The bill amends sections 61.16 and 742.045 of the Florida Statutes to provide clearer guidelines regarding the awarding of attorney fees, suit money, and costs in legal proceedings. Key provisions include the ability for courts to award these fees retroactively and prospectively, the inclusion of costs incurred in pursuing such awards, and the requirement for courts to consider whether a party rejected a good faith settlement offer when determining fee awards. Additionally, the bill allows courts to impose sanctions for vexatious or bad faith litigation, mandates written findings for such sanctions, and establishes that attorney fees may be paid directly to the attorney.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that in cases of contempt, courts must include written findings of fact regarding the offending party's noncompliance and may require the noncompliant party to pay the reasonable costs incurred by the nonoffending party. It also introduces a presumption that parties who prevail on civil contempt motions are entitled to recover attorney fees and costs from the contemnor, regardless of financial need. The amendments apply to any actions filed on or after the effective date of the act.

Statutes affected:
H 413 Filed: 61.16, 742.045
H 413 c1: 61.16, 742.045
H 413 c2: 61.16, 742.045