FL H3539

Appropriates $3.75 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate a male child ("Survivor") and the Estate of a deceased female child ("Victim") for injuries and death resulting from negligence by the Department of Children and Families.

Settles a claim arising from systemic failures by DCF to protect two children placed in foster care with Jorge and Carmen Barahona, who perpetrated severe abuse over 6 years resulting in the victim's death on February 14, 2011.

DCF had previously paid $1.25 million under Florida Statutes § 768.28, with this appropriation representing the remaining $3.75 million of a total $5 million settlement agreement.

Directs the Chief Financial Officer to issue payment to the adoptive parents of Survivor as legal guardians and to Richard Milstein as personal representative of the Victim's Estate.

Limits attorney fees and lobbying costs to a maximum of 25 percent of the $3.75 million award and provides that combined payments constitute sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from this matter.