The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the legal framework surrounding the surrender of infants. It revises the definition of "infant" to specify that it refers to a child 30 days old or younger at the time of surrender and introduces the term "infant safety device," which is a secure installation in hospitals, emergency medical services stations, or fire stations designed for safely accepting surrendered infants. The bill mandates that these facilities monitor the devices 24/7, conduct physical checks twice daily, and test the alarm systems weekly. Additionally, it outlines specific requirements for fire stations regarding the use of these devices and the immediate response to retrieve infants placed inside them.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the legal implications of surrendering an infant, establishing that parents who surrender their infants are presumed to consent to the termination of parental rights, with protections against criminal investigations unless there is suspected abuse or neglect. It also ensures that infants surrendered under this law are not considered abandoned and are presumed eligible for Medicaid coverage. The bill includes provisions for hospitals to contact licensed child-placing agencies upon admitting a surrendered infant and specifies that the Department of Children and Families will not take custody unless efforts to contact a child-placing agency have failed. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1690 Filed: 383.50, 63.0423