The bill amends Section 752.011 of the Florida Statutes to revise the criteria under which a grandparent can petition for visitation with a minor child. The new language allows a grandparent to petition for visitation if the minor child's parents are divorced or if one or both parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state. The bill also changes the preliminary hearing requirements, stating that the court must determine if the petitioner's claims about the parents' status are valid. If the court finds prima facie evidence supporting the petition, it may appoint a guardian ad litem and must refer the matter to family mediation.

Additionally, the bill outlines the factors the court must consider when determining the best interests of the child and the potential material harm to the parent-child relationship. It emphasizes the importance of the grandparent's previous relationship with the child and the emotional well-being of all parties involved. The bill also establishes that a grandparent can only file for visitation once every two years, with exceptions for cases of significant emotional harm to the child. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 246 Filed: 752.011