The bill introduces significant amendments to child welfare and education in Florida, focusing on enhancing services and safety for children. It establishes a new "Family Advocacy Program" under section 39.3011, requiring the Department of Children and Families to collaborate with military installations for child protective investigations involving military families. The legislation also allows law enforcement to take children into custody under specific court orders and mandates timely access to psychotropic medications for children. Additional provisions include waiving certain requirements for domestic violence centers during emergencies, revising membership criteria for independent special districts, and granting exemptions from disqualification for specific individuals.

In the realm of child care, the bill sets new training requirements for child care personnel, mandating that they begin training within 90 days of employment and complete it within a year, with a focus on early literacy and language development. It also introduces new methodologies for determining room and board rates for children in care, modifies licensure requirements for family foster homes, and clarifies liability protections for subcontractors providing foster care services. Notably, the bill emphasizes evidence-based content in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, ensuring that course standards support students with disabilities. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1626 Filed: 16.56, 39.01, 39.206, 39.401, 39.5075, 39.905, 402.305, 937.0201, 937.021, 402.30501, 1002.59
S 1626 c1: 16.56, 39.01, 39.401, 39.5075, 39.905, 402.305, 937.0201, 937.021, 402.30501, 1002.59
S 1626 c2: 39.401, 39.905, 402.305, 937.0201, 937.021, 402.30501, 1002.59
S 1626 c3: 39.401, 39.407, 39.905, 402.305, 937.0201, 937.021, 402.30501, 1002.59