Florida Statute 39.507 - Full Text and Legal Analysis

The 2024 Florida Statutes (including 2025 Special Session C)

Title V
JUDICIAL BRANCH

Chapter 39
PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO CHILDREN

View Entire Chapter

F.S. 39.507

39.507 Adjudicatory hearings; orders of adjudication.—

(1)(a) The adjudicatory hearing shall be held as soon as practicable after the petition for dependency is filed and in accordance with the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, but no later than 30 days after the arraignment.

(b) Adjudicatory hearings shall be conducted by the judge without a jury, applying the rules of evidence in use in civil cases and adjourning the hearings from time to time as necessary. In a hearing on a petition in which it is alleged that the child is dependent, a preponderance of evidence will be required to establish the state of dependency. Any evidence presented in the dependency hearing which was obtained as the result of an anonymous call must be independently corroborated. In no instance shall allegations made in an anonymous report of abuse, abandonment, or neglect be sufficient to support an adjudication of dependency in the absence of corroborating evidence.

(2) All hearings, except as provided in this section, shall be open to the public, and a person may not be excluded except on special order of the judge, who may close any hearing to the public upon determining that the public interest or the welfare of the child is best served by so doing. The parents or legal custodians shall be allowed to obtain discovery pursuant to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, provided such discovery does not violate the provisions of s. 39.202. Hearings involving more than one child may be held simultaneously when the children involved are related to each other or were involved in the same case. The child and the parents, caregivers, or legal custodians of the child may be examined separately and apart from each other.

(3) Except as otherwise specifically provided, nothing in this section prohibits the publication of the proceedings in a hearing.

(4) If the court finds at the adjudicatory hearing that the child named in a petition is not dependent, it shall enter an order so finding and dismissing the case.

(5) If the court finds that the child named in the petition is dependent, but finds that no action other than supervision in the child’s home is required, it may enter an order briefly stating the facts upon which its finding is based, but withholding an order of adjudication and placing the child’s home under the supervision of the department. If the court later finds that the parents of the child have not complied with the conditions of supervision imposed, the court may, after a hearing to establish the noncompliance, but without further evidence of the state of dependency, enter an order of adjudication and shall thereafter have full authority under this chapter to provide for the child as adjudicated. If the child is to remain in an out-of-home placement by order of the court, the court must adjudicate the child dependent.

(6) If the court finds that the child named in a petition is dependent, but chooses not to withhold adjudication or is prohibited from withholding adjudication, it shall incorporate that finding in an order of adjudication entered in the case, briefly stating the facts upon which the finding is made, and the court shall thereafter have full authority under this chapter to provide for the child as adjudicated.

(7)(a) For as long as a court maintains jurisdiction over a dependency case, only one order adjudicating each child in the case dependent shall be entered. This order establishes the legal status of the child for purposes of proceedings under this chapter and may be based on the conduct of one parent, both parents, or a legal custodian.

(b) However, the court must determine whether each parent or legal custodian identified in the case abused, abandoned, or neglected the child or engaged in conduct that placed the child at substantial risk of imminent abuse, abandonment, or neglect. If a second parent is served and brought into the proceeding after the adjudication and if an evidentiary hearing for the second parent is conducted, the court shall supplement the adjudicatory order, disposition order, and the case plan, as necessary. The petitioner is not required to prove actual harm or actual abuse by the second parent in order for the court to make supplemental findings regarding the conduct of the second parent. The court is not required to conduct an evidentiary hearing for the second parent in order to supplement the adjudicatory order, the disposition order, and the case plan if the requirements of s. 39.506(3) or (5) are satisfied. With the exception of proceedings pursuant to s. 39.811, the child’s dependency status may not be retried or readjudicated.

(c) If a court adjudicates a child dependent and the child is in out-of-home care, the court shall inquire of the parent or parents whether the parents have relatives who might be considered as a placement for the child. The parent or parents shall provide the court and all parties with identification and location information for such relatives. The court shall advise the parents in plain language that:

1. Parents must take action to comply with the case plan so permanency with the child may occur within the shortest period of time possible, but no later than 1 year after removal or adjudication of the child.

2. Parents must stay in contact with their attorney and their case manager and provide updated contact information if the parents’ phone number, address, or e-mail address changes.

3. Parents must notify the parties and the court of barriers to completing case plan tasks within a reasonable time after discovering such barriers.

4. If the parents fail to substantially comply with the case plan, their parental rights may be terminated and that the child’s out-of-home placement may become permanent.

(8) At the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing, if the child named in the petition is found dependent, the court shall schedule the disposition hearing within 30 days after the last day of the adjudicatory hearing. All parties shall be notified in writing at the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing by the clerk of the court of the date, time, and location of the disposition hearing.

(9) An order of adjudication by a court that a child is dependent shall not be deemed a conviction, nor shall the child be deemed to have been found guilty or to be a criminal by reason of that adjudication, nor shall that adjudication operate to impose upon the child any of the civil disabilities ordinarily imposed by or resulting from conviction or disqualify or prejudice the child in any civil service application or appointment.

(10) After an adjudication of dependency, or a finding of dependency in which adjudication is withheld, the court may order a person who has custody or is requesting custody of the child to submit to a mental health or substance abuse disorder assessment or evaluation. The order may be made only upon good cause shown and pursuant to notice and procedural requirements provided under the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The assessment or evaluation must be administered by an appropriate qualified professional, as defined in s. 39.01 or s. 397.311. The court may also require such person to participate in and comply with treatment and services identified as necessary, including, when appropriate and available, participation in and compliance with a mental health court program established under ¹chapter 394 or a treatment-based drug court program established under s. 397.334. In addition to supervision by the department, the court, including the mental health court program or treatment-based drug court program, may oversee the progress and compliance with treatment by a person who has custody or is requesting custody of the child. The court may impose appropriate available sanctions for noncompliance upon a person who has custody or is requesting custody of the child or make a finding of noncompliance for consideration in determining whether an alternative placement of the child is in the child’s best interests. Any order entered under this subsection may be made only upon good cause shown. This subsection does not authorize placement of a child with a person seeking custody, other than the parent or legal custodian, who requires mental health or substance abuse disorder treatment.

History.—s. 20, ch. 78-414; s. 9, ch. 84-311; s. 7, ch. 87-133; s. 12, ch. 94-164; s. 231, ch. 95-147; s. 12, ch. 95-228; s. 68, ch. 98-403; s. 30, ch. 99-193; s. 11, ch. 2006-86; s. 4, ch. 2006-97; s. 12, ch. 2008-245; s. 2, ch. 2016-127; s. 83, ch. 2016-241; s. 10, ch. 2017-151; s. 4, ch. 2019-128.

¹Note.—As amended by s. 83, ch. 2016-241. The amendment by s. 2, ch. 2016-127, uses the reference “s. 394.47892” instead of the reference “chapter 394.”

Note.—Former ss. 39.408(2), 39.409.

F.S. 39.507 on Google Scholar

F.S. 39.507 on CourtListener

Amendments to 39.507

Annotations, Discussions, Cases:

Cases Citing Statute 39.507

Total Results: 86

Foster Children v. Jeb Bush, Kathleen Kearney, Chuck Bates, Robert Williams, Ester Tibbs

329 F.3d 1255, 2003 U.S. App. LEXIS 8745, 2003 WL 21027240

Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit | Filed: May 8, 2003 | Docket: 397653

Cited 289 times | Published

adjudicatory hearing as soon as practicable. Fla. Stat. § 39.507. If the facts alleged in the dependency petition

Dh v. Department of Children and Fam.

769 So. 2d 424, 2000 Fla. App. LEXIS 11699

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 13, 2000 | Docket: 1739130

Cited 31 times | Published

dependency proceedings the rules of evidence apply. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (Supp.1998). It is still the

In Re DJW

764 So. 2d 825, 2000 WL 1036180

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 28, 2000 | Docket: 1171554

Cited 20 times | Published

was by the preponderance of the evidence. See § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (1999). Despite this, the trial

Ema v. Dept. of Child. and Fam.

795 So. 2d 183

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 24, 2001 | Docket: 1252169

Cited 18 times | Published

order to adjudicate dependency pursuant to section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes (1999). Department filed

GC v. Department of Children and Families

791 So. 2d 17, 2001 WL 303325

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 30, 2001 | Docket: 1655766

Cited 17 times | Published

The statute has since been re-codified into section 39.507(2), Florida Statutes (2000). In compliance

AA v. Department of Children and Families

908 So. 2d 585, 2005 WL 1923159

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 12, 2005 | Docket: 1397774

Cited 8 times | Published

of the evidence that the child has been abused. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2004); P.M. v. Department of

Da v. Dcf

84 So. 3d 1136

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 28, 2012 | Docket: 1934208

Cited 7 times | Published

on the Fifth District's holding in P.S. that section 39.507(7) of the Florida Statutes prohibits a supplemental

D. Children v. Children and Family Serv.

820 So. 2d 980, 2002 Fla. App. LEXIS 8167, 2002 WL 1174047

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 5, 2002 | Docket: 1726715

Cited 6 times | Published

of evidence, not clear and convincing evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2001). The purpose of a dependency

JCG v. Dept. of Children and Families

780 So. 2d 965, 2001 WL 201899

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 2, 2001 | Docket: 1298668

Cited 6 times | Published

forth any factual findings as to abandonment. Section 39.507(6) of the Florida Statutes (1999) requires

CJ v. Department of Children & Families

968 So. 2d 121, 2007 Fla. App. LEXIS 18562, 2007 WL 4126864

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 21, 2007 | Docket: 1497847

Cited 5 times | Published

proceedings, such as shelter hearings. Nevertheless, section 39.507(1)(b), Florida Statutes, provides that "[a]djudicatory

In Re CR

937 So. 2d 1257, 2006 WL 2787430

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 29, 2006 | Docket: 1513135

Cited 5 times | Published

dependency by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2003); Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.330(a)

GV v. Department of Children and Families

795 So. 2d 1043, 2001 WL 1093027

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 19, 2001 | Docket: 1252240

Cited 5 times | Published

established by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (1998); see M.R. v. Department

GV v. Department of Children and Families

795 So. 2d 1043, 2001 WL 1093027

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 19, 2001 | Docket: 1252240

Cited 5 times | Published

established by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (1998); see M.R. v. Department

KS v. Department of Children and Families

760 So. 2d 1068, 2000 WL 799372

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 23, 2000 | Docket: 1324814

Cited 5 times | Published

the trial court's order fails to comply with section 39.507(5) because the court withheld adjudication

BD v. Dept. of Children and Families

797 So. 2d 1261, 2001 WL 1297683

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 26, 2001 | Docket: 1714708

Cited 4 times | Published

preponderance of the evidence." E.M.A., 795 So.2d at 185; § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (1999). Even in the absence

Natural Parents of JB v. FLORIDA DCFS.

780 So. 2d 6, 2001 WL 169664

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Feb 22, 2001 | Docket: 1298397

Cited 4 times | Published

she required numerous hospitalizations. Under section 39.507, Florida Statutes (1999), the adjudicatory

Bb v. Dept. of Children & Family

731 So. 2d 30, 1999 WL 123590

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 5, 1999 | Docket: 1408594

Cited 4 times | Published

arraignment unless a continuance is granted. Section 39.507(1)(a), Florida Statutes (Supp.1998), requires

PS v. Department of Children and Families

4 So. 3d 719, 2009 Fla. App. LEXIS 3516, 2009 WL 482280

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 24, 2009 | Docket: 1666287

Cited 3 times | Published

the same home as the two boys. Pursuant to section 39.507(7)(a), Florida Statutes (2008), it was improper

MF v. Department of Children and Families

975 So. 2d 622, 2008 Fla. App. LEXIS 3012, 2008 WL 583892

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 5, 2008 | Docket: 1727375

Cited 3 times | Published

dependent by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2007). *624 In the Order of

In Re Amendments to Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure

939 So. 2d 74, 2006 Fla. LEXIS 2210, 2006 WL 2690230

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Sep 21, 2006 | Docket: 1237026

Cited 3 times | Published

Florida Statutes, an adjudicatory hearing under section 39.507, Florida Statutes, or an adjudicatory hearing

Lb v. Department of Children and Fam.

766 So. 2d 1259, 2000 WL 1434136

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 29, 2000 | Docket: 2532188

Cited 3 times | Published

findings of fact upon which the order is based. Section 39.507(6), Florida Statutes (1999) requires that in

WS v. Department of Children and Families

41 So. 3d 433, 2010 Fla. App. LEXIS 11716, 2010 WL 3156637

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 11, 2010 | Docket: 2398484

Cited 2 times | Published

in adjudicatory hearings *434 under Chapter 39. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2009). Thus, hearsay is inadmissible

JR v. State, Dept. of Children and Families

995 So. 2d 611, 2008 Fla. App. LEXIS 17573, 2008 WL 4922953

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 19, 2008 | Docket: 1285878

Cited 2 times | Published

to support an adjudication of dependency. See § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. Absent the hearsay testimony

In Re TS

979 So. 2d 1202, 2008 WL 1830108

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 25, 2008 | Docket: 1714446

Cited 2 times | Published

support a finding of dependency)). DISCUSSION Section 39.507(6) provides that where "the court finds that

LM v. Department of Children and Families

946 So. 2d 42, 2006 Fla. App. LEXIS 20786

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 13, 2006 | Docket: 1771274

Cited 2 times | Published

established by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2006). The following facts

In Re ST

940 So. 2d 571, 2006 WL 3040744

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 27, 2006 | Docket: 433130

Cited 2 times | Published

dependency by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2004); Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.330(a)

Pc v. Department of Children and Family

898 So. 2d 195, 2005 Fla. App. LEXIS 3275, 2005 WL 563087

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 11, 2005 | Docket: 1732285

Cited 2 times | Published

matter is only by a preponderance of the evidence, § 39.507(1)(b), and that the mother may have an anger management

DEPT. OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERV. v. Carter

851 So. 2d 197, 2003 Fla. App. LEXIS 9245

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 20, 2003 | Docket: 1691424

Cited 2 times | Published

such cases is a preponderance of evidence. See § 39.507(1)(b), Florida Statutes (2001); M.J.S. v. Florida

FR v. Department of Children & Families

763 So. 2d 478, 2000 WL 864262

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 30, 2000 | Docket: 1278629

Cited 2 times | Published

and left D.R. in the care of the Mother. As Section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes (1999) explains in pertinent

Department of Children And Families and A.H., a child v. T.S., the Mother and R.H., the Father

154 So. 3d 1223, 2015 Fla. App. LEXIS 696

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 21, 2015 | Docket: 2626286

Cited 1 times | Published

later than [thirty] days after the arraignment.” § 39.507(l)(a), Fla. Stat. (2014). Here, the arraignment

J.Z. v. Department of Children & Family Services

106 So. 3d 976

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 8, 2013 | Docket: 60228516

Cited 1 times | Published

recite the facts that support the adjudication. § 39.507(6), Fla. Stat. (2011) (requiring the court to

J.L. v. Department of Children & Families

87 So. 3d 54, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 6196, 2012 WL 1365173

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 17, 2012 | Docket: 60308011

Cited 1 times | Published

“abused, abandoned, or neglected the child ....”§ 39.507(7)(b), Fla. Stat. (2011) (providing that when

DG v. Department of Children and Families

80 So. 3d 1063, 2012 WL 511450, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 2448

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 14, 2012 | Docket: 2413355

Cited 1 times | Published

This acknowledgement reflects the framework of section 39.507(7)(a), Florida Statutes (2011), which provides:

A.T.N. v. Florida Department of Children & Family Services

70 So. 3d 634, 2011 Fla. App. LEXIS 7154

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 18, 2011 | Docket: 439789

Cited 1 times | Published

adjudicatory hearing under section 39.507, Florida Statutes (2010). Section 39.507, which governs hearings

In Re of Rk

38 So. 3d 859, 2010 WL 2508845

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 23, 2010 | Docket: 1182494

Cited 1 times | Published

dependency by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2009); see M.C. v. Dep't of

BT v. Department of Children and Families

16 So. 3d 940, 2009 Fla. App. LEXIS 12571, 2009 WL 2605254

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 14, 2009 | Docket: 1640921

Cited 1 times | Published

dependency and are not parties to this appeal. [2] See § 39.507(7), Fla. Stat. (2008).

N.E.R. v. Department of Children & Family Services

11 So. 3d 1013, 2009 Fla. App. LEXIS 9438, 2009 WL 1975940

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 10, 2009 | Docket: 60229909

Cited 1 times | Published

Disposition as to the Mother, [N.E.R.] (pursuant to § 39.507(5) Florida Statutes).” In the order, the trial

Department of Children & Family v. D.B.

952 So. 2d 571, 2007 Fla. App. LEXIS 2599, 2007 WL 543440

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 23, 2007 | Docket: 64849864

Cited 1 times | Published

petition may be a source of some confusion. See § 39.507(4), Fla. Stat. (2005). That is, a dependency court's

In the Interest of T.B. v. Department of Children & Family Services

939 So. 2d 1192, 2006 Fla. App. LEXIS 17647, 2006 WL 3019864

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 25, 2006 | Docket: 64847374

Cited 1 times | Published

dependency by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b); Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.330(a). “A court’s final

PM v. Dept. of Children and Families

865 So. 2d 8, 2003 Fla. App. LEXIS 19245, 2003 WL 22970867

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 19, 2003 | Docket: 1231691

Cited 1 times | Published

neglect only by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat.; M.N. v. Department of Children

DD v. Department of Children and Families

849 So. 2d 473, 2003 Fla. App. LEXIS 10840, 2003 WL 21658606

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 16, 2003 | Docket: 1509284

Cited 1 times | Published

dependency trial within thirty days as provided in section 39.507(1)(a), Florida Statutes (2001). The Department

In Re DS

849 So. 2d 411, 2003 WL 21536767

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 9, 2003 | Docket: 2515094

Cited 1 times | Published

based on a preponderance of the evidence, see § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2002), rule 8.330(a) gives

MT v. Department of Children and Families

816 So. 2d 227, 2002 WL 939570

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 10, 2002 | Docket: 43528

Cited 1 times | Published

continuance is granted pursuant to this chapter. Section 39.507(1)(a), Florida Statutes states: The adjudicatory

MT v. Department of Children and Families

816 So. 2d 227, 2002 WL 939570

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 10, 2002 | Docket: 43528

Cited 1 times | Published

continuance is granted pursuant to this chapter. Section 39.507(1)(a), Florida Statutes states: The adjudicatory

O.M., The Father v. Department of Children & Families

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 22, 2024 | Docket: 68553303

Published

dependent by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2023). A child may be declared

J. F. v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES AND STATEWIDE GUARDIAN AD LITEM

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 8, 2024 | Docket: 68443713

Published

dependent based on the conduct of one parent, see § 39.507(7)(a), Fla. Stat. (2023); Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.315(a)

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND STATEWIDE GUARDIAN AD LITEM vs J.J., FATHER OF E.J., AND C.J., CHILDREN

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 24, 2023 | Docket: 68034426

Published

adjudication of dependency as to Father under section 39.507(7)(b), Florida Statutes. After Father’s

In Re: Amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Oct 14, 2021 | Docket: 60646066

Published

hearing under section 39.507, Florida Statutes, or an adjudicatory hearing under section 39.507, Florida Statutes

J.M., THE FATHER v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 17, 2021 | Docket: 59739260

Published

court erred in withholding adjudication under section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes (2020), because the mother

In Re: Amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure - 2019 Fast-Track Report

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Jan 9, 2020 | Docket: 16761646

Published

See ch. 2019-128, § 4, Laws of Fla. (amending § 39.507(7)(c), Fla. Stat. (2018)). Subdivision

M. S. v. DEPT. OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 22, 2019 | Docket: 16503202

Published

Department's failure of proof, we must reverse. See § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2018) ("[A] preponderance

E. T. v. DEPT. OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES

268 So. 3d 821

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 6, 2019 | Docket: 14536978

Published

separate disposition hearing was required under section 39.507(8) if it found that the Father had abused

C.H.-c. v. Miami Herald Publishing Co.

262 So. 3d 226

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 14, 2018 | Docket: 8417237

Published

question, are presumptively open to the public. § 39.507(2), Fla. Stat. (2018). Court records required

In re Amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure-2017 Fast-Track Report

235 So. 3d 322

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Feb 1, 2018 | Docket: 60294211

Published

See ch. 2017-151, § 10, Laws of - Fla. (amending § 39.507(7)(b), Fla. Stat. (2016)). The amendment to subdivision

In Re: Amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure - 2017 Fast-Track Report

235 So. 3d 322

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Feb 1, 2018 | Docket: 6289809

Published

See ch. 2017-151, § 10, Laws of Fla. (amending § 39.507(7)(b), Fla. Stat. (2016)). The amendment to subdivision

D.L.C. v. Dept. of Children and Families

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 20, 2016 | Docket: 4112463

Published

Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.347 and section 39.507(7)(b), Florida Statutes (2015). Reversed

D.L.C. v. Department of Children & Families

194 So. 3d 585, 2016 Fla. App. LEXIS 11093, 2016 WL 3916979

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 20, 2016 | Docket: 60255840

Published

Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.347 and section 39.507(7)(b), Florida Statutes (2015). Reversed and

Lori A. Ford v. Michael Withers Ford

153 So. 3d 315, 2014 Fla. App. LEXIS 19525, 2014 WL 6674771

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Nov 26, 2014 | Docket: 2609437

Published

counseling, which a dependency judge can do under section 39.507(10), Florida Statutes, just as there is no

K.S. v. Florida Department of Children & Families

136 So. 3d 1289, 2014 WL 1890566, 2014 Fla. App. LEXIS 7036

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: May 12, 2014 | Docket: 60239974

Published

dependency consistent with the requirements of section 39.507(7)(b), Florida Statutes, the trial court did

In re Amendments to the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure

115 So. 3d 286, 38 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 337, 2013 Fla. LEXIS 1944, 2013 WL 2248756

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: May 23, 2013 | Docket: 60232163

Published

adjudication, which the court accepts. 7. Under section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes, the Court finds that

F.O. v. Department of Children & Families

94 So. 3d 709, 2012 WL 3535841, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 13673

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 15, 2012 | Docket: 60310972

Published

adjudicated the children dependent. Pursuant to section 39.507(7), Florida Statutes (2011), the court subsequently

Y.M. v. Home At Last Adoption Agency

93 So. 3d 1112, 2012 WL 3044277, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 12219

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 24, 2012 | Docket: 60310440

Published

purported to make findings of fact pursuant to section 39.507, Florida Statutes. The court ordered the child

A.F. v. Department of Children & Family Services

86 So. 3d 1144, 2012 WL 1414337, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 6383

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 25, 2012 | Docket: 60307551

Published

Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.332(a) and section 39.507(6), Florida Statutes (2011). See E.B. v. Dep’t

D.A. v. Department of Children & Family Services

84 So. 3d 1136, 2012 WL 1020012, 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 4775

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 28, 2012 | Docket: 60306601

Published

on the Fifth District’s holding in P.S. that section 39.507(7) of the Florida Statutes prohibits a supplemental

HB v. Department of Children and Families

73 So. 3d 309, 2011 Fla. App. LEXIS 16344, 2011 WL 5515466

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Oct 14, 2011 | Docket: 31400

Published

format is inadequate to meet the requirements of section 39.507(6), Florida Statutes (2010). We agree that

C.R. v. Department of Children & Family Services

53 So. 3d 240, 2011 Fla. App. LEXIS 1532, 2010 WL 4226711

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Feb 9, 2011 | Docket: 2406489

Published

dependency, but that it erred in doing so because section 39.507(7)(b), Florida Statutes (2009), does not allow

R.K. v. Department of Children & Family Services

38 So. 3d 859, 2010 Fla. App. LEXIS 9130

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 23, 2010 | Docket: 60294837

Published

dependency by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (2009); see M.C. v. Dep’t of

In Re Amendments to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration

24 So. 3d 47, 34 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 609, 2009 Fla. LEXIS 1921, 2009 WL 3763128

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Nov 12, 2009 | Docket: 1648737

Published

adjudication in a dependency case, as allowed by section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes (2008). We adopt new rule

In Re Amendments to the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration

24 So. 3d 47, 34 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 609, 2009 Fla. LEXIS 1921, 2009 WL 3763128

Supreme Court of Florida | Filed: Nov 12, 2009 | Docket: 1648737

Published

adjudication in a dependency case, as allowed by section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes (2008). We adopt new rule

T.F. v. Department of Children & Family Services & Guardian ad Litem Program

8 So. 3d 474, 2009 Fla. App. LEXIS 3827

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 29, 2009 | Docket: 60305491

Published

only after an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to section 39.507. See § 39.506(2). Yet, an adjudicatory hearing

In Re TF

8 So. 3d 474, 2009 WL 1139239

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 29, 2009 | Docket: 1654481

Published

only after an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to section 39.507. See § 39.506(2). Yet, an adjudicatory hearing

J.S. v. Department of Children & Family Services

979 So. 2d 1202, 2008 Fla. App. LEXIS 5912

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 25, 2008 | Docket: 64854650

Published

support a finding of dependency)). DISCUSSION Section 39.507(6) provides that where “the court finds that

CB v. Department of Children and Families

975 So. 2d 1158, 2008 WL 611606

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 5, 2008 | Docket: 1423499

Published

actions. We agree. We start by noting that section 39.507, Florida Statutes, does not give the court

Miami Herald Media Co. v. S.-P,D.

961 So. 2d 988, 2007 Fla. App. LEXIS 9969, 2007 WL 1827221

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jun 27, 2007 | Docket: 64851578

Published

welfare of the child is best served by so doing.” § 39.507(2), Fla. Stat. (2006). However, such a determination

T.P. v. Department of Children & Families

954 So. 2d 677, 2007 Fla. App. LEXIS 5427, 2007 WL 1093590

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Apr 13, 2007 | Docket: 64850290

Published

facts on which its finding of dependency is based. § 39.507(6), Fla. Stat. (2005); Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.330(g)

RP v. Department of Children and Families

945 So. 2d 612, 2006 Fla. App. LEXIS 21311, 2006 WL 3733156

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 20, 2006 | Docket: 1725356

Published

rejected by the trial court in its oral ruling. Section 39.507(6), Florida Statutes (2005), generally requires

RP v. Department of Children and Families

945 So. 2d 612, 2006 Fla. App. LEXIS 21311, 2006 WL 3733156

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Dec 20, 2006 | Docket: 1725356

Published

rejected by the trial court in its oral ruling. Section 39.507(6), Florida Statutes (2005), generally requires

G.R. v. Department of Children & Family Services

937 So. 2d 1257, 2006 Fla. App. LEXIS 16231

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 29, 2006 | Docket: 64846902

Published

dependency by a preponderance of the evidence. § 39.507(l)(b), Fla. Stat. (2003); Fla. R. Juv. P. 8.330(a)

C.C. v. Department of Children & Families

946 So. 2d 548, 2006 Fla. App. LEXIS 14617, 2006 WL 2516495

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Aug 31, 2006 | Docket: 64848553

Published

of the evidence that the child has been abused. § 39.507(l)(b), Fla. Stat. (2005). “Abuse” is defined as

M.R. v. Department of Children & Family Services

849 So. 2d 411, 2003 Fla. App. LEXIS 10194

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 9, 2003 | Docket: 64823952

Published

based on a preponderance of the evidence, see § 39.507(l)(b), Fla. Stat. (2002), rule 8.330(a) gives

B.A.L. v. Department of Children & Families of Florida

824 So. 2d 241, 2002 Fla. App. LEXIS 10330, 2002 WL 1626171

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 24, 2002 | Docket: 64817047

Published

allegations by the greater weight of the evidence. § 39.507(b), Fla. Stat. (2001); In the Interest of M.F

Tm v. Dept. Children and Families

813 So. 2d 200

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Mar 28, 2002 | Docket: 2504708

Published

remand this matter for entry of a proper order. Section 39.507(6) of the Florida Statutes (1999) requires

E.M.A. v. Department of Children & Families

795 So. 2d 183, 2001 Fla. App. LEXIS 9867, 2001 WL 817637

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 24, 2001 | Docket: 64808790

Published

order to adjudicate dependency pursuant to section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes (1999). Department filed

R.G. v. Department of Children & Family Services

792 So. 2d 1269, 2001 Fla. App. LEXIS 12486, 2001 WL 1007953

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Sep 5, 2001 | Docket: 64807906

Published

upon which the finding of dependency is based. Section 39.507(5), Florida Statutes (2000), requires the court

W.L. v. Department of Children & Family Services

776 So. 2d 339, 2001 Fla. App. LEXIS 441, 2001 WL 45233

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jan 22, 2001 | Docket: 64803238

Published

required and would affirm the order on appeal. Section 39.507(6), Florida Statutes (1999) requires the trial

M.J.S. v. State

764 So. 2d 825, 2000 Fla. App. LEXIS 9437

District Court of Appeal of Florida | Filed: Jul 28, 2000 | Docket: 64799471

Published

was by the preponderance of the evidence. See § 39.507(1)(b), Fla. Stat. (1999). Despite this, the trial