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. The responsibilities of the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation regarding budget requests are revised, 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 nonbinding arbitration and introduces new provisions for judges to authenticate jurats and certificates of acknowledgment. It also eliminates initial filing fees for petitions related to domestic violence and similar issues, while allowing clerks to seek reimbursement for processing these petitions.

Moreover, the bill addresses eligibility verification for benefits related to disabled children and public safety workers. It allows foreign-born subscribers who lack necessary documentation to provide a sworn affidavit to attest to their eligibility. Specific documentation requirements for proving eligibility for disabled children aged 26 or older are outlined, including a government-issued birth or adoption certificate and the subscriber's most recent federal income tax return. The bill reenacts a presumption of disability for emergency rescue or public safety workers suffering from certain conditions, contingent upon the submission of a written affidavit confirming no exposure outside of employment. The bill is scheduled 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
S 538 er: 26.20, 28.35, 44.103, 92.50, 741.30, 784.046, 784.0485, 825.1035