HB 139 - Domestic Partnerships

• Establishes a legal domestic partnership framework for two individuals age 18+ with at least one Florida resident, requiring filing of a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with circuit court clerk and payment of fees totaling $61.50 ($2 base + $25 domestic violence + $7.50 homemaker + $25 general revenue + $2 health).

• Grants domestic partners equivalent legal rights and responsibilities to married spouses under Florida law regarding inheritance, medical decisions, taxation, child-related matters, and vital records, while excluding federal benefits and employee retirement plans subject to federal restrictions.

• Provides for termination of domestic partnerships through notice to Department of Health with 90-day effective period; partnerships automatically terminate if either partner enters into a marriage recognized in Florida.

• Defines domestic partnerships as void if parties are currently married/partnered, related by blood or marriage (including niece/nephew relationships), under 18, or lack legal capacity; establishes first-degree misdemeanor for filing false declarations.

• Designates domestic partnerships as vital records subject to state registration and public disclosure; allows partners to retain or change surnames; clarifies that domestic violence protections apply to domestic partnership relationships.