
FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING
Marriage & Family Matters:
A STRATEGIC STATE POLICY AGENDA
February 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Senate Portico | Florida Senate Building, Ground Level
This special legislative briefing brings together Florida legislators, staff, and thought leaders to explore innovative policies that strengthen families, foster healthy relationships,
and empower communities.

J.P. DeGance
JP is the co-author with Dr. John van Epp, of the book, Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America and the founder and president of Communio
Why Attend?
The rise in single-parent households and the decline in marriage rates have had significant consequences for children, families, and society as a whole. Research consistently shows that strong marriages and stable families contribute to economic prosperity, healthier communities, and better outcomes for children.
Florida has an opportunity to lead the way in advancing a family-first policy agenda. By strengthening marriages, reducing hostile divorces, and supporting parents who raise children together, we can create a stronger foundation for future generations.
Join America’s Leading Family Scholars
Come hear from some of the nation’s top marriage and family experts as they present bold, common-sense policy recommendations for the State of Florida.
Featured Experts
Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Wilson, Executive Director of the Florida Center for Prevention Research at Florida State University
Dr. Brad Wilcox, University of Virginia & Institute for Family Studies, author of Get Married:
“Getting married and forging a strong family is the best way to build a prosperous, meaningful, and happy life. Nothing less than the future of our civilization depends on more Americans succeeding in this most fundamental social institution.”
Ian Rowe, AEI Family Scholar and author of Agency:
“The poverty rate for Black married couples has remained in the single digits for nearly 30 consecutive years. Boys and girls of all races benefit from engaged, married fathers in the home and the neighborhood. Marriage is the social institution, however imperfect, that imposes a moral obligation—and privilege—on a father that no other institution can replicate to be a strong role model for their children.”
Why Family-First Policies Matter for Florida
To further strengthen its families, Florida should aim to advance policies that:
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Reinforce the educational, economic, and cultural foundations of marriage.
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Enable parents to invest more time and resources into their families.
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Honor the role of parents as the primary educators of their children.
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Reduce financial and regulatory burdens that make marriage and family life more difficult.
The goal is not to delegate more family responsibilities to the state, but rather to empower families to take the lead in shaping their own futures.
Be Part of the Change
By working together to develop policies that strengthen families, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Florida. Join us in this critical conversation and help shape a future where families—and our society—can truly flourish.
What You’ll Learn
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The economic and social benefits of strong marriages and families.
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Policies that can support healthy relationships, reduce divorce, and increase marriage rates.
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The role of engaged fathers and strong families in breaking cycles of poverty.
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How Florida can lead the way with a bold, family-friendly policy agenda.
Who Should Attend?
This briefing is essential for policymakers, educators, community leaders, and anyone passionate about strengthening families and improving the lives of children across Florida. Whether you are a concerned citizen or a decision-maker, this event will provide practical solutions and fresh perspectives on one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Join us as we discuss how strengthening families can transform Florida’s future—economically, socially, and morally. Together, let’s work towards a stronger, more united society.
