Long Distance Parenting Plan Florida – Florida parents facing relocation know that distance changes everything about co-parenting. Whether you’re moving within the state or across the country, a long distance parenting plan Florida ensures your child maintains strong relationships with both parents while complying with state law. This guide explains everything you need to know using official Florida Supreme Court forms and current statutes.
What Is a Long Distance Parenting Plan in Florida?
A long distance parenting plan in Florida is a specialized court-approved document that outlines how divorced, separated, or never-married parents will share responsibilities and time with their children when one parent relocates more than 50 miles away.
Florida law requires a Parenting Plan in every case involving minor children and time-sharing (Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995 series). When relocation triggers the 50-mile rule, parents must use the specific Relocation/Long Distance Parenting Plan (Form 12.995(c)) instead of the standard forms.
The plan prioritizes the child’s best interests and covers daily tasks, time-sharing, communication, transportation, education, health care, and more. Courts approve it only if it meets statutory requirements under Florida Statute § 61.13 and § 61.13001.
Florida’s 50-Mile Relocation Rule Explained
Florida Statute § 61.13001 defines relocation as a change in the principal residence of a parent (or other person entitled to time-sharing) that is:
- At least 50 miles from the prior residence (measured at the time of the last order or filing of the current action), and
- For at least 60 consecutive days (excluding temporary absences for vacation, education, or health care).
This rule applies whether the move is within Florida or to another state. It does not apply if the move happened before a paternity or custody petition was filed, in which case the court treats it as an initial time-sharing determination under § 61.13.
When Do You Need a Long Distance Parenting Plan?
You need a long distance parenting plan Florida any time:
- One parent plans to relocate 50+ miles for 60+ days.
- An existing parenting plan must be modified due to distance.
- Parents cannot agree on new time-sharing and transportation arrangements.
Parents can create the plan by mutual written agreement (then submit for court ratification) or through court petition if they disagree.
Key Elements Every Long Distance Parenting Plan Must Include
According to the official Form 12.995(c), a valid long distance parenting plan must describe in adequate detail:
- How parents will share daily tasks and parental responsibilities.
- A specific time-sharing schedule (including weekends, weekdays, holidays, school breaks, and summer).
- Health care, school matters, extracurricular activities, and child care responsibilities.
- Methods and technologies for parent-child communication (phone, video calls, etc.).
- All transportation arrangements, costs, and logistics.
The plan must also address information sharing (school and medical records), dispute resolution, and compliance with relocation rules. Overnights must total exactly 365 per year.
Common Time-Sharing Schedules for Long-Distance Parents in Florida
Florida courts favor schedules that maximize meaningful contact despite distance. Popular options include:
- One extended weekend per month plus school breaks and summer (common for 1–3 hour drives).
- Alternating major holidays and full summer or half-summer blocks.
- School-year visits during fall/spring breaks combined with longer holiday and summer periods.
- Custom schedules for very long distances (e.g., flights), often including virtual visitation between in-person visits.
The schedule must be realistic for the child’s age, school calendar, and travel time. Courts pay close attention to geographic viability and the child’s need for stability.
Communication and Virtual Visitation Requirements
Distance makes regular communication essential. Your plan must specify:
- Frequency and methods of parent-child contact (daily video calls, phone calls, messaging apps).
- Whether communication is unmonitored.
- Emergency contact protocols.
Modern plans often include provisions for video calls, shared online calendars, and apps designed for co-parenting. Consistent virtual contact helps maintain the parent-child bond between in-person visits.
Transportation, Costs, and Logistics in Florida Plans
Transportation is one of the most contested issues. The plan must detail:
- Who handles pick-up/drop-off (home, airport, midpoint location).
- Responsibility for booking flights or ground transport.
- Age guidelines for unaccompanied or escorted travel.
- How costs will be divided (percentages, child support adjustment, or reimbursement).
Courts may adjust child support to account for increased travel expenses. Parents must provide advance itineraries and notify each other of changes.
Step-by-Step: How to Create or Modify a Long Distance Parenting Plan?
- Reach an agreement — Both parents sign a written consent that includes the new schedule and transportation details.
- File the plan — Submit Form 12.995(c) along with your petition or modification.
- If no agreement — The relocating parent files a Petition to Relocate. The other parent has 20 days to object in writing. No objection = presumed consent (subject to best-interests review).
- Court review — If contested, the court holds a hearing and considers 11+ statutory factors (child’s relationships, impact on development, good faith of the move, etc.).
- Finalize — Both parents (and any other entitled person) sign and notarize the plan. The court approves it by order.
Court Factors in Approving Relocation and Plans
The relocating parent must prove by a preponderance of evidence that the move is in the child’s best interest. Courts evaluate:
- Quality of each parent’s relationship with the child.
- Feasibility of maintaining contact through the proposed schedule.
- Impact on the child’s emotional, educational, and physical well-being.
- Reasons for and against the move.
- History of domestic violence or substance issues (if any).
There is no presumption for or against relocation.
Tips for Successful Long Distance Co-Parenting in Florida
- Put the child first and keep communication respectful and child-focused.
- Use co-parenting apps for shared calendars and expense tracking.
- Plan visits around the school calendar to minimize disruption.
- Document everything (travel confirmations, missed visits, extra costs).
- Be flexible—life changes, and plans can be modified later.
When to Hire a Florida Family Law Attorney?
Complex long distance cases almost always benefit from experienced legal help. An attorney can:
- Draft a bulletproof plan that meets court standards.
- Negotiate fair transportation cost sharing.
- Represent you at relocation hearings.
- Handle modifications if circumstances change.
Self-represented parents can use official forms, but professional guidance often prevents costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Distance Parenting Plans in Florida
Can I move without the other parent’s consent?
Only with court approval after filing a Petition to Relocate.
Does the 50-mile rule apply to moves out of state?
Yes—distance is measured from the prior residence regardless of state lines.
How often can we modify the plan?
Substantial changes require a supplemental petition; informal temporary adjustments are often allowed.
Do virtual visits count toward time-sharing?
No—overnight calculations are for physical time, but virtual contact is required in the communication section.
Where can I download the official form?
Florida Supreme Court Form 12.995(c) is available free at flcourts.gov.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted long distance parenting plan Florida protects your parental rights and—most importantly—your child’s relationship with both parents. By following official forms and Florida Statute § 61.13001, parents can create stable, practical arrangements that work across miles.
If you’re facing relocation or need to update an existing plan, review the latest Florida Supreme Court forms and consider consulting a qualified family law attorney in your circuit. The right plan today means fewer conflicts tomorrow.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws can change; always verify with current official sources and consult a licensed Florida attorney for your specific situation.