Disputes often arise over certain rights, status, and other equitable or legal relations. Businesspersons disagree on the meaning of a contract provision during performance. Insurance companies refuse to defend a pending lawsuit. Homeowners disagree on the boundaries of their properties during construction. These circumstances leave Floridians with an immediate need to know the true meaning and scope of their rights and legal relationships; they can seek certainty through Florida’s Declaratory Judgment Act

A declaratory judgment is a binding judgment from a court defining the legal relationship between parties and their rights in a matter before the court. When there is uncertainty as to the legal obligations or rights between two parties, a declaratory judgment offers an immediate means to resolve this uncertainty. The Florida Legislature specifically provided jurisdiction to the Courts to declare rights, status, and other equitable or legal relations between parties, whether or not further relief is or could be claimed.