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.