I am a grandparent who has been deeply involved in raising my grandson since he was just 3 days old. The state of Florida placed him into my care due to his mother's inability to provide for him at that time. Years later, she regained custody but continued to live with me, leaving me as a primary caregiver for our beloved child. Now, she wishes to abruptly remove him from the home we've shared and the bond we've built over years.

This is not an isolated incident. Many grandparents across Florida are called upon by the state when parents cannot adequately care for their children, only to be sidelined when it comes to legal rights and decision-making capabilities regarding these children's futures.

According to Generations United, over 2.7 million grandparents are raising grandchildren nationwide [1]. In Florida alone, approximately 195,000 grandparents report they are responsible for their grandchildren living with them [2]. Despite this significant role they play in their grandchildren’s lives, they often face legal challenges asserting their rights when it comes to custody or visitation.

We believe that the law should recognize and respect the crucial role that grandparents play in providing stability and love in these children's lives. We call on lawmakers in Florida State Legislature to enact legislation granting more substantial legal rights and protections for grandparents who have been primary caregivers or have established significant relationships with their grandchildren.

Please sign this petition if you believe that loving grandparents should have a say so about what happens with their grandkids' lives after having stepped up when needed most.

[1] Generations United
[2] U.S Census Bureau