HB 259 Summary

• Creates a state-registered domestic partnership system allowing two individuals 18+ years old (with at least one Florida resident) to register with circuit court clerks by filing a Declaration of Domestic Partnership form.

• Extends marriage-equivalent legal rights and responsibilities to domestic partners in areas including property, taxation, inheritance, child custody, and hospital visitation, while excluding federal benefits and employee retirement plans conflicting with federal law.

• Establishes fees for domestic partnership registration ($2 base fee plus $25 for Domestic Violence Trust Fund, $7.50 for Displaced Homemaker Trust Fund, and $25 to General Revenue Fund) and dissolution ($10.50 maximum, split between clerk and Department of Health).

• Allows domestic partnerships to be terminated by filing a notice with 90-day effective period and sets automatic termination if either partner enters a valid marriage, while prohibiting partnerships involving bigamy, incest, or lack of capacity.

• Effective July 1, 2013; includes administrative updates to vital records procedures, voter registration, and sentencing guidelines to recognize domestic partnership status.