744.312  Considerations in appointment of guardian.--

(1)  Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), the court may appoint any person who is fit and proper and qualified to act as guardian, whether related to the ward or not.

(2)  The court shall give preference to the appointment of a person who:

(a)  Is related by blood or marriage to the ward;

(b)  Has educational, professional, or business experience relevant to the nature of the services sought to be provided;

(c)  Has the capacity to manage the financial resources involved; or

(d)  Has the ability to meet the requirements of the law and the unique needs of the individual case.

(3)  The court shall also:

(a)  Consider the wishes expressed by an incapacitated person as to who shall be appointed guardian;

(b)  Consider the preference of a minor who is age 14 or over as to who should be appointed guardian;

(c)  Consider any person designated as guardian in any will in which the ward is a beneficiary.

(4)  If the person designated is qualified to serve pursuant to s. 744.309, the court shall appoint any standby guardian or preneed guardian, unless the court determines that appointing such person is contrary to the best interests of the ward.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-106; s. 12, ch. 75-222; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 5, ch. 79-221; s. 27, ch. 89-96; s. 15, ch. 90-271.