This bill amends section 39.201 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the reporting and investigation processes related to child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. It mandates that the central abuse hotline electronically transfer reports of child abuse to the appropriate county sheriff's office or local law enforcement agency. Additionally, it requires individuals who suspect a child has been born to a parent with another child in the custody of the Department of Children and Families to report this information to the hotline. The hotline must accept these reports and initiate an onsite protective investigation immediately.

The bill introduces a rebuttable presumption that a child born to a parent with another child in custody is in immediate danger of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Parents can rebut this presumption by providing evidence of their participation in required services. If the presumption is not rebutted and a child is taken into custody, the department cannot return the child to the parent's custody until specific conditions are met, including the appointment of a guardian ad litem and a thorough protective investigation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 362 Filed: 39.201