Arbitration Award Reversed
Suzlon Energy, A/S v. Ventus De Nicaragua, S. A..,
38 Fla. L. Weekly D304a, Case No. 3D11-1087, filed February 6, 2013. An order
confirming an arbitration award in a dispute over sales commissions for wind
turbines was reversed due to the
lack of authority by the buyer's corporate representative to initiate
arbitration. While the contract contained an arbitration provision, and the
tribunal found that it had jurisdiction, the court found that the arbitrators
had "exceeded their powers" under s. 682.13(1)(c) as a basis for
vacating the arbitration award.
NOTE: A dissent by Judge Salter was based on the fact
that the issue of authority to initiate arbitration proceedings was for the
arbitrators to determine rather than for the court to determine. In his view
the majority decision "judicially vaporized" the contract provision
directing arbitration of "any dispute or controversy."
Trenton H. Cotney
Florida Bar Certified Construction Lawyer
Trent Cotney, P.A.
1211 N Franklin St
Tampa, FL 33602
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