Understanding Florida’s Parenting Plan Requirements

What a Parenting Plan Is and Why It Matters

A parenting plan is a legally required document in every Florida divorce or paternity case involving minor children. Its purpose is to outline how parents will share time, responsibilities, and decision-making after separation. Rather than relying on informal arrangements, Florida law requires a detailed plan that reduces conflict and provides clarity for both parents and children. Judges cannot finalize a case involving children until a complete parenting plan is approved.

Core Elements Every Parenting Plan Must Include

Parenting plans must address several specific components outlined in Florida Statute § 61.13. These elements ensure that both parents understand their roles and that the children receive consistent care and communication. Every plan must clearly describe how parents will handle major responsibilities, how they will exchange the child, and how they will communicate regarding the child’s needs.

Parental Responsibility and Decision-Making

The first major component is parental responsibility, which refers to who makes important decisions about the child’s life. Florida generally favors shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents collaborate on decisions related to health care, education, discipline, religion, and extracurricular activities. Sole parental responsibility may be ordered only when shared decision-making would jeopardize the child’s well-being.

Timesharing Schedules

Timesharing replaces traditional “custody” and “visitation” terms. A parenting plan must outline when the child spends time with each parent, including overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation. Schedules may be equal or weighted more heavily toward one parent depending on what best supports the child’s stability, age, schooling, and emotional needs.

Exchange Logistics

The parenting plan must also specify how exchanges occur. This includes:

Pickup and drop-off locations

Days and times for transitions

Which parent is responsible for transportation

Procedures for delays or emergencies

Clear exchange instructions help prevent misunderstandings and reduce conflict at changeovers.

Communication Requirements

Parenting plans must outline how both parents will communicate with the child and with each other. Florida courts emphasize the importance of keeping communication respectful and focused on the child’s needs. Plans often include:

Acceptable communication methods (text, email, co-parenting apps)

Guidelines for virtual contact between parent and child

Requirements for sharing school or medical information

Expectations for timely responses

Setting communication guidelines helps create consistency and reduces tension between parents.

School, Medical, and Extracurricular Information

A full parenting plan must describe how parents will share access to school records, medical records, and information from therapists or specialists. It must also clarify responsibilities related to:

Scheduling appointments

Participating in parent-teacher meetings

Approving extracurricular or athletic activities

Handling educational decisions if disagreements arise

These details help avoid confusion and ensure that both parents remain fully engaged in their child’s upbringing.

Relocation Provisions

Florida’s relocation laws require additional steps if a parent wishes to move 50 miles or more from their current residence. Parenting plans often include relocation language or outline how notice and consent should be handled. If parents cannot agree, a formal petition may be required, and the court will determine whether relocation serves the child’s best interests.

Travel, Expenses, and Special Considerations

Parenting plans may include guidance on travel arrangements, including in-state and out-of-state trips, passport access, and notification requirements. Parents may also outline how costs such as school supplies, extracurricular fees, or uninsured medical expenses should be divided. Special considerations—such as medical conditions, therapy needs, or unique family traditions—can also be incorporated.

Modifying a Parenting Plan

Parenting plans are legally binding but can be modified if there is a substantial, unanticipated, and lasting change in circumstances. Examples include a significant change in work schedules, relocation, health issues, or the evolving needs of a child. Parents may agree on modifications privately and submit them for court approval, or they may request judicial intervention if they cannot agree.

Why Parenting Plans Are Essential

A well-structured parenting plan gives children stability and reduces conflict between parents. By clarifying responsibilities and expectations, it helps families adjust to new routines and minimizes uncertainty during a challenging transition. Understanding Florida’s requirements allows parents to create plans that support their children’s needs while meeting legal standards.