The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to the temporary custody of minor children. It requires protective investigators to inform relatives of a child about their option to petition for temporary or concurrent custody during protective investigations and to provide guidance on how to file such petitions. Additionally, it allows grandparents to petition for custody regardless of the child's current living situation. The bill also specifies that petitions for custody must include evidence of specific acts or omissions by the parents that demonstrate substance abuse or neglect, and it defines "controlled substance" for clarity.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that courts must grant temporary custody if it is in the child's best interests and there is a substantial threat of harm if custody is not granted. It outlines that evidence of a parent's chronic substance abuse can be sufficient for the court to determine a substantial threat to the child. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 949 Filed: 39.301, 751.02, 751.03, 751.05