FL H1059

Creates a new civil cause of action for injunctions protecting vulnerable adults from exploitation, available to the vulnerable adult, their guardian, authorized representatives, or those filing emergency guardianship petitions.

Establishes procedures for obtaining temporary ex parte injunctions (lasting up to 15 days) and final injunctions, including requirements for court hearings, service of process, and relief options such as restraining contact, excluding respondent from residence, and freezing assets or credit lines.

Requires circuit court clerks to assist petitioners at no initial filing fee, provide forms and instructions, maintain petitioner privacy, distribute informational brochures, and coordinate with adult protective services to submit investigation results within 72 hours.

Creates criminal penalties for violating exploitation injunctions: first-degree misdemeanor for willful violations, and third-degree felony for repeat violations (two or more prior convictions against same victim); allows economic damages awards against violators.

Takes effect July 1, 2018; amends sections 825.101, 901.15, and 415.107 to define exploitation and vulnerable adult terms, authorize warrantless arrests for injunction violations, and grant courts access to protective services records.