Parenting classes by state · Florida
Court-Ordered Parenting Classes in Florida
In Florida, the court-ordered parenting / parent-education requirement is the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, overseen by Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), which approves the course providers; the requirement itself is imposed statewide by Fla. Stat. 61.21 and enforced by the courts. Here's who has to take it, whether you can do it online, how long it takes, and how to find a course the circuit court (family law division) handling your divorce will accept.
Quick answer: parenting classes in Florida
Online classes accepted. Online is accepted statewide: Fla. Stat. 61.21 requires DCF to keep at least one statewide-approved Internet course (plus a correspondence course) on its approved list so the class is available in every county, and DCF-approved online courses are the most common way Florida parents satisfy the requirement. In-person/local classes are also offered, but any DCF-approved format counts. Confidence high — requirement, program name, DCF provider locator, and the online rule are all verified against the current (2024) Florida Statute 61.21 on flsenate.gov and the Florida DCF pages. the circuit court (family law division) handling your divorce decides what counts — confirm the course and format before you enroll or pay.
At a glance
| Is a parenting class required? | Yes — required statewide for divorcing parents with minor children |
|---|---|
| Who takes it & when | All parties to a Florida dissolution-of-marriage (divorce) proceeding involving minor children — and paternity actions that involve parental responsibility — must complete the course before the court enters a final judgment. |
| Typical length | Minimum 4 hours |
| In person or online? | Online classes accepted |
| Program name | Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course |
Florida-specific rules to know
- Both parents must complete it — the statute applies to 'all parties' to the divorce, not just one spouse.
- Deadlines: the petitioner must finish within 45 days of filing the petition, and every other party within 45 days after being served; completion is required before the court enters a final judgment.
- The course must be taken from a provider approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (Fla. Stat. 61.21; Rules 65C-32, F.A.C.); a course not on the DCF-approved list may not be accepted.
- A judge may excuse a party from the course, or from the 45-day deadline, for good cause; a parent who refuses to attend can be held in contempt, denied shared parental responsibility or time-sharing, or otherwise sanctioned.
- If the children have identified special needs or emotional concerns, the parents must choose a course tailored to those needs.
Find an approved parenting class in Florida
Start with the official state or court list — that's the one the circuit court (family law division) handling your divorce is most likely to accept — then confirm the specific course with your court or clerk:
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for parenting classes in Florida — then check any provider against the official guidance above and your court's order before enrolling.
Can you take it online? Florida generally accepts approved online parenting courses. An approved online course can be the fastest way to finish — but confirm the circuit court (family law division) handling your divorce accepts your specific course first. How court-approved online parenting classes work →
Source & accuracy: compiled from Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), which approves the course providers; the requirement itself is imposed statewide by Fla. Stat. 61.21 and enforced by the courts and official Florida court sources. Requirements change and vary by county and case — always confirm the course, format, hours, and deadline with your court before enrolling. Sources: flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/61.21, myflfamilies.com/services/child-family/child-and-family-well-being/parent-education-and-family-stabilization, myflfamilies.com/parent-education-and-family-stabilization-course-providers-list, myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/2025-05/Florida%20Statute%20Chapter%2061.21,%20F.S.pdf.