This bill aims to enhance the protection of vulnerable adults against fraudulent and exploitative property transactions. It amends section 415.1034 of the Florida Statutes to include the clerk of the court as a mandatory reporter of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Additionally, it creates a new section, 415.1104, which establishes specific requirements for the execution and recording of deeds or instruments conveying real property interests from specified adults. These requirements include the presence of two independent witnesses during the signing, a mandatory 72-hour cooling-off period before recording, and the option for specified adults to designate a trusted person who can object to the recording of the deed.

The bill outlines a process for handling objections from trusted persons, which includes referring the matter to a not-for-profit legal aid organization for investigation into potential fraud or exploitation. The clerk is prohibited from recording the deed until the legal aid organization confirms that no fraudulent means were used. Furthermore, the bill mandates that clerks provide educational materials in plain language about the risks associated with property conveyance to protect specified adults from fraud and exploitation by October 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 116 Filed: 415.1034