Florida · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

Child custody and support in Florida

For divorcing parents in Florida: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator and the child support agency.

The short answer

Florida law uses the term “parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan)” for custody. Parenting class: 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. Florida publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan)
Parenting class
Required
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
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

  • 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).

Child support in Florida

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

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Florida's term for custody: parental responsibility and time-sharing (parenting plan).

  2. Parenting class

    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.

  3. Child support

    The official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines

  4. The child support agency

    Florida's child support agency: Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program

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).

Is there an official child support calculator for Florida?

Yes. Florida's official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines

Which agency handles child support in Florida?

Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program.

More about divorce in Florida

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.