Rule 1.481 Verdicts

When someone sues for punitive damages, the jury must list that amount separately on the verdict form. Punitive damages are extra money meant to punish bad behavior, and they cannot be lumped together with regular damages like medical bills or lost wages.

This matters because the amounts serve different purposes. Regular damages pay you back for your losses. Punitive damages are a punishment for the person who wronged you. Keeping them separate makes it clear exactly what the jury decided on each type.