reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
FL Stat § 66.021 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.021 - Ejectment.

66.021 Ejectment.—(1) RIGHT OF ACTION.—A person with a superior right to possession of real property may maintain an action of ejectment to recover possession of the property.(2) JURISDICTION.—Circuit courts have exclusive jurisdiction in an action of ejectment.(3) NOTICE.—A plaintiff may not be required to provide any presuit notice or presuit demand to a defendant as a condition to maintaining an action under this section.(4) LANDLORD NOT A DEFENDANT.—When it appears before trial that a defendant in an action of ejectment is in possession as a tenant and that his or her landlord is not a party, the landlord must be made a party before further proceeding unless otherwise ordered by the court.(5) DEFENSE MAY BE LIMITED.—A defendant in an action of ejectment may limit his or her defense to a part of the property mentioned in the complaint, describing such part with reasonable certainty.(6) WRIT OF POSSESSION; EXECUTION TO BE JOINT OR SEVERAL.—When plaintiff recovers in an action of ejectment, he or she may have one writ for possession and for damages and costs or, at his or her election, may have separate writs for possession and for damages and costs.(7) CHAIN OF TITLE.—The complaint and the answer must include a statement setting forth, chronologically, the chain of title upon which the party will rely at trial. Copies of each instrument identified in the statement must be attached to the complaint or answer. The statement must include the names of the grantors and the grantees, the date that each instrument was recorded, and the book and page or the instrument number for each recorded instrument. If a party relies on a claim or right without color of title, the statement must specify how and when the claim originated and the facts on which the claim is based. If defendant and plaintiff claim under a common source, the statement need not deraign title before the common source.(8) TESTING SUFFICIENCY.—If either party seeks to test the legal sufficiency of any instrument or court proceeding in the chain of title of the opposite party, the party must do so before trial by motion setting up his or her objections with a copy of the instrument or court proceedings attached. The motion must be disposed of before trial. If either party determines that he or she will be unable to maintain his or her claim by reason of the order, that party may so state in the record and final judgment shall be entered for the opposing party.(9) OPERATION.—This section is cumulative to other existing remedies and may not be construed to limit other remedies that are available under the laws of this state.History.—s. 21, ch. 67-254; s. 348, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 2018-94.
FL Stat § 66.031 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.031 - Verdict and Judgment.

66.031 Verdict and judgment.—(1) VERDICT.—A verdict for plaintiff shall state the quantity of the estate of plaintiff, and describe the land by metes and bounds, lot number or other certain description.(2) JUDGMENT.—The judgment awarding possession shall state the quantity of the estate and give a description of the land recovered in like manner.History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 3244, 1881; RS 1515; GS 1970; RGS 3238; CGL 5046; s. 21, ch. 67-254.Note.—Former s. 70.05.
FL Stat § 66.041 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.041 - Betterment, Petition.

66.041 Betterment, petition.—If a judgment of eviction is rendered against defendant, within 60 days thereafter, or if he or she has appealed, within 20 days after filing the mandate affirming the judgment, defendant may file in the court in which the judgment was rendered a petition setting forth that:(1) Defendant had been in possession and that he or she or those under whom defendant validly derived had permanently improved the value of the property in controversy before commencement of the action in which judgment was rendered;(2) Defendant or those under whom defendant validly derives held the property at the time of such improvement under an apparently good legal or equitable title derived from the English, Spanish, or United States Governments or this state; or under a legal or equitable title plain and connected on the records of a public office or public offices; or under purchase at a regular sale made by an executor, administrator, guardian or other person by order of court; and(3) When defendant made the improvements or purchased the property improved, he or she believed the title which he or she held or purchased to the land thus improved to be a good and valid title. The petition shall demand that the value of the improvements be assessed and compensation awarded to defendant therefor.History.—RS 1516; GS 1971; RGS 3239; CGL 5047; s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 21, ch. 67-254; s. 349, ch. 95-147.Note.—Former s. 70.06.
FL Stat § 66.051 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.051 - Betterment, Answer.

66.051 Betterment, answer.—The plaintiff in the judgment of eviction may file written defenses to the petition within 20 days after service of the petition.History.—RS 1517; GS 1972; RGS 3240; CGL 5048; s. 14, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 21, ch. 67-254.Note.—Former s. 70.07.
FL Stat § 66.061 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.061 - Betterment, Trial and Verdict.

66.061 Betterment, trial and verdict.—If an answer is filed, trial shall be on the issues made. If no answer is filed, trial shall be ex parte, but defendant is required to prove every allegation of the petition. If the jury (or if a jury is waived, the court) finds in favor of defendant, it shall assess:(1) The value of the land at the time of the assessment, irrespective of the improvements put upon the land by defendant or those under whom he or she derives, and if any, the injury done to the land by defendant or those under whom he or she derives.(2) The value of the permanent improvements at the time of the assessment.(3) The injury, if any, done to the land by defendant or those under whom he or she derives.(4) The value of the use of the land by defendant between the time of the judgment in ejectment and the time of the assessment or if defendant has been evicted from or has surrendered the premises, from the time of the judgment to the time of the surrender or eviction. The findings shall be specified separately on each of these matters.History.—RS 1518; GS 1973; RGS 3241; CGL 5049; s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 21, ch. 67-254; s. 350, ch. 95-147.Note.—Former s. 70.08.
FL Stat § 66.071 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.071 - Betterment, Judgment for Plaintiff.

66.071 Betterment, judgment for plaintiff.—On rendition of the verdict the clerk shall ascertain whether the balance of the last three assessments (that is, of the value of the improvements, the extent of the injury and the value of the use of land), is in favor of plaintiff or defendant and ascertain the amount of the balance; if the verdict is in favor of plaintiff, judgment shall be rendered against defendant for costs, whether the balance of the assessments is in favor of plaintiff or defendant; but if the balance of the assessments is in favor of plaintiff, he or she shall have a judgment for costs in addition to the judgment for the balance.History.—RS 1519; GS 1974; RGS 3242; CGL 5050; s. 21, ch. 67-254; s. 351, ch. 95-147.Note.—Former s. 70.09.
FL Stat § 66.081 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.081 - Betterment, Judgment for Defendant.

66.081 Betterment, judgment for defendant.—If the verdict is in favor of defendant and the balance of assessments is also in defendant’s favor, a judgment for costs shall be entered against plaintiff, and a further judgment that unless plaintiff pays or secures as hereinafter provided the amount of the balance of assessments against him or her within 20 days, defendant may pay or secure to plaintiff the value of the land as assessed.History.—RS 1520; GS 1975; RGS 3243; CGL 5051; s. 21, ch. 67-254; s. 352, ch. 95-147.Note.—Former s. 70.10.
FL Stat § 66.091 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.091 - Betterment, Payment by Plaintiff.

66.091 Betterment, payment by plaintiff.—The plaintiff may pay the balance in cash or may give defendant a bond with surety to be approved by the clerk, conditioned to pay said balance in two equal annual installments, with interest at 6 percent per annum to defendant. If plaintiff shall pay the sum within 20 days, or if the payment of the bond is received, satisfaction of the judgment shall be entered and all rights conferred on defendant by the judgment terminate.History.—RS 1521; GS 1976; RGS 3244; CGL 5052; s. 21, ch. 67-254.Note.—Former s. 70.11.
FL Stat § 66.101 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 66 - Ejectment|66.101 - Betterment, Payment by Defendant.

66.101 Betterment, payment by defendant.—If plaintiff does not pay or secure the sum within 20 days, within 20 days thereafter defendant may pay to plaintiff the value of the land as assessed or give plaintiff a bond with surety, to be approved by the clerk, conditioned to pay plaintiff the value in two equal annual installments, with 6 percent interest; or if plaintiff fails to pay the bond given by him or her when it becomes due, for 20 days after the expiration of the time fixed in the bond for payment, defendant shall again have the privilege of paying to plaintiff in cash the value of the land assessed. On the payment of the sum to plaintiff at any of the times hereinbefore mentioned, title to the land shall vest in defendant and plaintiff or those holding under him or her shall give defendant a deed to the land, tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances, and if defendant has been evicted from or has surrendered the property, it shall be restored to him or her by order of court on motion.History.—RS 1522; GS 1977; RGS 3245; CGL 5053; s. 21, ch. 67-254; s. 353, ch. 95-147.Note.—Former s. 70.12.
FL Stat § 68.01 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.01 - Declaring Tax Assessment Invalid.

68.01 Declaring tax assessment invalid.—When an assessment is made against any person, body politic or corporate and payment is refused on an allegation of illegality of the assessment, the person, body corporate or politic may file an action in chancery setting forth the alleged illegality. The court has jurisdiction to decide the matter and if the assessment is illegal, shall declare the assessment not lawfully made.History.—s. 4, ch. 151, 1848; RS 1542; GS 2006; RGS 3274; CGL 5082; s. 22, ch. 67-254.Note.—Former s. 69.01.
FL Stat § 68.02 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.02 - Ne Exeat.

68.02 Ne exeat.—(1) WHEN TO ISSUE.—No writ of ne exeat shall be granted until a verified complaint is filed demanding the writ. It may issue in any case in equity, including support as defined in s. 409.2554, when the issuance is just.(2) JUDGE TO FIX PENALTY OF BOND.—In granting the writ the court shall fix the penalty and conditions of the bond with surety to be approved by the clerk to be required of plaintiff in favor of defendant. The writ shall not issue until the bond is given.(3) ABSENCE FROM STATE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS PERMITTED.—An absence of the defendant from the state from which he or she returns before a personal appearance is necessary or before it is necessary to perform any order of the court is not a breach of the condition of the bond.(4) SURRENDER OF DEFENDANT BY SURETIES.—The surety of defendant has the right personally or by attorney at any time before the bond is forfeited to take the body of the principal and surrender him or her in open court or deliver him or her to the executive officer of the court, who shall detain the principal as in cases of the surrender of the principal by special bail. At the time of delivery to the officer, the surety shall take a receipt for the body and file it with the clerk. If done before the bond is forfeited, the surrender or delivery discharges the surety from his or her undertaking.History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, Nov. 7, 1828; RS 1473-1476; GS 1921-1924; RGS 3184-3187; CGL 4976-4979; s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 22, ch. 67-254; s. 12, ch. 92-138; s. 354, ch. 95-147.Note.—Former ss. 62.18-62.21.
FL Stat § 68.03 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.03 - Sequestration; Proceedings Prescribed.

68.03 Sequestration; proceedings prescribed.—(1) If any action is commenced in chancery against any defendant residing out of this state and any other defendant within the state has in his or her hands effects of, or is otherwise indebted to, the absent defendant and the absentee does not appear in the action and give security to the satisfaction of the court for performing the judgment and on affidavit that the absentee is out of the state, or that on inquiry at the absentee’s usual place of abode he or she cannot be found to be served with process, the court may restrain the defendant in this state from paying or conveying or secreting the debts owing by him or her to, or the effects in his or her hands of, the absentee or restrain the absentee from conveying or secreting or removing the property in litigation, or may sequestrate the property which may be necessary to secure plaintiff if he or she prevails, and may order such debts to be paid and effects to be delivered to plaintiff on his or her giving bond with surety for the return thereof.(2) The court shall require the plaintiff to give bond with surety to be approved by the clerk, to abide the future orders made for restoring the estate or effects to the absent defendant on his or her appearance in the action. If the plaintiff does not furnish the bond, the effects shall remain under the direction of the court or in the hands of a receiver or otherwise for so long a time and shall be disposed of in such manner as the court deems fit.History.—ss. 1, 2, Feb. 12, 1832; RS 1499; GS 1948; RGS 3211; CGL 5003; s. 10, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 22, ch. 67-254; s. 355, ch. 95-147.Note.—Former s. 62.22.
FL Stat § 68.04 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.04 - Chancery Jurisdiction Over Liens.

68.04 Chancery jurisdiction over liens.—All liens of any kind, whether created by statute or the common law, and whether heretofore regarded as merely possessory or not, may be enforced in chancery.History.—RS 1510; GS 1960; RGS 3228; CGL 5034; s. 22, ch. 67-254.Note.—Former s. 62.36.
FL Stat § 68.05 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.05 - Creditors’ Bills.

68.05 Creditors’ bills.—Creditors’ bills may be filed in chancery before the claims of indebtedness of the persons filing them have been reduced to judgment, but no such action shall be entertained unless plaintiff has first commenced a separate action at law for the collection of the claims. No final judgment shall be entered on a creditor’s bill until such claims have been reduced to judgment at law.History.—s. 1, ch. 5137, 1903; GS 1961; RGS 3229; CGL 5035; s. 1, ch. 21976, 1943; s. 22, ch. 67-254.Note.—Former s. 62.37.
FL Stat § 68.06 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.06 - Actions Upon Negotiable and Other Instruments; Consideration, Etc.

68.06 Actions upon negotiable and other instruments; consideration, etc.—All bonds, notes, covenants, deeds, bills of exchange, and other written instruments not under seal have the same force and effect (so far as the rules of pleading and evidence are concerned) as bonds and instruments under seal. The assignment or endorsement of any instrument vests the assignee or endorsee with the same rights, powers, and capacities as were possessed by the assignor or endorser. The assignee or endorsee may bring action thereon. It is not necessary for the plaintiff in any action on an instrument assignable by law to allege the consideration on which the instrument was given or on which the assignment or endorsement was made nor to prove the consideration or the execution of the instrument, unless it is denied by the defendant under oath. An executor or administrator may deny the execution or consideration by answer not under oath.History.—ss. 24, 33, 36, Nov. 23, 1828; RS 1073; GS 1465; RGS 2664; CGL 4330; s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; s. 22, ch. 67-254.Note.—Former s. 52.08.
FL Stat § 68.081 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.081 - Florida False Claims Act; Short Title.

68.081 Florida False Claims Act; short title.—Sections 68.081-68.092 may be cited as the “Florida False Claims Act.”History.—s. 1, ch. 94-316; s. 1, ch. 2007-236; s. 1, ch. 2013-104.
FL Stat § 68.086 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.086 - Expenses; Attorney Fees and Costs.

68.086 Expenses; attorney fees and costs.—(1) If the department initiates an action under this act or assumes control of an action brought by a person under this act, the department shall be awarded its reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and costs.(2) If the department does not proceed with an action under this act and the person bringing the action conducts the action, the court may award to the defendant its reasonable attorney fees and expenses if the defendant prevails in the action and the court finds that the claim of the person bringing the action was clearly frivolous, clearly vexatious, or brought primarily for purposes of harassment.(3) No liability shall be incurred by the state or the department for any expenses, attorney fees, or other costs incurred by any person in bringing or defending an action under this act.History.—s. 6, ch. 94-316; s. 2, ch. 2009-193; s. 3, ch. 2009-223; s. 7, ch. 2013-104.
FL Stat § 68.087 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.087 - Exemptions to Civil Actions.

68.087 Exemptions to civil actions.—(1) No court shall have jurisdiction over an action brought under this act against a member of the Legislature, a member of the judiciary, or a senior executive branch official if the action is based on evidence or information known to the state government when the action was brought. For purposes of this subsection, the term “senior executive branch official” means any person employed in the executive branch of government holding a position in the Senior Management Service as defined in s. 110.402.(2) In no event may a person bring an action under s. 68.083(2) based upon allegations or transactions that are the subject of a civil action or an administrative proceeding in which the state is already a party.(3) The court shall dismiss an action brought under this act unless opposed by the department, if substantially the same allegations or transactions as alleged in the action were publicly disclosed:(a) In a criminal, civil, or administrative hearing in which the state is a party;(b) In a legislative, administrative, inspector general, or other state report, hearing, audit, or investigation; or(c) From the news media,unless the action is brought by the department or the person bringing the action is an original source of the information. For purposes of this subsection, the term “original source” means an individual who, before a public disclosure under this subsection, has voluntarily disclosed to the department the information on which allegations or transactions in a claim are based, or who has knowledge that is independent of and materially adds to the publicly disclosed allegations or transactions and has voluntarily provided the information to the department before filing an action under this section.(4) No court shall have jurisdiction over an action where the person bringing the action under s. 68.083(2) is:(a) Acting as an attorney for state government; or(b) An employee or former employee of state government,and the action is based, in whole or in part, upon information obtained in the course or scope of government employment.(5) No court shall have jurisdiction over an action where the person bringing the action under s. 68.083(2) obtained the information from an employee or former employee of state government who was not acting in the course or scope of government employment.(6) No court shall have jurisdiction over an action brought under this act against any county or municipality.History.—s. 7, ch. 94-316; s. 12, ch. 95-153; s. 105, ch. 2003-261; s. 8, ch. 2013-104.
FL Stat § 68.088 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.088 - Protection for Participating Employees.

68.088 Protection for participating employees.—Any employee who is discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or in any other manner discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment by his or her employer because of lawful acts done by the employee on behalf of the employee or others in furtherance of an action under this act, including investigation for initiation of, testimony for, or assistance in an action filed or to be filed under this act, shall have a cause of action under s. 112.3187.History.—s. 8, ch. 94-316.
FL Stat § 68.089 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title VI - Civil Practice and Procedure|Chapter 68 - Miscellaneous Proceedings|68.089 - Limitation of Actions; Effect of Interventions by Department.

68.089 Limitation of actions; effect of interventions by department.—(1) A civil action under this act may not be brought:(a) More than 6 years after the date on which the violation of s. 68.082 is committed; or(b) More than 3 years after the date when facts material to the right of action are known or reasonably should have been known by the department, but in no event more than 10 years after the date on which the violation is committed, whichever occurs last.(2) If the department elects to intervene and proceed with an action brought under s. 68.083(2), the department may file its own complaint or amend the complaint of a person who has brought an action under s. 68.083(2) to clarify or add detail to the claims in which the department is intervening and to add any additional claims with respect to which the department contends it is entitled to relief. For statute of limitations purposes, any such pleading shall relate back to the filing date of the complaint of the person who originally brought the action, to the extent that the claim of the state arises out of the conduct, transactions, or occurrences set forth, or attempted to be set forth, in the prior complaint of that person. This subsection applies to any actions under s. 68.083(2) pending on or filed after July 1, 2013.History.—s. 9, ch. 94-316; s. 6, ch. 2007-236; s. 9, ch. 2013-104.