FL S0950

Expands the definition of "credible threat" to include verbal or nonverbal threats delivered by electronic communication or implied by a pattern of conduct that places a person in reasonable fear for their safety or a family member's safety, and eliminates the requirement to prove intent to actually carry out the threat.

Creates a new civil cause of action for injunctions for protection against stalking and cyberstalking in circuit court, with no filing fees, allowing victims or parents/guardians of minor victims to petition for protection orders that can remain in effect indefinitely until modified or dissolved.

Establishes procedures for ex parte temporary injunctions (valid up to 15 days) and full hearings on stalking injunctions, including requirements for clerk assistance, informational brochures, advocate support, and law enforcement service and verification within 24 hours.

Makes violation of a stalking or cyberstalking injunction a first-degree misdemeanor and allows courts to award economic damages including attorney fees for enforcement, while requiring consideration of restraining orders up to 10 years at sentencing for aggravated stalking convictions.

Prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition by persons subject to a final stalking or cyberstalking injunction and amends foreign protection order recognition to include stalking and cyberstalking injunctions; effective October 1, 2012.