The Federal Servicemember Civil Relief Act was created to “provide for, strengthen, and expedite the national defense through protection extended by this Act [50 USCS Appx §§ 3901 et seq.] to servicemembers of the United States to enable such persons to devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the Nation.” Florida is home to 21 military bases from every branch of the United States Military and about half of them are in RC1’s expansive region alone. HB 197 was proposed by our agency to ensure that this protection extended to parents involved in Chapter 39 Dependency Proceedings (See Florida Statute § 39.01 and § 39.0137). This was an important protection not only for many of our clients who are serving their country but for all Servicemember parents throughout the State of Florida. Contact your attorney if you are a parent serving in the military during the pendency of your case.