Background
E.S., the father of six minor children, appealed from a decision of the Circuit Court for Bay County. Circuit Judge Dustin Stephenson entered the order under review.
The Department of Children and Families appeared as the appellee, and the Guardian ad Litem also participated as an appellee. The appellate opinion does not describe the underlying facts, the nature of the circuit court’s order, or the arguments raised on appeal.
The Court’s Holding
The Florida First District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s decision. The court issued a per curiam affirmance consisting only of the word “AFFIRMED.”
Because the court provided no reasoning, the opinion establishes only that the challenged judgment or order remains in effect. It does not identify which arguments the court accepted or rejected and does not announce a rule of law.
Key Takeaways
- The First District left the Bay County circuit court’s decision in place.
- Judges Lewis, Ray, and M.K. Thomas concurred in the per curiam disposition.
- The opinion supplies no factual discussion, legal analysis, or explanation for the result.
Why It Matters
The decision ends the appeal in the Department of Children and Families’ favor unless altered through an authorized post-decision motion or further review. Its practical effect is to preserve the circuit court’s ruling.
Because the court issued an unexplained per curiam affirmance, the opinion offers attorneys no articulated legal standard or reasoning to apply in other cases.