FL S0018

Directs the Division of Administrative Hearings to appoint an administrative law judge or special master to determine if the State of Florida, State Attorney's Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office committed wrongful acts against Brian Pitts regarding his practice of law and incarcerations totaling nearly 12 months from 2001 to 2012.

Authorizes an award of between $1 million and $7 million to Pitts if wrongful acts are found, to be paid proportionately by responsible parties in lump sum or over up to 10 years, with attorney fees capped at 25 percent of the award.

Declares null and void all final orders, judgments, decrees, and convictions in specified court cases involving Pitts (cases SC06-1279, SC09-195, SC09-2243, and others in the Sixth Judicial Circuit).

Authorizes Pitts to practice law as a lay counselor or lay representative under specified statutes and Florida Supreme Court rules, and protects his right to represent himself in any civil, administrative, or criminal proceedings and to testify before the Legislature.

Directs the Department of Law Enforcement to investigate alleged criminal violations by Florida Supreme Court justices, appellate and circuit judges, state attorneys, The Florida Bar, and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, with charges to be brought before a Leon County grand jury within one year.