Bill > S1650

This bill modifies the Florida Vexatious Litigant Law to expand and clarify the definition and consequences of being designated as a vexatious litigant. The bill broadens the definition to include individuals who repeatedly file unmeritorious pleadings, conduct unnecessary discovery, engage in frivolous tactics, or attempt to relitigate previously determined cases. The changes extend the lookback period from 5 to 7 years when evaluating a person's litigation history and include actions in state and federal courts. The bill provides courts with more tools to manage vexatious litigation, such as allowing judges to impose sanctions like dismissing actions, striking pleadings, or entering default judgments against such litigants. It also establishes a process where courts can require vexatious litigants to post security before filing new actions and allows court clerks to refuse filings from individuals subject to prefiling orders. Additionally, the bill specifies that automatic stays resulting from these provisions remain in effect until the court makes specific rulings or dismisses the action. These modifications aim to prevent harassment through repeated, baseless legal actions while preserving access to legitimate judicial proceedings.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice (Senate), Judiciary (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1650