reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 413 - Employment and Related Services for Persons With Disabilities › Part II - General Vocational Rehabilitation Programs (Ss. 413.20-413.74) › 413.74 - Other agencies; cooperation and referral.

413.74 Other agencies; cooperation and referral.—
(1) When an individual contacts any public agency requesting rehabilitation services, the agency shall determine whether the individual’s needs can be met by that agency. If the agency determines that it cannot meet the individual’s needs and it knows of no resources in the community that can meet the individual’s needs, the agency shall refer the individual to the division via a toll-free telephone number.
(2) Every public agency shall cooperate with the division to ensure that rehabilitation services are available.
History.—s. 16, ch. 90-330; s. 44, ch. 94-324.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.025 - Legislative Intent.

414.025 Legislative intent.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature that families in this state be strong and economically self-sufficient so as to require minimal involvement by an efficient government.
(2) This chapter does not entitle any individual or family to assistance under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act, as amended.
History.—s. 3, ch. 96-175; s. 35, ch. 2000-165.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.035 - Authorized Expenditures.

414.035 Authorized expenditures.—Any expenditures from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant, or from other state funds that the secretary or his or her designee determines meets the maintenance-of-effort requirement for the block grant, must be expended in accordance with the requirements and limitations of part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act, as amended, or any other applicable federal requirement or limitation. Prior to any expenditure of such funds, the secretary, or his or her designee, shall certify that controls are in place to ensure such funds are expended in accordance with the requirements and limitations of federal law and that any reporting requirements of federal law are met. It shall be the responsibility of any entity to which such funds are appropriated to obtain the required certification prior to any expenditure of funds.
History.—s. 7, ch. 99-241; s. 4, ch. 2002-397.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.0655 - Medical Incapacity Due to Substance Abuse or Mental Health Impairment.

414.0655 Medical incapacity due to substance abuse or mental health impairment.—
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 414.065 to the contrary, any participant who requires out-of-home residential treatment for alcoholism, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, or a mental health disorder, as certified by a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459, shall be exempted from work activities while participating in treatment. The participant shall be required to comply with the course of treatment necessary for the individual to resume work activity participation. The treatment agency shall be required to notify the department with an initial estimate of when the participant will have completed the course of treatment and be ready to resume full participation in the Temporary Cash Assistance Program. If the treatment will take longer than 60 days, the treatment agency shall provide to the department the conditions justifying extended treatment, and the department and the treatment agency shall negotiate a continued stay in treatment not to exceed an additional 90 days.
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of s. 414.095(2)(a)4. or 5. to the contrary, a participant who is absent from the home due to out-of-home residential treatment for not more than 150 days shall continue to be a member of the assistance group whether or not the child or children for whom the participant is the parent or caretaker relative are living in the residential treatment center.
History.—s. 11, ch. 99-241; s. 16, ch. 2010-209.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.075 - Resource Eligibility Standards.

414.075 Resource eligibility standards.—For purposes of program simplification and effective program management, certain resource definitions, as outlined in the food assistance regulations at 7 C.F.R. s. 273.8, shall be applied to the Temporary Cash Assistance Program as determined by the department to be consistent with federal law regarding temporary cash assistance and Medicaid for needy families, except that:
(1) The maximum allowable resources, including liquid and nonliquid resources, of all members of the family may not exceed $2,000.
(2) In determining the resources of a family, the following shall be excluded:
(a) Licensed vehicles needed for individuals subject to the work participation requirement, not to exceed a combined value of $8,500, and needed for training, employment, or education purposes. For any family without an individual subject to the work participation requirement, one vehicle valued at not more than $8,500 shall be excluded. Any vehicle that is necessary to transport a physically disabled family member shall be excluded. A vehicle shall be considered necessary for the transportation of a physically disabled family member if the vehicle is specially equipped to meet the specific needs of the disabled person or if the vehicle is a special type of vehicle and makes it possible to transport the disabled person.
(b) Funds paid to a homeless shelter which are being held for the family to enable the family to pay deposits or other costs associated with moving to a new shelter arrangement.
(3) A vacation home that annually produces income consistent with its fair market value, and that is excluded as a resource in determining eligibility for food assistance under federal regulations, may not be excluded as a resource in determining a family’s eligibility for temporary cash assistance.
(4) An individual and the assistance group in which the individual is a current member will be ineligible for a period of 2 years from the original date of a transfer of an asset made for the purpose of qualifying for or maintaining eligibility for temporary cash assistance.
History.—s. 11, ch. 96-175; s. 7, ch. 97-173; s. 17, ch. 2010-209.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.085 - Income Eligibility Standards.

414.085 Income eligibility standards.—
(1) For purposes of program simplification and effective program management, certain income definitions, as outlined in the food assistance regulations at 7 C.F.R. s. 273.9, shall be applied to the temporary cash assistance program as determined by the department to be consistent with federal law regarding temporary cash assistance and Medicaid for needy families, except as to the following:
(a) Participation in the temporary cash assistance program shall be limited to those families whose gross family income is equal to or less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level established in s. 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act, 42 U.S.C. s. 9901(2).
(b) Income security payments, including payments funded under part B of Title IV of the Social Security Act, as amended; supplemental security income under Title XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended; or other income security payments as defined by federal law shall be excluded as income unless required to be included by federal law.
(c) The first $50 of child support paid to a parent receiving temporary cash assistance may not be disregarded in calculating the amount of temporary cash assistance for the family, unless such exclusion is required by federal law.
(d) An incentive payment to a participant authorized by a local workforce development board may not be considered income.
(2) The department may adopt rules governing the administration of this section and may establish requirements for income inclusions, income exclusions, income deductions, budgeting criteria, money management by participants, criteria for eligibility verification, processing timeframes, and other eligibility criteria necessary for the department to administer this section.
History.—s. 12, ch. 96-175; s. 8, ch. 97-173; s. 12, ch. 99-241; s. 39, ch. 2000-165; s. 3, ch. 2000-300; s. 30, ch. 2008-61; s. 18, ch. 2010-209; s. 14, ch. 2016-216.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.106 - Exemption From Public Meetings Law.

414.106 Exemption from public meetings law.—That portion of a meeting held by the department, CareerSource Florida, Inc., or a local workforce development board or local committee created pursuant to s. 445.007 at which personal identifying information contained in records relating to temporary cash assistance is discussed is exempt from s. 286.011 and s. 24(b), Art. I of the State Constitution if the information identifies a participant, a participant’s family, or a participant’s family or household member.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2001-160; s. 1, ch. 2006-287; s. 20, ch. 2015-98; s. 17, ch. 2016-216.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.122 - Withholding of Payments Based on Evidence of Fraud.

414.122 Withholding of payments based on evidence of fraud.—The department shall withhold payment from a recipient of temporary cash assistance when, after redetermination of eligibility or at any other time, the department obtains evidence that may indicate fraud on the part of the recipient. When evidence of such fraud is obtained, the recipient shall be notified that because of such evidence of fraud the following payment will be withheld unless the recipient meets with a representative of the department by a specified date, which must be within 10 days after the date of the notice, to discuss and resolve the matter. The department shall make every effort to resolve the matter within a timeframe that will not cause payment to be withheld from an eligible recipient of temporary cash assistance.
History.—s. 87, ch. 96-175; s. 12, ch. 97-173.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.13 - Immunizations.

414.13 Immunizations.—Each applicant who has a preschool child must begin and complete appropriate childhood immunizations for the child as a condition of eligibility. At the time of application and redetermination of eligibility, the department shall advise applicants and participants of the availability of childhood immunizations through the county health department. Each participant who has a preschool child must verify compliance with the section. If a participant fails to provide such verification, the child for whom such verification is not provided shall be removed from consideration for purposes of calculating the assistance available to the family. If the child subject to this requirement is the only child in the family, participation in the program shall be terminated until verification of compliance is provided. The department shall waive this requirement if the failure to immunize the child is because of religious reasons or other good cause, as defined in rules adopted by the department.
History.—s. 18, ch. 93-136; s. 17, ch. 96-175; s. 210, ch. 97-101; s. 5, ch. 2000-300.
Note.—Former s. 409.938.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.14 - Public Assistance Policy Simplification.

414.14 Public assistance policy simplification.—To the extent possible, the department shall align the requirements for eligibility under this chapter with the food assistance program and medical assistance eligibility policies and procedures to simplify the budgeting process and reduce errors. If the department determines that s. 414.075, relating to resources, or s. 414.085, relating to income, is inconsistent with federal law governing the food assistance program or medical assistance, and that conformance to federal law would simplify administration of the Temporary Cash Assistance Program or reduce errors without materially increasing the cost of the program to the state, the secretary of the department may propose a change in the resource or income requirements of the program by rule.
History.—s. 6, ch. 89-334; s. 18, ch. 96-175; s. 133, ch. 2010-102; s. 20, ch. 2010-209.
Note.—Former s. 409.186.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.157 - Diversion Program for Victims of Domestic Violence.

414.157 Diversion program for victims of domestic violence.—
(1) The diversion program for victims of domestic violence is intended to provide services and one-time payments to assist victims of domestic violence and their children in making the transition to independence.
(2) Before finding an applicant family eligible for the diversion program created under this section, a determination must be made that:
(a) The applicant family includes a pregnant woman or a parent with one or more minor children or a caretaker relative with one or more minor children.
(b) The services or one-time payment provided are not considered assistance under federal law or guidelines.
(3) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in ss. 414.075, 414.085, and 414.095, a family meeting the criteria of subsection (2) who is determined by the domestic violence program to be in need of services or one-time payment due to domestic violence shall be considered a needy family and is eligible under this section for services through a certified domestic violence shelter.
(4) One-time payments provided under this section shall not exceed $1,000.
(5) Receipt of services or a one-time payment under this section does not preclude eligibility for, or receipt of, other assistance or services under this chapter.
History.—s. 17, ch. 99-241; s. 42, ch. 2000-165.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.158 - Diversion Program to Prevent or Reduce Child Abuse and Neglect.

414.158 Diversion program to prevent or reduce child abuse and neglect.—
(1) The diversion program to prevent or reduce child abuse and neglect is intended to provide services and one-time payments to assist families in avoiding welfare dependency and to strengthen families so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives and so that families can be self-sufficient.
(2) Before finding a family eligible for the diversion program created under this section, a determination must be made that:
(a) The family includes a pregnant woman or a parent with one or more minor children or a caretaker relative with one or more minor children.
(b) The family meets the criteria of a voluntary assessment performed by Healthy Families Florida; the family meets the criteria established by the department for determining that one or more children in the family are at risk of abuse, neglect, or threatened harm; or the family is homeless or living in a facility that provides shelter to homeless families.
(c) The services or one-time payment provided are not considered assistance under federal law or guidelines.
(3) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in s. 414.075, s. 414.085, or s. 414.095, a family meeting the requirements of subsection (2) shall be considered a needy family and shall be deemed eligible under this section.
(4) The department, in consultation with Healthy Families Florida, may establish additional requirements related to services or one-time payments and maximum amounts of such one-time payments.
(5) Receipt of services or a one-time payment under this section shall not preclude eligibility for, or receipt of, other assistance or services under this chapter.
History.—s. 18, ch. 99-241; s. 43, ch. 2000-165; s. 62, ch. 2013-18.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.1585 - Diversion Program for Families at Risk of Welfare Dependency Due to Substance Abuse or Mental Illness.

414.1585 Diversion program for families at risk of welfare dependency due to substance abuse or mental illness.—
(1) The diversion program for families at risk of welfare dependency due to substance abuse or mental illness is intended to provide services and one-time payments to assist families in avoiding welfare dependency and to stabilize families, so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives and so that families can be self-sufficient.
(2) Before finding a family eligible for the diversion program created under this section, a determination must be made that:
(a) The family includes a pregnant woman or a parent with one or more minor children or a caretaker relative with one or more minor children.
(b) The family meets criteria established by the department that one or more individuals in the family are at risk of or are impaired due to substance abuse or mental illness.
(c) The services or one-time payment provided are not considered assistance under federal law or guidelines.
(3) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in s. 414.075, s. 414.085, or s. 414.095, a family meeting the criteria of subsection (2) shall be considered a needy family and shall be deemed eligible under this section.
(4) The department may establish additional criteria related to services, client need, or one-time payments. The department may establish maximum amounts of one-time payments.
(5) Receipt of services or a one-time payment under this section shall not preclude eligibility for, or receipt of, other assistance or services under this chapter.
History.—s. 19, ch. 99-241; s. 63, ch. 2013-18.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.1599 - Diversion Programs; Determination of Need.

414.1599 Diversion programs; determination of need.—If federal regulations require a determination of needy families or needy parents to be based on financial criteria, such as income or resources, for individuals or families who are receiving services, one-time payments, or nonrecurring short-term benefits, the department shall adopt rules to define such criteria. In such rules, the department shall use the income level established for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds which are transferred for use under Title XX of the Social Security Act. If federal regulations do not require a financial determination for receipt of such benefits, payments, or services, the criteria otherwise established in this chapter shall be used.
History.—s. 21, ch. 99-241.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.161 - Homelessness Prevention Grants.

414.161 Homelessness prevention grants.—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.—There is created a grant program to provide emergency financial assistance to families facing the loss of their current home due to a financial or other crisis. The State Office on Homelessness, with the concurrence of the Council on Homelessness, may accept and administer moneys appropriated to the Department of Children and Families to provide homelessness prevention grants annually to lead agencies for local homeless assistance continuums of care, as recognized by the State Office on Homelessness. These moneys shall consist of any sums that the state may appropriate, as well as money received from donations, gifts, bequests, or otherwise from any public or private source that is intended to assist families to prevent them from becoming homeless.
(2) GRANT APPLICATIONS.—Grant applicants shall be ranked competitively. Preference shall be given to applicants who leverage additional private funds and public funds, who demonstrate the effectiveness of their homelessness prevention programs in keeping families housed, and who demonstrate the commitment of other assistance and services to address family health, employment, and education needs.
(3) ELIGIBILITY.—In order to qualify for a grant, a lead agency must develop and implement a local homeless assistance continuum of care plan for its designated catchment area. The homelessness prevention program must be included in the continuum of care plan.
(4) GRANT LIMITS.—The maximum grant amount per lead agency may not exceed $300,000. The grant assistance may be used to pay past due rent or mortgage payments, past due utility costs, provision of case management services, and program administration costs not to exceed 3 percent of the grant award. The homelessness prevention program must develop a case plan for each family to be assisted, setting forth what costs will be covered and the maximum level of assistance to be offered.
(5) PERFORMANCE.—The lead agency must track, monitor, and report on each family assisted for at least 12 months after the last assistance provided to the family. The goal for the homelessness prevention program is to enable at least 85 percent of the families assisted to remain in their homes and avoid becoming homeless during the ensuing year.
History.—s. 4, ch. 2013-74.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.17 - Audits.

414.17 Audits.—The Temporary Cash Assistance Program is subject to the audit requirements of 31 U.S.C. ss. 5701 et seq.
History.—s. 21, ch. 96-175; s. 22, ch. 2010-209.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.175 - Review of Existing Waivers.

414.175 Review of existing waivers.—
(1) The Department of Children and Families shall review existing waivers granted to the department by the Federal Government and determine if such waivers continue to be necessary based on the flexibility granted to states by federal law. If it is determined that termination of the waivers would reduce or eliminate potential federal cost neutrality liability, the department may take action in accordance with federal requirements. In taking such action, the department may continue research initiated in conjunction with such waivers if the department determines that continuation will provide program findings that will be useful in assessing future welfare reform alternatives.
(2) The department shall review federal law, including revisions to federal food assistance program requirements. If the department determines that federal food assistance waivers will further the goals of this chapter, including simplification of program policies or program administration, the department may obtain waivers if this can be accomplished within available resources.
History.—s. 22, ch. 96-175; s. 211, ch. 97-101; s. 16, ch. 97-173; s. 23, ch. 2010-209; s. 225, ch. 2014-19.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.24 - Integrated Welfare Reform and Child Welfare Services.

414.24 Integrated welfare reform and child welfare services.—The department shall develop integrated service delivery strategies to better meet the needs of families subject to work activity requirements who are involved in the child welfare system or are at high risk of involvement in the child welfare system. To the extent that resources are available, the department and the Department of Economic Opportunity shall provide funds to one or more service districts to promote development of integrated, nonduplicative case management within the department, the Department of Economic Opportunity, other participating government agencies, and community partners. Alternative delivery systems shall be encouraged which include well-defined, pertinent outcome measures. Other factors to be considered shall include innovation regarding training, enhancement of existing resources, and increased private sector and business sector participation.
History.—s. 27, ch. 96-175; s. 21, ch. 97-173; s. 317, ch. 2011-142; s. 22, ch. 2011-213.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.26 - Court-Appointed Guardian Unnecessary.

414.26 Court-appointed guardian unnecessary.—It is unnecessary for any incompetent person entitled to public assistance payments, as provided by this chapter, to have a court-appointed guardian in order to receive such payments if said incompetent person is living in the household with an adult family member or there is a responsible person who will act in his or her behalf.
History.—s. 1, ch. 69-268; s. 1, ch. 70-255; s. 29, ch. 96-175; s. 1033, ch. 97-103.
Note.—Former s. 409.295.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.31 - State Agency for Administering Federal Food Assistance Program.

414.31 State agency for administering federal food assistance program.—
(1) The department shall place into operation in each of the several counties of the state a food assistance program as authorized by the Congress of the United States. The department is designated as the state agency responsible for the administration and operation of such programs.
(2) The department shall provide for such instruction and counseling as will best assure that the recipients are able to provide a nutritionally adequate diet through the increased purchasing power received. This program shall be administered and operated in such a way that the distribution of food assistance shall be in locations reasonably accessible to those areas in which persons eligible for the benefit of this program are likely to be concentrated.
History.—s. 1, ch. 69-268; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-201; s. 1, ch. 70-255; ss. 1, 2, ch. 72-298; s. 33, ch. 96-175; s. 24, ch. 2010-209.
Note.—Former s. 409.275.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.33 - Violations of Food Assistance Program.

414.33 Violations of food assistance program.—
(1) In accordance with federal law and regulations, the department shall establish procedures for notifying the appropriate federal and state agencies of any violation of federal or state laws or rules governing the food assistance program.
(2) In addition, the department shall establish procedures for referring any case that involves a suspected violation of federal or state law or rules governing the administration of the food assistance program to the Department of Financial Services pursuant to s. 414.411.
History.—s. 35, ch. 96-175; s. 7, ch. 99-333; s. 9, ch. 2010-144; s. 26, ch. 2010-209.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.34 - Annual Report Concerning Administrative Complaints and Disciplinary Actions Involving Food Assistance Program Violations.

414.34 Annual report concerning administrative complaints and disciplinary actions involving food assistance program violations.—The department shall prepare and submit a report to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairs of the appropriate legislative committees, and the Department of Law Enforcement by January 1 of each year. In addition to any other information the Legislature may require, the report must include statistics and relevant information detailing:
(1) The number of complaints received and investigated.
(2) The number of findings of probable cause made.
(3) The number of findings of no probable cause made.
(4) The number of administrative complaints filed.
(5) The disposition of all administrative complaints.
(6) The number of criminal complaints brought under s. 414.39, and their disposition.
(7) The status of the development and implementation of rules governing the electronic benefits transfer program, including any recommendations for statutory changes.
History.—s. 7, ch. 92-125; ss. 36, 96, ch. 96-175; s. 8, ch. 99-333; s. 27, ch. 2010-209.
Note.—Former s. 409.328.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.35 - Emergency Relief.

414.35 Emergency relief.—In administering emergency food assistance and other emergency assistance programs, the department shall cooperate fully with the United States Government and with other departments, instrumentalities, and agencies of this state.
History.—s. 12, ch. 78-433; s. 43, ch. 83-334; s. 37, ch. 96-175; s. 27, ch. 97-173; s. 44, ch. 2000-165; s. 28, ch. 2010-209; s. 64, ch. 2013-18.
Note.—Former s. 409.60.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.36 - Public Assistance Overpayment Recovery Program; Contracts.

414.36 Public assistance overpayment recovery program; contracts.—
(1) For purposes of privatization of public assistance overpayment recovery, the department shall enter into contracts consistent with federal law with for-profit corporations, not-for-profit corporations, or other entities capable of providing the services for recovering public assistance required under this section. The department shall issue requests for proposals, enter into a competitive bidding process, and negotiate contracts for such services. Contracts for such services may be funded on a contingency fee basis, per fiscal year, based on a percentage of the state-retained share of collections, for claims for food assistance, aid to families with dependent children, and temporary cash assistance. This section does not prohibit districts from entering into contracts to carry out the provisions of this section, if that is a cost-effective use of resources.
(2) The Economic Self-sufficiency Services Program Office of the department shall have responsibility for contract management and for monitoring and policy development functions relating to privatization of the public assistance overpayment recovery program.
History.—s. 1, ch. 95-305; s. 38, ch. 96-175; s. 3, ch. 96-235; s. 48, ch. 97-98; s. 215, ch. 97-101; s. 28, ch. 97-173; s. 70, ch. 2000-139; s. 45, ch. 2000-165; s. 134, ch. 2010-102; s. 29, ch. 2010-209.
Note.—Former s. 409.2562.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.37 - Public Assistance Overpayment Recovery Privatization; Reemployment of Laid-Off Career Service Employees.

414.37 Public assistance overpayment recovery privatization; reemployment of laid-off career service employees.—Should career service employees of the Department of Children and Families be subject to layoff after July 1, 1995, due to the privatization of public assistance overpayment recovery functions, the privatization contract shall require the contracting firm to give priority consideration to employment of such employees. In addition, a task force composed of representatives from the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Management Services shall be established to provide reemployment assistance to such employees.
History.—s. 2, ch. 95-305; s. 39, ch. 96-175; s. 49, ch. 97-98; s. 216, ch. 97-101; s. 28, ch. 99-241; s. 228, ch. 2014-19.
Note.—Former s. 409.25625.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.391 - Automated Fingerprint Imaging.

414.391 Automated fingerprint imaging.—
(1) The Department of Children and Families shall develop and implement, as part of the electronic benefits transfer program, a statewide program to prevent public assistance fraud by using a type of automated fingerprint imaging of adult and teen parent applicants for, and adult and teen parent recipients of, public assistance under this chapter.
(2) In adopting rules under this section, the department shall ensure that any automated fingerprint imaging performed by the department is used only to prevent fraud by adult and teen parent recipients of public assistance and is in compliance with state and federal disclosure requirements.
(3) The department shall request any waivers of federal regulations necessary to implement the program within the limits described in this section.
History.—s. 70, ch. 97-237; s. 135, ch. 2010-102; s. 230, ch. 2014-19.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.392 - Applicant Screening.

414.392 Applicant screening.—At the time of application or reapplication, each adult or teen parent applying for public assistance benefits under this chapter must provide the state with an automated fingerprint image performed by the state, before receiving any benefits.
History.—s. 71, ch. 97-237.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.42 - Cause for Employee Dismissal.

414.42 Cause for employee dismissal.—It is cause for dismissal of an employee of the Department of Children and Families if the employee knowingly and willfully allows an ineligible person to obtain public assistance.
History.—s. 9, ch. 92-125; s. 45, ch. 96-175; s. 220, ch. 97-101; s. 33, ch. 97-173; s. 233, ch. 2014-19.
Note.—Former s. 409.3282.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.45 - Rulemaking.

414.45 Rulemaking.—The department has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement and enforce the provisions of this chapter. The rules must provide protection against discrimination and the opportunity for a participant to request a review by a supervisor or administrator of any decision made by a panel or board of the department or the Temporary Cash Assistance Program.
History.—s. 48, ch. 96-175; s. 36, ch. 97-173; s. 112, ch. 98-200; s. 30, ch. 99-241; s. 32, ch. 2010-209.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.455 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Legislative Authorization.

414.455 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; legislative authorization.—Notwithstanding s. 414.45, and unless expressly required by federal law, the department shall obtain specific authorization from the Legislature before seeking, applying for, accepting, or renewing any waiver of work requirements established by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under 7 U.S.C. s. 2015(o).
History.—s. 2, ch. 2015-226.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.456 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Transactions in Fresh Produce Markets.

414.456 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; transactions in fresh produce markets.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Market” means a farmers’ market, community farmers’ market, flea market, or other open-air market.
(b) “SNAP” means the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program established under 7 U.S.C. ss. 2011 et seq.
(2)(a) The owner or operator of a market selling fresh produce who is not an authorized SNAP retailer may allow an authorized Food and Nutrition Service group or association of produce sellers that is actively participating in produce sales in the market, or an authorized Food and Nutrition Service third-party organization, to implement and operate an electronic benefits transfer system for purposes of accepting SNAP benefits in the market on behalf of the produce sellers to the extent and manner allowed by federal law and regulation.
(b) The authorized Food and Nutrition Service group, association, or third-party organization responsible for implementation and operation of the electronic benefits transfer system may not be another market that competes with the market being served.
(c) The market owner or operator shall reasonably accommodate the authorized Food and Nutrition Service group, association, or third-party organization in the implementation and operation of an electronic benefits transfer system for purposes of accepting SNAP benefits.
(d) SNAP benefits may only be used for the purchase of fresh produce or other fresh food on a dollar-for-dollar basis and may not be traded for tokens or other means of trade for nonproduce items.
(3) This section does not:
(a) Apply to a market selling fresh produce whose owner or operator has an electronic benefits transfer system for accepting SNAP benefits in the market.
(b) Prohibit an authorized Food and Nutrition Service produce seller in a market selling fresh produce from operating his or her own electronic benefits transfer system as part of his or her customer transaction options.
(c) Require a market owner or operator to create, operate, or maintain an electronic benefits transfer system on behalf of its produce sellers.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2016-51.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.55 - Implementation of Community Work Program.

414.55 Implementation of community work program.—The Governor shall minimize the liability of the state by opting out of the special provision related to community work, as described in s. 402(a)(1)(B)(iv) of the Social Security Act, as amended by Pub. L. No. 104-193. The department and CareerSource Florida, Inc., shall implement the community work program in accordance with s. 445.024.
History.—s. 115, ch. 96-175; s. 1039, ch. 97-103; s. 37, ch. 97-173; s. 48, ch. 2000-165; s. 22, ch. 2015-98.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 414 - Family Self-Sufficiency › 414.56 - Office of Continuing Care.

414.56 Office of Continuing Care.—The department shall establish an Office of Continuing Care to ensure young adults who age out of the foster care system between 18 and 21 years of age, or 22 years of age with a documented disability, have a point of contact until the young adult reaches the age of 26 in order to receive ongoing support and care coordination needed to achieve self-sufficiency. Duties of the office include, but are not limited to:
(1) Informing young adults who age out of the foster care system of the purpose of the office, the types of support the office provides, and how to contact the office.
(2) Serving as a direct contact to the young adult in order to provide information on how to access services to support the young adult’s self-sufficiency, including, but not limited to, food assistance, behavioral health services, housing, Medicaid, and educational services.
(3) Assisting in accessing services and supports for the young adult to attain self-sufficiency, including, but not limited to, completing documentation required to apply for services.
(4) Collaborating with community-based care lead agencies to identify local resources that can provide support to young adults served by the office and to assist young adults in accessing these supports.
(5) Developing and administering the Step into Success Workforce Education and Internship Pilot Program for foster youth and former foster youth as required under s. 409.1455.
History.—s. 20, ch. 2021-169; s. 2, ch. 2023-255.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 415 - Adult Protective Services › 415.101 - Adult Protective Services Act; Legislative Intent.

415.101 Adult Protective Services Act; legislative intent.—
(1) Sections 415.101-415.113 may be cited as the “Adult Protective Services Act.”
(2) The Legislature recognizes that there are many persons in this state who, because of age or disability, are in need of protective services. Such services should allow such an individual the same rights as other citizens and, at the same time, protect the individual from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the detection and correction of abuse, neglect, and exploitation through social services and criminal investigations and to establish a program of protective services for all vulnerable adults in need of them. It is intended that the mandatory reporting of such cases will cause the protective services of the state to be brought to bear in an effort to prevent further abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. In taking this action, the Legislature intends to place the fewest possible restrictions on personal liberty and the exercise of constitutional rights, consistent with due process and protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Further, the Legislature intends to encourage the constructive involvement of families in the care and protection of vulnerable adults.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, ch. 73-176; s. 1, ch. 77-174; ss. 3, 5, ch. 79-287; s. 15, ch. 79-298; s. 1, ch. 80-293; s. 1, ch. 83-82; s. 61, ch. 85-81; s. 27, ch. 86-220; s. 93, ch. 95-418; s. 1, ch. 2010-31.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 415 - Adult Protective Services › 415.1035 - Facility’s Duty to Inform Residents of Their Right to Report Abusive, Neglectful, or Exploitive Practices.

415.1035 Facility’s duty to inform residents of their right to report abusive, neglectful, or exploitive practices.—The department shall work cooperatively with the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the Department of Elderly Affairs to ensure that every facility that serves vulnerable adults informs residents of their right to report abusive, neglectful, or exploitive practices. Each facility must establish appropriate policies and procedures to facilitate such reporting.
History.—s. 97, ch. 95-418; s. 29, ch. 2000-349; s. 58, ch. 2006-227.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 415 - Adult Protective Services › 415.1036 - Immunity.

415.1036 Immunity.—
(1) Any person who participates in making a report under s. 415.1034 or participates in a judicial proceeding resulting therefrom is presumed to be acting in good faith and, unless lack of good faith is shown by clear and convincing evidence, is immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might be incurred or imposed. This section does not grant immunity, civil or criminal, to any person who is suspected of having abused, neglected, or exploited, or committed any illegal act upon or against, a vulnerable adult. Further, a resident or employee of a facility that serves vulnerable adults may not be subjected to reprisal or discharge because of the resident’s or employee’s actions in reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation pursuant to s. 415.1034.
(2) Any person who makes a report under s. 415.1034 has a civil cause of action for appropriate compensatory and punitive damages against any person who causes detrimental changes in the employment status of the reporting party by reason of the reporting party’s making the report. Any detrimental change made in the residency or employment status of such a person, such as, but not limited to, discharge, termination, demotion, transfer, or reduction in pay or benefits or work privileges, or negative evaluations, within 120 days after the report is made establishes a rebuttable presumption that the detrimental action was retaliatory.
History.—s. 98, ch. 95-418; s. 30, ch. 2000-349.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 415 - Adult Protective Services › 415.105 - Provision of Protective Services With Consent; Withdrawal of Consent; Interference.

415.105 Provision of protective services with consent; withdrawal of consent; interference.—
(1) PROTECTIVE SERVICES WITH CONSENT.—If the department determines through its investigation that a vulnerable adult demonstrates a need for protective services or protective supervision, the department shall immediately provide, or arrange for the provision of, protective services or protective supervision, including in-home services, provided that the vulnerable adult consents. A vulnerable adult in need of services as defined in s. 415.102 shall be referred to the community care for disabled adults program, or to the community care for the elderly program administered by the Department of Elderly Affairs.
(2) WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT.—If the vulnerable adult withdraws consent to the receipt of protective services or protective supervision, the services may not be provided, except pursuant to s. 415.1051.
(3) INTERFERENCE WITH THE PROVISION OF PROTECTIVE SERVICES.—When any person refuses to allow the provision of protective services to a vulnerable adult who has the capacity to consent to services, the department shall petition the court for an order enjoining the person from interfering with the provision of protective services. The petition must allege specific facts sufficient to show that the vulnerable adult is in need of protective services and that the person refuses to allow the provision of such services. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the vulnerable adult is in need of protective services and that the person refuses to allow the provision of such services, the court may issue an order enjoining the person from interfering with the provision of protective services to the vulnerable adult.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, ch. 73-176; s. 1, ch. 77-174; ss. 3, 5, ch. 79-287; s. 15, ch. 79-298; s. 1, ch. 80-293; s. 1, ch. 83-82; s. 31, ch. 86-220; s. 29, ch. 89-294; s. 21, ch. 95-144; s. 37, ch. 95-210; s. 100, ch. 95-418; s. 3, ch. 98-182; s. 33, ch. 2000-349.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 415 - Adult Protective Services › 415.1052 - Interference With Investigation or With the Provision of Protective Services.

415.1052 Interference with investigation or with the provision of protective services.—
(1) If, upon arrival of the protective investigator, any person refuses to allow the department to begin a protective investigation, interferes with the department’s ability to conduct such an investigation, or refuses to give access to the vulnerable adult, the appropriate law enforcement agency must be contacted to assist the department in commencing the protective investigation.
(2) When any person refuses to allow the provision of protective services to the vulnerable adult who has the capacity to consent to services, the department shall petition the court for an order enjoining the person from interfering with the provision of protective services. The petition must allege specific facts sufficient to show that the vulnerable adult is in need of protective services and that the person refuses to allow the provision of such services. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the vulnerable adult is in need of protective services and that the person refuses to allow the provision of such services, the court may issue an order enjoining the person from interfering with the provision of protective services to the vulnerable adult.
History.—s. 102, ch. 95-418; s. 35, ch. 2000-349.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 415 - Adult Protective Services › 415.106 - Cooperation by the Department and Criminal Justice and Other Agencies.

415.106 Cooperation by the department and criminal justice and other agencies.—
(1) All criminal justice agencies have a duty and responsibility to cooperate fully with the department so as to enable the department to fulfill its responsibilities under ss. 415.101-415.113. Such duties include, but are not limited to, forced entry, emergency removal, emergency transportation, and the enforcement of court orders obtained under ss. 415.101-415.113.
(2) To ensure coordination, communication, and cooperation with the investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults, the department shall develop and maintain interprogram agreements or operational procedures among appropriate departmental programs and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Florida Statewide Advocacy Council, and other agencies that provide services to vulnerable adults. These agreements or procedures must cover such subjects as the appropriate roles and responsibilities of the department in identifying and responding to reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults; the provision of services; and related coordinated activities.
(3) To the fullest extent possible, the department shall cooperate with and seek cooperation from all appropriate public and private agencies, including health agencies, educational agencies, social service agencies, courts, organizations, or programs providing or concerned with human services related to the prevention, identification, or treatment of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, ch. 73-176; s. 1, ch. 77-174; ss. 3, 5, ch. 79-287; s. 15, ch. 79-298; s. 1, ch. 80-293; s. 1, ch. 83-82; s. 32, ch. 86-220; s. 27, ch. 93-177; s. 104, ch. 95-418; s. 24, ch. 2000-263; s. 37, ch. 2000-349; s. 32, ch. 2015-31.