SB 1476 Summary

• Redefines "parent" to include men who have legally adopted a child, been adjudicated as the father, or filed an affidavit of paternity with the Office of Vital Statistics by the advisory hearing date on a termination of parental rights petition.

• Establishes "unmarried biological father" as a legal term for biological fathers not married to the mother at conception or birth who have not been adjudicated as legal father or executed a paternity affidavit.

• Requires individual notice to known and locatable unmarried biological fathers in dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings, with notice waived if they sign an affidavit of nonpaternity or consent to termination.

• Mandates unmarried biological fathers contest dependency or termination petitions within 30 days by filing a paternity claim with the Florida Putative Father Registry, establishing legal rights, filing a verified court response pledging commitment, providing court-ordered child support, and establishing a substantial relationship through monthly visits or regular communication.

• Provides that unmarried biological fathers who fail to meet these requirements cannot contest the petition or receive further notice unless the court orders otherwise, and establishes expanded court inquiry procedures for identifying prospective parents and determining paternity.