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2023 Florida Statutes (including 2023C)

Title XLVI CRIMES
Chapter 825
ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF ELDERLY PERSONS AND DISABLED ADULTS
CHAPTER 825
CHAPTER 825
ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF ELDERLY PERSONS AND DISABLED ADULTS
825.101 Definitions.
825.102 Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult; penalties.
825.1025 Lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disabled person.
825.103 Exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult; penalties.
825.1035 Injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
825.1036 Violation of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
825.104 Knowledge of victim’s age.
825.105 Good faith assistance.
825.106 Criminal actions involving elderly persons or disabled adults; speedy trial.
825.101 Definitions.—As used in this chapter:
(1) “Business relationship” means a relationship between two or more individuals or entities where there exists an oral or written contract or agreement for goods or services.
(2) “Caregiver” means a person who has been entrusted with or has assumed responsibility for the care or the property of an elderly person or disabled adult. “Caregiver” includes, but is not limited to, relatives, court-appointed or voluntary guardians, adult household members, neighbors, health care providers, and employees and volunteers of facilities as defined in subsection (7).
(3) “Disabled adult” means a person 18 years of age or older who suffers from a condition of physical or mental incapacitation due to a developmental disability, organic brain damage, or mental illness, or who has one or more physical or mental limitations that restrict the person’s ability to perform the normal activities of daily living.
(4) “Elderly person” means a person 60 years of age or older who is suffering from the infirmities of aging as manifested by advanced age or organic brain damage, or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunctioning, to the extent that the ability of the person to provide adequately for the person’s own care or protection is impaired.
(5) “Endeavor” means to attempt or try.
(6) “Exploitation” has the same meaning as the term “exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult” as defined in s. 825.103(1).
(7) “Facility” means any location providing day or residential care or treatment for elderly persons or disabled adults. The term “facility” may include, but is not limited to, any hospital, training center, state institution, nursing home, assisted living facility, adult family-care home, adult day care center, group home, mental health treatment center, or continuing care community.
(8) “Improper benefit” means any remuneration or payment, by or on behalf of any service provider or merchant of goods, to any person as an incentive or inducement to refer customers or patrons for past or future services or goods.
(9) “Kickback” has the same meaning as in s. 456.054(1).
(10) “Lacks capacity to consent” means an impairment by reason of mental illness, developmental disability, organic brain disorder, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, short-term memory loss, or other cause, that causes an elderly person or disabled adult to lack sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate reasonable decisions concerning the elderly person’s or disabled adult’s person or property.
(11) “Obtains or uses” means any manner of:
(a) Taking or exercising control over property; or
(b) Making any use, disposition, or transfer of property.
(12) “Position of trust and confidence” with respect to an elderly person or a disabled adult means the position of a person who:
(a) Is a parent, spouse, adult child, or other relative by blood or marriage of the elderly person or disabled adult;
(b) Is a joint tenant or tenant in common with the elderly person or disabled adult;
(c) Has a legal or fiduciary relationship with the elderly person or disabled adult, including, but not limited to, a court-appointed or voluntary guardian, trustee, attorney, or conservator;
(d) Is a caregiver of the elderly person or disabled adult; or
(e) Is any other person who has been entrusted with or has assumed responsibility for the use or management of the elderly person’s or disabled adult’s funds, assets, or property.
(13) “Property” means anything of value and includes:
(a) Real property, including things growing on, affixed to, and found in land.
(b) Tangible or intangible personal property, including rights, privileges, interests, and claims.
(c) Services.
(14) “Services” means anything of value resulting from a person’s physical or mental labor or skill, or from the use, possession, or presence of property, and includes:
(a) Repairs or improvements to property.
(b) Professional services.
(c) Private, public, or governmental communication, transportation, power, water, or sanitation services.
(d) Lodging accommodations.
(e) Admissions to places of exhibition or entertainment.
(15) “Value” means value determined according to any of the following:
(a)1. The market value of the property at the time and place of the offense or, if the market value cannot be satisfactorily ascertained, the cost of replacing the property within a reasonable time after the offense.
2. In the case of a written instrument such as a check, draft, or promissory note, which does not have a readily ascertainable market value, the value is the amount due or collectible. The value of any other instrument that creates, releases, discharges, or otherwise affects any valuable legal right, privilege, or obligation is the greatest amount of economic loss that the owner of the instrument might reasonably suffer by the loss of the instrument.
3. The value of a trade secret that does not have a readily ascertainable market value is any reasonable value representing the damage to the owner suffered by reason of losing advantage over those who do not know of or use the trade secret.
(b) If the value of the property cannot be ascertained, the trier of fact may find the value to be not less than a certain amount; if no such minimum value can be ascertained, the value is an amount less than $100.
(c) Amounts of value of separate properties involved in exploitation committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether the exploitation involves the same person or several persons, may be aggregated in determining the degree of the offense.
(16) “Vulnerable adult” has the same meaning as in s. 415.102(28).
History.—s. 2, ch. 95-158; s. 1, ch. 96-322; s. 1, ch. 2002-195; s. 3, ch. 2014-200; s. 1, ch. 2018-100; s. 104, ch. 2019-3; s. 5, ch. 2021-221.
825.102 Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult; penalties.—
(1) “Abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult” means:
(a) Intentional infliction of physical or psychological injury upon an elderly person or disabled adult;
(b) An intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or psychological injury to an elderly person or disabled adult;
(c) Active encouragement of any person to commit an act that results or could reasonably be expected to result in physical or psychological injury to an elderly person or disabled adult; or
(d) Intentionally, and without lawful authority, isolating or restricting access of an elderly person or a disabled adult to family members for any length of time which could reasonably be expected to result in physical or psychological injury to the elderly person or disabled adult, or with the intent to promote, facilitate, conceal, or disguise some form of criminal activity involving the person or property of the elderly person or disabled adult. It is a defense to a violation of this paragraph that the defendant had reasonable cause to believe that his or her action was necessary to protect the elderly person or disabled adult from danger to his or her welfare.

A person who knowingly or willfully abuses an elderly person or disabled adult without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the elderly person or disabled adult commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(2) “Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult” occurs when a person:
(a) Commits aggravated battery on an elderly person or disabled adult;
(b) Willfully tortures, maliciously punishes, or willfully and unlawfully cages, an elderly person or disabled adult; or
(c) Knowingly or willfully abuses an elderly person or disabled adult and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the elderly person or disabled adult.

A person who commits aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(3)(a) “Neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult” means:
1. A caregiver’s failure or omission to provide an elderly person or disabled adult with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the elderly person’s or disabled adult’s physical and mental health, including, but not limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the elderly person or disabled adult; or
2. A caregiver’s failure to make a reasonable effort to protect an elderly person or disabled adult from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person.

Neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult may be based on repeated conduct or on a single incident or omission that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, serious physical or psychological injury, or a substantial risk of death, to an elderly person or disabled adult.

(b) A person who willfully or by culpable negligence neglects an elderly person or disabled adult and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the elderly person or disabled adult commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(c) A person who willfully or by culpable negligence neglects an elderly person or disabled adult without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the elderly person or disabled adult commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 3, ch. 95-158; s. 2, ch. 96-322; s. 1, ch. 2008-160; s. 6, ch. 2021-221.
825.1025 Lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disabled person.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Female genitals” includes the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, vulva, hymen, and vagina.
(b) “Sexual activity” means the oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.
(2)(a) “Lewd or lascivious battery upon an elderly person or disabled person” occurs when a person encourages, forces, or entices an elderly person or disabled person to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity, when the person knows or reasonably should know that the elderly person or disabled person either lacks the capacity to consent or fails to give consent.
(b) A person who commits lewd or lascivious battery upon an elderly person or disabled person commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3)(a) “Lewd or lascivious molestation of an elderly person or disabled person” occurs when a person intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of an elderly person or disabled person when the person knows or reasonably should know that the elderly person or disabled person either lacks the capacity to consent or fails to give consent.
(b) A person who commits lewd or lascivious molestation of an elderly person or disabled person commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(4)(a) “Lewd or lascivious exhibition in the presence of an elderly person or disabled person” occurs when a person, in the presence of an elderly person or disabled person:
1. Intentionally masturbates;
2. Intentionally exposes his or her genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or
3. Intentionally commits any other lewd or lascivious act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the elderly person or disabled person, including but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity,

when the person knows or reasonably should know that the elderly person or disabled person either lacks the capacity to consent or fails to give consent to having such act committed in his or her presence.

(b) A person who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition in the presence of an elderly person or disabled person commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 4, ch. 96-322; s. 1, ch. 2002-159; s. 8, ch. 2022-165.
825.103 Exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult; penalties.—
(1) “Exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult” means:
(a) Knowingly obtaining or using, or endeavoring to obtain or use, an elderly person’s or disabled adult’s funds, assets, or property with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the elderly person or disabled adult of the use, benefit, or possession of the funds, assets, or property, or to benefit someone other than the elderly person or disabled adult, by a person who:
1. Stands in a position of trust and confidence with the elderly person or disabled adult; or
2. Has a business relationship with the elderly person or disabled adult;
(b) Obtaining or using, endeavoring to obtain or use, or conspiring with another to obtain or use an elderly person’s or disabled adult’s funds, assets, or property with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the elderly person or disabled adult of the use, benefit, or possession of the funds, assets, or property, or to benefit someone other than the elderly person or disabled adult, by a person who knows or reasonably should know that the elderly person or disabled adult lacks the capacity to consent;
(c) Breach of a fiduciary duty to an elderly person or disabled adult by the person’s guardian, trustee who is an individual, or agent under a power of attorney which results in an unauthorized appropriation, sale, transfer of property, kickback, or receipt of an improper benefit. An unauthorized appropriation under this paragraph occurs when the elderly person or disabled adult does not receive the reasonably equivalent financial value in goods or services, or when the fiduciary violates any of these duties:
1. For agents appointed under chapter 709:
a. Committing fraud in obtaining their appointments;
b. Obtaining appointments with the purpose and design of benefiting someone other than the principal or beneficiary;
c. Abusing their powers;
d. Wasting, embezzling, or intentionally mismanaging the assets of the principal or beneficiary; or
e. Acting contrary to the principal’s sole benefit or best interest; or
2. For guardians and trustees who are individuals and who are appointed under chapter 736 or chapter 744:
a. Committing fraud in obtaining their appointments;
b. Obtaining appointments with the purpose and design of benefiting someone other than the principal or beneficiary;
c. Abusing their powers; or
d. Wasting, embezzling, or intentionally mismanaging the assets of the ward or beneficiary of the trust;
(d) Misappropriating, misusing, or transferring without authorization money belonging to an elderly person or disabled adult from an account in which the elderly person or disabled adult placed the funds, owned the funds, and was the sole contributor or payee of the funds before the misappropriation, misuse, or unauthorized transfer. This paragraph only applies to the following types of accounts:
1. Personal accounts;
2. Joint accounts created with the intent that only the elderly person or disabled adult enjoys all rights, interests, and claims to moneys deposited into such account; or
3. Convenience accounts created in accordance with s. 655.80;
(e) Intentionally or negligently failing to effectively use an elderly person’s or disabled adult’s income and assets for the necessities required for that person’s support and maintenance, by a caregiver or a person who stands in a position of trust and confidence with the elderly person or disabled adult; or
(f) Knowingly obtaining or using, endeavoring to obtain or use, or conspiring with another to obtain or use an elderly person’s or a disabled adult’s funds, assets, property, or estate through intentional modification, alteration, or fraudulent creation of a plan of distribution or disbursement expressed in a will, trust agreement, or other testamentary devise of the elderly person or disabled adult without:
1. A court order, from a court having jurisdiction over the elderly person or disabled adult, which authorizes the modification or alteration;
2. A written instrument executed by the elderly person or disabled adult, sworn to and witnessed by two persons who would be competent as witnesses to a will, which authorizes the modification or alteration; or
3. Action of an agent under a valid power of attorney executed by the elderly person or disabled adult which authorizes the modification or alteration.
(2) Any inter vivos transfer of money or property valued in excess of $10,000 at the time of the transfer, whether in a single transaction or multiple transactions, by a person age 65 or older to a nonrelative whom the transferor knew for fewer than 2 years before the first transfer and for which the transferor did not receive the reasonably equivalent financial value in goods or services creates a permissive presumption that the transfer was the result of exploitation.
(a) This subsection applies regardless of whether the transfer or transfers are denoted by the parties as a gift or loan, except that it does not apply to a valid loan evidenced in writing that includes definite repayment dates. However, if repayment of any such loan is in default, in whole or in part, for more than 65 days, the presumption of this subsection applies.
(b) This subsection does not apply to:
1. Persons who are in the business of making loans.
2. Bona fide charitable donations to nonprofit organizations that qualify for tax exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.
(c) In a criminal case to which this subsection applies, if the trial is by jury, jurors shall be instructed that they may, but are not required to, draw an inference of exploitation upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the facts listed in this subsection. The presumption of this subsection imposes no burden of proof on the defendant.
(3)(a) If the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation of the elderly person or disabled adult is valued at $50,000 or more, the offender commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(b) If the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation of the elderly person or disabled adult is valued at $10,000 or more, but less than $50,000, the offender commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(c) If the funds, assets, or property involved in the exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult is valued at less than $10,000, the offender commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(4) If a person is charged with financial exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult that involves the taking of or loss of property valued at more than $5,000 and property belonging to a victim is seized from the defendant pursuant to a search warrant, the court shall hold an evidentiary hearing and determine, by a preponderance of the evidence, whether the defendant unlawfully obtained the victim’s property. If the court finds that the property was unlawfully obtained, the court may order it returned to the victim for restitution purposes before trial on the charge. This determination is inadmissible in evidence at trial on the charge and does not give rise to any inference that the defendant has committed an offense under this section.
History.—s. 4, ch. 95-158; s. 5, ch. 96-322; s. 1, ch. 97-78; s. 29, ch. 2009-223; s. 4, ch. 2014-200; s. 7, ch. 2021-221.
825.1035 Injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult.—
(1) INJUNCTION CREATED.—There is created a cause of action for an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult. As used in this section, and in addition to the definitions provided in this chapter, exploitation of a vulnerable adult includes a person 65 years of age or older who is or may be subject to exploitation as described in s. 817.5695.
(2) WHO MAY FILE; VENUE; RECORDING.—
(a) The cause of action may be sought in an adversary proceeding by:
1. A vulnerable adult in imminent danger of being exploited;
2. The guardian of a vulnerable adult in imminent danger of being exploited;
3. A person or organization acting on behalf of the vulnerable adult with the consent of the vulnerable adult or his or her guardian;
4. An agent under a valid durable power of attorney with the authority specifically granted in the power of attorney; or
5. A person who simultaneously files a petition for determination of incapacity and appointment of an emergency temporary guardian with respect to the vulnerable adult.
(b) A sworn petition for an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult may be filed regardless of whether any other cause of action is currently pending between either the petitioner and the respondent or the vulnerable adult and the respondent. However, the pendency of any such cause of action must be noted in the petition.
(c) A person temporarily or permanently vacating a residence or household in an attempt to avoid exploitation does not affect his or her right to petition for an injunction.
(d) Parties to an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult may not be required to be represented by an attorney.
(e) There is no minimum requirement of residency to petition for an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult. It is not required as a prerequisite of filing a petition for or issuance of an injunction under this section for exploitation to have already occurred.
(f) If a proceeding concerning the vulnerable adult under chapter 744 is pending at the time of the filing, the petition must be filed in that proceeding. Otherwise, a petition for an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult may only be filed in the circuit where the vulnerable adult resides.
(g) All proceedings conducted pursuant to this subsection must be recorded. Recording may be by electronic means as provided by court rule.
(3) FORM OF PETITION.—
(a) A sworn petition filed under this section must allege the existence of exploitation, or the imminent exploitation, of the vulnerable adult and must include the specific facts and circumstances for which relief is sought. The sworn petition must be in substantially the following form:

PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION
AGAINST EXPLOITATION OF A VULNERABLE ADULT

Before me, the undersigned authority, personally appeared Petitioner   (Name)  , who has been sworn and says that the following statements are true:

1. The petitioner’s name is:  

2. The petitioner’s address is:  

3. The petitioner’s relationship to the vulnerable adult is:  

4. How long has the petitioner known the vulnerable adult:  

5. The vulnerable adult’s name is:  

6. Aliases of the vulnerable adult are:  

7. The vulnerable adult’s date of birth is:  

8. The vulnerable adult’s address is:  

9. Does the vulnerable adult have one or more impairments that impact his or her ability to perform normal activities of daily living or to provide for his or her own care or protection?

Yes    No  

If so, what are this person’s impairments?   (check all that apply)  

 Long-term physical disability

 Sensory disability (e.g., hearing or vision impaired)

 Cognitive disability

 Mental or emotional disability

 Developmental disability

 Infirmity of aging

 Other (explain)

10. The respondent’s last known address is:  

11. The respondent’s last known place of employment is:   (name of business and address)  .

12. Physical description of the respondent:  

Race  

Sex  

Date of birth  

Height  

Weight  

Eye color  

Hair color  

Distinguishing marks or scars  

13. Aliases of the respondent:  

14. The respondent is associated with the vulnerable adult as follows: 

15. The following describes any other cause of action currently pending between the petitioner and the respondent, any proceeding under chapter 744 concerning the vulnerable adult, and any previous or pending attempts by the petitioner to obtain an injunction for protection against exploitation of the vulnerable adult in this or any other circuit; related case numbers, if available; and the results of any such attempts: 

16. The following describes the petitioner’s knowledge of any reports made to a government agency, including, but not limited to, the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Department of Children and Families, and the adult protective services program relating to the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the vulnerable adult; any investigations performed by a government agency relating to abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the vulnerable adult; and the results of any such reports or investigations: 

17. The petitioner knows the vulnerable adult is either a victim of exploitation or the petitioner has reasonable cause to believe the vulnerable adult is, or is in imminent danger of becoming, a victim of exploitation because the respondent has:   (describe in the spaces below the incidents or threats of exploitation)    

18. The following describes the petitioner’s knowledge of the vulnerable adult’s dependence on the respondent for care; alternative provisions for the vulnerable adult’s care in the absence of the respondent, if necessary; available resources the vulnerable adult has to access such alternative provisions; and the vulnerable adult’s willingness to use such alternative provisions:  

19. The petitioner knows the vulnerable adult maintains assets, accounts, or lines of credit at the following financial institution(s):   (list name, address, and account number of each)  .

20. The petitioner believes that the vulnerable adult’s assets to be frozen are:   (mark one)  .

 Worth less than $1500;

 Worth between $1500 and $5000; or

 Worth more than $5000.

21. The petitioner genuinely fears imminent exploitation of the vulnerable adult by the respondent.

22. The petitioner seeks an injunction for the protection of the vulnerable adult, including:   (mark appropriate section or sections)  .

 Prohibiting the respondent from having any direct or indirect contact with the vulnerable adult.

 Immediately restraining the respondent from committing any acts of exploitation against the vulnerable adult.

 Freezing the assets of the vulnerable adult held at   (name and address of depository or financial institution)   even if titled jointly with the respondent, or in the respondent’s name only, in the court’s discretion.

 Freezing the credit lines of the vulnerable adult at   (name and address of financial institution)   even if jointly with the respondent, in the court’s discretion.

 Providing any terms the court deems necessary for the protection of the vulnerable adult or his or her assets, including any injunctions or directives to law enforcement agencies.

23. Should the court enter an injunction freezing assets and credit lines, the petitioner believes that the critical expenses of the vulnerable adult will be paid for or provided by the following persons or entities, or the petitioner requests that the following expenses be paid notwithstanding the freeze:   (for each expense, list the name of the payee, address, account number if known, amount, and a brief explanation of why payment is critical)  .

(b) Each petition for an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult must contain, directly above the signature line, a statement in all capital letters and bold type not smaller than the surrounding text, as follows:

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PURSUANT TO SECTION 415.1034, FLORIDA STATUTES, ANY PERSON WHO KNOWS, OR HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO SUSPECT, THAT A VULNERABLE ADULT HAS BEEN OR IS BEING ABUSED, NEGLECTED, OR EXPLOITED HAS A DUTY TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUCH KNOWLEDGE OR SUSPICION TO THE CENTRAL ABUSE HOTLINE. I HAVE REPORTED THE ALLEGATIONS IN THIS PETITION TO THE CENTRAL ABUSE HOTLINE.

I HAVE READ EACH STATEMENT MADE IN THIS PETITION AND EACH SUCH STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE IN THIS PETITION ARE BEING MADE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY PUNISHABLE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 837.02, FLORIDA STATUTES.

(c) Upon the filing of the petition, the court shall schedule a hearing on the petition on the earliest possible date.
(4) CLERK’S DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND CHARGES.—
(a) The clerk of the circuit court shall assist the petitioner in filing an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult and any petition alleging a violation thereof.
(b) The clerk of the circuit court shall provide simplified petition forms for the injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and any modifications thereto, and for the enforcement thereof, and instructions for completion of such forms.
(c) The clerk of the circuit court shall, to the extent practicable, ensure the petitioner’s privacy while completing such forms.
(d) The clerk of the circuit court shall provide the petitioner with two certified copies of the petition for an injunction without charge, and shall inform the petitioner of the steps necessary for service of process and enforcement.
(e) If an injunction is entered, the clerk of the circuit court shall provide, without charge, the petitioner with certified copies of an order of injunction that may be served upon any person holding property, upon any financial institution holding property or accounts, or upon any financial institution with an open line of credit that is subject to the freeze, and shall inform the petitioner of the service of process and enforcement.
(f) The clerk of the circuit court and appropriate staff in each county shall receive training in the effective assistance of petitioners as provided or approved by the Florida Association of Court Clerks.
(g) The clerk of the circuit court in each county shall produce an informational brochure and provide it to the petitioner at the time of filing for an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The brochure must include information about the exploitation of vulnerable adults and the effect of providing false information to the court. The clerk of the circuit court in each county shall also make available informational brochures on the exploitation of vulnerable adults to local senior centers, local aging and disability resource centers, or appropriate state or federal agencies.
(h) The clerk of the circuit court shall provide a copy of all petitions filed pursuant to this section and all orders entered on such petitions to the adult protective services program. Within 72 hours after receipt of such orders or petitions, the adult protective services program shall submit to the court overseeing proceedings on the petition the results of any relevant investigations relating to the vulnerable adult.
(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the clerk of the circuit court may not assess an initial filing fee or service charge for petitions filed under this section. However, subject to legislative appropriation, the clerk of the circuit court may, on a quarterly basis, submit a certified request for reimbursement to the Office of the State Courts Administrator for the processing of such petitions, at the rate of $40 per petition. The request for reimbursement must be submitted in the form and manner prescribed by the office. From each reimbursement received, the clerk of the circuit court shall pay any law enforcement agency serving the injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult the fee requested by the law enforcement agency, to not exceed $20.
(5) TEMPORARY INJUNCTION; SERVICE; HEARING.—
(a)1. The court may grant a temporary injunction ex parte, pending a full hearing, and may grant such relief as the court deems proper if the court finds that:
a. An immediate and present danger of exploitation of the vulnerable adult exists.
b. There is a likelihood of irreparable harm and nonavailability of an adequate remedy at law.
c. There is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits.
d. The threatened injury to the vulnerable adult outweighs possible harm to the respondent.
e. Granting a temporary injunction will not disserve the public interest.
f. Such injunction provides for the vulnerable adult’s physical or financial safety.
2. Such relief the court deems proper may include, but is not limited to, injunctions doing any of the following:
a. Restraining the respondent from committing any acts of exploitation against the vulnerable adult.
b. Awarding to the vulnerable adult the temporary exclusive use and possession of the dwelling that the vulnerable adult and the respondent share, or barring the respondent from the residence of the vulnerable adult. The court shall confirm the availability of any required services or alternative caregivers that may be necessary to ensure the vulnerable adult’s safety.
c. Freezing any assets of the vulnerable adult in any depository or financial institution whether titled solely in the vulnerable adult’s name, solely in the respondent’s name, jointly with the respondent, in guardianship, in trust, or in a Totten trust, provided that:
(I) Assets held by a guardian for the vulnerable adult may be frozen only by an order entered by the court overseeing the guardianship proceeding.
(II) Assets held by a trust may be frozen only by an order of the court if all the trustees of the trust are served with process and are given reasonable notice before any hearing on the petition.
(III) Assets held solely in the name of the respondent may only be frozen on an ex parte basis if the petition and affidavit demonstrate to the court probable cause that such assets are traceable to the unlawful exploitation of the vulnerable adult, that such assets are likely to be returned to the vulnerable adult after a final evidentiary hearing, and that no other adequate remedy at law is reasonably available.
d. Freezing any line of credit of the vulnerable adult at any depository or financial institution whether listed solely in the vulnerable adult’s name or jointly with the respondent.
(I) Lines of credit held by a guardian for the vulnerable adult may be frozen only by an order entered by the court overseeing the guardianship proceeding.
(II) Lines of credit held by a trust may be frozen only by an order of the court if all the trustees of the trust are served with process and are given reasonable notice before any hearing on the petition.
e. Prohibiting the respondent from having direct or indirect contact with the vulnerable adult.
f. Providing directives to law enforcement agencies.
g. If the court has ordered an asset and credit freeze, ordering that specified living expenses of the vulnerable adult continue to be paid.
h. Ordering any financial institution holding assets of the vulnerable adult to pay the clerk of the circuit court from unencumbered assets of the vulnerable adult, if any, a fee of $75 if the assets of the petitioner are between $1,500 and $5,000 or a fee of $200 if the assets are in excess of $5,000. The court may rely on the estimate of the value of the assets in the petition when assessing the fee. The fee shall be taxed as costs against the respondent if the court enters an injunction.
(b) Except as provided in s. 90.204, in a hearing ex parte for the purpose of obtaining an ex parte temporary injunction, only verified pleadings or affidavits may be used as evidence unless the respondent appears at the hearing or has received reasonable notice of the hearing. A petition under this section shall be considered a family case for purposes of s. 90.204(4).
(c) A denial of a petition for an ex parte injunction must be by written order and must note the legal grounds for denial. When the only ground for denial is failure to demonstrate appearance of an immediate and present danger of exploitation of a vulnerable adult, the court must set a full hearing on the petition for injunction at the earliest possible date. Nothing in this paragraph affects a petitioner’s right to promptly amend any petition consistent with court rules.
(d) An ex parte temporary injunction may be effective for a fixed period not to exceed 15 days unless good cause is shown to extend the injunction. The ex parte temporary injunction may be extended one time for up to an additional 30 days. A full hearing, as provided by this section, must be set for a date no later than the date when the ex parte temporary injunction ceases to be effective.
(6) REASONABLE CAUSE.—In determining whether a petitioner has reasonable cause to believe that the vulnerable adult is, or is in imminent danger of becoming, a victim of exploitation, the court shall consider and evaluate all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, any of the following:
(a) The existence of a verifiable order of protection issued previously or from another jurisdiction.
(b) Any history of exploitation by the respondent upon the vulnerable adult in the petition or any other vulnerable adult.
(c) Any history of the vulnerable adult being previously exploited or unduly influenced.
(d) The capacity of the vulnerable adult to make decisions related to his or her finances and property.
(e) Susceptibility of the vulnerable adult to undue influence.
(f) Any criminal history of the respondent or previous probable cause findings by the adult protective services program, if known.
(7) NOTICE OF PETITION AND INJUNCTION.—
(a) The respondent shall be personally served, pursuant to chapter 48, with a copy of the petition, notice of hearing, and temporary injunction, if any, before the final hearing.
(b) If the petitioner is acting in a representative capacity, the vulnerable adult shall also be served with a copy of the petition, notice of hearing, and temporary injunction, if any, before the final hearing.
(c) If any assets or lines of credit are ordered to be frozen, the depository or financial institution must be served as provided in s. 655.0201.
(8) FINAL HEARING ON PETITION.—
(a)1. The court may grant such relief as the court deems proper when, upon notice and hearing, it appears to the court that:
a. The vulnerable adult is the victim of exploitation or that the vulnerable adult is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of exploitation.
b. There is a likelihood of irreparable harm and nonavailability of an adequate remedy at law.
c. The threatened injury to the vulnerable adult outweighs possible harm to the respondent.
d. Where the injunction freezes assets of the respondent, the court finds probable cause that exploitation has occurred, the freeze only affects the proceeds of such exploitation, and there is a substantial likelihood that such assets will be ordered to be returned to the vulnerable adult.
e. The relief provides for the vulnerable adult’s physical or financial safety.
2. Such relief may include, but need not be limited to, injunctions doing any of the following:
a. Continuing the temporary injunction in part or in whole.
b. Restraining the respondent from committing any acts of exploitation.
c. Awarding to the vulnerable adult the exclusive use and possession of the dwelling that the vulnerable adult and the respondent share or excluding the respondent from the residence of the vulnerable adult. The court shall confirm the availability of any required services or alternative caregivers that may be necessary to ensure the vulnerable adult’s safety.
d. Ordering the respondent to participate in treatment, intervention, or counseling services to be paid for by the respondent.
e. Directing that assets under temporary freeze by injunction be returned to the vulnerable adult, or directing that those assets remain frozen until ownership can be determined; and directing that the temporary freeze on any line of credit be lifted.
f. Where the court has found that the respondent has engaged in exploitation of the vulnerable adult, entering a final cost judgment against the respondent and in favor of the petitioner for all taxable costs, and entering a final cost judgment against the respondent and in favor of the clerk of the circuit court for all the clerk’s filing fees and service charges that were waived by operation of this section.
g. Ordering such other relief as the court deems necessary for the protection of a victim of exploitation, including injunctions or directives to law enforcement agencies, as provided in this section.
(b) The court must allow an advocate from a state attorney’s office, a law enforcement agency, or the adult protective services program to be present with the petitioner or the respondent during any court proceedings or hearings related to the injunction, provided the petitioner or the respondent has made such a request and the advocate is able to be present.
(c) The terms of an injunction restraining the respondent as provided in paragraph (a) remain in effect until the injunction is modified or dissolved.
(9) PROVISIONS REQUIRED IN ANY TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT INJUNCTION.—A temporary or final judgment on an injunction must, on its face, indicate:
(a) That the injunction is valid and enforceable in all counties of this state.
(b) That law enforcement officers may use their arrest powers under s. 901.15(6) to enforce the terms of the injunction.
(c) That the court had jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter under state law and that reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard were given to the person against whom the order was sought, in a manner that was sufficient to protect that person’s right to due process.
(d) If any assets or lines of credit are ordered to be frozen, the date that the depository or financial institution was served with the injunction as provided in s. 655.0201.
(e) The date the respondent was served with the petition for injunction.
(10) TRANSMITTAL TO SHERIFF; SERVICE.—
(a)1.a. The clerk of the circuit court shall furnish a copy of the petition, the financial affidavit, the notice of hearing, and any temporary injunction to the sheriff or a law enforcement agency of the county in which the respondent resides or can be found, who shall serve it upon the respondent as soon thereafter as possible on any day of the week and at any time of the day or night. At the request of the sheriff, the clerk of the circuit court may transmit a facsimile copy of an injunction that has been certified by the clerk of the circuit court pursuant to subparagraph 4., and this facsimile copy may be served in the same manner as a certified copy. The clerk of the circuit court shall also furnish to the sheriff such information on the respondent’s physical description and location as is required by the Department of Law Enforcement to comply with the verification procedures set forth in sub-subparagraph b.
b. Upon receiving a facsimile copy, the sheriff must verify receipt with the clerk of the circuit court before attempting to serve it upon the respondent. If the sheriff is in possession of an injunction that has been certified by the clerk of the circuit court, the sheriff may transmit a facsimile copy of that injunction to a law enforcement officer who shall serve it in the same manner as a certified copy.
c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the chief judge of each judicial circuit, in consultation with the appropriate sheriff, may authorize a law enforcement agency within the jurisdiction to effect service. A law enforcement agency performing service pursuant to this section shall use service and verification procedures consistent with those of the sheriff.
2.a. Except where the vulnerable adult is the petitioner, the clerk of the circuit court shall furnish a copy of the petition, the financial affidavit, the notice of hearing, and any temporary injunction to the sheriff or a law enforcement agency of the county in which the vulnerable adult resides or can be found, who shall serve it upon the vulnerable adult as soon thereafter as possible on any day of the week and at any time of the day or night. At the request of the sheriff, the clerk of the circuit court may transmit a facsimile copy of an injunction that has been certified by the clerk of the circuit court pursuant to subparagraph 4., and this facsimile copy may be served in the same manner as a certified copy. The clerk of the circuit court shall also furnish to the sheriff such information on the vulnerable adult’s physical description and location as is required by the Department of Law Enforcement to comply with the verification procedures set forth in sub-subparagraph b.
b. Upon receiving a facsimile copy, the sheriff must verify receipt with the clerk of the circuit court before attempting to serve it upon the vulnerable adult. If the sheriff is in possession of an injunction that has been certified by the clerk of the circuit court, the sheriff may transmit a facsimile copy of that injunction to a law enforcement officer, who shall serve it in the same manner as a certified copy.
c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the chief judge of each judicial circuit, in consultation with the appropriate sheriff, may authorize a law enforcement agency within the jurisdiction of the circuit to effect service. A law enforcement agency performing service pursuant to this section shall use service and verification procedures consistent with those of the sheriff.
3. When an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult is issued, if the petitioner requests that a law enforcement agency assist the vulnerable adult, the court may order that an officer from the appropriate law enforcement agency accompany the vulnerable adult and assist in the service or execution of the injunction, including returning possession of a dwelling or residence to the vulnerable adult. A law enforcement officer shall accept a copy of an injunction, certified by the clerk of the circuit court pursuant to subparagraph 4., from the petitioner and immediately serve it upon a respondent who has been located but not yet served. The law enforcement agency must also serve any injunction freezing assets on a financial institution where assets subject to dissipation are held, or where a credit line may be exploited. Service upon the depository or financial institution must be served as provided in s. 655.0201.
4. The clerk of the circuit court shall certify a copy of all orders issued, changed, continued, extended, or vacated subsequent to the original service of the original petition, notice of hearing, or temporary injunction and deliver the certified copy to the parties at the time of the entry of the order. The parties may acknowledge receipt of a certified order in writing on the face of the original order. If a party fails or refuses to acknowledge the receipt of a certified copy of an order, the clerk of the circuit court must note on the original petition that service was effected. If delivery at the hearing during which an order is issued is not possible, the clerk of the circuit court shall mail certified copies of the order to the parties at their respective last known mailing addresses; except that service upon a depository or financial institution must be served as provided in s. 655.0201. Service by mail is complete upon mailing. When an order is served pursuant to this subparagraph, the clerk of the circuit court shall notify the sheriff of the service and prepare a written certification to be placed in the court file specifying the time, date, and method of service.
5. If the respondent has been previously served with the temporary injunction and has failed to appear at the initial hearing on the temporary injunction, any subsequent petition for an injunction seeking an extension of time may be served on the respondent by the clerk of the court by certified mail in lieu of personal service by a law enforcement officer.
(b)1. Within 24 hours after the court issues an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult or changes, continues, extends, or vacates such an injunction, the clerk of the circuit court must forward a certified copy of the order to the sheriff with jurisdiction over the residence of the petitioner for service in accordance with this subsection.
2. Within 24 hours after service of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult upon a respondent, the law enforcement officer who served the injunction must forward the written proof of service to the sheriff with jurisdiction over the residence of the petitioner.
3. Within 24 hours after the sheriff receives a certified copy of the injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult, the sheriff must make information related to the injunction available to this state’s law enforcement agencies by electronically transmitting such information to the Department of Law Enforcement.
4. Within 24 hours after the sheriff or other law enforcement officer has made service upon the respondent and the sheriff has been so notified, the sheriff must make information relating to the service available to other law enforcement agencies by electronically transmitting such information to the Department of Law Enforcement.
5. Within 24 hours after an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult is terminated or otherwise rendered no longer effective by ruling of the court, the clerk of the circuit court must notify the sheriff receiving original notification of the injunction as provided in subparagraph 1. The sheriff shall, within 24 hours after receiving such notification from the clerk of the circuit court, notify the Department of Law Enforcement of such court action.
(11) ENFORCEMENT.—
(a) As to the respondent, the court may enforce a violation of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult through a civil or criminal contempt proceeding, and the state attorney may prosecute it as a criminal violation under s. 825.1036. Any assessment or fine ordered by the court enforcing such injunction shall be collected by the clerk of the circuit court and transferred on a monthly basis to the Department of Revenue for deposit in the Domestic Violence Trust Fund.
(b) If the respondent is arrested by a law enforcement officer under s. 901.15(6) or for a violation of s. 825.1036, the respondent must be held in custody until he or she is brought before the court, which must occur as expeditiously as possible, for the purpose of enforcing the injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult and for admittance to bail in accordance with chapter 903 and the applicable rules of criminal procedure, pending a hearing.
(12) JUDGMENT FOR DAMAGES.—Actual damages may be assessed against the petitioner in a proceeding under this section if the court finds that the petition lacks substantial fact or legal support.
(13) MODIFICATION OR DISSOLUTION OF INJUNCTION.—The petitioner, respondent, or vulnerable adult may move at any time to modify or dissolve the injunction in part or in whole. No specific allegations are required for modification or dissolution of the injunction, which may be granted in addition to other civil or criminal penalties. The court shall promptly hear a motion to modify or dissolve an injunction.
(14) LIMITATION.—Nothing in this section may affect title to real property.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2018-100; s. 8, ch. 2021-221; s. 3, ch. 2023-133.
825.1036 Violation of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult.—
(1) In the event of a violation of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult when the person who violated such injunction has not been arrested, the petitioner may contact the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred. The clerk of the circuit court shall assist the petitioner in the preparation of an affidavit in support of the violation or direct the petitioner to the office operated by the court within the circuit which has been designated by the chief judge of the judicial circuit as the central intake point for injunction violations and where the petitioner can receive assistance in the preparation of the affidavit in support of the violation. As used in this section, and in addition to the definitions provided in this chapter, exploitation of a vulnerable adult includes a person 65 years of age or older who is or may be subject to exploitation as described in s. 817.5695.
(2) The affidavit shall be immediately forwarded by the clerk of the circuit court or the office assisting the petitioner to the state attorney of the circuit and to the court or judge as the chief judge of the circuit determines to be the recipient of affidavits of violation. If the affidavit alleges that a crime has been committed, the clerk of the circuit court or the office assisting the petitioner shall also forward a copy of the affidavit to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation. Within 20 days after receipt of the affidavit, the local law enforcement agency shall complete its investigation and forward the affidavit and a report containing the agency’s findings to the state attorney. The state attorney shall determine within 30 business days whether its office will proceed to file criminal charges, prepare a motion for an order to show cause as to why the respondent should not be held in criminal contempt, prepare both as alternative findings, or file notice that the case remains under investigation or is pending subject to another action.
(3) If, based on its familiarity with the case, the court has knowledge that the vulnerable adult is in immediate danger if the court fails to act before the decision of the state attorney to prosecute, it should immediately issue an order of appointment of the state attorney to file a motion for an order to show cause as to why the respondent should not be held in contempt. If the court does not issue an order of appointment of the state attorney, it shall immediately notify the state attorney that the court is proceeding to enforce the violation through a ruling of criminal contempt.
(4)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person who willfully violates an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A person may violate such injunction by:
1. Refusing to vacate the dwelling shared with the vulnerable adult;
2. Going to or being within 500 feet of the vulnerable adult’s residence;
3. Exploiting or unduly influencing the vulnerable adult;
4. Committing any other violation of the injunction through an intentional unlawful threat, word, or act to do violence to the vulnerable adult;
5. Telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the vulnerable adult directly or indirectly, unless the injunction specifically allows indirect contact through a third party;
6. Knowingly and intentionally coming within 100 feet of the vulnerable adult’s motor vehicle, regardless of whether that vehicle is occupied; or
7. Defacing or destroying the vulnerable adult’s personal property.
(b) A person who has two or more prior convictions for violation of an injunction or foreign protection order against the same victim, and who subsequently commits a violation of any injunction or foreign protection order against the same victim, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “conviction” means a determination of guilt which is the result of a plea or a trial, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld or a plea of nolo contendere is entered.
(5) A vulnerable adult who suffers an injury or loss as a result of a violation of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult may be awarded economic damages and attorney fees and costs for enforcement of such injunction.
(6) A financial institution holding assets or having issued a line of credit ordered to be frozen under s. 825.1035 is not considered a party to the action and is not liable for damages or penalty by reason of any action or inaction made in accordance with s. 825.1035. No private cause of action may be brought against a financial institution for any action or inaction made pursuant to an injunction or any other court order entered pursuant to s. 825.1035, unless such action was a knowing and intentional violation of the injunction.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2018-100; s. 4, ch. 2023-133.
825.104 Knowledge of victim’s age.—It does not constitute a defense to a prosecution for any violation of this chapter that the accused did not know the age of the victim.
History.—s. 5, ch. 95-158.
825.105 Good faith assistance.—This chapter is not intended to impose criminal liability on a person who makes a good faith effort to assist an elderly person or disabled adult in the management of the funds, assets, or property of the elderly person or disabled adult, which effort fails through no fault of the person.
History.—s. 6, ch. 95-158; s. 6, ch. 96-322.
825.106 Criminal actions involving elderly persons or disabled adults; speedy trial.—In a criminal action in which an elderly person or disabled adult is a victim, the state may move the court to advance the trial on the docket. The presiding judge, after consideration of the age and health of the victim, may advance the trial on the docket. The motion may be filed and served with the information or charges or at any time thereafter.
History.—s. 7, ch. 95-158.