8.640 Pleadings to be Signed

(a) Pleadings 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 the 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 need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit.

(b) Pleadings to Be Signed by Unrepresented Party. A party who is unrepresented shall sign a written pleading or other paper to be filed and state the party’s 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 served.

Committee Notes

1992 Amendment. (a) and (c) The language from (a) was moved to create this new subdivision. The current rule applies only to attorneys. These requirements also should apply to nonattorneys who sign and file papers. This rule conforms to proposed revisions to rules 8.085 and 8.230.

(b) The current rule implies that a written pleading must be filed. No written pleadings are required.