The Florida Senate

39.461  Petition for termination of parental rights.--

(1)  All proceedings seeking an adjudication to terminate parental rights pursuant to this chapter must be initiated by the filing of an original petition by the department, the guardian ad litem, or a licensed child-placing agency or by any other person who has knowledge of the facts alleged or is informed of them and believes that they are true.

(2)  The form of the petition is governed by the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The petition must be in writing and signed by the petitioner under oath stating the petitioner's good faith in filing the petition.

(3)  When a petition for termination of parental rights has been filed, the clerk of the court shall set the case before the court for an advisory hearing.

History.--s. 9, ch. 87-289; s. 15, ch. 90-306; s. 14, ch. 92-170; s. 29, ch. 94-164.