The bill amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the state court system. It requires that at least one circuit judge in each circuit be available for hearings on short notice, particularly for domestic violence cases, to ensure timely judicial responses. The responsibilities of the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation are revised regarding budget requests, allowing clerks to submit certified reimbursement requests for certain petitions to the Justice Administrative Commission instead of the Office of the State Courts Administrator. Additionally, the bill removes the per diem cap for arbitrators in court-ordered, nonbinding arbitration, enhancing compensation flexibility. It also introduces provisions for judges to authenticate jurats and certificates of acknowledgment with their signature and printed information, and it prohibits filing fees for petitions related to domestic violence and similar issues while allowing clerks to seek reimbursement for processing these petitions.

Moreover, the bill establishes new eligibility verification requirements for disabled children aged 26 or older, necessitating specific documentation for tax dependency purposes. Subscribers must provide a government-issued birth or adoption certificate or a court order designating them as the child's legal guardian, along with a transcript of their most recent federal income tax return. For foreign-born subscribers unable to obtain the required documentation, a sworn affidavit is acceptable. The bill also reenacts a section regarding the presumption of disability for emergency rescue or public safety workers exposed to certain communicable diseases, requiring a written affidavit to confirm exposure only within the scope of employment. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 538 Filed: 26.20, 44.103, 92.50
S 538 c1: 26.20, 28.35, 44.103, 92.50, 741.30, 784.046, 784.0485, 825.1035