The bill amends several sections of Florida law to enhance the rights of respondents in risk protection order proceedings. It establishes that respondents have the right to be represented by an attorney and mandates that counsel be appointed for indigent respondents who desire representation. Additionally, the bill allows for compensation of private attorneys appointed to represent indigent respondents and requires that respondents be notified of their right to counsel during the hearing process. The bill also includes provisions for public defenders and the office of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel to represent respondents in these cases.

Furthermore, the bill sets a compensation limit of $1,000 for private counsel representing respondents in risk protection order proceedings. It clarifies that attorney fees cannot be awarded in these proceedings, except for private attorneys appointed to represent indigent respondents. The bill also makes conforming changes to cross-references in existing statutes and specifies that the compensation for appointed counsel in appeals related to risk protection orders will follow the same guidelines. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1455 Filed: 39.815