Dependency Law Finder

Florida's dependency statutes, court rules and DCF operating procedures, with the appellate opinions that apply them

data.robertlathamesq.org · All tools

Before you use this site

This site aggregates legal authorities from a variety of public sources. It is AI and human reviewed. Text processing errors can occur. Always check the information here against the official linked source.

This site is publicly available. Use for general research only. Do not submit confidential or identifiable case information.

I don't agree: show the official sources

Adjudicatory hearingsRule 8.685

Part IV · Proceedings for Families and Children in Need of Services · Rules of Juvenile Procedure (October 1, 2026 ed.)

1 opinion cite Rule 8.685

  1. In re Amendments to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 102 So. 3d 451 · SC11-399 · Florida Supreme Court 2012

    Rule amendment This opinion cites Rule 8.685 1 time, the section generally

    · cited by 12 in all courts

    … E.TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS RULE 8.500.-RULE 8.535. [No Change] PART HDV. PROCEEDINGS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN NEED OF SERVICES RULE 8.601.-RULE 8.685. [No Change] RULE 8.690. DISPOSITION HEARINGS (a)-(c) [No Change] (d) Out-of-Home Placement. If the court places the child in out-of-home placement,…

Cited as rule 8.685 under earlier numbering (1)

These opinions cite a rule numbered 8.685 before that number meant this rule: before the rules were renumbered on July 1, 1991, or before this rule was adopted (effective 1991-07-01). They are about a different rule.

0 admin code rules cite Rule 8.685

DCF's rules in Chapter 65C, Florida Administrative Code, that cite it.

No admin code rule cites Rule 8.685.

0 CFOPs cite Rule 8.685

How DCF carries it out. A page opens in the CFOP reader with the citation highlighted.

No CFOP cites Rule 8.685.

Shading shows how often opinions cite each provision: rarely sometimes often most. Click a provision to list the opinions citing it.

(a) Hearing by Judge. The adjudicatory hearing shall be conducted by the judge without a jury utilizing the rules of evidence. At this hearing the court shall determine whether the allegations of the petition have been sustained.

(b) Examination of Witnesses. Any party shall have the right to examine and cross-examine the witnesses.

(c) Presence of Parties. All parties have the right to be present at all adjudicatory hearings. No party shall be excluded from the hearing unless so ordered by the court for disruptive behavior.

(d) Joint and Separate Hearings. When 2 or more children are alleged to be children in need of services, the hearing may be held simultaneously when the several children involved are related to each other or involved in the same case, unless the court orders separate hearings.

(e) Motion for Judgment of Dismissal. In all proceedings if at the close of the evidence for the petitioner the court is of the opinion that the evidence is insufficient as a matter of law to warrant a finding of child(ren) in need of services, it may, and on the motion of any party shall, enter an order dismissing the petition for insufficiency of evidence.

(f) Findings and Orders. If the court finds that the evidence supports the allegations of the petition, it may make a finding that the child is in need of services as provided by law. In all cases the court shall enter a written order specifying the facts upon which the findings are based. If the predisposition and other reports required by law are unavailable, or by order of the court, any portion of the disposition hearing may be reset within a reasonable time. If the case is continued the court may refer the case to appropriate agencies for additional study and recommendation. The court may order the child into a suitable placement under such reasonable conditions as the court may direct.

Amendments since the 1991 renumbering

From the Florida Bar edition's table of amending opinions. Where it lists a range of rules ("8.400–8.410"), each rule in the range today is listed.