The Department intends to amend Rule 65C-16.017, F.A.C., and delete provisions regarding fees for service.

 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

65C-16.017Florida Adoption Reunion Registry

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Department intends to amend Rule 65C-16.017, F.A.C., and delete provisions regarding fees for service.

SUMMARY: The fee to register with the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry is removed.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The Department used a checklist to conduct an economic analysis and determine if there is an adverse impact or regulatory costs associated with this rule that exceeds the criteria in section 120.541(2)(a), F.S. Based upon this analysis, the Department has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 63.233, FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 63.165, FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Jodi Abramowitz, [e-mail] or 850-717-4189.

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

65C-16.017 Florida Adoption Reunion Registry.

(1) through (4) No change.

(5) The Department shall mail a letter to registrants acknowledging receipt of the application.

(5) through (6) are renumbered (6) through (7) No change.

(7) Fee for Service.

(a) The registry fee for initial filing of identifying information with the registry shall be $35.00. This fee shall be submitted in the form of a money order, bank draft, or personal check by the registrant to the Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Welfare, 1317 Winewood Blvd., Building 1, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, Attention: Reunion Registry Specialist.

(b) The registry fee for updating information previously filed or for changing, limiting or withdrawing consent to release identifying information shall be $10.00 for each occurrence. This fee shall be submitted in the form of a money order, bank draft, or personal check by the registrant to the Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Welfare, 1317 Winewood Blvd., Building 1, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, Attention: Reunion Registry Specialist.

(c) The Department shall mail a letter to registrants acknowledging receipt of the application and registry fee.

(d) When an application has been accepted by the registry for processing, fees will be deposited and will not be returned to the applicants, even if registration proves to be impossible.

(e) Fees for counseling services shall be set and collected by the Department, licensed agency, or other professional who provides the service.

(f) The Department shall waive fees in cases where need and hardship is documented. Acceptable documentation of hardship includes verification that applicant is receiving unemployment benefits, public assistance, social security income or supplemental nutrition assistance.

Rulemaking Authority 63.233 FS. Law Implemented 63.165 FS. History–New 8-19-03, Amended 11-30-08, 7-7-16, ____.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Courtney Smith

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Mike Carroll

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: 12/12/16

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: 12/21/16