She is liable because she knew that her daughter was not kidnapped and missing. This has nothing to do with whether the state of Florida made their case in court. She is not being held liable for the state’s gambles. This is a completely separate legal issue decided by a judge.
So much not said here. I might well expect the state of Florida to file a civil lawsuit against Anthony to recoup the money it wasted on account of what she reportedly confessed was a lie. Then Anthony would be due a trial of that lawsuit. But I’m not hearing about any lawsuit. Just some unaccountable judge issuing an order out of seemingly nowhere.