2025 Legislative Report

2025

Florida’s Child Welfare Legislative Impact

Report Prepared By :

Natasha Dobkowski Director of Governmental Affairs

(352) 653-0115 natasha@flchildren.org www.flchildren.org Publication Date | July 1, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

SUMMARY.....3 SUMMARY......................................3 CHILD WELFARE POLICY...............4 Page 4 SB 584 - Young Adult Housing Support HB 989 - Licensure of Family Foster Homes HB 633 - Behavioral Health Managing Entities Page 5 HB 1103 - Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities SB 1156 - Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children Program Page 6 SB 1286 - Harming or Neglecting Children SB 1344 - Juvenile Justice Page 7 SB 1490 - Children’s Medical Services Programs Page 8 SB 7012 - Child Welfare

STATE BUDGET............................10 Page 10 Back of the Bill Health & Human Resources Budget Summary Page 11 General Summary on State Budget

Conclusion...................................12

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

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 $115.5 billion total budget. Within that, $4.8 billion was directed to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) —an allocation that maintains baseline funding but leaves key needs unaddressed.

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.

POLICY SUMMARY POLICY SUMMARY

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

SB 584 - YOUNG ADULT HOUSING SUPPORT

aiming to reduce delays and enhance

This legislation aims to improve housing

support for families in transition.

stability for young adults who have experienced foster care or homelessness by

DCF is required to adopt rules that

expanding support and prioritizing access to

expedite the licensure process for foster

resources—especially in higher education.

parents in good standing, ensuring priority review of applications, faster home studies,

The Florida College System institutions and

and quicker background checks.

state universities must now develop plans to give these students first priority for

Additionally, the law mandates that

institution-owned housing, including year-

previously completed foster parent training

round options and work-study opportunities.

be recognized, eliminating the need for

Schools are also prohibited from requiring a

redundant training requirements.

cosigner or guarantor for their housing.

This approach is designed to make it easier Beyond campus, the Department of Children

for experienced foster parents to continue

and Families (DCF), community-based care

their work without unnecessary hurdles,

agencies, and housing authorities are

ultimately helping more children in need.

responsible for administering federal housing programs, such as the Foster Youth to Independence initiative. These agencies must

HB 633 - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MANAGING ENTITIES

also document efforts to help young adults

This legislation strengthens oversight and

secure leases, including assurances to

transparency of Florida’s behavioral health

landlords of ongoing support.

managing entities by establishing new auditing and reporting requirements aimed

Finally, the Office of Program Policy Analysis

at improving accountability and

and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) is

performance.

directed to study housing barriers for this

DCF is now required to conduct

population and recommend policy solutions.

operational and financial audits of

The bill reflects a growing focus on housing

managing entities every two years, with a

as a foundation for educational and life

focus on key functions such as referral

stability.

patterns and provider network adequacy.

HB 989 - LICENSURE OF FAMILY FOSTER HOMES

In addition, DCF must contract for expert

This legislation streamlines the licensure

recommendations on how to enhance

process for foster parents who relocate

transparency, culminating in a final report

within Florida,

due by December 1, 2025.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025

POLICY SUMMARY POLICY SUMMARY

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

To support better data tracking and

The law establishes a Statewide Family Care

analysis, managing entities must submit

Council to review local reports, advise APD

required information in a standardized

on policy, and ensure consistent input from

electronic format designed for

local councils, with updated membership

interoperability. They are also obligated to

criteria and strengthened reporting

upload contract-related documents

requirements. Additionally, it clarifies that

electronically with specific metadata to

certain Medicaid-eligible individuals can

ensure accurate processing.

voluntarily enroll in managed care rather than being automatically enrolled.

The legislation also introduces new monthly outcome and system performance metrics,

For individuals with developmental

which managing entities must report to

disabilities, the pilot program is altered to

DCF. These metrics will be published

make enrollment voluntary, with expanded

publicly, creating greater visibility into

benefits and a requirement for individualized

system performance and allowing

assessments within five days. The program

stakeholders to monitor trends over time.

also includes a weekly data exchange among agencies and a dedicated call center for

Overall, the bill reflects a push for stronger

enrollment assistance.

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

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,

individuals with developmental disabilities.

transparent, and responsive system for

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities

and their families.

(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.

individuals with developmental disabilities

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.

POLICY SUMMARY POLICY SUMMARY

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Training programs are mandated to be

The law revises the definition of “harm” in

enhanced, incorporating HIV/AIDS

§39.01(37), F.S., to clarify that leaving a child

education and CPR certification, while

unsupervised is not automatically harmful if

reducing required training hours from 85 to

the child is of sufficient age and maturity and

76. The law also introduces flexible

is not in obvious danger.

competency validation to address changing care needs.

The definition of “neglect” in §39.01(37)(f), F.S., and §827.03(1)(e), F.S., is updated to

In addition, Medicaid reimbursement rates

exclude activities that were previously

for home health aides will increase to a

considered neglect, unless they are

minimum of $25 per hour, with a new daily

recklessly dangerous.

cap raised from 8 to 12 hours and a weekly cap set at 40 hours, which may be

By updating these definitions, the legislation

exceeded if justified and approved.

marks a step forward in rethinking how child maltreatment is defined, moving away from

The bill also facilitates broader federal

overly broad interpretations of neglect. This

approval for providers to participate in the

shift helps to better reflect the realities of

program and ensures a home health aide's

prudent parenting and children's

income is excluded from Medicaid eligibility

independence.

determinations through federal waivers and plan amendments.

The law also reenacts references in §390.01114(2)(b) and §984.03(2), F.S., to

This approach strengthens the support and

incorporate these updated definitions,

resources available for those providing

making them part of the broader child

essential care to medically fragile children.

welfare framework.

SB 1286 - HARMING OR NEGLECTING

SB 1344 - JUVENILE JUSTICE

CHILDREN

This legislation streamlines and strengthens

This legislation clarifies and revises the

the process for addressing children in need

definitions of child harm and neglect,

of services by renaming Chapter 984 and

focusing on distinguishing between

introducing key reforms focused on

activities that should not automatically be

prevention, intervention, and enhanced

considered neglect. It specifies that certain

coordination among agencies.

independent or unsupervised activities, such as traveling to and from school or

Chapter 984 is renamed to "Children and

playing outdoors, do not constitute neglect

Families in Need of Services; Prevention

unless they pose a clear and reckless

and Intervention for School Truancy and

danger to a child’s health or safety.

Ungovernable and Runaway Children," reflecting a broader focus on both intervention and prevention.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025

POLICYSUMMARY SUMMARY POLICY SUMMARY POLICY

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

The law clarifies and expands the definition

SB 1490 - CHILDREN’S MEDICAL SERVICES

of children in need of services, including

PROGRAM

specific provisions for truancy intervention,

This legislation streamlines and transfers

voluntary family services, and limitations on

the management of the Children's Medical

the use of detention.

Services (CMS) program to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA),

Notably, it eliminates the use of secure

updating eligibility, coverage, and statutory

detention facilities and adult jails for

provisions for children and youth with

children under this chapter and prohibits

special health care needs.

detention for certain status offenses under new section 984.0861.

The CMS Managed Care Plan is moved from the Department of Health (DOH) to AHCA,

To strengthen truancy enforcement, the bill

ensuring that ongoing judicial or

expands the roles of schools, parents, and

administrative actions are not disrupted.

courts in addressing truancy early and referring children to appropriate services.

The law requires DOH to continue performing clinical eligibility screenings and

It also requires greater parental

providing consultation to AHCA. It also

involvement in counseling and holds parents

revises and expands the definition of

accountable for potential costs when a child

Children’s Medical Services coverage,

is placed in shelter, with additional oversight

broadening its scope to include both

for cases of continued noncompliance.

children and youth with special healthcare needs.

The law repeals outdated provisions, moves certain laws regarding unmarried minors to

Several outdated statutory provisions

a new statute, and updates numerous

related to the network infrastructure,

cross-references to ensure consistency

oversight, and administrative duties

across Florida law.

previously handled by DOH are repealed or revised.

This legislation represents a forwardthinking approach to reducing reliance on

The bill mandates an independent

detention and strengthening family and

evaluation of the access, quality, and cost

school involvement in addressing youth

outcomes of plans serving children and

behavior and needs.

youth with special health care needs, with findings to be reported to the Governor and Legislature.

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025

POLICYSUMMARY SUMMARY POLICY SUMMARY POLICY

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Additionally, the legislation requires the

To enhance service delivery in emergencies,

development of a comprehensive plan to

the bill allows DCF to temporarily waive

redesign the Florida Medicaid Model Waiver

certain requirements for new domestic

to include children who require private duty

violence centers and authorizes provisional

nursing and home- and community-based

certification and rulemaking.

services, ensuring better support for these vulnerable populations.

It also revises DCF’s authority, limiting its power to grant general exemptions for

This move represents a significant

disqualification from working with children,

restructuring of services for children and

instead allowing limited exemptions for

youth with special health care needs, aiming

specific roles or populations.

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.

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.

POLICYSUMMARY SUMMARY POLICY SUMMARY POLICY

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

In an effort to improve the broader insurance

In response to workforce challenges, DCF is

environment, the bill includes a provision

directed to convene a case management

granting immunity from liability to certain

workforce workgroup to analyze existing

subcontractors for the acts or omissions of

statutes, rules, and procedures, with

lead agencies or DCF, applicable to contracts

recommendations due by December 1, 2025.

entered into or renewed after July 1, 2025.

While well-intentioned, this change is unlikely

Lastly, the bill mandates DCF to conduct a

to meaningfully shift the challenging

statewide study of residential bed capacity

insurance landscape surrounding child

and nonresidential services for child victims

welfare. Much more work remains to create a

of commercial sexual exploitation, with a final

functional, affordable, and sustainable

report due by December 31, 2025.

insurance market for providers and stakeholders.

This legislation signifies a step forward in the state’s approach to child welfare, with a focus

Additionally, the bill ensures that incentives

on improving workforce development, service

for state employees participating in research

delivery, and oversight, while setting the

with the Florida Institute for Child Welfare will

groundwork for even more transformative

not violate ethics or reporting laws.

reforms in the future.

POLICY SUMMARY BUDGET SUMMARY

BACK OF THE BILL Notably, the FCC led a sustained and strategic lobbying effort that secured $19.77 million 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

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

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

significant victory for Florida’s community-

substance use investments were made as

based child welfare agencies.

well, with $92.2 million allocated for quality care and facility management in state

This funding ensures continued services

mental health treatment facilities.

and stability for vulnerable children and families across the state.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET

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

The Department of Children and Families

was appropriated to support opioid

(DCF) received a total appropriation of $4.8

prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

billion for Fiscal Year 2025, with $2.9 billion

The state also committed $46.3 million

from General Revenue and $1.9 billion from

toward modernizing Florida’s child welfare

trust funds, supporting 12,520 positions

and information systems.

statewide.

Core child welfare programs saw targeted

STATE BUDGET

investments, including $27.4 million for

This year’s budget totals $115.1 billion, with

adoption and guardianship assistance

funding sourced from the General Revenue

subsidies, $5.3 million for extended foster

Fund ($50.58 billion), the Education

care, and $3 million for a new Therapeutic

Enhancement Trust Fund ($2.51 billion), the

Safe Foster Home Pilot (SB 7012).

Public Education Capital Outlay Trust Fund ($1.45 billion), and $60.59 billion from other

The community-based care (CBC) system

trust funds. The budget supports 111,885.06

of care received a $1.5 million increase in

full-time equivalent positions.

recurring core funding.

POLICYSUMMARY SUMMARY BUDGET SUMMARY POLICY

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

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.

2025

FLORIDA COALITION FOR CHILDREN 2025 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Conclusion 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.

Phone Number

352-653-0115

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.

Email Address

natasha@flchildren.org 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.

Website

www.flchildren.org