The bill amends several sections of Florida law related to family law, specifically focusing on the availability of judges and the prioritization of time-sharing matters in court. It mandates that at least one judge in each judicial circuit be available on weekends, holidays, and after hours to hear motions related to enforcing time-sharing orders and agreements. The chief judge is required to assign a circuit judge for these purposes. Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection in section 61.13 that prioritizes certain time-sharing matters on the court's calendar, including evidentiary hearings for temporary parental responsibility and motions to enforce compliance with existing time-sharing orders.

Furthermore, the bill modifies section 742.031 by changing the court's authority regarding parenting plans. It requires the court to issue an appropriate parenting plan upon motion by a party, rather than merely authorizing the court to make such a determination. The bill also removes provisions that previously presumed the obligee parent or the mother to have sole parental responsibility under certain circumstances. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 971 Filed: 26.20