This bill amends Florida Statutes to establish a framework for contracts regarding postadoption contact between adopted children and their birth parents and siblings. It allows adoptive parents and biological parents, along with the adopted child (if 12 years or older), to voluntarily enter into written contracts that facilitate continued contact until the child reaches 18 years of age. The bill outlines specific provisions that must be included in these contracts, such as statements regarding the non-invalidity of the adoption due to contract non-compliance and the inability of contract disputes to affect custody arrangements. Additionally, it specifies that certain contract provisions are unenforceable, particularly those that may impair the adoptive family's ability to relocate or that are objected to by the adopted child.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that these contracts be filed with the court and approved as part of the adoption process, ensuring that they are incorporated into the final judgment of adoption. It also provides mechanisms for the enforcement, modification, or termination of the contracts, emphasizing that the best interests of the child are the primary consideration in any related court proceedings. The bill includes a provision for automatic termination of the contract when the adopted child turns 18 and modifies existing statutes to consolidate filing fees for adoption-related actions, including postadoption contract actions. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 558 c1: 63.102