This bill amends several sections of Florida law related to family law, specifically focusing on the availability of judges for time-sharing and parental responsibility matters. 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 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. The court is also required to issue orders on these matters within specified timeframes.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for establishing parenting plans in paternity cases. It requires the court to issue a parenting plan upon motion by a party, rather than merely authorizing the court to make such determinations. The bill removes previous provisions that presumed the obligee parent or mother would automatically receive all time-sharing and sole parental responsibility under certain circumstances. These changes aim to streamline the judicial process for family law cases and ensure timely resolutions for parents and children involved in custody disputes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1128 Filed: 26.20