Fla. Stat. § 741.311

Current through Chapter 226 of the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 741.311 - [Effective 10/1/2024] Hope Card Program for persons issued orders of protection
(1) The clerks of the circuit court, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall develop and implement the Hope Card Program, which provides for the issuance of a Hope Card to any person who has been issued an order of protection by a county or circuit court in this state.
(2) Beginning October 1, 2024, a person who has been issued a final judgment on injunction for protection under s. 741.30, s. 784.046, s. 784.0485, or s. 825.1035 may request a Hope Card from the clerk of the court of the circuit in which the order for an injunction for protection was entered. A person may request a Hope Card at the time the final judgment on injunction for protection is issued or at any other time before the expiration of the order for protection.
(3) After the court has issued a final judgment on injunction for protection and within 3 business days after receipt of a request for a Hope Card, the clerk of the court shall create the Hope Card and provide it to the petitioner.
(4) The clerk of the court may not assess a fee for the issuance of a Hope Card.
(5) A Hope Card is valid for 2 years after the date of issuance of the final order or the expiration date of the injunction, whichever is earlier. A Hope Card may be renewed after the 2-year period if the injunction is still in effect.
(6) A Hope Card issued under the program may be digital or a durable, wallet-sized card and must contain all of the following information:
(a) The respondent's name and date of birth.
(b) The name and date of birth of the petitioner or protected person.
(c) Information regarding the issuing court; the case number; the date the order of protection was issued; and the expiration date, if any, of the order of protection.
(d) The telephone number for the statewide domestic violence hotline.
(e) The date of issuance and the expiration date of the Hope Card.
(7) A person who, having actual knowledge that he or she is not protected by an injunction that is currently in force and effect, knowingly and willfully presents to another person a Hope Card or other document purporting to be a Hope Card for the purpose of evidencing the existence of an injunction, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Fla. Stat. § 741.311

Added by 2024 Fla. Laws, ch. 109,s 1, eff. 10/1/2024.