Bill > S0124

This bill modifies Florida's law regarding grandparent visitation rights, expanding the circumstances under which grandparents can petition a court for visitation with a minor child. The bill allows grandparents to seek court-ordered visitation in three primary scenarios: when both parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state; when one parent is deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state and the other parent has been convicted of a felony or violent offense; and when one parent is deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state, and the child previously lived with the grandparent for at least 6 months. To be granted visitation, grandparents must demonstrate that eliminating contact would pose a substantial threat to the child's well-being. The bill requires a preliminary court hearing to assess the petition, and if prima facie evidence of parental unfitness is found, the case must be referred to family mediation. When making a visitation determination, the court must consider numerous factors, including the emotional ties between the child and grandparent, the quality of their previous relationship, and the potential impact on the parent-child relationship. The bill also limits grandparents to filing such a petition only once every two years, unless there is good cause showing potential significant harm to the child. The changes aim to provide a structured legal process for grandparents seeking visitation while prioritizing the child's best interests.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/124