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 the child's parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state, and if certain conditions are met, such as the child having resided with the grandparent for at least six months prior to the parent's situation. Additionally, the bill establishes a presumption in favor of visitation if one parent has been criminally or civilly liable for the death of the other parent, unless it is determined that such visitation is not in the child's best interests.

The bill also includes technical changes and reenacts Sections 752.015 and 752.071 to incorporate the amendments made to Section 752.011. It emphasizes the importance of mediation in resolving visitation disputes and outlines the factors the court must consider when determining the best interests of the child and the potential impact on the parent-child relationship. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 607 Filed: 752.011