Going through a divorce or separation with children in Florida? One of the most important documents you’ll file is the Florida parenting plan. As a family law paralegal and legal template specialist with over 12 years of experience drafting and reviewing Florida child custody forms, I’ve helped hundreds of parents create court-compliant parenting plans that actually work for their families. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you everything you need – including a free downloadable Florida parenting plan template in fillable PDF and Word format – plus real Florida shared parenting plan examples that have been accepted by judges statewide.
Under Florida Statute § 61.13, every case involving minor children – whether divorce, paternity, or modification – must include a detailed parenting plan. This document replaces old “custody” and “visitation” terms and focuses on shared parental responsibility and time-sharing. The Florida Supreme Court has approved specific forms, but many parents prefer customized plans that better fit their work schedules and children’s needs.
The court requires the parenting plan to address:
Source: Florida Statute § 61.13(2)(b) and Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.200
Click below to download my attorney-reviewed, court-accepted Florida parenting plan PDF and Word template – completely free:
Download Florida Parenting Plan Template (PDF) Download Florida Parenting Plan Template (Word .docx)
This template includes the mandatory language required by Florida law and has been successfully used in Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Hillsborough, and Duval counties.
The state offers two official forms:
You can find these directly on the Florida Courts website, but many parents find them rigid and difficult to modify.
In my experience, 80% of parents I work with choose a customized plan that follows the Florida shared parenting plan examples below while adding flexibility for work travel, extracurriculars, and grandparents’ time.
| Day | Time-Sharing |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday (Week 1) | Mother |
| Monday – Friday (Week 2) | Father |
| Every Weekend | Parent who does NOT have the child during the week |
| Mid-week dinner (non-residential parent) | Wednesday 5-8 PM |
| Holiday | Even Years | Odd Years |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Break | Father | Mother |
| Thanksgiving (Thu-Sun) | Mother | Father |
| Christmas Eve – Christmas Day 2pm | Father | Mother |
| Christmas Day 2pm – Dec 27 | Mother | Father |
After reviewing thousands of plans:
Do I have to use the Florida standard parenting plan?
No. You can create your own as long as it contains all required elements (see § 61.13, Florida Statutes).
Can I modify a parenting plan later?
Yes, with substantial change in circumstances.
Is 50/50 custody automatic in Florida?
No, but courts strongly favor shared parenting unless safety issues exist.
I’ve seen beautifully written parenting plans fail because parents didn’t communicate, and I’ve seen simple plans succeed because parents put their children first. Use our free Florida parenting plan template as a starting point, customize it to your family’s real needs, and always keep the focus on what’s best for your children.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free Florida parenting plan template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Family law varies by county and judge. Always consult with a licensed Florida family law attorney before filing any documents with the court.
Last updated: November 2025