FL H1223

Reorders and amends section 501.2077, Florida Statutes to add military servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children as protected classes against deceptive and unfair trade practices.

Defines "military servicemember" as a person on active duty in or a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, with references to statutory definitions in sections 250.01 and 1.01.

Authorizes civil penalties of up to $15,000 per violation for willfully using deceptive or unfair trade practices against military servicemembers, their spouses, or dependent children, if the person knew or should have known the conduct was unfair or deceptive.

Prioritizes restitution and reimbursement orders for victims (senior citizens, persons with disabilities, military servicemembers, and their spouses and dependent children) over civil penalty impositions.

Directs civil penalties collected to the Legal Affairs Revolving Trust Fund for consumer education materials, programs, and seminars benefiting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and military servicemembers, effective July 1, 2013.