FL S1536

Allows vulnerable adults to bring civil actions against perpetrators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and recover actual and punitive damages.

Expands who may bring civil actions on behalf of vulnerable adults to include: the vulnerable adult or their guardian, a person or organization acting with consent, a facility responsible for the vulnerable adult's health and safety (with consent or when necessary for immediate welfare), or a personal representative of a deceased victim's estate.

Facilities bringing actions on behalf of vulnerable adults are prohibited from recovering punitive damages.

Allows civil actions to be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction with prevailing parties eligible to recover reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and damages.

Specifies that civil actions against licensees of facilities under chapter 400 (part II) or chapter 429 (part I) must be brought under sections 400.023 or 429.29 respectively, and exempts such licensees from vicarious liability for employees, agents, or third parties.