FL H6507

Appropriates $3.8 million from the General Revenue Fund to compensate L.E., a child who suffered catastrophic injuries from abuse while under the Department of Children and Families' oversight in 2019

L.E., born July 29, 2019, tested positive for amphetamines at birth and was placed with her biological parents on August 21, 2019, despite the department determining she was in "present danger" and her parents having over 20 prior child abuse hotline reports

The department closed its investigation on September 24, 2019, acknowledging the home remained "volatile and unstable"; the next day L.E. was hospitalized with skull fractures, multiple rib fractures, subdural hematoma, and shaken baby syndrome resulting in traumatic brain injury, seizures, and cerebral palsy

The total settlement of $4 million includes a prior $200,000 payment (the sovereign immunity cap under s. 768.28, Florida Statutes) plus this $3.8 million appropriation, payable to an irrevocable trust for L.E.'s benefit

Attorney fees are capped at 25% of the appropriated amount, and L.E.'s civil claims against the subcontracted child welfare agency remain pending