The Florida Parent Education Course is a required 4-hour online class for divorcing or separating parents with minor children in Florida, approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Both parents must complete the course separately to meet court requirements.
If you are filing for divorce or involved in a paternity case with minor children in Florida, you must complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. This course helps parents understand the impact of divorce on children and teaches important co-parenting skills.
Who Needs to Take the Florida Parent Education Course?
Both the petitioner and respondent in a Florida divorce or paternity action involving minor children must each complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. One parent’s completion does not satisfy the requirement for the other parent. The course is mandatory under Florida law and applies to both divorce and paternity cases with children under 18.
What Does the Course Cover?
The course teaches parents how to support their children during and after divorce. Topics include the emotional effects of divorce on children, effective communication between co-parents, legal concepts like time-sharing and shared parental responsibility, and resources for additional help. Completing the course is a legal requirement, and courts may deny time-sharing or hold a parent in contempt if the course is not finished on time.
How Do You Complete the Course?
You complete the Florida Parent Education Course entirely online. The course has 8 modules, each ending with a short review. After finishing all modules, you take a 40-question final exam and must score at least 70% to pass. Your certificate of completion is emailed to you immediately after you pass the final exam. The course is available for 120 days from enrollment and costs USD 29.95.
Who Approves and Oversees the Course?
The Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). For more information about requirements and approved providers, visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website: the Florida DCF.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course |
| Also called | Florida Parenting Class, Divorce Parenting Class |
| Approved by | Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) |
| Required for | Both parties in Florida divorce or paternity action with minor children |
| Course length | 4 hours |
| Modules | 8 |
| Format | Online — no classroom required |
| Cost | USD 29.95 |
| Course access | 120 days from enrollment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Florida Parent Education Course the same as a co-parenting class in Florida?
The Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course covers co-parenting topics but is not a voluntary program. It is a court-required course for divorcing or separating parents with minor children.
Can I take the Florida Parent Education Course in Spanish or another language?
The course is currently available only in English. Contact the provider if you have language access questions.
Do all Florida courts accept the Florida Parent Education Course?
The course is approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families and accepted by most Florida courts. Some courts may not accept online courses, so check with your local court before enrolling.
Does the course provide legal advice?
No, the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is for educational purposes only. For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.
What happens if I do not complete the Florida Parent Education Course?
If you do not complete the course, the court may deny time-sharing or hold you in contempt. Completion is a legal requirement for parents in divorce or paternity cases with minor children.
How do I get my Florida Parent Education Course certificate after completion?
You receive your certificate of completion by email immediately after passing the final exam at the end of the course.