FL H1217

Creates the "Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act" as Part IV of Chapter 61, Florida Statutes, establishing procedures for temporary custody and visitation arrangements when a servicemember is deployed.

Allows deploying parents to enter into temporary written agreements with the other parent allocating custodial responsibility during deployment, specifying caretaking authority, decision-making authority, contact frequency, and dispute resolution processes.

Authorizes courts to issue temporary custody orders during deployment (but not permanent orders without deploying parent consent) and grants courts authority to award temporary caretaking authority to nonparent family members or individuals with close relationships to the child.

Requires deploying parents to notify the other parent of pending deployment within 7 days and provide a proposed custody plan as soon as reasonably possible; temporary agreements automatically terminate 30 days after the deploying parent returns from deployment unless otherwise agreed.

Allows remote testimony and evidence submission by telephonic, electronic, or web-based means for deploying parents or servicemember witnesses unable to appear in person; prohibits courts from considering a parent's past or future deployment status when determining the child's best interests.