This bill amends Florida Statutes section 752.011 to expand the circumstances under which a grandparent can petition for court-ordered visitation with a minor child. It allows grandparents to seek visitation if one parent is deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state, and the other parent has been convicted of a felony or violent offense. Additionally, it introduces specific criteria that must be met for a grandparent to petition for visitation, including the child's prior residence with the grandparent and the potential harm to the child's well-being if contact is eliminated. The bill also includes provisions for preliminary hearings, mediation, and the assessment of the best interests of the child.

Furthermore, the bill reenacts sections 752.015 and 752.071 to incorporate the amendments made to section 752.011, ensuring that mediation services are utilized when families cannot resolve visitation disputes and clarifying the impact of adoption on grandparent visitation rights. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 124 Filed: 752.011