Bill > S1272

This bill modifies Florida's guardianship laws to provide more protection and clarity for wards (individuals under guardianship), particularly regarding their social connections and residential arrangements. Specifically, the bill prohibits guardians from arbitrarily restricting an adult ward's contact with people, allowing such restrictions only if there is good cause to believe interaction poses a significant risk of physical, psychological, or financial harm, and then only for limited time periods (7 business days for those with existing relationships, 60 days for others, or by court order). For residential changes, guardians must now provide the ward with at least 14 days' notice before moving them to a more restrictive setting, unless the change is already authorized by the guardianship plan or court order. The bill also requires that initial guardianship plans now identify specific persons who are entitled to receive important notifications about the ward, such as information about death, funeral arrangements, medical transfers, and visitation rights. These changes aim to balance a guardian's protective responsibilities with an individual's rights to maintain social connections and be informed about significant life changes.

Health and Social Services

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1272