As amended through October 28, 2024
(a)Issuance. The clerk of the court shall issue a summons, a copy of the petition, any accompanying affidavits, and a copy of the order finding probable cause to the respondent upon receipt of an order finding probable cause signed by a circuit judge. The summons shall direct the respondent to file an answer to the petition within ten days after the date of service. The state attorney shall serve a copy of the petition and related documents upon the attorney appointed to represent the respondent pursuant to rule 4.080. The finding of probable cause shall not become effective until the summons is returned served and filed with the clerk of the court.(b)Service; By Whom Made. The state attorney shall electronically transmit a copy of the summons, petition, any accompanying affidavits, and the order finding probable cause to the person in charge of the facility in which the respondent is confined. The person in charge of the facility shall serve a printed copy of the summons, the petition, any accompanying affidavits, and order finding probable cause on the respondent within 24 hours after receiving it and before the respondent is transferred to a secure facility. The person in charge of the facility in which the respondent is confined shall make a return on the summons within 24 hours after making service, by electronically confirming to the state attorney that service has been made. The state attorney shall file a printed copy of the return with the clerk, along with the summons, on the first business day after receiving it. Additional process may be issued as in other civil actions.Fl. Civ. P. Inv. Comm. Sex. Vio. Pred. 4.070