- posted: Mar. 26, 2025
Complex business disputes that go to court pose challenges to litigants and judges. Without strong direction, these cases can get bogged down in discovery and motion practice, possibly forcing parties to wait a year or more for a resolution. Given the specific issues associated with commercial litigation matters, Central Florida has joined a few other locations around the country with a court devoted to handling these actions.
With divisions in Orange and Osceola Counties, the Ninth Judicial Circuit’s Business Court has earned praise from litigators for its ability to increase efficiency and consistency for area companies engaged in legal disputes. Though a court dedicated to commercial matters is not commonplace, they are used in at least three other Florida counties, as well as states such as New York and New Jersey.
Judges experienced in complex business litigation provide a level of knowledge and predictability that is often lacking in general civil courts. Additionally, cases tend to settle more quickly due to the court’s emphasis on early and extensive case management. In the first two years, the Ninth Circuit Business Court handled more than 1,000 cases, resolving a large majority of them. Given that track record, the court expanded its capacity by adding a second judge and a full-time staff lawyer.
Some of the features not commonly found in Florida’s civil courts include the following:
- Judges with specialized knowledge and experience — Disputes involving antitrust claims, franchise law, intellectual property and other complex business law issues require substantial work from a judge and their staff. Familiarity with these matters can make things run more quickly while ensuring that treatment of these issues is consistent from case to case.
- Prompt, skillful case management — Judges schedule a case-management conference within 120 days of filing. Both lawyers and clients are required to attend, and attorneys must prepare detailed reports for the initial meeting.
- Electronic filing — Cases are electronically filed and immediately assigned to a judge for review.
Many believe that well-run business courts not only aid parties and attorneys, but also provide a boost to the local economy by providing companies with a reliable and efficient forum for resolving disputes. If you operate a Central Florida business and are engaged in a legal conflict, an experienced attorney can advise you of how your case might be handled. H. Clay Parker, Esq. in Orlando represents Florida companies in a wide range of business litigation matters. Call our firm at [ln::phone] or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
