summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to civil litigation; amending s. 768.74, F.S.; revising the criteria that the court must consider in determining whether an award of money damages is excessive or inadequate; making technical changes; providing applicability; reenacting ss. 400.0238(1)(d), 429.298(1)(d), 768.73(1)(d), and 768.735(2)(c), F.S., relating to punitive damages, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 768.74, F.S., in references thereto; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill revises the criteria that courts must consider when determining if a monetary award in a civil lawsuit is too high (excessive) or too low (inadequate), specifically by adding new factors related to the rational connection between injuries and noneconomic damages, and ensuring awards are not based on irrelevant comparisons. It also clarifies that courts must review awards upon proper motion and order a new trial on damages if the affected party disagrees with a remittitur (reduction of an award) or additur (increase of an award). The bill applies to cases filed on or after July 1, 2026, and reenacts existing provisions in other Florida Statutes that reference the court's authority under section 768.74 to review punitive damages to incorporate these changes.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Laid on Table (on 02/19/2026)
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/2026/1506 |
| Analysis - Rules (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1506/Analyses/2026s01506.rc.PDF |
| https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1506/Amendment/674920/HTML | |
| https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1506/Amendment/567718/HTML | |
| Analysis - Rules (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1506/Analyses/2026s01506.pre.rc.PDF |
| Analysis - Judiciary (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1506/Analyses/2026s01506.ju.PDF |
| Analysis - Judiciary (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1506/Analyses/2026s01506.pre.ju.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1506/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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