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SUMMARY
Anything but typical, the 2025 Legislative Session extended well beyond the normal 60-day session to 105 days. Highlighting the gridlock and delays that characterized much of this year's process, of 1,982 bills filed, only 254 passed both chambers a reflection of this session’s unusually slow pace and limited legislative progress.
This report provides an overview of the few child welfare bills that did advance, along with a breakdown of appropriations within HHS, offering insight into the state’s current funding posture and legislative direction.
The FCC tracked 67 bills related to child welfare. Still, in the end, only 8 were signed into law by the Governor. This highlights the limited movement in critical policy areas, such as addressing the needs of high-acuity youth, access to liability insurance, and more
On the budget front, Health and Human Services received $47.6 billion out of the state’s
The mission of the Florida Coalition for Children (FCC) is to advocate on behalf of Florida’s abused, abandoned, neglected, and at-risk children, and to support the agencies and individuals who work on their behalf.
The vision of the Coalition is to see a system of child welfare in Florida that is fully resourced, well managed, and fulfills the needs of Florida’s vulnerable children and families.
SB 584 - YOUNG ADULT HOUSING SUPPORT
This legislation aims to improve housing stability for young adults who have experienced foster care or homelessness by expanding support and prioritizing access to resources especially in higher education.
The Florida College System institutions and state universities must now develop plans to give these students first priority for institution-owned housing, including yearround options and work-study opportunities Schools are also prohibited from requiring a cosigner or guarantor for their housing.
Beyond campus, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), community-based care agencies, and housing authorities are responsible for administering federal housing programs, such as the Foster Youth to Independence initiative. These agencies must also document efforts to help young adults secure leases, including assurances to landlords of ongoing support.
Finally, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) is directed to study housing barriers for this population and recommend policy solutions. The bill reflects a growing focus on housing as a foundation for educational and life stability.
HB 989 - LICENSURE OF FAMILY FOSTER HOMES
This legislation streamlines the licensure process for foster parents who relocate within Florida,
aiming to reduce delays and enhance support for families in transition.
DCF is required to adopt rules that expedite the licensure process for foster parents in good standing, ensuring priority review of applications, faster home studies, and quicker background checks.
Additionally, the law mandates that previously completed foster parent training be recognized, eliminating the need for redundant training requirements.
This approach is designed to make it easier for experienced foster parents to continue their work without unnecessary hurdles, ultimately helping more children in need
HB 633 - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MANAGING ENTITIES
This legislation strengthens oversight and transparency of Florida’s behavioral health managing entities by establishing new auditing and reporting requirements aimed at improving accountability and performance.
DCF is now required to conduct operational and financial audits of managing entities every two years, with a focus on key functions such as referral patterns and provider network adequacy.
In addition, DCF must contract for expert recommendations on how to enhance transparency, culminating in a final report due by December 1, 2025.
POLICYSUMMARY POLICYSUMMARY
To support better data tracking and analysis, managing entities must submit required information in a standardized electronic format designed for interoperability. They are also obligated to upload contract-related documents electronically with specific metadata to ensure accurate processing.
The legislation also introduces new monthly outcome and system performance metrics, which managing entities must report to DCF. These metrics will be published publicly, creating greater visibility into system performance and allowing stakeholders to monitor trends over time.
Overall, the bill reflects a push for stronger accountability and data-driven oversight in Florida’s behavioral health system.
HB 1103 - SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
This legislation enhances transparency, improves enrollment processes, and revises oversight for services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is required to provide newly enrolled clients with a list of qualified organizations within five days and to post quarterly waiver expenditure reconciliation reports online.
APD must also participate in transition planning for certain young adults and update priority category data for waiver enrollment at least every five days.
The law establishes a Statewide Family Care Council to review local reports, advise APD on policy, and ensure consistent input from local councils, with updated membership criteria and strengthened reporting requirements Additionally, it clarifies that certain Medicaid-eligible individuals can voluntarily enroll in managed care rather than being automatically enrolled.
For individuals with developmental disabilities, the pilot program is altered to make enrollment voluntary, with expanded benefits and a requirement for individualized assessments within five days. The program also includes a weekly data exchange among agencies and a dedicated call center for enrollment assistance.
Finally, APD is tasked with contracting a study of the current budget allocation algorithm to explore potential improvements that better align with waiver expenditure needs.
This bill aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and responsive system for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
SB 1156 - HOME HEALTH AIDE FOR MEDICALLY FRAGILE CHILDREN PROGRAM
This legislation enhances the standards, training, and Medicaid coverage for home health aides caring for medically fragile children. It requires the annual publication of an assessment that includes new adverse incident reporting and data collection from Medicaid managed care plans.
POLICYSUMMARY
Training programs are mandated to be enhanced, incorporating HIV/AIDS education and CPR certification, while reducing required training hours from 85 to 76. The law also introduces flexible competency validation to address changing care needs.
In addition, Medicaid reimbursement rates for home health aides will increase to a minimum of $25 per hour, with a new daily cap raised from 8 to 12 hours and a weekly cap set at 40 hours, which may be exceeded if justified and approved.
The bill also facilitates broader federal approval for providers to participate in the program and ensures a home health aide's income is excluded from Medicaid eligibility determinations through federal waivers and plan amendments
This approach strengthens the support and resources available for those providing essential care to medically fragile children.
SB 1286 - HARMING OR NEGLECTING CHILDREN
This legislation clarifies and revises the definitions of child harm and neglect, focusing on distinguishing between activities that should not automatically be considered neglect. It specifies that certain independent or unsupervised activities, such as traveling to and from school or playing outdoors, do not constitute neglect unless they pose a clear and reckless danger to a child’s health or safety.
The law revises the definition of “harm” in §39.01(37), F.S., to clarify that leaving a child unsupervised is not automatically harmful if the child is of sufficient age and maturity and is not in obvious danger.
The definition of “neglect” in §39.01(37)(f), F.S., and §827.03(1)(e), F.S., is updated to exclude activities that were previously considered neglect, unless they are recklessly dangerous.
By updating these definitions, the legislation marks a step forward in rethinking how child maltreatment is defined, moving away from overly broad interpretations of neglect. This shift helps to better reflect the realities of prudent parenting and children's independence.
The law also reenacts references in §390.01114(2)(b) and §984.03(2), F.S., to incorporate these updated definitions, making them part of the broader child welfare framework.
SB 1344 - JUVENILE JUSTICE
This legislation streamlines and strengthens the process for addressing children in need of services by renaming Chapter 984 and introducing key reforms focused on prevention, intervention, and enhanced coordination among agencies
Chapter 984 is renamed to "Children and Families in Need of Services; Prevention and Intervention for School Truancy and Ungovernable and Runaway Children," reflecting a broader focus on both intervention and prevention.
The law clarifies and expands the definition of children in need of services, including specific provisions for truancy intervention, voluntary family services, and limitations on the use of detention.
Notably, it eliminates the use of secure detention facilities and adult jails for children under this chapter and prohibits detention for certain status offenses under new section 984.0861.
To strengthen truancy enforcement, the bill expands the roles of schools, parents, and courts in addressing truancy early and referring children to appropriate services.
It also requires greater parental involvement in counseling and holds parents accountable for potential costs when a child is placed in shelter, with additional oversight for cases of continued noncompliance.
The law repeals outdated provisions, moves certain laws regarding unmarried minors to a new statute, and updates numerous cross-references to ensure consistency across Florida law
This legislation represents a forwardthinking approach to reducing reliance on detention and strengthening family and school involvement in addressing youth behavior and needs.
SB 1490 - CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAM
This legislation streamlines and transfers the management of the Children's Medical Services (CMS) program to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), updating eligibility, coverage, and statutory provisions for children and youth with special health care needs.
The CMS Managed Care Plan is moved from the Department of Health (DOH) to AHCA, ensuring that ongoing judicial or administrative actions are not disrupted.
The law requires DOH to continue performing clinical eligibility screenings and providing consultation to AHCA. It also revises and expands the definition of Children’s Medical Services coverage, broadening its scope to include both children and youth with special healthcare needs.
Several outdated statutory provisions related to the network infrastructure, oversight, and administrative duties previously handled by DOH are repealed or revised.
The bill mandates an independent evaluation of the access, quality, and cost outcomes of plans serving children and youth with special health care needs, with findings to be reported to the Governor and Legislature.
Additionally, the legislation requires the development of a comprehensive plan to redesign the Florida Medicaid Model Waiver to include children who require private duty nursing and home- and community-based services, ensuring better support for these vulnerable populations.
This move represents a significant restructuring of services for children and youth with special health care needs, aiming for more efficient management and improved outcomes.
SB 7012 - CHILD WELFARE
Last but certainly not least, this legislation represents the Senate President’s comprehensive child welfare bill, signaling a strong push from leadership to make sweeping, long-term changes to child welfare policy in Florida.
The reforms outlined in this bill reflect a commitment to improving oversight, service delivery, and child safety, setting the stage for broader, more systemic changes in the years to come
The legislation strengthens child welfare oversight, refines licensing exemptions, and updates requirements for better placement, recruitment, and service delivery to children in need.
It mandates that DCF maintain copies of commercial sexual exploitation assessments and individual-level data in an extractable format for legislative requests
To enhance service delivery in emergencies, the bill allows DCF to temporarily waive certain requirements for new domestic violence centers and authorizes provisional certification and rulemaking.
It also revises DCF’s authority, limiting its power to grant general exemptions for disqualification from working with children, instead allowing limited exemptions for specific roles or populations.
A major focus of the bill is workforce development. It establishes a recruitment program targeting individuals with previous public service experience such as law enforcement, military, and teaching to serve as child protective investigators and case managers.
The legislation also eliminates the fidelity bond requirement for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies a significant win, as these bonds were effectively unattainable and had become a compliance hurdle for lead agencies statewide.
By removing this unworkable mandate, the law acknowledges the practical realities faced by agencies and aims to reduce unnecessary barriers in the child welfare system
In an effort to improve the broader insurance environment, the bill includes a provision granting immunity from liability to certain subcontractors for the acts or omissions of lead agencies or DCF, applicable to contracts entered into or renewed after July 1, 2025. While well-intentioned, this change is unlikely to meaningfully shift the challenging insurance landscape surrounding child welfare. Much more work remains to create a functional, affordable, and sustainable insurance market for providers and stakeholders.
Additionally, the bill ensures that incentives for state employees participating in research with the Florida Institute for Child Welfare will not violate ethics or reporting laws.
In response to workforce challenges, DCF is directed to convene a case management workforce workgroup to analyze existing statutes, rules, and procedures, with recommendations due by December 1, 2025.
Lastly, the bill mandates DCF to conduct a statewide study of residential bed capacity and nonresidential services for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, with a final report due by December 31, 2025
This legislation signifies a step forward in the state’s approach to child welfare, with a focus on improving workforce development, service delivery, and oversight, while setting the groundwork for even more transformative reforms in the future.
BACKOFTHEBILL
Notably, the FCC led a sustained and strategic lobbying effort that secured $19.77million in back-of-the-bill funding to help address deficits within lead agencies' budgets.
This hard-fought win reflects months of advocacy and negotiation, representing a significant victory for Florida’s communitybased child welfare agencies.
This funding ensures continued services and stability for vulnerable children and families across the state.
HEALTHANDHUMAN SERVICESBUDGET
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) received a total appropriation of $4.8 billion for Fiscal Year 2025, with $2.9 billion from General Revenue and $1.9 billion from trust funds, supporting 12,520 positions statewide.
Core child welfare programs saw targeted investments, including $27.4 million for adoption and guardianship assistance subsidies, $5.3 million for extended foster care, and $3 million for a new Therapeutic Safe Foster Home Pilot (SB 7012).
The community-based care (CBC) system of care received a $1.5 million increase in recurring core funding.
Additional funding included a $1.6 million cost-of-living adjustment for foster care board rates and $3 million to provide free online coursework and licensing exams for child care providers
The budget also includes $5 million to transfer oversight of Children’s Advocacy Centers from the Department of Legal Affairs to DCF. Significant mental health and substance use investments were made as well, with $92.2 million allocated for quality care and facility management in state mental health treatment facilities.
Community-based prevention and treatment initiatives received $36 million, including funding for residential treatment beds, central receiving facilities, and crisis support lines An additional $201 5 million was appropriated to support opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. The state also committed $46.3 million toward modernizing Florida’s child welfare and information systems.
STATEBUDGET
This year’s budget totals $115.1 billion, with funding sourced from the General Revenue Fund ($50.58 billion), the Education Enhancement Trust Fund ($2.51 billion), the Public Education Capital Outlay Trust Fund ($1 45 billion), and $60 59 billion from other trust funds. The budget supports 111,885.06 full-time equivalent positions.
Significant efforts were made toward debt reduction and fiscal stability, including $830 million authorized for retiring outstanding state debt and $12.4 billion in total reserves.
This reserve includes $7 billion in unallocated general revenue, $4.9 billion in the Budget Stabilization Fund with an additional $430 million added and $500 million directed to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.
Compensation initiatives include a 2 percent pay raise for all state employees, with a minimum increase of $1,000. Targeted salary increases were also approved for state law enforcement officers and firefighters—up to 15 percent for those with five years of service as well as for assistant state attorneys, public defenders, and Department of Transportation staff
Health insurance premiums for state employees and retirees remain unchanged.
In education capital outlay, a total of $977.4 million was allocated.
This includes $427.7 million for State University System projects, $113.9 million for Florida College System projects, $248.6 million for charter school repairs and maintenance, $144.7 million for small school district special facilities, and $10 million for developmental research school repairs and maintenance.
As the organization tasked with supporting Florida’s Community-Based Care (CBC) lead agencies and child welfare providers, the Florida Coalition for Children plays a central role in shaping and advancing child welfare policy statewide. This report offers a broad summary of the 2025 Legislative Session highlighting the legislation passed and funding secured that directly impacts children, families, and the system of care.
More than just a recap, this report reflects the FCC’s growing commitment to being Florida’s leading voice in child welfare. From policy analysis to strategic advocacy, the FCC continues to expand its capacity and resources to better support providers, influence legislative outcomes, and drive systems-level change.
As the challenges facing Florida’s child welfare system evolve, so too does the FCC’s role as a dedicated partner, advocate, and leader for meaningful, lasting reform.
Looking ahead, the FCC will release its 2026 legislative priorities and advocacy strategy in September 2025, outlining a bold and coordinated agenda to build on the momentum from this year and address emerging needs across the state.