According to Florida Statute, an individual may also appoint a backup or alternate surrogate to act in case your primary designation is unwilling or unable to do so. The designation of a surrogate and alternate surrogate can be revoked and modified at any time while you are living and have the capacity to make your own decisions.

The designation of a health care surrogate will become effective upon the examination and determination by an individual’s attending physician that a person is incapacitated and unable to make their own health care decisions. This determination must be conferred by another physician before becoming effective. The surrogate will be valid until or if the principal should regain capacity.

Finally, unless designated otherwise, a health care surrogate cannot provide consent for abortion, sterilization, electroshock therapy, psychosurgery, experimental treatments, or a voluntary admission to a mental health facility.