This bill amends Section 752.011 of the Florida Statutes to authorize grandparents of minor children to petition for court-ordered visitation under specific circumstances. The new provisions allow a grandparent 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, the bill outlines criteria for petitioning, including the child's prior residence with the grandparent and the potential harm to the child's well-being if contact with the grandparent is eliminated. The bill also includes technical changes and reenacts related sections on mediation and the effects of adoption.

The bill establishes a framework for the court to assess grandparent visitation requests, including a preliminary hearing to determine parental unfitness or significant harm to the child. It emphasizes the best interests of the child and outlines factors the court must consider, such as the emotional ties between the child and grandparent, the quality of their relationship, and any potential harm to the parent-child relationship. The bill also stipulates that venue for petitions must be in the county where the child primarily resides and sets a limit on how often a grandparent can file for visitation, with exceptions for significant changes in circumstances. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 124 Filed: 752.011