When there is more than one state, or more than one jurisdiction (state court, federal court) with a significant relationship to the parties and circumstances involved in a lawsuit or dispute, the question may arise as to which state or jurisdiction’s laws will govern the lawsuit or dispute. The body of law that determines what law governs a dispute is called conflict of laws and consists of legal principles courts use to determine which state or jurisdiction’s law applies—unless the parties to a dispute have agreed (usually in a contract) on what law will apply.

In Florida, as in other states, when a lawsuit or dispute involves multiple states or jurisdictions, the determination of which law applies is guided by the principles of 'conflict of laws' or 'choice of law.' These principles are designed to resolve issues when there is a disagreement over which jurisdiction's laws should be used to adjudicate a matter. Florida courts will consider various factors, such as the connection of the parties to the states involved, where the relevant events occurred, and the interests and policies of the different jurisdictions. The courts aim to apply the law of the jurisdiction that has the most significant relationship to the dispute. However, if the parties have entered into a contract that includes a choice of law provision, Florida courts will generally honor that agreement, assuming it was made fairly and does not contravene public policy. This contractual agreement can preempt the conflict of laws analysis, provided it is valid under Florida's contractual laws.