Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a judicial administration bill Friday, sending a range of new laws and amendments into play throughout Florida courts.

Here's what attorneys need to know:

From Oct. 1, Florida courts will no longer award attorney fees in proceedings for an injunction for protection in domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking cases, unless they find clear and convincing evidence that the petitioner or respondent knowingly made a false statement or allegation about a material matter. This comes in the form of an amendment to Statute 57.105, which governs sanctions for raising unsupported claims or defenses, exceptions, service of motions and damages for delays in litigation.

Under a new Florida statute enacted Monday, it's a third-degree felony to share any information about communications between someone reporting a crime and the crime stopper organization that rewarded him for the tip. This doesn't apply to the person who made the report or police officers doing their job, and doesn't limit the right of a defendant in discovery.

A new subsection expands the definition of cyberstalking, making it a third-degree felony to access or try to access a person's online accounts or home electronic systems without his permission.

Problem-solving courts tackling mental health, drug abuse and veterans' issues will from Oct. 1 be required to give annual reports to the Senate and House of Representatives listing the number of people in each court, its source of funding and performance results.

A new statute creates a list of criteria that from Oct. 1 a person must fit to have their criminal history expunged if they've acted in lawful self-defense. To be eligible, a petitioner needs to give a sworn statement and get a written document from the corresponding state attorney or statewide prosecutor explaining that charges weren't filed or the case was dismissed because of lawful self-defense. Courts will have full discretion over whether to accept or deny the request, and if the petitioner gives a false statement, they will be charged with a third-degree felony.

Read the bill:

 

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