On June 6, for the first time, the Florida Supreme Court approved standard jury instructions for use in contract and business litigation. The new instructions cover many basic issues in contract-based business disputes, including contract formation, interpretation, breach, and damages, as well as affirmative defenses.

Historically, Florida litigants in business disputes were required to formulate their own instructions in each case. To some extent, that will remain true, but the new standard instructions set will provide an important and necessary starting point for instructing juries on contract issues.