768.72 – Pleading in civil actions; claim for punitive damages.
768.72 Pleading in civil actions; claim for punitive damages.— (1) In any civil action, no claim for punitive damages shall be permitted unless there is a reasonable showing by evidence in the record or proffered by the claimant which would provide a reasonable basis for recovery of such damages. The claimant may move to amend her or […]
768.725 – Punitive damages; burden of proof.
768.725 Punitive damages; burden of proof.—In all civil actions, the plaintiff must establish at trial, by clear and convincing evidence, its entitlement to an award of punitive damages. The “greater weight of the evidence” burden of proof applies to a determination of the amount of damages. History.—s. 21, ch. 99-225.
768.73 – Punitive damages; limitation.
768.73 Punitive damages; limitation.— (1)(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), an award of punitive damages may not exceed the greater of: 1. Three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded to each claimant entitled thereto, consistent with the remaining provisions of this section; or 2. The sum of $500,000. (b) Where the fact finder determines that the […]
768.733 – Bonds in class actions; limitations.
768.733 Bonds in class actions; limitations.— (1) In any civil action that is brought as a certified class action, the trial court, upon the posting of a bond or equivalent surety as provided in this section, shall stay the execution of any judgment, or portion thereof, entered on account of punitive damages pending completion of any appellate […]
768.734 – Capacity to sue.
768.734 Capacity to sue.— (1)(a) In any action asserting the right to class action status, the claimant class having capacity to sue shall be limited to residents of this state at the time of the alleged misconduct, except as provided in paragraph (b). (b)1. Before issuing a class certification order, the court hearing an action asserting the right […]
768.735 – Punitive damages; exceptions; limitation.
768.735 Punitive damages; exceptions; limitation.— (1) Sections 768.72(2)-(4), 768.725, and 768.73 do not apply to any civil action based upon child abuse, abuse of the elderly under chapter 415, or abuse of the developmentally disabled. Such actions are governed by applicable statutes and controlling judicial precedent. This section does not apply to claims brought pursuant to s. […]
768.736 – Punitive damages; exceptions for intoxication.
768.736 Punitive damages; exceptions for intoxication.—Sections 768.725 and 768.73 do not apply to any defendant who, at the time of the act or omission for which punitive damages are sought, was under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug to the extent that the defendant’s normal faculties were impaired, or who had a blood or […]
768.737 – Punitive damages; application in arbitration.
768.737 Punitive damages; application in arbitration.—Where punitive damages are available as a remedy in an arbitration proceeding, ss. 768.72, 768.725, and 768.73 apply. When an award of punitive damages is made in an arbitration proceeding, the arbitrator who renders the award must issue a written opinion setting forth the conduct which gave rise to the award […]
768.74 – Remittitur and additur.
768.74 Remittitur and additur.— (1) In any action to which this part applies wherein the trier of fact determines that liability exists on the part of the defendant and a verdict is rendered which awards money damages to the plaintiff, it shall be the responsibility of the court, upon proper motion, to review the amount of such […]
768.76 – Collateral sources of indemnity.
768.76 Collateral sources of indemnity.— (1) In any action to which this part applies in which liability is admitted or is determined by the trier of fact and in which damages are awarded to compensate the claimant for losses sustained, the court shall reduce the amount of such award by the total of all amounts which have […]