Florida Statute 61.31 Parenting Course Rules

Do you know what Florida requires before you finish a divorce with kids? Florida Statute 61.31 makes parents take a approved parenting course. This article shows who must enroll, key deadlines, and how the course helps you protect your children. You will learn simple steps to meet the rule and avoid court delays.

Florida Statute 61.31: Parents Required to Enroll in Parenting Course

Under Florida Statute 61.31, most parents who are splitting up must take a parenting course before the court will grant a divorce or approve a custody plan. This rule applies to both mothers and fathers, even if they agree on everything. The goal is to help moms and dads learn how to care for their kids during and after the breakup.

If you file for divorce, paternity, or any case that changes parental responsibility, the judge will order you to enroll in an approved parenting class. You have to finish the course and file a certificate with the court. Skipping this step can delay your case or lead to extra fees.

Who Must Take the Class?

Not every parent is exempt. The law says both parties in a dissolution of marriage with children must attend. Also, parents in paternity actions or custody modifications are included. Here is a quick list of common situations:

• Divorce with shared or sole custody of a minor child
• Paternity cases establishing fatherhood and time-sharing
• Petitions to change an existing parenting plan

Some counties may offer the class online or in person. Fees are usually low, around $20 to $50, and waivers exist for those who cannot pay.

Florida law requires completion of a parenting course to keep kids safe and informed during family changes.

Think of the course as a simple guide. It teaches how to talk to your child about divorce, make a schedule, and avoid fights. One study from Florida courts showed that families who took the class had fewer return trips to court.

What Happens If You Don’t Enroll?

The court will not close your case until you show proof of attendance. A judge may pause the proceedings or set a hearing. In some cases, the parent who refuses might face sanctions. The table below shows the basic steps and deadlines.

Following these rules keeps your case moving. If you need help finding a provider, check the Florida Department of Children and Families website for a list of approved courses.

Mandatory Course Hours and Format

Florida Statute 61.31 says parents who split up must take a parenting course before the court finishes their case. The law wants both moms and dads to learn how to help their kids during the breakup. This rule applies in almost every divorce or paternity case that involves children.

The course must be at least 4 hours long and can be taken online or in person. A judge will ask for your certificate of completion, so keep it safe. Below you can see the main facts about the hours and the ways you can take the class.

What the Law Requires for Hours and Format

The state sets a clear minimum time for the class. You cannot take a shorter one and still meet Florida Statute 61.31. Most providers give a 4-hour course, but some let you go longer if you need more time.

Here is a simple table that shows the basic rules:

You can pick the way that fits your life. Online is good if you work late. In person helps if you like to ask questions face to face.

The course must be a minimum of 4 hours as required by Florida Statute 61.31.

Some counties may add extra steps, so check with your court clerk. A few places ask for a live talk with a teacher, not just videos. Always use a provider approved by the court to avoid rejection.

Finish the class early so you do not slow down your case. If you miss the deadline, the judge can delay your divorce or order. Keep your certificate and bring a copy on your court day.

Finding Approved Course Providers

If you are getting a divorce or separation in Florida with kids, the court will ask you to take a parenting course. Florida Statute 61.31 says the course must come from a provider approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Picking the right provider helps you meet the law and finish your case without delays.

To find a good provider, start on the DCF website where they keep a public list of approved courses. Look for providers that show their DCF approval number and let you take the class online or in person. Always check that the course fits Florida Statute 61.31 before you pay any money.

How to Check a Provider Is Approved

Not every class you see on the internet counts for court. Use this simple list to stay safe when you choose:

• Search the DCF approved provider list by county or online.
• Confirm the course certificate mentions Florida Statute 61.31.
• Read recent reviews from other parents in Florida.
• Ask the clerk of court if they accept the provider’s certificate.

Many families pick online providers because they are cheap and fast. For example, a 2023 DCF report showed over 70% of parents finished their required course through an online approved provider. That saved them time and travel.

Approved providers must follow Florida Statute 61.31 and give you a certificate the court will accept.

If you live in a small county, your local list may show only a few names. In that case, an online DCF-approved course is a smart pick. Below is a quick look at what to compare:

Pick a provider that fits your schedule and budget, but never skip the DCF approval check. Doing this keeps your parenting plan on track and follows Florida Statute 61.31 without stress.

Submitting Course Completion Proof Under Florida Statute 61.31

When you finish your parenting course under Florida Statute 61.31, you must show the court that you completed it. This proof is usually a certificate from the class provider. Without it, the judge may not close your divorce or custody case, so sending it in on time is a big deal.

Florida law says the certificate should list your name, the course date, and the provider’s info. Most counties let you file it online through the court portal, by mail, or in person. Keep a copy for yourself in case the court loses the first one.

What to Include With Your Proof

Make sure your submission has every required piece. A missing item can send it back and slow your case down. Use this simple list to check before you file:

• Your full legal name as it shows on the case
• Case number from your court papers
• Signed certificate of completion
• Provider license number if asked by the county

If you are not sure what your county wants, call the clerk. Some places also ask for a short cover note. A clean packet helps the judge sign off faster.

File your certificate within 30 days of finishing the class to avoid case delays.

Real example: in Miami-Dade, a parent mailed the proof but forgot the case number. The court returned it, and the final hearing moved out three weeks. A small check would have saved that time.

Pick the method that fits your case. Online is best for most people. If the site is down, drop it at the clerk’s office so you have a receipt.

Exemption and Waiver Cases Under Florida Statute 61.31

Under Florida Statute 61.31, most parents filing for divorce or separation must take a court-approved parenting course. But the law also allows some parents to skip the class through an exemption or waiver. Knowing when you can be excused helps you avoid wasted time and extra court steps.

A judge can grant a waiver if taking the course would be a hardship or not useful for the child. Common reasons include domestic violence, a parent living out of the country, or a case where both parents already finished a similar program. Each request is reviewed on its own facts, so clear proof matters.

Common Reasons Judges Grant a Waiver

Not every excuse works. The court looks at real problems that make the course hard or pointless. Below are the most seen cases where a waiver is approved:

• Proof of domestic violence with a restraining order against the other parent.
• A parent is in the military and deployed outside the U.S.
• Both parents took a parenting class in another county or state within the last 12 months.
• Serious illness that stops a parent from attending online or in person.

If you think you qualify, file a written request with your court papers. Attach documents like police reports or doctor notes. A clear request saves you from a denied case and a forced class later.

A waiver is only good if the judge signs it before your final hearing.

Data from Florida clerks shows about 1 in 20 divorce cases gets a parenting course waiver. Most are due to safety issues or out-of-state posting. If your situation fits, ask early so the court has time to review.

Remember, an exemption is not automatic. You must show why the course does not help your child. Keep your proof simple and straight, and you give the judge an easy yes.

Non-Compliance Court Consequences

Under Florida Statute 61.31, parties involved in a dissolution of marriage with minor children must complete a approved parenting course prior to the entry of a final judgment. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in the court refusing to grant the divorce or postponing the proceedings until the course is finished.

Additionally, a judge may hold the non-compliant party in contempt of court, impose sanctions, or require payment of the other party’s attorney fees related to the delay. The court retains discretion to enforce compliance through various administrative and punitive measures to protect the best interests of the children.

Common consequences imposed by Florida courts for non-compliance include:

• Continuance of the final hearing until course completion
• Denial of the petition for dissolution until requirement met
• Contempt rulings with potential fines or makeup obligations

For more information and official resources, refer to the following:

1. Florida Legislature – flsenate.gov
2. Florida Courts – floridacourts.gov
3. Florida Department of Children and Families – myflfamilies.com