FL H0193

Expands the definition of "abuse" under Florida child welfare law to include interference with custody (s. 787.03) and any direct or indirect action impacting a child's well-being even without actual injury, and broadens the definition of "false report" to include reports made willfully or with severe recklessness without reasonable cause or genuine intent to protect the child.

Requires the Department of Children and Families to verify parenting plans or court-ordered custody arrangements in every investigation involving parents in separate households, enforce compliance with those plans, and report violations to law enforcement; creates criminal penalties (second-degree misdemeanor) for Child Protection Team investigators who willfully fail to perform their duties.

Overhauls the interference with custody statute (s. 787.03) to treat it as a criminal act rather than a private matter, expands prohibited conduct to include blocking communication, undermining parent-child relationships, disrupting visitation, and making false allegations to disrupt custody rights—all classified as third-degree felonies; requires law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies and annual training on custody interference cases.

Creates new emergency hearing procedures requiring courts to schedule hearings within 3 business days of a motion alleging custody interference or threats to a child's safety, with full hearings on the merits required within 30 calendar days; requires law enforcement officers to accompany and assist parents experiencing custody interference in locating and recovering their children.

Imposes new obligations on schools to enforce parenting plans and court-ordered custody arrangements, verify identity and custody rights before releasing children, and maintain up-to-date custody records on file, with first-degree misdemeanor penalties for unauthorized release of a child; also expands the definition of "domestic violence" to include unlawful taking or retention of a minor or vulnerable adult that denies another family member's custody or visitation rights.