summary
Introduced
11/17/2025
11/17/2025
In Committee
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to placement of a child in a certified domestic violence center; amending s. 39.01, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "shelter"; amending s. 39.4021, F.S.; providing that a certified domestic violence center may be considered a placement priority for a child; amending s. 39.521, F.S.; providing that the Department of Children and Families does not have to provide a home study to the court if placing a child in a certified domestic violence center; authorizing the court to place a child and his or her proposed legal custodian in a certified domestic violence center under certain circumstances; amending s. 63.092, F.S.; providing that placement of a minor in a certified domestic violence center constitutes an at-risk placement; authorizing a certified domestic violence center to serve as a temporary legal residence for a minor; waiving preliminary home study requirements under certain circumstances; providing that the department is not required to conduct an in-person home study of the certified domestic violence center under certain circumstances; providing construction; prohibiting the department from compelling a minor to return to a previously approved residence if certain conditions hb435-00 are met; requiring the court to consider the totality of the circumstances and not make certain assumptions; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Florida statutes to provide additional placement options for children in domestic violence situations by expanding the definition of "shelter" to include certified domestic violence centers, adding such centers as a priority placement option for children removed from their homes, and creating special provisions for placing children and their caregivers in these centers during domestic violence emergencies. Specifically, the bill allows courts to place a child and their parent, relative, or guardian in a certified domestic violence center if the caregiver is fleeing domestic violence, the center is properly certified, the Department of Children and Families is notified within 24 hours, and the center coordinates with the department for case management. The bill also waives certain preliminary home study requirements in emergency domestic violence situations, allowing the department to rely on the center's certification or an affidavit from its board of directors to verify safety, and prohibits compelling a minor to return to a previously approved residence if specific conditions are met. The goal is to provide a safe, flexible placement option for children and families experiencing domestic violence while maintaining appropriate oversight and ensuring the child's best interests are protected.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (5)
Daryl Campbell (D)*,
Fentrice Driskell (D),
Anna Eskamani (D),
Mike Gottlieb (D),
Mitch Rosenwald (D),
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/435 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/435/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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