Opinion ID: 195055
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Forum clause

Text: 10 In this situation defendant points to a provision in the agreement as an escape hatch. The agreement provided that the Borrower and the Guarantors each hereby expressly submits to the jurisdiction of all Federal and State courts located in the State of Florida. (Emphasis ours). Defendant argues that this clause prohibits plaintiff from suing in the District of Puerto Rico. This is a confusion. Affirmatively conferring Florida jurisdiction by consent does not negatively exclude any other proper jurisdiction. See Hunt Wesson Foods, Inc. v. Supreme Oil Co., 817 F.2d 75, 77 (9th Cir.1987). There is a total difference between expressly and exclusively. Even if there could be thought to be ambiguity, its resolution must be in plaintiff's favor. Under Florida law (by which the agreement provides it is to be construed), as elsewhere, ambiguities are construed against the drafter. Capital City Bank v. Hilson, 59 Fla. 215, 219, 51 So. 853, 855 (1910). Thus even if the agreement could have some effect upon this collateral action, that effect, jurisdictionally, would be nil.