D.W. v. Department of Children and Families — affirmed the dependency-court ruling without a written explanation

Case
D.W., Father of A.W., a Child v. Department of Children and Families
Court
Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge
Lambert; Boatwright; MacIver
Date Decided
August 21, 2026
Docket No.
5D2026-1137
Topics
Dependency; Family Law; Per Curiam Affirmance
Source
Read the full opinion

Background

D.W., the father of A.W., appealed an order from the Circuit Court for Marion County in a dependency proceeding. Circuit Judge Brad King presided below.

The Fifth District’s opinion does not identify the challenged order, describe the underlying facts, or summarize the parties’ arguments.

The Court’s Holding

The Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s ruling. Judges Lambert, Boatwright, and MacIver concurred in the per curiam decision.

The court provided no written reasoning and announced no legal rule. The decision was not final until disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fifth District affirmed the Marion County circuit court’s ruling.
  • The decision was a unanimous per curiam affirmance by a three-judge panel.
  • Because the opinion contains no factual discussion or legal analysis, it does not reveal the basis for affirmance.

Why It Matters

The ruling leaves the circuit court’s decision in place. Its broader significance is limited because the appellate court did not explain its reasoning or articulate a rule for future cases.

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