Court Opinion

ID: 4569210
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-09-24 15:03:34.488592+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:27:56.165412
License: Public Domain

Supreme Court of Florida
                                   ____________

                                    No. SC20-21
                                   ____________

        IN RE: AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA PROBATE RULES—
                      VULNERABLE ADULTS.

                                September 24, 2020

PER CURIAM.

        Before the Court is the report of the Florida Probate Rules Committee

(Committee) proposing amendments to the Florida Probate Rules. See Fla. R. Jud.

Admin. 2.140(e). We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.

        The Committee proposes the addition of new rule 5.920 (Forms Related to

Injunction for Protection Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult) to the Florida

Probate Rules. The proposal is in response to the 2018 enactment of section

825.1035, Florida Statutes (2019), which established an injunction process for

vulnerable adults. See ch. 2018-100, § 2, Laws of Fla. The Committee and the

Board of Governors of The Florida Bar unanimously approved the proposed new

rule.
      The Committee published its proposal for comment prior to filing it with the

Court. One comment was received. Upon consideration of the comment, the

Committee modified its proposal. After the Committee filed its report, the Court

republished the proposal for comment. No comments were received.

      Having considered the Committee’s report, the Court hereby adopts new rule

5.920 as proposed by the Committee. Subdivision (a) (Petition for Injunction)

contains a form petition for injunction against the exploitation of a vulnerable

adult. Subdivisions (b) (Temporary Protective Injunction Against Exploitation of a

Vulnerable Adult), (c) (Order Denying Injunction and Notice of Hearing), and (d)

(Final Protective Injunction) contain form orders for use by a court in ruling on

petitions for injunction against the exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

      Accordingly, new rule 5.920, as reflected in the appendix to this opinion, is

added to the Florida Probate Rules. The new rule shall become effective

immediately upon the release of this opinion.

      It is so ordered.

CANADY, C.J., and POLSTON, LABARGA, LAWSON, MUÑIZ, and
COURIEL, JJ., concur.
GROSSHANS, J., did not participate.

THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.

Original Proceeding – The Florida Probate Rules Committee

                                           2
Robert L. McElroy IV, Chair, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Jeffrey Scott Goethe,
Past Chair, Florida Probate Rules Committee, Bradenton, Florida, Joshua E. Doyle,
Executive Director, and Krys Godwin, Staff Liaison, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee,
Florida,

      for Petitioner

                                       3
                                           Appendix

RULE 5.920.            FORMS RELATED TO INJUNCTION FOR
                       PROTECTION AGAINST EXPLOITATION OF A
                       VULNERABLE ADULT

       (a)     Petition for Injunction. Petitioners should take steps to protect confidential
information within the petition for injunction pursuant to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration
2.420 and minimize sensitive information within the petition for injunction pursuant to Florida
Rule of Judicial Administration 2.425.

           IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                       JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
                    IN AND FOR                        COUNTY, FLORIDA

In re: Protection of
                                                     Case No.:
                                                     Adversary Proceeding
       Vulnerable Adult
                              ,

       Petitioner,

and

                              ,

       Respondent.

                   PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION
                 AGAINST EXPLOITATION OF A VULNERABLE ADULT
                   UNDER SECTION 825.1035, FLORIDA STATUTES

      Before me, the undersigned authority, personally appeared petitioner
who has been sworn and says that the following statements are true:

        1.      The vulnerable adult,                        , whose age is         , who resides
at (address):

        2.      Section 825.101(14), Florida Statutes, provides that a vulnerable adult is a person
whose ability to perform the normal activities of daily living or to provide for his or her own care
or protection is impaired due to a mental, emotional, sensory, long-term physical, or
developmental disability or dysfunction, or brain damage, or the infirmities of aging. Please
describe the vulnerable adult’s inability to perform the normal activities of daily living.

                                                 4
        3.      The petitioner’s relationship to the vulnerable adult is:                     , and
the petitioner has the right to bring the petition because:

       4.        The respondent,                               , resides at (last known address):

       5.        The respondent’s last known place of employment is:

       6.        The physical description of the respondent is:

       Race:                    Sex:                   Date of Birth:

       Height:                         Weight:                          Eye Color:

       Hair Color:                     Distinguishing Marks/Scars:

       7.        Aliases of the respondent are:

       8.        The respondent is associated with the vulnerable adult as follows:

       9.        The following describes other causes of action:

              (a)                     there is/are 1 or more cause(s) of action currently pending
between the petitioner and the respondent, and/or a proceeding under the Florida Guardianship
Code, chapter 744, Florida Statutes, concerning the vulnerable adult. Describe causes of action
here:

                 (b)    Related case numbers and county where filed, if available:

                (c)                   there are previous or pending attempts by the petitioner to
obtain an injunction for protection against exploitation of the vulnerable adult in this or any other
circuit. Describe attempts here:

                 (d)    The results of any such attempts:

       10.       The following describes the petitioner’s knowledge of:

               (a)     Any reports made to a government agency, such as the Department of
Elder Affairs or the Department of Children and Families:

                                                  5
               (b)      Any investigations performed by a government agency relating to abuse,
neglect, or exploitation of the vulnerable adult:

       and

               (c)     The results of any such reports or investigations:

        11.     The petitioner knows or has reasonable cause to believe the vulnerable adult is
either a victim of exploitation or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of exploitation,
because the respondent (include a description of any incidents or threats of exploitation by the
respondent here):

       12.     The following describes:

               (a)     The petitioner’s knowledge of the vulnerable adult’s dependence on the
respondent for care:

                (b)    Alternative provisions for the vulnerable adult’s care in the absence of the
respondent, if necessary:

               (c)     Available resources the vulnerable adult has for such alternative
provisions:                                                                                 ; and

               (d)     The vulnerable adult’s willingness to use such alternative provisions:

        13.      The petitioner knows the vulnerable adult maintains assets, accounts, or lines of
credit at the following institutions:

 Institution                      Address                           Account Number

                                                 6
 Institution                       Address                            Account Number

        14.     If petitioner is seeking to freeze assets of the vulnerable adult, petitioner believes
that the vulnerable adult’s assets to be frozen are (check one):

                               Worth less than $1,500

                               Worth from $1,500 to $5,000

                               Worth more than $5,000

        15.    The petitioner genuinely fears imminent exploitation of the vulnerable adult by
the respondent.

       16.    The petitioner seeks an injunction for the protection of the vulnerable adult,
including (mark appropriate section or sections):

                              Prohibiting the respondent from having any direct or indirect
contact with the vulnerable adult.

                               Immediately restraining the respondent from committing any acts
of exploitation against the vulnerable adult.

                               Freezing the below assets, accounts, and/or lines of credit of the
vulnerable adult, listed below even if titled jointly with the respondent, or in the respondent’s
name only, in the court’s discretion.

 Institution                       Address                            Account Number

                                                   7
 Institution                       Address                          Account Number

                               Providing any terms the court deems necessary for the protection
of the vulnerable adult or his or her assets, including any injunctions or directives to law
enforcement agencies, including:

       17.     If the court enters an injunction freezing assets, accounts, and credit lines:

                (a)    the petitioner believes that the critical expenses of the vulnerable adult
will be paid for or provided by the following persons or entities:

               OR

                (b)   The petitioner requests that the following expenses be paid
notwithstanding the freezing of assets, accounts, or lines of credit from the following
institution(s):

     I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PURSUANT TO SECTION 415.1034, FLORIDA
STATUTES, ANY PERSON WHO KNOWS, OR HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO
SUSPECT, THAT A VULNERABLE ADULT HAS BEEN OR IS BEING ABUSED,
NEGLECTED, OR EXPLOITED HAS A DUTY TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUCH
KNOWLEDGE OR SUSPICION TO THE CENTRAL ABUSE HOTLINE. I HAVE
REPORTED THE ALLEGATIONS IN THIS PETITION TO THE CENTRAL ABUSE
HOTLINE.

     I HAVE READ EACH STATEMENT MADE IN THIS PETITION AND EACH SUCH
STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE STATEMENTS
MADE IN THIS PETITION ARE BEING MADE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY
PUNISHABLE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 837.02, FLORIDA STATUTES.

                                                      Signature of Party
                                                      Printed Name:
                                                      Address:

                                                  8
                                                     City, State, Zip:
                                                     Telephone Number:
                                                     Designated E-mail Address(es):

STATE OF FLORIDA

COUNTY OF

       Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on .....(date)......

                                                     Printed Name

                                                   Notary Public or Deputy Clerk
        Personally known or           Produced identification

Type of identification produced:

                                                 9
         (b)     Temporary Protective Injunction Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable
Adult.

               IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                     JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
                        IN AND FOR                      COUNTY, FLORIDA

In re:
                                                       Case No.:

         Vulnerable Adult
                                ,

         Petitioner,

and

                                ,

         Respondent.

      TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE INJUNCTION AGAINST EXPLOITATION OF A
              VULNERABLE ADULT AND NOTICE OF HEARING
       This cause came before the court, which has jurisdiction over the parties and subject
matter under state law. The court having reviewed the petition and affidavits and considered
argument of counsel, finds as follows:

       1.             Reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard was given to the
respondent in a manner sufficient to protect his or her due process rights. Date of service

         OR

         2.              The court conducted its review ex parte.

         3.      An immediate and present danger of exploitation of the vulnerable adult exists.

      4.         There is a likelihood of irreparable harm and unavailability of an adequate legal
remedy.

         5.      There is a substantial likelihood of success on the merits.

       6.        The threatened injury to the vulnerable adult outweighs possible harm to the
respondent.

         7.      Granting a temporary injunction will not disserve the public interest.

         8.      This injunction provides for the vulnerable adult’s physical or financial safety.

                                                  10
         9.      These findings were based on the following facts:

         Accordingly, it is hereby ADJUDGED that:

         The petitioner’s request for a temporary protective injunction is GRANTED. This
injunction is valid for 15 days from the date of this order or                       . The full hearing is
set for .....(date)....., at .....(time)...... The hearing will be held before the Honorable
          at                          , Florida.

         It is further ordered that:

                         The respondent shall not commit any act of exploitation against the
vulnerable adult.

                         The respondent will have no contact with vulnerable adult.

                       The vulnerable adult is awarded temporarily exclusive use and possession
of any dwelling he or she shares with the respondent.

                         The respondent is barred from entering the residence of the vulnerable
adult.

                       The vulnerable adult’s assets, accounts, and/or credit lines are hereby
frozen until further court order except:

                         Institution(s) served on .....(date)......

                       The following institution(s)                          holding the
vulnerable adult’s assets shall use his or her unencumbered assets to pay the clerk of court the
following filing fee:

                         $75.00 (if assets are between $1,500–$5,000)

         OR

                         $200.00 (if assets are more than $5,000).

If the court enters an injunction, these fees will be taxed as costs against the respondent.

         Law enforcement is hereby directed to:

                                                     11
       Other relief:

       This injunction is valid and enforceable in all Florida counties, does not affect title to real
property, and law enforcement may use their section 901.15(6), Florida Statutes, arrest powers to
enforce its terms.

       DONE and ORDERED on .....(date)..... at .....(time)......

                                                       Judge
CC: All parties and counsel of record

COPIES TO: (Check those that apply)
Petitioner:

               by U. S. Mail

                by hand delivery in open court (Petitioner must acknowledge receipt in writing on
the original order—see below.)

Vulnerable Adult (if not petitioner)

               by U. S. Mail

               by hand delivery in open court

Respondent:

               forwarded to Sheriff for service

               by U. S. Mail

                by hand delivery in open court (Respondent must acknowledge receipt in writing
on the original order—see below.)

              by certified mail (May only be used when respondent is present at the hearing and
Respondent fails or refuses to acknowledge the receipt of a certified copy of this injunction.)

               Other:

Petitioner’s Attorney:          by e-mail

Respondent’s Attorney:          by e-mail

                                                  12
        I CERTIFY the foregoing is a true copy of the original as it appears on file in the office
of the clerk of the circuit court of                     County, Florida, and that I have furnished
copies of this order as indicated above on .....(date)......

                                                      CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

                                                      By:
                                                              Deputy Clerk
       If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in
order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to
the provision of certain assistance. Please contact [identify applicable court
personnel by name, address, and telephone number] at least 7 days before
your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this
notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if
you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

                                                 13
         (c)     Order Denying Injunction and Notice of Hearing.

               IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                    JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
                        IN AND FOR                     COUNTY, FLORIDA

In re:
                                                       Case No.:

         Vulnerable Adult
                                ,

         Petitioner,

and

                                ,

         Respondent.

   ORDER DENYING REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY INJUNCTION AND SETTING
    HEARING ON PETITION FOR INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST
               EXPLOITATION OF A VULNERABLE ADULT

        A petition for injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult has been
reviewed. This court has jurisdiction over the parties and of the subject matter. Based upon the
facts stated in the petition, the court finds:

         The facts supporting the denial of the request for an ex parte injunction are:

        The court finds that based upon the facts, as stated in the petition alone and without a
hearing in the matter, there is no appearance of an immediate and present danger of exploitation
of a vulnerable adult.

         IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:

        The request for a temporary injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable
adult is denied. A hearing is scheduled on the petition for injunction for protection against

                                                  14
exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The petitioner has the right to promptly amend any petition
consistent with court rules.

                                      NOTICE OF HEARING
        A hearing is scheduled regarding this matter on .....(date)....., at .....(time)....., when the
court will fully hear the allegations in the petition for injunction for protection against
exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The hearing will be before The Honorable .....(name)....., at the
following .....(address)....., Florida. All witnesses and evidence, if any, must be presented at this
time.

IF EITHER PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT DO NOT APPEAR AT THE FINAL
HEARING, HE OR SHE WILL BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF ANY INJUNCTION
OR ORDER ISSUED IN THIS MATTER.

       Nothing in this order limits petitioner’s rights to dismiss the petition.

DONE AND ORDERED in,                            Florida, on .....(date)......

                                                        JUDGE
COPIES TO:

Sheriff of                      County

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE:

Petitioner:          by U. S. Mail              by e-mail to designated e-mail address(es)

Respondent will be served by sheriff.

Vulnerable Adult will be served by sheriff.

The financial institution will be served by sheriff. (If any assets, accounts, or lines of credit are
requested to be frozen, insert names of the financial institutions.)

        I CERTIFY the foregoing is a true copy of the original as it appears on file in the office
of the clerk of the circuit court of                County, Florida, and that I have furnished
copies of this order as indicated above.

                                                        CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT
       (SEAL)

                                                        By:
                                                                 Deputy Clerk or Judicial Assistant
      If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in
order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to

                                                  15
the provision of certain assistance. Please contact [identify applicable court
personnel by name, address, and telephone number] at least 7 days before
your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this
notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if
you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

                                       16
         (d)     Final Protective Injunction.

               IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE                        JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
                        IN AND FOR                         COUNTY, FLORIDA

In re:
                                                           Case No.:

         Vulnerable Adult
                                 ,

         Petitioner,

and

                                 ,

         Respondent.

                 PERMANENT INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION AGAINST
                     EXPLOITATION OF A VULNERABLE ADULT

       This cause came before the court, which has jurisdiction over the parties and subject
matter under state law. The court having reviewed the petition and affidavits and considered the
testimony presented and argument of counsel, finds as follows:

        1.      Reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard was given to the respondent in a
manner sufficient to protect his or her due process rights. Respondent was served with the
petition for injunction, notice of hearing, and temporary protective injunction, if issued.

         2.      A hearing was held on .....(date)......

      3.     The vulnerable adult is a victim of exploitation or in imminent danger of
becoming an exploitation victim.

      4.         There is a likelihood of irreparable harm and unavailability of an adequate legal
remedy.

       5.        The threatened injury to the vulnerable adult outweighs possible harm to the
respondent.

        6.      With regard to freezing the respondent’s assets, accounts, and/or lines of credit
that were the proceeds of exploitation, there is probable cause that exploitation has occurred and
a substantial likelihood that such assets, accounts, and/or lines of credit will be returned to the
vulnerable adult.

         7.      This injunction provides for the vulnerable adult’s physical or financial safety.

                                                    17
       8.       These findings were based on the following facts:

       Accordingly, it is hereby ADJUDGED that:

       The petitioner’s request for a protective injunction is GRANTED. This injunction
remains in effect until it has been modified or dissolved, and it is further ordered that:

                        The respondent shall not commit any acts of exploitation against, or have
any direct or indirect contact with, the vulnerable adult.

                      The vulnerable adult is awarded exclusive use and possession of any
dwelling he or she shares with the respondent.

                       The respondent is excluded from the residence of the vulnerable adult.

                       The respondent shall, at his or her own expense, participate in all relevant
treatment, intervention, or counseling services to be paid for by the respondent.

                        Unless ownership is unclear, any temporarily frozen assets, accounts, and
credit lines of the vulnerable adult are to be returned to the vulnerable adult.

        If not already paid pursuant to the order granting temporary protective injunction against
exploitation of a vulnerable adult, a final cost judgment is hereby entered against respondent and
in favor of the clerk of courts in the amount of (check one):

                       $75.00 (if assets are between $1,500–$5,000)

       OR

                       $200.00 (if assets are more than $5,000).

All for which let execution issue forthwith.

        If the amount set forth above has already been paid to the clerk of courts, a final cost
judgment is hereby entered against respondent and in favor of the vulnerable adult in the amount
set forth above, all for which let execution issue forthwith.

        Any other costs associated with this judgment, including filing fees and service charges,
are to be paid by the respondent.

       Other:

                                                18
       This injunction is valid and enforceable in all Florida counties, does not affect title to real
property, and law enforcement may use section 901.15(6), Florida Statutes, arrest powers to
enforce its terms.

       DONE and ORDERED on .....(date)......

                                                       Judge
CC: All parties and counsel of record

COPIES TO: (Check those that apply)
Petitioner:

               by U. S. Mail

                by hand delivery in open court (Petitioner must acknowledge receipt in writing on
the original order—see below.)

Vulnerable Adult (if not petitioner)

               by U. S. Mail

               by hand delivery in open court

Respondent:

               forwarded to Sheriff for service

               by U. S. Mail

                by hand delivery in open court (Respondent must acknowledge receipt in writing
on the original order—see below.)

               by certified mail (May only be used when respondent is present at the hearing and
respondent fails or refuses to acknowledge the receipt of a certified copy of this injunction.)

               Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

               Other:

                                                  19
Petitioner’s Attorney:         by e-mail

Respondent’s Attorney:         by e-mail

        I CERTIFY the foregoing is a true copy of the original as it appears on file in the office
of the clerk of the circuit court of                     County, Florida, and that I have furnished
copies of this order as indicated above on .....(date)......

                                                      CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

                                                      By:
                                                              Deputy Clerk

                                                 20