Florida 2020 Regular Session Status: In Committee

SB 682 — Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook

Last action — Died in Rules

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2020 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook; Creating the Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook; providing for distribution of printed copies of the handbook under certain circumstances; requiring clerks of the circuit court to post electronic copies of the handbook on its website and make the handbook available to certain applicants; prohibiting the issuance of a marriage license until petitioners verify that both parties have obtained and read the Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook or some other presentation of similar information, etc.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

143 added · 326 removed

143 line(s) added, 326 removed.

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Florida Senate - 2020 CS for CS for SB 682 By the Committees on Judiciary;
Florida Senate - 2020 CS for SB 682 By the Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs;
and Children, Families, and Elder Affairs;
and Senator Baxley 586-02770-20 2020682c1 A bill to be entitled An act relating to the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage;
and Senator Baxley 590-03965-20 2020682c2 A bill to be entitled An act relating to the Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook;
creating the Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook;
creating the Marriage Education Committee within the Department of Children and Families for the purpose of creating the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage;
providing requirements for the handbook;
providing for committee operation;
providing for distribution of printed copies of the handbook under certain circumstances;
providing for appointment of committee members and terms of office;
requiring clerks of the circuit court to post electronic copies of the handbook on its website and make the handbook available to certain applicants;
requiring the committee to submit the completed guide to the Governor and the Legislature;
encouraging clerks of the circuit court to provide a list of course providers and websites where certain classes are available;
providing for committee termination;
providing for periodic reconstitution of the committee to review and update the guide;
providing requirements for filling vacancies;
providing requirements for the guide’s content;
requiring the committee to oversee the design and layout of the guide and obtain private funds to cover associated costs;
authorizing the committee to obtain private funds for the costs of printing and distributing copies of the guide;
authorizing the committee to distribute printed copies of the guide under certain circumstances;
requiring clerks of court to post an electronic copy of the guide on the court’s website and provide printed copies to applicants for marriage licenses under certain circumstances;
encouraging clerks of court to provide a list of certain course providers and websites where certain classes are available;
providing for periodic review and revision of the guide;
requiring the committee to periodically submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing its revisions to the guide and recommendations for further updates;
prohibiting the issuance of a marriage license until petitioners verify that both parties have obtained and read the Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook or some other presentation of similar information;
prohibiting the issuance of a marriage license until petitioners verify that both parties have obtained and read the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage or some other presentation of similar information;
deleting a requirement related to the family law handbook to conform a provision to changes made by the act;
repealing s.
741.0306, F.S., relating to the creation of a family law handbook;
19 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
42 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
21 Section 1. Section 741.0307, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
44 Section 1. Section 741.0307, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
741.0307 Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook.— (1) There shall be created a handbook which includes resources, information, and website links to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship.
741.0307 Marriage Education Committee;
This handbook is supplemental to the Family Law Handbook created under s.
Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage.— (1) There is created within the Department of Children and Families, for administrative purposes only, the Marriage Education Committee for the sole purpose of creating the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage.
741.0306.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the committee shall operate in a manner consistent with s.
(2) The handbook shall read substantially as follows:
20.052.
31 Introduction 33 Congratulations! You have made the decision to get married.
The committee shall consist of six marriage education and family advocates, one of whom shall be appointed by the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, one of whom shall be appointed by the Florida Family Therapy Association, one of whom shall be appointed by the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association, one of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, and one of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
This decision means that you and your partner agree to enter into a formal contract.
The membership of the committee must reflect the ethnic and gender diversity of the state.
This contract outlines the conditions of your new partnership.
The committee shall be appointed by September 1, 2020, and the appointees shall each serve a 1-year term or until such time as its work in creating the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage has been completed, whichever is earlier.
This partnership impacts the ownership of your money and possessions and the way you relate to each other.
A vacancy on the committee shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the same manner as the original appointment.
When you talk about your marriage expectations before getting married, you begin to understand the new roles and responsibilities.
The committee shall submit the completed guide to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and terminates with the submission of the guide.
This mutual understanding helps to lay a foundation that can help you build a successful, enduring marriage.
The committee shall subsequently be reconstituted once every 10 years after July 1, 2020, to review and update the contents of the guide.
44 The purpose of this handbook is to provide information to marriage license applicants that can help to create successful marriages.
The reconstituted committee shall consist of six marriage education and family advocates, one of whom shall be appointed by the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, one of whom shall be appointed by the Florida Family Therapy Association, one of whom shall be appointed by the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association, one of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, and one of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
It includes topics such as learning to communicate effectively, building your team, solving problems collaboratively, and resolving conflicts.
(2) The Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage must include, but need not be limited to:
The handbook also provides general information on economic issues, raising a family, and the consequences that occur when marriages fail.
(a) Resources regarding conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence resources, and parenting responsibilities.
52 Building a Marriage 54 As you and your spouse begin your journey together, the first thing you will need to know is where you are going.
(b) Current information from marriage education and family advocates to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship.
Your shared destination is determined by your personal and shared values.
(c) Information regarding premarital education, marriage enrichment education, and resources that are available to help restore a marriage that is potentially moving toward dissolution.
The marriage journey will require lots of decisions from both of you.
(d) Contact information and website links to additional resources and local professional and community services to further assist a marital relationship.
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Through mutual respect, trust, honesty, and love, you will have a rewarding trip.
(3) The committee shall oversee the design and layout of the guide.
61 Understanding Your Values 63 Your values are the foundation for all of your thinking and decision-making.
The committee shall raise funds from private sources to cover the costs of the design and layout.
Every decision you make is an effort to align your actions to your values.
The committee may raise funds from private sources to cover the costs of printing and distributing copies of the guide.
When you marry, you will be sharing your life with another person.
If sufficient funds are not raised to cover the costs of printing and distribution, the committee is not required to print or distribute copies of the guide.
It is so important that you know your own values and the values of your intended spouse.
(4) The clerk of the circuit court in each judicial circuit shall post an electronic copy of the guide on its website.
Think about the values you consider sacred in your life and share this information with your partner.
Additionally, if the committee provides printed copies of the guide to the office of the clerk of the circuit court, the clerk must make the guide available to marriage license applicants.
71 Discuss these issues prior to making a marriage commitment.
The clerk of the circuit court is encouraged to provide a list of course providers and sites where marriage and relationship skill-building classes are available.
Build upon your mutual ideals.
(5) The committee shall review the guide and provide a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives every 10 years, or as soon thereafter as practicable, detailing changes made to the guide and recommending further updates.
A harmonious, lasting marriage will be built upon a foundation of shared values and the effective communication of these values.
Section 2. Subsection (4) of section 741.04, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
76 Building Your Team 78 Marriage is a team effort.
One of the definitions of the word team is “a group of persons pulling together.” Talking to each other and sharing in decisions that affect both team members is very important.
Talking, listening, and valuing your partner’s ideas and contributions will make your marriage team strong and healthy.
85 Learning Effective Communication 87 Learning to communicate effectively requires commitment from both you and your partner.
It takes time and LOTS of energy, but it is worth the effort.
To commune literally means “to put in common;
to share.” The goal of effective communication is to create a common understanding with your partner.
This common understanding is the cement of a strong marriage.
Honesty is an essential component of effective communication.
However, honesty must be tempered with kindness.
Good communication between both of you promotes mutual trust and respect.
97 Successful marriages depend on good communication between both partners.
Learning to be a good communicator takes patience and practice.
101 Resolving Conflicts 103 Another step in building a lasting marriage is learning to examine and confront issues effectively.
Couples in the healthiest marriages experience conflicts.
Conflicts are normal because you and your partner have different beliefs and opinions.
Conflict is simply a clash between these beliefs and opinions.
The cause of conflict is that you and your partner see and approach situations and events differently.
Conflict results when there are opposite points of view and each person believes that their viewpoint is right and their partner’s viewpoint is wrong.
The result is two different interpretations.
114 People in conflict are seldom upset about what they think they are upset about.
One event may trigger an emotional outburst.
The outburst often is caused by a series of unresolved issues.
A win/lose situation will not solve the problem.
Resolving conflicts effectively strives to achieve a win/win solution for both of you.
How can you find an answer that benefits you and your partner? The first step is for the two of you to step out of the battle and look beyond the event that created the conflict.
The next step is to shift your focus to your common interests, mutual values, and positive qualities.
125 Refocusing your own thinking helps to calm emotions.
You can redirect your thinking — and your partner’s — to what you both really want:
an activity or mutual goal, something more satisfying than the conflict.
Couples can change their conflict experiences by changing their thoughts about the situation.
131 Keeping the Marriage Vital 133 When you first get married, usually everything is new and exciting.
But how do you keep your marriage new and exciting year after year? You have started a lifelong journey together.
This journey will have many stops along the way.
Each of your destinations will bring maturity to your relationship and to each of you.
Your affection for each other increases through the lessons that you learn together and the laughter and the tears that you share.
It is a good journey! Couples who can laugh together under challenging circumstances and gain the understanding of true friendship keep their marriage vital.
144 Addressing Economic Issues 146 As you prepare for your new journey as a couple, you have several financial issues to discuss.
What financial resources and obligations do you bring into your marriage? Do you have business debts? Will you combine your finances and have joint checking and savings accounts or maintain separate accounts? Who will pay the bills? Will you develop a budget together? 153 Talking to each other about how you plan to earn, spend, and save your money is easier when you agree on priorities.
Your marriage benefits from forming and sticking to a spending plan that includes discussion and agreement.
158 Sharing Financial Responsibilities 160 It is wise to make major financial decisions together.
You both will be responsible for those decisions.
If you are uncomfortable at the thought of sharing financial responsibilities with your intended spouse, you might want to seek premarital counseling to determine underlying issues and to decide if marriage is the right decision for you at this time.
167 One of you may be better at balancing a checkbook, paying the bills, and developing a budget.
As you take this marital journey with your partner, talk with each other about which one of you is best suited to do specific financial tasks.
Then, after you are married, try out your new system! Adjust it if it doesn’t work well.
174 Here are some specific financial planning tips.
Decide together:
176 If you will maintain one joint checking account or separate individual checking accounts.
Who will pay the bills and maintain the checking account(s)? How often and how much personal allowance each of you should receive.
What is an appropriate savings and investment plan? How you will pay for large purchases such as automobiles and major appliances.
183 Building a Budget 185 Building a budget helps you to know how much income you will have, how much money you will spend, and how much money will be left over.
It helps you to control your spending.
A budget helps you to save money! 190 What are some steps to assist you? 1. Identify your financial goals:
short range (e.g., buying groceries and gasoline) and long term (e.g., buying a house, setting up a college fund for your children).
2. Look at your current financial position.
What is your monthly household income? What are your debts? 3. Write out a monthly budget for 12 months.
Write out monthly expenses in the different categories (e.g., $300 car payment, $600 rent).
Estimate how much you will spend in each category.
4. Compare your budget to your financial goals.
Is there money left over after meeting your monthly obligations? If so, how much of the leftover money can be used for your goals? If you follow the budget you set up, how long will it take you to reach your goals? 5. Compare your actual costs to the costs you budgeted.
Was your budget realistic? 6. Review and revise your budget.
Stay on track toward meeting your joint financial goals.
7. Decide who will work, who will provide childcare, and who will obtain further formal education.
8. How much insurance will be necessary? 213 It is important to make your budget realistic and flexible.
Major categories of expenses are:
rent or mortgage payment;
utilities;
food and household goods;
clothing;
healthcare;
insurance premiums;
tuition, charitable donations;
transportation;
household maintenance;
credit card debt;
hobbies and entertainment;
vacation and holiday savings;
and other expenses, such as cosmetics, hair care, veterinary fees (if you have pets), gifts, plants, and artwork.
222 Certain budget items are fundamental expenditures or “absolutes,” such as housing, food, and transportation.
Other budget items are less important.
Other budget items are “discretionary expenditures,” such as hobbies, vacations, gifts, and artwork are a lower priority than housing and food.
Prioritize your budget items, starting with “absolutes.” 229 Involve your spouse in major budget decisions.
Talk together about the mutual benefit and impact of your budget decisions.
For example, what should you do if one of you wants a new computer while the other wants new carpet, and there is money for only one of the two items? 235 Which of the purchases is most needed and beneficial to both of you? What is the impact on the quality of your life together if you buy the computer? The carpeting? Set your purchasing priorities together.
Be a team working towards your shared financial goals.
241 Raising a Family 243 Deciding to start a family is a BIG decision! The change you experienced when your household became two triples with the addition of a child! Children bring great joy, sleepless nights, and new roles and responsibilities for both of you.
248 Parenthood is a lifetime commitment.
It requires emotional maturity from both partners.
Raising children can be the most satisfying experience when both of you are ready to make this unselfish commitment.
253 Taking Responsibility for Raising Children 255 The decision to have children needs to be mutual.
Children bring an enormous change to your relationship with each other.
Some of the spontaneity that you once had as a couple may change.
Fatigue from early childcare demands and feelings of uncertainty in your new roles can cause temporary marital stress.
Career and childcare decisions, economic implications and new financial demands, and new housing requirements will need to be discussed.
But the joys of parenthood outweigh the tensions of change.
264 Raising a child is a team effort and requires both partners to be active participants.
You are bringing into the world a new human being who will require your full support physically, emotionally, socially, instructionally, and economically.
Both of you are responsible for your child’s care.
This mutual responsibility for the care of your child or children never ends.
When you agreed to have a child, you signed on for life.
272 Coping with Family Challenges 274 Sometimes raising children can be very difficult.
You may find that you need help.
Some children have problems making friends, getting along in school, and staying out of trouble with the law.
Family counseling can strengthen families by providing a safe place to explore issues and resolve problems.
280 Walking Rocky Roads 282 If sad times start to outweigh happy times with your spouse, you are walking a lonely, rocky road in your marriage.
Examine your own life, your spouse’s life, and your relationship with each other.
If you and your spouse can renew your love and commitment to each other, together you can remove the obstructions in your marriage.
Professional counselors and/or members of the clergy may help you remove some of the boulders in your marriage path.
Depending on the type of problems you encounter, you may find specific support groups and counseling classes to help you.
Also refer to the phone book or online directories for listings of counselors, support groups, religious organizations, and other community resources.
295 Conclusion 297 This free handbook is one way that the State of Florida is showing its support of your decision to marry.
The information has been intended to be a basic roadmap to guide you.
The State of Florida hopes that you have a happy and healthy marriage! 302 Again, congratulations! 304 (3) The clerk of the circuit court shall post an electronic copy of the handbook on its website.
Additionally, if printed copies of the handbook are made available to the office of the clerk of the circuit court, the clerk shall make the handbook available to marriage license applicants.
The clerk of the circuit court is encouraged to provide a list of course providers and sites where marriage and relationship skill building classes are available.
Section 2. Paragraph (b) of subsection (4) of section 741.04, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
(b) A written statement that verifies that both parties have obtained and read or otherwise accessed the information contained in the handbooks handbook or other electronic media presentation of the rights and responsibilities of parties to a marriage specified in ss.
(a) A written statement, signed by both parties, which specifies whether the parties, individually or together, have completed a premarital preparation course.
741.0306 and 741.0307 s.
(b) A written statement that verifies that both parties have obtained and read or otherwise accessed the information contained in the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage, as created under s.
741.0307, or some other presentation of information regarding conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence resources, and parenting responsibilities handbook or other electronic media presentation of the rights and responsibilities of parties to a marriage specified in s.
Section 3. This act shall take effect July 1, 2020.
Section 3. Section 741.0306, F.S., is repealed.
Section 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 2020.
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Action History

  1. Died in Rules

  2. Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration

  3. CS/CS by Judiciary read 1st time

  4. Now in Rules

  5. Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)

  6. CS/CS by Judiciary; YEAS 4 NAYS 2

  7. On Committee agenda-- Judiciary, 02/19/20, 1:30 pm, 110 Senate Building

  8. CS by Children, Families, and Elder Affairs read 1st time

  9. Now in Judiciary

  10. Pending reference review under Rule 4.7(2) - (Committee Substitute)

  11. CS by Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; YEAS 4 NAYS 2

  12. On Committee agenda-- Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, 01/28/20, 4:00 pm, 301 Senate Building

  13. Introduced

  14. Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Judiciary; Rules

  15. Filed

Sponsors

  • Baxley · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 159 not signed on · 1 voted No

Sponsors (1)

  • Baxley

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (159)

159 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 682 do?
Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook; Creating the Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook; providing for distribution of printed copies of the handbook under certain circumstances; requiring clerks of the circuit court to post electronic copies of the handbook on its website and make the handbook available to certain applicants; prohibiting the issuance of a marriage license until petitioners verify that both parties have obtained and read the Florida Healthy Marriage Handbook or some other presentation of similar information, etc.
Who sponsors SB 682?
SB 682 is sponsored by Baxley.
What is the current status of SB 682?
This bill died with 2020 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 682?
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