Florida Parenting Plans
A practical, child‑centered guide for parents navigating two homes

What a Parenting Plan Is

A Parenting Plan is a written agreement required in Florida whenever parents share minor children. It outlines how parents will share responsibilities, make decisions, and care for their children across two households.

Why Parenting Plans Matter

Clear plans reduce conflict, support predictable routines, and help children feel secure. They give parents clarity about expectations and help prevent misunderstandings.

Florida Requirements

Under Fla. Stat. §61.13 and Form 12.995(a), Parenting Plans must include daily responsibilities, time‑sharing schedules, decision‑making authority, and communication methods.or click Edit Text, it's easy.

How Mediation Helps

Mediation provides a neutral space for parents to explore options, communicate effectively, and design a Parenting Plan tailored to their children’s needs.

Main Elements

Select the tab for each element to learn more.

Explains how parents will share the day-to-day responsibilities of raising their children and promote consistency between both households.

Parent helping child prepare for school during a co-parenting transition

One of the most recognizable parts of a Parenting Plan is the regular weekly time-sharing schedule which outlines when the children will be with each parent during a typical week, while separate provisions address holidays, school breaks, and other special occasions.

There is no single "standard" Florida schedule. Every family's circumstances are different, and the schedule should reflect what is practical while supporting the children's best interests. When developing a schedule, parents consider:

Children's ages and developmental needs
School and daycare schedules
Parents' work schedules
Distance between homes
Extracurricular activities
Transportation and exchange logistics
Any special medical or educational needs

The goal is to create a schedule that is clear, realistic, and provides consistency for the children while giving both parents a predictable framework to follow.

Parents supporting their child while navigating a Florida parenting plan

Holidays and School Breaks

Holiday schedules often create more disagreements than regular weekly schedules because traditions and expectations can run deep.

Some families alternate holidays each year. Others split holiday time or celebrate on different dates. The goal is to minimize uncertainty and allow children meaningful time with both sides of their family. It’s also helpful to establish deadlines for requesting vacation time and procedures for resolving scheduling conflicts before they occur.

A Parenting Plan doesn't just determine where children spend their time—it also explains how parents will make important decisions affecting their children's lives. These decisions typically involve:

Education

School selection
Tutoring and academic support
Parent-teacher conferences
Special education services

Healthcare

Medical and dental care
Counseling or therapy
Non-emergency healthcare decisions
Emergency medical treatment

Extracurricular Activities

Sports and recreational activities
Music lessons and clubs
Camps and enrichment programs
Responsibility for activity-related expenses

Religious Upbringing

If applicable, parents may include agreements regarding religious education or participation.

Florida generally encourages shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents remain involved in making major decisions for their children unless the court orders otherwise. Clearly identifying how these decisions will be made helps establish expectations, reduce misunderstandings, and support effective co-parenting.

Parents participating in school decisions and parent-teacher communication

Communication Between Co-Parents

Even the best Parenting Plan cannot anticipate every situation. That's why establishing clear communication expectations is an important part of successful co-parenting.

Parents may decide:

How they will communicate with one another
Which communication methods they will use
How they will notify each other about schedule changes
How emergencies will be handled
How the children will communicate with the parent they are not currently with

Communication may take place through text messages, email, phone calls, or co-parenting apps, depending on what works best for the family.

Establishing clear communication guidelines helps reduce misunderstandings, minimize conflict, and keep both parents informed about their children's needs.

Communication with Children

Parenting Plans may also address how children will communicate with the parent they are not currently staying with. Establishing reasonable expectations for phone calls, video chats, or other forms of communication helps children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents while respecting each household's routines.

Co-parents discussing school schedules, activities and responsibilities

Other Considerations

Every family is unique, and some choose to include additional guidelines that reflect their specific circumstances. While these topics are not required in every Parenting Plan, discussing them in advance can help reduce misunderstandings and create clearer expectations.