The bill amends the Florida Vexatious Litigant Law, specifically section 68.093 of the Florida Statutes, to revise definitions and expand the actions that fall under this law. Key changes include the redefinition of "action" to encompass various types of civil actions governed by different procedural rules, and the adjustment of the criteria for designating someone as a vexatious litigant. The bill increases the time frame for determining vexatious behavior from five to seven years and introduces additional behaviors that qualify as vexatious, such as repeatedly filing unmeritorious documents or engaging in unnecessary discovery.

Furthermore, the bill establishes stricter sanctions and remedies for vexatious litigation, including prohibiting court clerks from accepting filings from individuals designated as vexatious litigants without prior court approval. It also specifies that an automatic stay will be imposed on litigation involving a vexatious litigant until certain conditions are met. The relief provided under this section is cumulative to other remedies available under state law. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1650 Filed: 68.093
S 1650 c1: 68.093