The bill amends the Florida Vexatious Litigant Law, specifically section 68.093 of the Florida Statutes, to revise definitions and expand the scope of actions that fall under this law. Key changes include the definition of "action," which now encompasses various types of legal proceedings governed by specific procedural rules, and the criteria for designating someone as a vexatious litigant, which has been adjusted to include a broader range of behaviors. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the requirement for vexatious litigants to furnish security for litigation costs and outlines the consequences for failing to do so, including the potential dismissal of their actions.

Additionally, the bill prohibits clerks of court from accepting filings from individuals designated as vexatious litigants without prior court approval, thereby imposing stricter controls on their ability to initiate new legal actions. It establishes an automatic stay on litigation when a motion for security is filed, ensuring that the vexatious litigant cannot proceed until the court has ruled on the motion. The bill aims to streamline the legal process and reduce the burden on the courts by curbing frivolous litigation practices. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1559 Filed: 68.093
H 1559 c1: 68.093
H 1559 c2: 68.093
H 1559 er: 68.093