FL H0789

Expands the definition of "next of kin" to include great-grandparents in child welfare proceedings and grants great-grandparents the same visitation rights as grandparents for dependent children.

Creates a new petition process allowing grandparents to seek court-ordered visitation when parents are deceased, missing, in a permanent vegetative state, or one parent is convicted of a felony or offense of violence; requires preliminary hearing to establish prima facie showing of parental unfitness or significant harm, with court awarding attorney fees to respondent if petition fails.

Requires adoption entities to provide notice to grandparents or great-grandparents who had lived with a child for at least 6 months in the preceding 24 months before a termination of parental rights proceeding.

Allows stepparents or close relatives who adopt a child to petition the court to terminate existing grandparent visitation orders unless the grandparent can demonstrate visitation criteria continue to be satisfied.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.