Child custody and support in Florida
For divorcing parents in Florida: the legal term for custody, the parenting class and the child support agency.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
The short answer
Florida law uses the term “parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan)” for custody. Parenting class: In a divorce with minor children, both parents must complete a DCF-approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course (at least 4 hours) and file proof before the final judgment.
- Custody term
- Parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan)
- Parenting class
- Required
- Child support agency
- Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program
Custody terms in Florida
Parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan)
Parenting class in Florida
- In a divorce with minor children, both parents must complete a DCF-approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course (at least 4 hours) and file proof before the final judgment.
- The person who files should finish it within 45 days after filing, and the other spouse within 45 days after being served, unless the court excuses it (Fla. Stat. 61.21).
Child support in Florida
Child support follows Florida's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.
Good to know
Parents must finish a 4-hour parenting course before the judge can sign the final judgment (Fla. Stat. 61.21).
Children in a Florida divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use Florida's term for custody: parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan).
Parenting class
Take the parenting class described above if Florida requires it in your case.
The child support agency
For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.
Questions about custody and child support in Florida
What is child custody called in Florida?
Florida uses the term “parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan)”.
Do parents have to take a class in a Florida divorce?
Yes. In a divorce with minor children, both parents must complete a DCF-approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course (at least 4 hours) and file proof before the final judgment. The person who files should finish it within 45 days after filing, and the other spouse within 45 days after being served, unless the court excuses it (Fla. Stat. 61.21).
Which agency handles child support in Florida?
More about divorce in Florida
- All Florida divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Florida
- Florida divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in Florida
- Serving divorce papers in Florida
- Divorce timeline estimator for Florida
- Divorce checklist for Florida
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
Sources
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.