Parent Relocation in Florida — What Belongs in Mediation
A parent’s plan to move with a child isn’t an ordinary schedule change. Florida treats it as its own process, with rules that apply before the move happens. Knowing the outline helps both parents have a realistic conversation — and helps them avoid a move that creates a bigger problem than it solves.
What Counts as “Relocation”
Under Florida law, relocation generally means a change in a parent’s principal residence of at least 50 miles from where they lived when the last time-sharing order was entered, for at least 60 consecutive days. Temporary absences for vacation, education, or health care generally don’t count. Whether a particular move meets the definition is a question for counsel.
Two Paths: Agreement or Court Permission
If both parents agree, the agreement must be in writing and signed by both, and it must address the new time-sharing schedule and any transportation arrangements. It is then submitted to the court for approval. This is where mediation fits most naturally.
If the parents don’t agree, the parent who wants to move generally has to file a petition asking the court for permission, and serve it on the other parent. The petition has to include specific information about the proposed move and a proposed new schedule.
The 20-Day Objection Window
A parent who is served with a relocation petition has a short window — 20 days — to file a written objection with specific facts. If no proper objection is filed, the law presumes the move is in the child’s best interest and the court may approve it without a hearing. That deadline is one of the most important reasons to talk to an attorney promptly after being served.
No Presumption For or Against
When a relocation is contested, Florida has no presumption for or against the move. The court weighs a list of factors about the child, both parents, and the reasons for and against the move, and decides based on the child’s best interest.
Moving Without Following the Process
Relocating a child without a written agreement or court permission can have serious consequences — it can be held against the relocating parent in later decisions about time-sharing, and can lead to contempt proceedings. Consent has to be real, written consent; a conversation isn’t enough.
What Mediation Can Do
Mediation can’t authorize a move. What it can do — when both parents are willing to talk — is help them build a workable plan for the new distance:
- A long-distance time-sharing schedule built around the school calendar
- Who travels, who pays, and how exchanges work
- Holidays and summers, which often shift to the parent who lives farther away
- How the child stays in regular contact with the parent who isn’t moving
If the parents reach terms, they’re written down for review by each parent’s attorney, who handles the written agreement and its submission to the court.
What to Bring
- The proposed city and approximate move date
- The current parenting plan or order
- A realistic estimate of travel costs and time between the two homes
- School calendars for both locations, if known
This article is general information, not legal advice. Sun State Mediator does not prepare relocation agreements, petitions, or objections, and does not advise on whether a move meets the legal definition or should be approved. If you’ve been served with a relocation petition, contact an attorney promptly.
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