RULE 8.230. PLEADINGS TO BE SIGNED

(a) Pleading to Be Signed by Attorney. Every written
document 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 document 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 document 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 document 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
document 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.