Bills of Lading in Florida
A bill of lading is a foundational commercial document that serves as a receipt for shipped goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. In Florida, bills of lading are governed by UCC Article 7 (Chapter 677).
Functions
The bill of lading documents what was shipped, its condition at the time of delivery to the carrier, and the terms of carriage. For negotiable (order) bills, the document also functions as a title document that can be endorsed and transferred, enabling trade financing and the sale of goods in transit through Florida's major ports.
Carrier Liability
Under federal law (the Carmack Amendment for interstate shipments) and UCC Article 7, carriers are liable for loss or damage to goods unless they prove an exception (act of God, public enemy, shipper's fault, inherent vice, or public authority). The bill of lading establishes the baseline condition of the goods and the carrier's liability framework.
Related Terms
Barnes Walker Business Law
Barnes Walker handles commercial shipping and trade disputes in Florida. Contact us for guidance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC