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FL H0737

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/25/2026

Primary Sponsor

Judiciary Committee

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Allows courts to appoint a parent with a felony conviction as guardian of their child if the conviction and all sentence terms were completed at least 10 years prior to the application
  • Requires the felony conviction not involve financial exploitation, breach of fiduciary duty, or offenses involving financial harm or dishonesty to a vulnerable adult
  • Courts must find by clear and convincing evidence that the person is qualified and the appointment is in the ward's best interests
  • Courts must consider imposing additional safeguards such as requiring a bond, court-approved expense budgets, or more frequent filing of plans and accountings
  • Amends s. 744.474 to specify that only felony convictions occurring after guardianship appointment are grounds for removal; effective July 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Persons Disqualified from Being Appointed as a Guardian

Last Action

Received

2/26/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/6/2026
Human Services Subcommittee1/21/2026
Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee12/16/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available