Florida Senate - 2022 SB By Senator Albritton 26-00688A-22 20221312__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. A bill to be entitled

An act relating to unlawful activities under the Uniform Commercial Code-Sales; creating s. 672.617, 3 F.S.; defining the terms “business relationship” and 4 “person”; specifying that it is unlawful for a person to cause a breach or violation of, or the refusal or failure to perform, a lawful contract or intentionally and unjustly interfere with or disrupt a business relationship; authorizing an injured person to bring a civil cause of action; authorizing injunctive relief and specified damages; prohibiting causes of actions from being brought for specified contracts; providing an effective date. 13

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 15

Section

Section 672.617, Florida Statutes, is created to read: 18 672.617 Unlawful activities; cause of action; damages.— 19

(1) As used in this section, the term: 20

(a) “Business relationship” has the same meaning as in s. 21 825.101. 22

(b) “Person” has the same meaning as in s. 61.503. 23

(2) It is unlawful for any person, by inducement, 24 persuasion, misrepresentation, intimidation, or other means, to: 25

(

a) Cause the breach or violation of, or the refusal or failure to perform, a lawful contract by any party thereto; or 27

(

b) Intentionally and unjustly interfere with or disrupt a business relationship. 29 Florida Senate - 2022 SB 1312 26-00688A-22 20221312__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.

(3) Any person injured as a result of a violation of this

section may bring a civil cause of action for treble damages, 31 injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief in law. The court may issue a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent a violation of this section. The issuance of an injunction does not affect the availability of damages under this section. The court shall award a prevailing plaintiff reasonable a ttorney fees and costs. 37

(4) A civil cause of action may not be brought under this

section for the enforcement of a contract under s. 542.335. 39

Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2022. 40