8.230 Pleadings to be Signed

(a) Pleading to Be Signed by Attorney. Every written paper or pleading of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed in the attorney’s individual name by such attorney, whose Florida Bar number, address, and telephone number, including area code, shall be stated and who shall be duly licensed to practice law in Florida. The attorney may be required by an order of court to vouch for the authority to represent such party and to give the address of such party. Except when otherwise specifically provided by these rules or applicable statute, pleadings as such need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit.

(b) Pleading to Be Signed by Unrepresented Party. A party who has no attorney but who represents himself or herself shall sign a written pleading or other paper to be filed and state his or her address and telephone number, including area code.

(c) Effect of Signing Pleading. The signature of a person shall constitute a certificate that the paper or pleading has been read; that to the best of the person’s knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for delay. If a pleading or paper is not signed, or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this rule, it may be stricken and the action may proceed as though the pleading or paper had not been filed.

Committee Notes

1991 Amendment. The current rule implies that a written pleading must be filed. No written pleadings are required.

1992 Amendments. (a) and (c) The language from (a) was moved to create this new subdivision. The current rule only applies to attorneys. These requirements also should apply to nonattorneys who sign and file papers. This change conforms to proposed changes for rules 8.085 and 8.640.