FL S1494

Revises the Florida False Claims Act to clarify definitions including "claim," "knowing," "material," and "obligation," and removes the statement of purpose from the statute.

Creates a new subpoena power for the Department of Legal Affairs to compel production of documents and testimony before civil proceedings, with protections against privileged information and provisions for court enforcement.

Authorizes the Department of Legal Affairs to dismiss false claims actions at any point and allows the state to pursue alternative remedies including administrative proceedings, with final findings in such proceedings binding on all parties.

Expands whistleblower awards to include reasonable expenses and attorney fees in addition to a percentage of recovered proceeds (15-25% when department proceeds with action, 25-30% when it does not).

Provides that criminal judgments in favor of the state or federal government create estoppel against defendants in related civil false claims actions, and clarifies that department complaints filed in interventions relate back to the original filing date for statute of limitations purposes.