summary
Introduced
02/20/2023
02/20/2023
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/05/2023
05/05/2023
Introduced Session
2023 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to defamation; providing legislative findings; amending s. 770.05, F.S.; providing that venue is proper in any county in the state for certain defamation causes of action; amending s. 770.08, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; creating s. 770.09, F.S.; providing applicability; providing that certain plaintiffs are entitled to reasonable costs and attorney fees; creating s. 770.11, F.S.; providing that a person is not a public figure for purposes of a defamation claim if his or her fame or notoriety arises in a specified manner; creating s. 770.12, F.S.; providing that a failure to take certain action is evidence of actual malice; creating s. 770.13, F.S.; providing a certain presumption; amending ss. 768.295 and 720.304, F.S.; revising the parties to whom a court shall award certain attorney fees and costs; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill makes several changes to Florida's defamation laws. It provides legislative findings that defamation should be a matter of state law, and that the federalization of defamation law has been detrimental to citizens. The bill expands venue options for defamation claims based on material published through radio, television, or the internet. It also entitles prevailing plaintiffs in defamation cases to reasonable costs and attorney's fees, and limits when a person can be considered a "public figure" for purposes of a defamation claim. Additionally, the bill creates presumptions that a failure to verify an alleged defamatory statement or the use of an anonymous source is evidence of actual malice. Finally, the bill amends provisions related to awarding attorney's fees in certain cases where a lawsuit is found to violate prohibitions on strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Withdrawn prior to introduction (on 02/21/2023)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/951 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/951/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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