FL H0185

Adds purpose to Florida law that child welfare includes allowing custody transitions consistent with the child's best interest.

Expands definition of "extended family member" to include individuals who qualify as "fictive kin" under Florida Statute 39.01, in addition to blood relatives within three degrees and certain stepparents.

Requires individuals seeking concurrent custody to currently have physical custody of the child or to have had physical custody for at least 10 days within any 30-day period in the last 12 months.

Allows petitions and court orders for temporary or concurrent custody to include provisions related to the child's best interest, including a reasonable plan for transitioning custody back to the parent or parents.

Authorizes courts to establish reasonable transition conditions when terminating temporary custody orders if the parent was found unfit and the child was in extended family custody for a significant period, considering factors such as length of residence, child's developmental stage, and time needed for transition.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.