ORFINGER, R. B., J.
Hugh Treloar appeals an order appointing Louise B. Smith as plenary guardian of the person and property of Mary Frances Smart, his mother. He alleges that the trial court erred in denying his petition for appointment as his mother's guardian and granting the competing petition of Mrs. Smith, a professional guardian. Having reviewed the record carefully, we find no abuse of discretion by the trial court in its application of section 744.312, Florida Statutes (2000).
Section 744.312 provides:
"While the next of kin are given first consideration by section 744.312(2)(a), the statute does not mandatorily require that such an appointment be made. To the contrary, the statute specifically provides that `(t) he court may appoint any person who is qualified . . . whether related to the ward or not.'" In re Guardianship of Quindt, 396 So.2d 1217, 1218 (Fla. 3d DCA 1981). The record before us contains competent evidence to support the trial court's decision to appoint a non-relative as Mrs. Smart's guardian.
On appeal, we will not reverse the trial court's ruling unless an abuse of discretion is clearly demonstrated. Ahlman v. Wolf, 413 So.2d 787 (Fla. 3d DCA 1982). The court's ruling on discretionary matters will be sustained unless no reasonable person would take the view adopted by the court. Quince v. State, 732 So.2d 1059, 1062 (Fla. 1999). We also find no merit in the remaining points on appeal.
AFFIRMED.
SHARP, W. and PLEUS, JJ., concur.