Many bills relating to family law were proposed this past legislative session.  Many, if not most, of the bills died, while some, including House Bill 1163, passed both houses and were signed into law by Governor Scott.  House Bill 1163 (now Chapter 2012-81 of the Laws of Florida) made the following changes to Florida’s adoption laws (as summarized by the Florida Senate Committee on Children, Family, and Elder Affairs):

• Requires that a petition for termination of parental rights contain facts supporting the allegation that the parents of the child is informed of the availability of private placement of the child with an adoption entity;
• Removes legislative intent that all placements of minors for adoption be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF or department);
• Amends certain definitions in ch. 63, F.S.;
• Exempts adoption proceedings which were initiated under ch. 39, F.S., from the requirement to search the Florida Putative Father Registry if the search was previously completed;
• Requires the use of an adoption entity for all adoptions of minor children, unless the adoption is by a relative or stepparent;

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