Florida gives families two court paths when an adult loved one cannot handle every decision alone. Guardian advocacy applies to developmental disabilities that began before age 18 and needs no incapacity ruling, while guardianship opens with an examining committee and a formal capacity finding.
Florida's guardianship rules changed on July 1, 2026 under CS/HB 1121, now Chapter 2026-74. The act gives state regulators subpoena power over professional guardians, adds fines to the penalty list, and revises continuing education, while a separate guardianship bill on visitation and notice died in committee.
Guardianship is often described as permanent, and that description is wrong in a way that costs people years. Florida law gives a ward the right to be restored to capacity at the earliest possible time, and the ward can start the process personally.