FL H0561

Creates Florida Statutes section 39.01305 establishing mandatory appointment of attorneys for dependent children meeting specific special needs criteria, including those in skilled nursing facilities, prescribed psychotropic medications they decline, diagnosed with developmental disabilities, in residential treatment centers, or victims of human trafficking.

Requires courts to first request pro bono attorney recommendations from the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office within 15 days before appointing a compensated attorney.

Mandates appointed attorneys provide complete legal services from removal or initial appointment through all available appellate proceedings, with appointments continuing until attorney withdrawal, court discharge, or case dismissal.

Establishes attorney compensation capped at $1,000 per child per year, subject to appropriations and Justice Administrative Commission review for reasonableness, with access to funding for expert witnesses, depositions, and litigation costs.

Requires the Department of Children and Families to develop procedures identifying qualifying dependent children and requesting court appointments, with implementation subject to express appropriations; effective July 1, 2014.