FL H0469

Creates section 55.035, Florida Statutes to require courts to include prejudgment interest in final judgments for actions where plaintiffs recover economic or noneconomic damages.

Interest on economic damages accrues from the date of the loss of an economic benefit to the plaintiff; interest on noneconomic damages accrues from the date the defendant received notice of a claim.

Requires courts to include interest on attorney fees and costs in final judgments, with interest beginning on the date entitlement to attorney fees is fixed through agreement, arbitration award, or court determination.

Interest rate is established pursuant to section 55.03, Florida Statutes.

Takes effect July 1, 2017 and applies only to causes of action that accrue on or after that date; does not affect prejudgment interest accrued before the effective date if otherwise authorized by statute or common law.