In consideration of participating in any and all events, programs, classes, courses, field trips, field experiences, academic adventures, workshops, unit studies, book clubs, special events, social gatherings, volunteer activities, and/or any other activities hosted, organized, coordinated, facilitated, or sponsored by Florida Explorers Association, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Florida Explorers" or "the Organization"), I hereby agree as follows:
I, _____________________________, on behalf of myself, my minor child(ren), and our respective estates, heirs, administrators, executors, successors, and assigns, hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless Florida Explorers Association, Inc., its Board of Trustees, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, volunteers, instructors, teachers, educators, contractors, independent contractors, hosts, guest speakers, partners, partnering organizations, venue owners, venue operators, property owners, sponsors, and any affiliated persons or entities (collectively, the "Released Parties"), from any and all liability, responsibility, claims, demands, causes of action, suits, judgments, damages, losses, costs, and expenses of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to those arising from negligence, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, arising out of, connected with, or in any manner related to participation in any activities, programs, or events organized by or associated with Florida Explorers.
I fully understand and acknowledge that participation in Florida Explorers activities involves potential risks and hazards, including but not limited to: physical injury; illness or exposure to communicable diseases; emotional distress; allergic reactions; insect bites or stings; exposure to wildlife, water, heat, cold, or inclement weather; slips, trips, and falls; transportation-related incidents; equipment failure; interaction with animals; exposure to hazardous materials or environments; risks associated with water activities, farming, conservation, outdoor education, laboratory settings, and hands-on learning; and the negligence of other participants, Released Parties, or third parties. These risks may result in serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or death.
Despite these potential risks and hazards, I voluntarily choose to participate and freely accept, assume, and bear all risks and hazards that may arise from participation in any and all Florida Explorers activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise.
Florida Explorers is NOT a drop-off program. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing for a specific program, parents and/or legal guardians are expected to remain present and are solely responsible for the supervision, behavior, safety, and well-being of their child(ren) at all times during any Florida Explorers activity, event, or program.
Florida Explorers, the Released Parties, instructors, teachers, hosts, and partners assume NO responsibility or liability for any minor child who is dropped off, left unattended, or not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during any program, event, or activity. In the event a child is dropped off without prior written authorization, the parent/legal guardian assumes full and sole responsibility for any and all incidents, injuries, damages, or consequences that may occur.
By signing this agreement, I, as the parent/legal guardian, assume full responsibility for myself and my minor child(ren) during all Florida Explorers activities, including but not limited to their conduct, health, safety, medical needs, supervision, and any damages they may cause to persons or property.
All fees, payments, tuition, and registration costs paid to Florida Explorers Association, Inc. are NON-REFUNDABLE. Florida Explorers is under no obligation to provide refunds, credits, exchanges, or reimbursements of any kind for any reason, including but not limited to: cancellation by the participant; failure to attend; early withdrawal; dissatisfaction with a program; removal from a program due to conduct; illness; scheduling conflicts; weather-related cancellations; or any other circumstance. By registering and paying for any program or event, I acknowledge and accept this no-refund policy in its entirety.
I, on behalf of myself, my minor child(ren), and our respective estates, heirs, administrators, executors, successors, and assigns, covenant and agree not to sue, file a claim, bring legal action, or initiate any legal proceedings — whether civil, criminal, administrative, or otherwise — against any of the Released Parties, including but not limited to Florida Explorers Association, Inc., its Board of Trustees, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, volunteers, instructors, teachers, hosts, partners, partnering organizations, venue owners, other participating families, or any other participant, for any loss, injury, illness, death, damage, cost, or expense arising out of or related to participation in any Florida Explorers activity, program, or event.
I further agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, judgments, settlements, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including but not limited to court costs, attorney fees, and legal expenses at both the trial and appellate levels, that any Released Party may incur as a result of any claim, demand, or legal action arising from: (a) my participation or the participation of my minor child(ren) in any Florida Explorers activity; (b) any negligent, reckless, or deliberate act or omission on my part or on the part of my minor child(ren); or (c) any breach of this Agreement.
I acknowledge that Florida Explorers does not provide medical personnel or medical facilities at its events or programs. I understand that in the event of a medical emergency, Released Parties may attempt to contact emergency medical services and/or the parent/guardian, but Florida Explorers assumes no responsibility or liability for medical care, medical decisions, or the outcome of any medical situation. I accept full responsibility for ensuring that appropriate medical information, medications, and emergency contacts are provided and current. I authorize emergency medical treatment for myself and/or my minor child(ren) if I am unable to be reached.
I agree that I and my minor child(ren) will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, as well as all rules, regulations, policies, and codes of conduct established by Florida Explorers and/or any host venue or partnering organization. I understand that failure to comply may result in immediate removal from the activity without refund.
I grant Florida Explorers permission to photograph, video record, and/or audio record myself and/or my minor child(ren) during participation in any Florida Explorers activities and to use such images, recordings, or likenesses for educational, promotional, marketing, and organizational purposes without compensation or further notice.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the State of Florida.
I understand and agree that this Agreement is a continuing and binding agreement that applies to all current and future activities, programs, and events offered by Florida Explorers Association, Inc. in which I or my minor child(ren) participate, and that it is not necessary to sign a new agreement for each individual activity. This Agreement remains in full force and effect unless revoked in writing by the undersigned and acknowledged in writing by an authorized representative of Florida Explorers.
If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such finding shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
I acknowledge that many Florida Explorers activities take place at third-party venues, facilities, farms, parks, businesses, and locations not owned, operated, or controlled by Florida Explorers. I understand that Florida Explorers is not responsible for the conditions, safety, maintenance, or operations of any third-party venue or location, and I release all Released Parties from any claims arising from conditions at such venues. I agree to comply with all rules, regulations, and requirements of any third-party venue.
I understand that Florida Explorers does not provide transportation to or from any events, programs, or activities. I am solely responsible for arranging safe and reliable transportation for myself and my minor child(ren). Florida Explorers assumes no liability for any incidents occurring during transportation to, from, or between activity locations, whether by personal vehicle, carpool, or any other means.
I accept full responsibility for disclosing any and all allergies, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, behavioral needs, learning accommodations, or other special needs pertaining to myself or my minor child(ren) to Florida Explorers prior to participation. Florida Explorers is not liable for any adverse reactions, medical events, or incidents resulting from undisclosed conditions or failure to provide necessary medications or accommodations.
Florida Explorers does not offer peanut-free, dairy-free, or any other dietary accommodations. Several of its programs and offerings include food items. It is the sole responsibility of each student and family to be aware of what is being offered and to determine whether it is safe and appropriate for them to participate. When allergies are present, it is the parent's or guardian's responsibility to provide a suitable substitute item for the student. Florida Explorers, its teachers, hosts, partners, and volunteers assume no responsibility or liability for allergic reactions or adverse events related to food items provided during any program or activity.
To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Florida, the total liability of Florida Explorers Association, Inc. and all Released Parties for any and all claims arising out of or related to participation in any Florida Explorers activity shall be limited to zero dollars ($0.00). In no event shall any Released Party be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind.
In the event of any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement or participation in any Florida Explorers activity, the parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith mediation before pursuing any other remedies. Any mediation or legal proceedings shall take place in the State of Florida, and the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.
I acknowledge that Florida Explorers Association, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization and that many of its activities are facilitated by volunteers. Pursuant to the Florida Volunteer Protection Act (Florida Statute § 768.1355) and the Federal Volunteer Protection Act (42 U.S.C. § 14501 et seq.), volunteers acting within the scope of their responsibilities for the Organization are afforded certain legal protections from liability. I acknowledge and respect these protections.
I consent to receive communications from Florida Explorers via email, text message, phone, and other electronic means regarding programs, events, updates, and organizational matters. I understand I may opt out of non-essential communications at any time. By providing my phone number, I agree to receive transactional and/or informational SMS messages. Message and data rates may apply.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, or representations, whether written or oral. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in writing signed by an authorized representative of Florida Explorers Association, Inc.
In signing this Agreement, I acknowledge and represent that: (a) I have carefully read and fully understand this Agreement in its entirety; (b) I am aware that this is a release of liability, a waiver of claims, an express assumption of risks, a covenant not to sue, and a binding contract; (c) I sign this Agreement voluntarily, of my own free will, and for full and adequate consideration; (d) I am fully competent and of legal age to sign this Agreement, or if signing on behalf of a minor child, I am the parent or legal guardian with authority to do so; and (e) I intend to be fully bound by the terms of this Agreement.
I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE. I VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH HEREIN.
Dated this day of , 20.
Printed Name of Participant(s) / Minor Child(ren)
Participant's Signature
(I certify that I am 18 years of age or older)
Parent/Legal Guardian's Signature
(If Participant is under 18 years of age)
Printed Name of Parent/Legal Guardian
Emergency Contact Phone Number
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This document is a legally binding agreement. It is strongly recommended that you read it carefully before signing. By signing, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to all terms contained herein. This agreement applies to all current and future Florida Explorers Association activities in which you or your minor child(ren) participate.