This bill amends Section 784.046 of the Florida Statutes to create a new cause of action for obtaining injunctions for protection in cases of "serious violence by a known person," defined as acts of violence resulting in serious bodily injury between individuals who are acquainted. Victims or their legal guardians can file a verified petition for an injunction in circuit court, provided they have reported the violence to law enforcement and are cooperating with any related criminal proceedings. The bill also prohibits court clerks from charging fees for filing these petitions and requires them to provide certified copies of the injunctions. Law enforcement is mandated to accept and serve these injunctions immediately upon receipt, and the bill establishes a statewide verification system to facilitate communication regarding the status of injunctions.

Additionally, the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption against shared parental responsibility if a parent has been convicted of certain domestic violence-related offenses and requires courts to consider evidence of domestic violence or child abuse when determining custody arrangements. It expands the definitions of violence to include "serious violence by a known person" and outlines the conditions under which attorney fees may be awarded in related proceedings. The bill also establishes a "Hope Card" program for individuals with final judgments on injunctions and mandates the recognition of foreign protection orders in Florida. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence and streamline the processes for obtaining and enforcing protection orders, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 32 Filed: 784.046, 44.407, 61.1825, 119.0714, 394.4597, 394.4598, 741.2901, 741.313, 784.047, 784.048, 790.065, 934.03, 943.05
S 32 c1: 784.046, 44.407, 61.13, 61.1825, 394.4597, 394.4598, 741.313, 784.047, 934.03