The Florida Senate

634.271  Civil remedy.--

(1)  Any person damaged by a violation of the provisions of this part may bring a civil action against a person who violated such provisions, in the circuit court of the county in which the alleged violator resides or has her or his principal place of business or in the county wherein the alleged violation occurred. Upon an adverse adjudication, the defendant shall be liable for actual damages or $500, whichever is greater, together with court costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the plaintiff.

(2)  No such court costs or attorney's fee or compensation shall be allowed if such suit was commenced prior to the parties' complying with any and all arbitration provisions existing in the service agreement or policy.

(3)  When so awarded, court costs and compensation or fees of the attorney shall be included in the judgment or decree rendered in the case.

(4)  If it appears to the court that the suit brought by the plaintiff is ill-founded or brought for purposes of harassment, the plaintiff shall be liable for court costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the defendant.

History.--ss. 30, 33, ch. 82-234; s. 68, ch. 91-106; s. 20, ch. 93-195; s. 466, ch. 97-102.