FL S1562

Creates a civil cause of action for injunctions to protect vulnerable adults from exploitation, allowing petitioners to file without prior exploitation occurring and permitting standing for the vulnerable adult, their guardian, designated representatives, or those simultaneously filing for emergency guardianship.

Establishes that petitions can be filed in any circuit where the petitioner, respondent, or vulnerable adult resides or where exploitation occurred, with no filing fees charged to petitioners and court-ordered reimbursement to clerks of $40 per petition from the state.

Authorizes courts to grant temporary ex parte injunctions lasting up to 15 days and final injunctions with relief including prohibiting contact, freezing assets, excluding respondents from residences, and ordering treatment or counseling services.

Creates criminal penalties for willfully violating the injunction as a first-degree misdemeanor and a third-degree felony for repeat violations against the same victim, with authority for law enforcement to arrest without warrant and for courts to award economic damages including attorney fees.

Requires clerks to assist petitioners with forms and provide certified copies at no cost, mandates law enforcement notification within 24 hours of injunction issuance, and requires adult protective services to treat petitions the same as abuse/neglect reports with results submitted to court within 24 hours.