FL S7056

Repeals s. 39.3065 and requires sheriffs in Broward, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Seminole, and Walton counties to transfer child protective investigative services to the Department of Children and Families by December 31, 2023.

Department becomes custodian of department-related files and documents from sheriffs upon transfer; sheriffs retain custody of non-department files and documents created before the transfer date.

Sheriffs must transfer all state- or grant-funded assets to the department with financial closeout of grants completed by March 31, 2024; department may extend private facility leases up to 1 year without procurement requirements.

Sheriff employees in good standing providing child protective services may transfer employment to the department without competitive process, maintaining equivalent pay, broadband level, permanent status, Florida Retirement System enrollment, and accrued leave benefits.

Department must defend and indemnify claims filed after the transfer date; claims filed before the transfer date are defended and indemnified per existing state or grant agreements; conforming amendments made to multiple Florida Statutes sections.