RULE 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.