FL S1626

Creates a new section of Florida law (s. 394.4635) establishing separate, stricter criteria for involuntary examination of minors, requiring evidence of likely mental illness with a substantial likelihood the minor will imminently cause death or serious bodily harm, that involuntary examination is the least restrictive means available, and that parental consent is obtained or documented as unobtainable

Requires transportation plans to include options for transporting minors that do not involve marked police vehicles or uniformed officers, prohibits use of restraints on minors except to prevent imminent serious bodily harm, and mandates parents or guardians be allowed to transport or accompany the minor when possible

Limits involuntary holds of minors initiated by law enforcement to 2 hours unless a qualified mental health professional provides written certification the minor meets examination criteria, caps the total examination period at 72 hours, and requires immediate release if a parent or guardian revokes consent

Establishes a Telehealth Pilot Program in Hillsborough, Leon, and Miami-Dade Counties (effective September 1, 2025, expiring January 1, 2026) requiring persons transporting minors to first consult a medical professional via telehealth to assess whether involuntary examination criteria are met

Requires detailed reporting by schools, law enforcement, and receiving facilities to the Department of Children and Families—including demographic data, circumstances of removal, and parental contact attempts—and mandates the Office of Safe Schools publish disaggregated data on involuntary examinations on the Department of Education's website annually