J.R. v. Department of Children & Families

Section 39.809(5), Florida Statutes (1999) requires a trial court to enter a written order with findings of fact and conclusions of law when terminating parental rights. In this case, the Department of Children and Families concedes that the order terminating J.R.’s parental rights as to T.R., her minor child, is deficient because it fails to make specific findings of fact. We must vacate the order and direct the trial court on remand to comply with section 39.809(5).

Additionally, the trial court’s oral pronouncements at the termination hearing do not conform to its written order. The written…