House Bill 837 (HB 837), signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, introduces a range of reforms to Florida’s civil legal system. While much of the attention has focused on the bill’s impact on litigation and the legal community, it also has significant implications for process servers. Here’s a detailed look at how HB 837 affects Florida’s process servers and what they need to know moving forward.
Streamlined Legal Processes
One of the core objectives of HB 837 is to reduce frivolous lawsuits and streamline the legal process. For process servers, this means a potential increase in the efficiency and speed of legal proceedings. As cases move more quickly through the courts due to the reduction in frivolous lawsuits and shorter statute of limitations, process servers may see a more consistent demand for their services.
The reduction in the statute of limitations for general negligence cases from four years to two years, in particular, means that plaintiffs will have less time to file their claims. This could lead to a surge in the demand for process serving as parties rush to meet the new deadlines. Process servers will need to be prepared for an increase in the volume of documents that require timely delivery.
Impact of Comparative Negligence Reform
The changes in comparative negligence rules—where plaintiffs who are more at fault than defendants cannot recover damages—may result in fewer cases being filed. This could lead to a decrease in the overall number of legal documents that need to be served. However, the cases that do proceed are likely to be more substantial, potentially involving more complex and critical documents that require precise and reliable service.
Process servers will need to ensure they maintain high standards of accuracy and efficiency to meet the needs of these more significant cases. The quality of service will become even more critical as legal professionals rely on timely and accurate document retrieval and delivery to build their cases.
Increased Protections for Property Owners
HB 837 expands immunity for property owners defending against lawsuits from criminals injured on their property. This change may reduce the number of premises liability cases involving criminal activities, subsequently affecting the volume of related documents that process servers handle.
For process servers, this means staying informed about the types of cases that are more likely to proceed under the new legal framework. Adapting to shifts in the types of legal documents being served will be essential for maintaining a steady workflow and meeting the evolving needs of clients.
Adjustments in Attorney’s Fees and Litigation Practices
The bill’s provisions on eliminating attorney’s fee multipliers and limiting one-way attorney fees are designed to discourage prolonged litigation. This could result in a more predictable and streamlined legal process, with fewer drawn-out cases and a quicker resolution of disputes.
Process servers may benefit from this more efficient legal environment as it can lead to a more regular and manageable flow of work. The emphasis on resolving cases quickly means that process servers need to be ready to act swiftly and effectively to serve documents within tight timelines.
Preparation for Uniform Standards in Medical Damages
With the adoption of uniform standards for calculating medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, there is an increased focus on accurate and timely evidence presentation. For process servers, this may translate to an increased demand for serving medical records, expert witness statements, and other critical documents.
Process servers must ensure they are equipped to handle these sensitive and time-critical documents with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. Accurate and timely service will be crucial in supporting the legal process under these new standards.
Our Tampa Bay Process Servers are Ready for HB 837
House Bill 837 brings about significant changes that will inevitably impact process servers across Florida. By streamlining legal processes, changing comparative negligence rules, expanding property owner protections, and adjusting litigation practices, the bill creates a dynamic environment for process servers. Staying informed about these changes and adapting to the new demands will be essential for process servers to continue providing vital support to the legal community. Here in Tampa Bay, the process service team at Accurate Serve® is ready to meet these new demands head on. Start working with us today by calling 863-873-6691 or send us a work request online.
