Understanding Florida Parenting Plans: What Parents Need to Know

In Florida, all parents going through divorce or separation with minor children must have a court-approved parenting plan. Whether you create the plan through mediation, agreement, or court order, understanding what goes into a parenting plan helps you advocate for your children’s needs.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a written document that describes how parents will share time with their children and make decisions about their upbringing. Florida law requires parenting plans to address specific topics and to prioritize the best interests of the child.

Time-Sharing

Time-sharing refers to the schedule of when each parent has the children. Florida does not use the term “custody”—instead, the law focuses on time-sharing and parental responsibility.

Creating a Time-Sharing Schedule

Your parenting plan must include:

• Regular schedule: Day-to-day and week-to-week time with each parent
• Holiday schedule: How holidays are divided (alternating years, splitting holidays, etc.)
• Summer schedule: Plans for school breaks and vacations
• Transportation: Who picks up and drops off the children, and where exchanges occur

What Makes a Good Schedule?

A good time-sharing schedule:

• Fits both parents’ work schedules
• Minimizes disruption to the children’s routines
• Considers the children’s ages and needs
• Is clear and specific (avoids phrases like “reasonable time” or “as agreed”)
• Includes a plan for making changes when needed

Parental Responsibility

Parental responsibility refers to decision-making authority for major issues affecting the children’s welfare, including:

• Education
• Healthcare (non-emergency)
• Religious upbringing
• Extracurricular activities

Shared Parental Responsibility

Most Florida parenting plans include shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents make major decisions together. This doesn’t necessarily mean equal time-sharing—it means both parents have a say in important decisions.

Sole Parental Responsibility

In rare cases, one parent may be granted sole parental responsibility. This requires evidence that shared responsibility would be detrimental to the child, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or a history of child neglect.

Communication

Your parenting plan should address how parents will communicate about the children:

• Method: Phone, text, email, co-parenting app
• Frequency: Daily, weekly, as needed
• Children’s contact with the other parent: Phone calls, video chats, etc.

Many parents find that using a co-parenting app (like Our Family Wizard or Talking Parents) reduces conflict and keeps communication focused on the children.

Other Important Provisions

Healthcare

• Who has the children on health insurance?
• How are medical expenses divided?
• Who takes children to appointments?
• How are emergency medical decisions handled?

Extracurricular Activities

• Who decides which activities children participate in?
• How are costs divided?
• Does participation affect time-sharing?

School

• Where do the children attend school?
• How are school events handled (both parents attend? Take turns?)?
• Who communicates with teachers?

Relocation

Florida law requires that parenting plans address what happens if one parent wants to move more than 50 miles away. This is a complex area—consult an attorney if relocation is a possibility.

Modifying a Parenting Plan

Parenting plans can be modified if there’s a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons for modification include:

• Changes in work schedules
• Relocation of a parent
• Children’s changing needs as they grow
• Safety concerns

Modifications require either mutual agreement or a court order. Mediation is often the first step in negotiating modifications.

Best Interests of the Child

Florida law requires courts to consider the best interests of the child when approving parenting plans. Factors include:

• Each parent’s ability to encourage a relationship with the other parent
• The child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other family members
• Each parent’s willingness and ability to maintain a routine
• The geographic distance between parents’ homes
• The child’s school and community involvement
• Each parent’s mental and physical health
• Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or child abuse

Creating Your Parenting Plan Through Mediation

Mediation allows parents to create a parenting plan that fits their family’s unique needs. Unlike a court-imposed plan, a mediated plan reflects what you and the other parent believe is best for your children.

In mediation, you can:

• Design a time-sharing schedule that works for your family
• Address specific concerns (bedtime routines, screen time, discipline, etc.)
• Create a communication plan that reduces conflict
• Build in flexibility for special circumstances

Tips for Parents

• Put your children first: Set aside personal grievances and focus on what’s best for the kids
• Be specific: Vague plans lead to disputes; clear plans reduce conflict
• Build in flexibility: Life changes; plans should allow for reasonable adjustments
• Communicate respectfully: Your relationship with your co-parent affects your children
• Follow the plan: Consistency and predictability help children adjust

Need Help Creating a Parenting Plan?

If you’re working on a parenting plan, mediation can help you and the other parent reach an agreement that works for your family.

Related Articles:

• Preparing for Family Mediation
• Zoom Mediation: What to Expect