(1) Unless a different time is prescribed in a statute of Florida, a defendant must serve an answer within 20 days after service of original process and the initial pleading on the defendant, or not later than the date fixed in a notice by publication.
Verified Answer Every paragraph of the complaint must be answered, and a verification must be included in the response. When you verify a pleading, you are stating that, under penalty of perjury, you are stating the truth.
A complaint where the plaintiff (or, in limited cases, the plaintiff's counsel) swears to the allegations, demonstrating to a court that the plaintiff has investigated the charges against the defendant and found them to be of substance.
SECTION 446 When the complaint is verified, the answer shall be verified.
Verified complaints are required for certain causes of action. It is good practice for the attorney to have the complaint verified in order to insulate the attorney from improper or untrue allegations by his or her client. See Hillsborough County – 13th Circuit Court SmartRules™ procedural guide: MOTION FOR SANCTIONS.
If it is verified, the plaintiff makes assertions under the pains and penalties of perjury. A verified complaint also forces the defendant to respond to the lawsuit with a verified answer. This tactic forces the defendant to immediately make statements about the allegations under oath.
A complaint where the plaintiff (or, in limited cases, the plaintiff's counsel) swears to the allegations, demonstrating to a court that the plaintiff has investigated the charges against the defendant and found them to be of substance.
When verification of a document is required, the document filed shall include an oath, affirmation, or the following statement: "Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the facts alleged are true, to the best of my knowledge and belief."