arbitration in the form of an answer to the cross-claim without a demand for arbitration, where the
opposing party had submitted extensive requests for
discovery, and where the cross-defendant did not
move to compel arbitration until nearly a year after
the cross-claim was filed); Marthame Sanders &
Co. v. 400 West Madison Corp., 401 So.2d 1145
(Fla. 4th DCA 1981) (waiver where the defendant
answered and counterclaimed, participated in de-
positions, interrogatories, and document produc-
tion, and where the defendant did not file its motion
to compel arbitration until the third continued date
of trial, over three years after the complaint was
filed); Transamerica Insurance Co. v. Weed, 420
So.2d 370 (Fla. 1st DCA 1982) (waiver where the
defendant answered the complaint without specific-
ally mentioning the arbitration agreement, failed to
object to the plaintiff's motion to set the case for tri-
Page 3
834 So.2d 395, 28 Fla. L. Weekly D256
(Cite as: 834 So.2d 395)
2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
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al, made two separate settlement offers, and did not
move to compel arbitration until almost four
months after the complaint was filed, and where the
plaintiff filed a detailed statement of inventory
loss); Bared and Co., Inc. v. Specialty Maintenance
and Construction, Inc., 610 So.2d 1 (Fla. 2d DCA
1992) (waiver where the defendant filed an answer
and a cross-claim without raising the arbitration is-
sue); Breckenridge v. Farber, 640 So.2d 208 (Fla.
4th DCA 1994) (waiver where the defendant
answered without demanding arbitration); Sterling
Condominium Ass'n. v. Herrera, 690 So.2d 703
(Fla. 3d DCA 1997) (waiver where the defendant
filed an answer, affirmative defenses, and a coun-
terclaim, and where the defendant actively particip-
ated in the litigation for over two years and did notmove to compel arbitration until the case was
already set for trial); *398Woodall v. Green Tree
Financial Servicing Corp., 755 So.2d 681 (Fla. 4th
DCA 1999) (waiver where the defendants respon-
ded to the complaint by filing a motion for sum-
mary judgment which was directed to the merits).
In the instant case, Frier filed an answer, an af-
firmative defense, and a motion to dismiss which
addressed the merits of the plaintiffs' case and
which did not assert the right to arbitrate. Frier al-
lowed the litigation to reach the point at which acase management conference was held, and at
which the case was set for mediation and trial. Frier
and the plaintiffs engaged in discovery and submit-
ted their witness lists, and Frier did not assert the
right to arbitrate until the eve of trial, nearly a year
after the complaint was served on it. Under these
circumstances, we conclude that Frier waived its
asserted right to arbitration. The fact that the
plaintiffs filed an amended complaint does nothing
to revive Frier's right to arbitration. Compare
Hawkins v. James D. Eckert, P.A., 738 So.2d 1002
(Fla. 2d DCA 1999) (filing of counterclaim did not
revive a party's previously waived right to arbitra-
tion).
REVERSED.
SHARP, W. and SAWAYA, JJ., concur.
Fla.App. 5 Dist.,2003.
Morrell v. Wayne Frier Manufactured Home Center
834 So.2d 395, 28 Fla. L. Weekly D256
END OF DOCUMENT
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834 So.2d 395, 28 Fla. L. Weekly D256
(Cite as: 834 So.2d 395)
2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
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District Court of Appeal of Florida,First District.
Jennifer Irene HILL, Appellant,
v.
RAY CARTER AUTO SALES, INC., a Florida
Corporation, Appellee.
No. 99-1673.
Dec. 16, 1999.
Buyer filed complaint against automobile deal-
er, alleging that dealer had sold buyer a defective
car. The Circuit Court, Duval County, W. GreggMcCaulie, J., granted dealer's motion to stay and to
refer matter to arbitration. Buyer appealed. The
District Court of Appeal, Webster, J., held that: (1)
evidence supported finding that dealer had not
waived its right to arbitrate, but (2) hearing was re-
quired regarding validity of contract containing ar-
bitration clause.
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and re-
manded with directions.
West Headnotes
[1] 182(1)
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk182 Waiver or Estoppel
25Tk182(1) k. In General. Most
Cited Cases(Formerly 33k23.3(1) Arbitration)
Valid contractual right to arbitrate a dispute
may be waived.
[2] 182(2)
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk177 Right to Enforcement and De-
fenses in General
25Tk182 Waiver or Estoppel
25Tk182(2) k. Suing or Participat-
ing in Suit. Most Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23.3(2) Arbitration)
Active participation in lawsuit may result in a
finding of waiver of right to arbitrate dispute.
[3] Estoppel 156 52.10(2)
156 Estoppel
156III Equitable Estoppel
156III(A) Nature and Essentials in General
156k52.10 Waiver Distinguished
156k52.10(2) k. Nature and Elements
of Waiver. Most Cited Cases
A waiver is the intentional or voluntary relin-
quishment of a known right, or conduct which war-
rants an inference of the relinquishment of a known
right.
[4] Estoppel 156 119
156 Estoppel
156III Equitable Estoppel
156III(G) Trial
156k119 k. Questions for Jury. Most
Cited Cases
Whether a waiver has occurred in any given
situation is generally a question of fact.
[5] 210
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk204 Remedies and Proceedings for
Enforcement in General
25Tk210 k. Evidence. Most Cited
Page 1
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(Cite as: 745 So.2d 1136)
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-
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Cases
(Formerly 33k23.10 Arbitration)
Evidence supported trial court's finding that
automobile dealer did not waive its right to arbitrate
dispute with buyer, even though dealer filed answer
that did not raise issue; only two months passed
between date on which dealer had been served and
on which motion requesting arbitration was filed,
and dealer's counsel had not received copy of con-
tract containing clause at time answer was filed.
[6] 211
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk204 Remedies and Proceedings for
Enforcement in General
25Tk211 k. Trial or Hearing. Most
Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23.11 Arbitration)
199
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(D) Performance, Breach, Enforcement,
and Contest
25Tk197 Matters to Be Determined by
Court
25Tk199 k. Existence and Validity of
Agreement. Most Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k23.13 Arbitration)
When a party opposing arbitration disputes the
existence or validity of the agreement to arbitrate,
the trial court must resolve that issue as a part of its
consideration of the motion seeking to compel ar-
bitration; if necessary, the trial court must hold an
evidentiary hearing on the issue.
*1137 Stephen J. Pajcic, III, and Christine A. Clark
, Jacksonville; William A. Bald of Dale, Bald,
Showalter & Mercier, P.A., Jacksonville, for Ap-
pellant.
Robert E. O'Quinn, Jr., and Susannah D. Morrison
of Webb & O'Quinn, P.A., Jacksonville, for Ap-
pellee.
WEBSTER, J.
Appellant (Hill) seeks review of a non-final or-
der granting appellee's (Carter's) motion to stay and
to refer the matter to arbitration. We have jurisdic-
tion. Fla. R.App. P. 9.130(a)(3)(C)(v). Because the
trial court's finding that Carter did not waive any
right it might otherwise have had to arbitrate is sup-
ported by competent substantial evidence, we af-
firm that finding. However, because the trial court
failed to determine whether the agreement contain-
ing the arbitration clause was valid and enforceable,
we reverse, and remand for further proceedings.
On November 30, 1998, Hill filed her com-
plaint, alleging that Carter had sold her a defective
car. The complaint, interrogatories, a request for
production and requests for admissions were served
on Carter on December 3, 1998. On January 15,
1999, Carter objected to a portion of Hill's request
for production; and, on January 21, 1999, it respon-
ded to Hill's requests for admissions. On January
27, 1999, Carter served a request for production on
Hill. Carter served its answer on January 28, 1999,having obtained from Hill's counsel an agreement
to extend the time within which the answer must be
filed. The answer did not raise the subject of arbit-
ration. On January 29, 1999, Carter served interrog-
atories on Hill. On February 4, 1999, Carter served
a motion requesting that the proceeding be stayed
and the matter referred to arbitration.
At the hearing on the motion to stay the pro-
ceeding and refer the matter to arbitration, Hill's
counsel argued that Carter had waived any right it
might otherwise have had to demand arbitration byfiling an answer which did not raise the issue, and
otherwise actively participating in the litigation
process. Carter's attorney responded that only two
months had passed between the date on which his
client had been served and that on which the motion
requesting arbitration was filed. In addition, he said
Page 2
745 So.2d 1136, 25 Fla. L. Weekly D34
(Cite as: 745 So.2d 1136)
2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
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that he had not yet received a copy of the contract
which included the arbitration clause (and, there-
fore, was unaware of the clause) at the time he pre-
pared and served the answer but that, as soon as he
received it, he filed the motion requesting arbitra-
tion.
In its order granting Carter's motion, and refer-
ring the matter to arbitration, the trial court found
that [w]hen [Carter] discovered the existence of
the contract and the arbitration clause, it promptly
requested arbitration. It found, further, that
Although [Carter] did participate in this litiga-
tion by filing an Answer and propounding discov-
ery, it also sought to *1138 invoke the provisions of
the contract requiring arbitration in a timely fashion
and in a manner not inconsistent with the existence
of the arbitration clause. It seems that [Carter's]
counsel was trying to keep up the pace with [Hill's]
counsel but this is not necessarily inconsistent with
it's [sic] request for arbitration.
This appeal follows.
[1][2] Hill correctly points out that a valid con-
tractual right to arbitrate a dispute may be waived.
E.g., Miller v. Drexel Burnham Lambert, Inc., 791
F.2d 850 (11th Cir.1986) (interpreting federal arbit-
ration law); Klosters Rederi A/S v. Arison Shipping
Co., 280 So.2d 678 (Fla.1973) (interpreting Florida
law). It is also true that numerous courts (including
ours) have held that waiver may occur as the result
of active participation in a lawsuit. E.g., S & H
Contractors, Inc. v. A.J. Taft Coal Co., 906 F.2d
1507 (11th Cir.1990); Beverly Hills Dev. Corp. v.
George Wimpey of Florida, Inc., 661 So.2d 969
(Fla. 5th DCA 1995); Finn v. Prudential-Bache Se-
curities, Inc., 523 So.2d 617 (Fla. 4th DCA 1988);
Maryland Cas. Co. v. Department of Gen. Serv.,489 So.2d 54 (Fla. 1st DCA 1986). Such conduct
may result in a finding of waiver because it is gen-
erally presumed to be inconsistent with an intent to
insist on arbitration.
[3][4][5] The question which a trial court must
answer when presented with an argument that a
party has waived a right it might otherwise have
had to arbitrate the dispute which is the subject of
the lawsuit is whether, in fact, a waiver has oc-
curred. A [w]aiver is the intentional or voluntary
relinquishment of a known right, or conduct which
warrants an inference of the relinquishment of a
known right. Board of County Comm'rs v. Interna-
tional Union of Operating Engineers, Local 653,
620 So.2d 1062, 1065 (Fla. 1st DCA 1993). Wheth-
er a waiver has occurred in any given situation is
generally a question of fact. Southeast Grove Man-
agement, Inc. v. McKiness, 578 So.2d 883 (Fla. 1st
DCA 1991). We will reverse a decision of a trial
court which is dependent upon a factual finding
only if there is no competent substantial evidence tosupport the finding. E.g., Manufacturers Nat'l Bank
v. Canmont Int'l, Inc., 322 So.2d 565 (Fla. 3d DCA
1975). Here, we cannot say that there exists no
competent substantial evidence to support the trial
court's implicit finding that Carter did not waive
any right it might otherwise have had to request ar-
bitration. Accordingly, we affirm that finding. We
note, in passing, that such a result is consistent with
the generally favorable attitude of courts toward ar-
bitration as a means of dispute resolution. See, e.g.,
Roe v. Amica Mut. Ins. Co., 533 So.2d 279, 281
(Fla.1988) (arbitration is a favored means of dis-
pute resolution).
Our conclusion that competent substantial evid-
ence supports the trial court's finding that no waiver
occurred does not end our inquiry. In its answer,
Carter implies in an affirmative defense that the
contract containing the arbitration clause is not val-
id and enforceable. Hill's counsel argued to the trial
court that an issue existed regarding whether the
contract was valid and enforceable. Although the
trial court recognized in its order that such an issue
existed, it did not decide that issue. This was error.
[6] When, as was the case here, a party oppos-
ing arbitration disputes the existence or validity of
the agreement to arbitrate, the trial court must re-
solve that issue as a part of its consideration of the
Page 3
745 So.2d 1136, 25 Fla. L. Weekly D34
(Cite as: 745 So.2d 1136)
2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
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motion seeking to compel arbitration. Jalis Constr.,
Inc. v. Mintz, 724 So.2d 1254 (Fla. 4th DCA 1999).
If necessary, the trial court must hold an eviden-
tiary hearing on the issue. Merrill Lynch Pierce
Fenner & Smith v. Melamed, 425 So.2d 127 (Fla.
4th DCA 1982). Because the trial court did not re-
solve that issue here, we reverse the order staying
the proceeding and referring the matter to arbitra-
tion, and remand. On remand, the trial court shall
conduct such further hearings as it *1139 deems ne-
cessary to permit it to decide whether a valid and
enforceable agreement to arbitrate exists.
AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED IN PART;
and REMANDED, with directions.
JOANOS and PADOVANO, JJ., CONCUR.
Fla.App. 1 Dist.,1999.
Hill v. Ray Carter Auto Sales, Inc.
745 So.2d 1136, 25 Fla. L. Weekly D34
END OF DOCUMENT
Page 4
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2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
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District Court of Appeal of Florida,Fifth District.
NORTH AMERICAN VAN LINES, Florida Mov-
ing Systems, Inc., AA Moving & Storage, Thomas
B. Deneen and Claudia Deneen, Appellants,
v.
James COLLYER and Patricia Collyer, Appellees.
No. 92-1667.
April 2, 1993.
Consumers brought action for damages againstmoving company and others alleging that their
household goods were lost through bad faith and
negligence. The Circuit Court for Brevard County,
Lawrence V. Johnston, III, J., rescinded order refer-
ring matter to arbitration based on claim by con-
sumers that they could not pay required deposit,
and defendants appealed. The District Court of Ap-
peal, Harris, J., held that consumers were not en-
titled to avoid arbitration and proceed to circuit
court simply because they were unable to pay de-
posit required to perform unambiguous arbitration
provision to which they agreed in contract.
Reversed and remanded.
Griffin, J., filed concurring opinion.
West Headnotes
[1] T 151
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(B) Agreements to Arbitrate
25Tk150 Operation and Effect
25Tk151 k. In General. Most Cited
Cases
(Formerly 33k10.20 Arbitration)
If court determines that right to arbitrate is not
in dispute, permitting parties to litigate dispute in
courts instead of proceeding by arbitration as
agreed would depart from essential requirements of
law.
[2] T 113
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(A) Nature and Form of Proceeding
25Tk113 k. Arbitration Favored; Public
Policy. Most Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k1.2 Arbitration)
Public policy favors arbitration as alternative to
litigation.
[3] T 152
25T Alternative Dispute Resolution
25TII Arbitration
25TII(B) Agreements to Arbitrate
25Tk150 Operation and Effect
25Tk152 k. As Ousting Jurisdiction of
or Precluding Resort to Courts. Most Cited Cases
(Formerly 33k10.20 Arbitration)
Consumers were not entitled to avoid unam-
biguous agreement to arbitrate and proceed to dis-
trict court based solely on their inability to pay de-
posit to cover expenses of arbitrating; arbitration
agreement was valid, arbitrable issue existed, and
right to arbitration had not been waived. West's
F.S.A. 682.03.
[4] Contracts 95 143(3)
95 Contracts
95II Construction and Operation
95II(A) General Rules of Construction
95k143 Application to Contracts in Gen-
eral
95k143(3) k. Rewriting, Remaking, or
Revising Contract. Most Cited Cases
Court is not empowered to rewrite clear and
unambiguous provision, nor should it attempt to
make otherwise valid contract more reasonable for
one party.
Page 1
616 So.2d 177, 18 Fla. L. Weekly D868
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2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
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[5] Contracts 95 303(1)
95 Contracts
95V Performance or Breach
95k303 Excuses for Nonperformance or De-
fects
95k303(1) k. In General. Most Cited
Cases
Unexpected difficulty or expense will not ex-
cuse party to contract from performance.
[6] Contracts 95 303(4)
95 Contracts
95V Performance or Breach
95k303 Excuses for Nonperformance or De-
fects
95k303(4) k. Performance Prevented by
Other Party or Third Person. Most Cited Cases
Parties who, by their own acts, prevent per-
formance of contract provision cannot take advant-
age of their own wrong.
*177 David E. Silverman of Krasny and Dettmer,
P.A., Melbourne, for appellants.
J. John Barker, Melbourne, for appellees.
HARRIS, Judge.
James and Patricia Collyer sued North Americ-
an Van Lines, Florida Moving Systems, Inc., AA
Moving and Storage, and Thomas B. and Claudia
Deneen for damages arising from the contractual
relationship between the parties. On motion, the tri-
al court found that the civil action should be abated
and the matter, pursuant to the contract, referred to
arbitration. However, the trial court rescinded its
order when the Collyers asserted that they could not
pay, and the arbitrator would not waive, a required
*178 deposit to defray the expense of the arbitra-tion, including the arbitrator's fee.... The trial court
held:
The combined effect of the arbitration provi-
sions of the contracts attached to the Motion to Stay
and Abate Proceedings; and the deposit requirement
of the American Arbitration Association is to de-
prive the Plaintiffs of any avenue of redress. Pro-
ceeding in court is precluded by the arbitration pro-
visions and proceeding in arbitration is precluded
by Plaintiff's inability to pay the deposit required.
[1][2] The trial court, in effect, determined that
the Collyers' inability to pay the agreed costs ex-
cused them from the terms of their contract. We re-
verse.
Section 682.03, Florida Statutes, provides in
relevant part:
A party to an agreement or provision for arbit-
ration subject to this law claiming the neglect or re-
fusal of another party thereto to comply therewith
may make application to the court for an order dir-
ecting the parties to proceed with arbitration in ac-
cordance with the terms thereof. If the court is sat-
isfied that no substantial issue exists as to the mak-
ing of the agreement or provision, it shall summar-
ily hear and determine the issue and, according to
its determination, shall grant or deny the applica-
tion. [Emphasis added].
This language has been interpreted to mean:
The trial court's role when considering applica-
tions to compel arbitration under Section 682.03,
Florida Statutes (1987), is limited to determining
(1) whether a valid written agreement exists con-
taining an arbitration clause, (2) whether an arbit-
rable issue exists, and (3) whether the right to arbit-
rate was waived.
Piercy v. School Bd. of Washington County,
Fla., 576 So.2d 806, 807 (Fla. 1st DCA 1991). If
the court determines that the right to arbitrate is not
in dispute, permitting the parties to litigate the dis-
pute in the courts instead of proceeding by arbitra-
tion as agreed would constitute a departure from the
essential requirements of law. Vic Potamkin Chev-
rolet, Inc. v. Bloom, 386 So.2d 286 (Fla. 3d DCA
1980). This conclusion is buttressed by the fact that
public policy favors arbitration as an alternative to
litigation. Larry Kent Homes, Inc. v. Empire of
Page 2
616 So.2d 177, 18 Fla. L. Weekly D868
(Cite as: 616 So.2d 177)
2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
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