Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte
This page gives short, sourced answers to the questions parents ask about the florida divorce parenting class, from who must take it to how the certificate works. Each answer is two or three sentences and links to a full guide. Every rule here comes from section 61.21, a DCF rule or an official court page.
Key Facts
- Who: parents in a divorce with minor children, and in a paternity case involving parental responsibility. See who takes it.
- When: within 45 days after filing or service, with proof filed before the final judgment. See deadlines.
- How long: at least 4 hours, test included. See length and format.
- Test: 70 percent to pass, with unlimited attempts. See test and certificate.
- Cost: a reasonable fee, with sliding-fee sites where available. See cost and special cases.
How to Use These Answers
The questions are grouped by topic: who, when, format, test, and cost. Each short answer states the rule and names its source. The link at the end of an answer leads to a longer guide on that one topic.
These answers explain the statewide rules. Your judge or circuit may add steps, so treat each answer as a starting point.
Who Has to Take the Florida Divorce Parenting Class
Who must take the course?
Section 61.21(4)(a) covers “all parties to a dissolution of marriage proceeding with minor children.” That means both parents. See who has to take the course.
Does it apply to paternity cases?
Yes, when the paternity case involves parental responsibility. The deadlines start at different events for the other party. See paternity and time-sharing cases.
What about changing a parenting plan later?
The court may require it. Section 61.21(6) says parties to a modification of a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule “may be required” to complete a course.
Can a judge excuse me?
Only the court can excuse a party, and only for good cause. Parents cannot waive it by agreeing. See whether the requirement can be waived.
What is the course’s official name?
The Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. Providers may give their curriculum its own name. See what the course is.
Can the court order more classes?
Yes. Section 61.21(12) lets the court require a parent to attend classes on children with special needs or emotional concerns, on top of the course.
Deadlines and Proof
When is the course due?
The petitioner must finish within 45 days after filing. The other party must finish within 45 days after service. See deadlines, course and certificate.
When do I file proof?
Before the final judgment. Section 61.21(5) says each party “shall file proof of compliance” with the court. See how to submit your certificate.
What happens if I do not finish?
The court may hold a parent in contempt. That parent may also be denied shared parental responsibility or time-sharing, or face other sanctions. See what happens if you skip the course.
Do I need a case number to sign up?
The statute does not say. The Fourth Circuit’s FAQ says that when you have your case number, you may register for one of its classes. DCF’s certificate rule does not list a case number among the required items.
What if I took the course in an earlier case?
No statewide rule answers this. The Seventh Circuit’s order exempts parties who already completed a course and filed certificates. Other courts may differ, so ask yours.
Length and Format
How long is the course?
At least 4 hours. DCF rule 65C-32.002 counts instruction, exercises and the end-of-course test in that time. See how long the class is.
Can I take it online?
Florida law requires DCF to approve at least one statewide internet course. But not every court accepts online classes. The Fourth Circuit’s standing family law order calls for “a similar qualified inperson program.” Its FAQ tells parents in Duval, Clay and Nassau to register for an in-class program.
The same FAQ answer also points parents to DCF’s list of local and online providers. So ask the circuit’s Family Court Services which class applies to your case.
Can I take it on my own schedule?
The rules set no daily time limit. Online courses must stop anyone from finishing in under 4 hours. See finishing the class in one day.
Can I use my phone?
The rules do not name any device. Ask the provider what it supports, and check that your court accepts online classes. See taking the class on your phone.
Do we have to take it together?
No. The court can bar parents from taking it together if there is a history of domestic violence.
What does the course cover?
DCF rule 65C-32.003 requires eight parts. They include divorce as loss, child development, talking with children and the other parent, abuse and the hotlines, legal concepts, and parenting time. See what the course covers.
Can I ask the instructor questions?
Yes. Online and correspondence providers must let you contact the instructor. Content questions must be answered within one business day.
How is my identity checked?
Every course must include a way to verify who is taking it, under rule 65C-32.002. The rule does not name one method, so each provider sets its own.
Is the course in other languages?
DCF’s provider list has a “Languages” column for each course. The Miami-Dade court says its classes are offered in English and Spanish.
Does the course cover domestic violence?
Yes. Every course must cover domestic violence, the statewide hotline, child abuse and neglect, and the duty to report to the Florida Abuse Hotline. The statute also requires a list of local help agencies.
Is the course therapy or legal advice?
No. The statute says it “shall be educational in nature.” Providers may not give individual therapy or legal advice.
Test and Certificate
What score do I need?
At least 70 percent on the end-of-course test, under DCF rule 65C-32.004. Attempts are unlimited, and you review missed material before each retake. See retakes and passing score.
What does the certificate show?
The course name, the provider’s name and contact information, the curriculum name if any, and your start and finish dates. See what goes on the certificate.
What if I lose my certificate?
Contact the provider first. Providers must keep copies of all certificates for five years. See getting another copy.
Do retakes cost extra?
No. Rule 65C-32.004 says providers “shall not require additional fees” for the extra time or instruction needed to pass.
Will a certificate from another state work?
It depends on the court. The Ninth Circuit’s order says out-of-state certificates “may be accepted” there. Ask your own court before you rely on one.
Where does my certificate go after I file it?
It becomes part of your court file. If you need a copy later, the clerk can explain how to get one, and the provider keeps its own copy for five years.
Cost and Special Cases
How much does it cost?
Florida sets no state price. Providers may charge “a reasonable fee” per parent, and DCF must list a sliding-fee site in each circuit, if available. See what the class costs.
What if my children have special needs?
The parties must select a course made for children with special needs or emotional concerns. DCF keeps a separate list of those courses.
Is what I say in class private?
Yes, in the case. Section 61.21(8) says session statements are not considered in the case unless the parties agree in writing.
Who approves the course?
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). It approves courses, providers and sites, and lists them on its provider list. Approval lasts three years under rule 65C-32.005.
How do I complain about a provider?
DCF lists a contact for course complaints on its provider page: Parentstabilizationcourse@myflfamilies.com.
How can I tell a course is really approved?
Check DCF’s list and the course’s expiration date. Under DCF rule 65C-32.006, the notice of DCF approval must also appear in all course materials. A course that does not show it is worth a second look.
The Numbers in One Place
| Number | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Minimum course length, test included | Rule 65C-32.002 |
| 45 days | Time to finish after filing or service | Section 61.21(5) |
| 70 percent | Passing score on the end-of-course test | Rule 65C-32.004 |
| 1 business day | Reply time for content questions in online and mail courses | Rule 65C-32.002 |
| 5 years | How long providers keep certificate copies | Rule 65C-32.004 |
| 3 years | How long a DCF approval lasts | Rule 65C-32.005 |
Claims We Could Not Find in Any Official Source
Some answers online go beyond the rules. We found no Florida statute, DCF rule or court page that supports these:
- A set number of test questions. DCF sets the pass mark, not a question count.
- A certificate expiry date. No statewide rule sets one.
- Online classes accepted in every county. The Fourth Circuit requires an in-class program.
- A pass mark chosen by the provider. DCF’s rule sets 70 percent.
- An open-book rule. The rules do not address it.
If you read one of these claims, check it against the rule before you rely on it.
When a Short Answer Is Not Enough
Short answers fit general rules. They do not fit every case. Ask for help when:
- Your case type is unusual. For example, a modification or a paternity case with an older order.
- You may need an excusal. Only the court decides good cause.
- Your circuit has its own order. Local orders can set earlier dates or other formats.
The clerk can explain local filing steps. A Florida family law attorney can advise on your own case.
What We Found on the Official Pages
On the official pages we checked on October 26, 2026, DCF’s course page, updated April 8, 2026, said the courses “are a minimum of 4 hours.” Section 61.21 in the 2026 Florida Statutes had not changed since 2021.
DCF rules 65C-32.002 and .003 were effective April 17, 2016, and rule 65C-32.004 on June 5, 2016. We found no newer rule change.
How Requirements Can Vary
Section 61.21 of the Florida Statutes sets the course requirement for the whole state, and DCF approves the courses. Each judicial circuit can still add its own steps, such as how to file the certificate or which class formats it accepts. The Fourth Circuit (Duval, Clay and Nassau counties), for example, requires an in-person class.
Laws, court orders and local rules can change. Check your court’s instructions, your county clerk’s website and DCF’s provider list before you enroll or file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the class the same as a parenting plan?
No. The plan is a document about decisions and time-sharing, and the class is education. See the parenting plan vs the parent course.
Does the class affect time-sharing?
Class statements stay out of the case unless the parties agree in writing. But skipping a required course can lead to a denial of time-sharing.
Do I need it for an uncontested divorce?
Yes, if there are minor children. The statute covers all parties to a divorce with minor children. See the uncontested divorce guide.
Can I take it before I file?
The statute does not say. Local practice differs, so ask your court first. See taking the class before filing.
Is there a separate class for children?
In Miami-Dade, yes. The court’s FAQ says a child aged 6 to 17 must attend a 3½-hour class.
Where can I find my county’s rules?
Start with your circuit’s family court page and the clerk. See the class by county.
Conclusion
The florida divorce parenting class has a short set of firm rules: at least 4 hours, 45 days, 70 percent and proof before the final judgment. For anything about your own case, ask the court, the clerk or a family law attorney. If you are ready to enroll, DivorceParentingClass.net’s online Florida parent education course is an option, once you confirm that your court accepts an online course.
Related Articles
- How to File for Divorce in Florida With Minor Children: The Parent Course Step
- Florida Parenting Class Requirement: Who Takes It and When
- What Is the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course in Florida?
- Can You Fail a Parenting Class? Florida Retake Rules
Sources
- Florida Statutes § 61.21 — Parenting course
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 65C-32.002 — Course length and delivery
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 65C-32.003 — Required course content
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 65C-32.004 — Test and certificate
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 65C-32.005 — Provider approval
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 65C-32.006 — Approval process
- Florida DCF — Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course
- Florida DCF — Approved course provider list
- Florida DCF — Courses for children with special needs or emotional concerns
- Florida DCF — Course provider process
- Ninth Judicial Circuit — Administrative Order 07-98-37-01 (PDF)
- Fourth Judicial Circuit — Family Court Services FAQ
- Eleventh Judicial Circuit — Divorce Education Program FAQ
- Fourth Judicial Circuit — Standing Family Law Order (PDF)
Billy Forte is the owner of DivorceParentingClass.net.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Court rules, local practice, and case facts can differ by county, judge, and case type in Florida. Use official court and state sources, and consult a qualified Florida family law attorney for legal guidance specific to your case.