The bill amends several sections of Florida law to enhance the rights and opportunities for siblings placed in out-of-home care. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining not just contact but also regular visitation between separated siblings, allowing them to file motions for visitation or contact in court. The court is required to hold hearings and cannot deny such motions unless there is clear evidence that visitation would be contrary to the safety and well-being of the siblings. Additionally, the bill mandates that services be provided to restore visitation if safety concerns can be addressed, and it prohibits courts from restricting sibling contact without proper justification.

Further amendments clarify that courts retain jurisdiction over sibling visitation matters even in cases of permanent guardianship or adoption. The bill also specifies that post-adoption visitation between siblings cannot be denied without clear evidence of harm, and it requires the court to consider various factors when determining the appropriateness of such visitation. Lastly, it mandates that prospective adoptive parents be informed of their responsibility to facilitate sibling contact after adoption. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1533 Filed: 39.6221, 63.0427, 63.093