Doe v. Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services

ON REHEARING EN BANC

BOOTH, Judge.

This cause is before the court en banc pursuant to Rule 9.331, Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, the court having determined that the case is one of exceptional importance,2 affecting the rights of parents and children in this State and the interpretation of Chapter 39, Florida Statutes (Supp.1986), as applied to a noncustodial, biological father3 and proceedings to terminate parental rights based on abuse and neglect. On consideration of the briefs, supplemental briefs, oral argument, and record, the majority of the court en banc has determined that the…