State, Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services v. Hatfield

The Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) appeals a final summary judgment in favor of the ap-pellee, Michael J. Hatfield. We find that the trial court was correct in holding that HRS was not entitled to reimbursement of public assistance payments provided for the benefit of Hatfield’s two minor children and, accordingly, affirm. Our disposition of HRS’s appeal renders moot the questions raised by Hatfield on cross-appeal regarding the trial court’s dismissal of his counterclaim.

Hatfield and his wife had two minor children, and the record does not reveal that they…