Bill > H0607

This bill amends Florida's grandparent visitation rights law to provide more specific circumstances under which grandparents can petition a court for visitation with a minor child. The bill expands existing provisions by allowing 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 in that condition and the other parent has been convicted of a serious crime; and when one parent has died and certain additional conditions are met, such as the child having lived with the grandparent for at least 6 months before the parent's death and the lack of contact posing a substantial threat to the child's well-being. The legislation requires courts to conduct a preliminary hearing to assess the petition, and if moved forward, the court must consider multiple factors including the emotional ties between the grandparent and child, the quality of their previous relationship, and the potential impact of visitation on the child's mental and emotional health. The bill also establishes that a grandparent can only file such a petition once every two years, unless there is evidence of significant potential harm to the child. Additionally, the bill reenacts related statutes concerning mediation of visitation disputes and the impact of adoption by a stepparent or close relative, ensuring consistency with the new provisions. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/607