FL H0413

Amends Florida Statutes 61.16 and 742.045 to allow attorney fees, suit money, and costs to be awarded retroactively and prospectively in family law and paternity proceedings, including enforcement, modification, and appellate cases

Courts may consider rejection of good faith settlement offers when determining fee awards and may sanction parties for vexatious or bad faith litigation by awarding fees to the opposing party or denying/reducing fees to the offending party

Prohibits courts from awarding attorney fees to parties found in unjustified noncompliance with court orders; requires written findings identifying willful noncompliant behavior when a party is found in contempt

Creates a presumption that parties who prevail on civil contempt motions are entitled to recover attorney fees and costs from the contemnor, regardless of the prevailing party's financial need or the contemnor's ability to pay (except in Title IV-D child support enforcement cases)

Applies to actions and supplemental petitions filed on or after the effective date; takes effect upon becoming law