Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte
A Hillsborough County parenting class for divorce must be an approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, and the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit says every parent whose parental responsibility or time-sharing is affected must complete one. The circuit points parents to the state’s list of approved providers. Florida law then sets the 45-day deadline and the rule that proof is filed before the final judgment.
Key Facts
- Who: each natural or legal parent whose parental responsibility or time-sharing is directly affected. See what the circuit says.
- Which course: an approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. See the provider link.
- Community Partners: the page lists two classes without calling them approved. See that listing.
- Deadline: 45 days after filing or service, under state law. See deadlines.
- Proof: filed with the court before the final judgment. See finishing vs filing.
What the Thirteenth Circuit Says
Hillsborough County is the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. The circuit’s Domestic Relations Case Management Unit page has an FAQ on the course. It sits under the heading for dissolution of marriage, paternity and time-sharing.
The answer reads, “Pursuant to Section 61.21, Florida Statutes, each party who is the natural or legal parent of any minor child whose parental responsibility and/or timesharing is directly affected by the action must attend and successfully complete an approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.”
That one sentence holds the whole local rule. It does not add a deadline, a format or a filing method.
Reading the Words Closely
Each phrase in that sentence carries weight:
| Phrase on the page | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| “each party” | Every parent in the case takes it, not one per family |
| “natural or legal parent” | Both kinds of parent are covered |
| “directly affected by the action” | The case decides parental responsibility or time-sharing |
| “successfully complete” | Finish the course and pass its end-of-course test |
| “an approved” course | Approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) |
Local Wording vs State Law
Section 61.21 names two kinds of cases. The course is required in a divorce with minor children. It is also required in a paternity case that involves parental responsibility.
A third kind of case is different. When a parent asks to change a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule, the law says the court “may” require the course. The judge decides in that case.
The circuit’s wording keys on whether parental responsibility or time-sharing is “directly affected.” Those are Florida’s own terms. Under section 61.046, a time-sharing schedule is “a timetable that must be included in the parenting plan.” Shared parental responsibility means both parents keep full rights and make major decisions together.
See paternity and time-sharing cases for more on how the course applies outside divorce.
Finding a Hillsborough County Parenting Class Provider
The page has a quick link named “Parent Education and Family Stabilization Local Course Providers List.” It opens DCF’s course page. A related link at the bottom points to the same place.
From there, DCF’s provider list shows each approved course. Its columns include provider, languages, city, delivery method, indigent status and expiration date.
Two DCF rules help you read it:
- Approval lasts three years. Under rule 65C-32.005, an approval is valid for three years, so check the expiration date.
- Approval must be shown. Under rule 65C-32.006, the notice of DCF approval must appear in all course materials.
About the Community Partners Listing
Lower on the same page, a “Community Partners” area lists two classes. Each is labeled “Parenting Education Class,” with phone numbers and websites.
The page does not say these classes are approved or required. It simply lists them as partners. So treat the listing as contact information, not as a court endorsement.
Before you pay any provider, find the course on DCF’s list. That is the approval section 61.21 calls for.
A Short Check Before You Pay
Run through these points before you sign up:
- The course is on DCF’s list.
- Its expiration date has not passed.
- The DCF approval notice is in the course materials.
- The format is one your court accepts.
- The course fits your children’s needs.
Deadlines Under Florida Law
The circuit page sets no deadline of its own. State law, section 61.21(5), does:
- In a divorce, the petitioner finishes within 45 days after filing.
- In a divorce, the other parent finishes within 45 days after being served.
- In a paternity case, the petitioner also has 45 days after filing.
- In a paternity case, the other parent’s 45 days start after an acknowledgment of paternity, an adjudication of paternity, or an order granting time-sharing or support.
For example, a petition filed on January 10 gives the petitioner until February 24. The law also says each parent should begin “as expeditiously as possible.”
Finishing vs Filing
Finishing the course and filing proof are two separate jobs. You finish the course and the provider issues the certificate. Then you file proof with the court.
Under DCF rule 65C-32.004, you earn a certificate after the full course and a score of at least 70 percent on the test. The certificate shows the course name, the provider’s name and contact details, and your start and finish dates.
State law then says each party files proof with the court before the final judgment. The Hillsborough page does not explain how to file it. Ask the case management unit or the Clerk how your case should handle it.
The Course and the Test
DCF’s rule 65C-32.002 sets a minimum of four hours. That time includes instruction, exercises and the end-of-course test.
The test rules are the same in every county:
- A score of 70 percent passes.
- Attempts are unlimited.
- Missed material is reviewed before a retake.
- No extra fee may be charged for the extra time.
Rule 65C-32.003 lists eight required topics. Our guide on what the 4-hour class includes explains them.
What the Course Is Not
The course is for learning, not treatment. Section 61.21 says it must be “educational in nature” and not built to give personal mental health therapy. Providers may not give you personal legal advice or try to sign you up as a private client.
DCF’s rule adds a written notice. Each parent gets a statement that the course is for educational purposes only. The materials also tell parents to ask a licensed attorney their own legal questions.
Online or In Person?
The Thirteenth Circuit page does not say whether an online course counts. Florida law requires at least one statewide internet course, but local courts can set their own rules. The Fourth Circuit, for example, requires an in-person class.
So confirm the format with the court before you enroll in an online course.
Together or Apart
You and the other parent do not have to take the course together. State law says so in plain terms.
If there is a history of domestic violence, the court can stop you from taking it together. It can do this on its own.
What you say in class is kept out of the case. Under section 61.21(8), statements made in the course are not used to decide it. The only exception is when both parents agree in writing.
What Parents Pay
Florida sets no price for the course. The law lets a provider charge “a reasonable fee” to each parent. So the cost is set by the provider you choose.
There is some help on cost. DCF must list at least one site in each circuit with a sliding fee scale, if one exists.
Providers also tell DCF what they charge and what help they give parents who cannot pay. The provider list has an “Indigent Status” column for this.
One more rule protects you. A provider may not charge extra for the added time it takes to pass the test.
Where to Get Help
The Domestic Relations Case Management Unit gives procedural and referral information to people without lawyers. It also reviews self-represented cases and sets court dates.
The page says its staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. Its contact details are:
- 800 E. Twiggs Street, Room 208, Tampa, FL 33602
- Phone (813) 272-5173
- Email prose@fljud13.org
For advice on your own case, talk with a Florida family law attorney.
Children With Special Needs
State law adds a rule when children have special needs or emotional concerns. The parents must select a course built for those needs. DCF keeps a separate list of special-needs courses.
The court can also order extra classes about children with special needs. That is in addition to the required course.
If a Parent Does Not Complete It
Under section 61.21(9), the court may hold a parent who skips the course in contempt. The parent may also be denied shared parental responsibility or time-sharing, or face other sanctions.
Only the court can excuse a parent, and it needs good cause. Parents cannot waive the course by agreeing.
What We Found on the Official Pages
On the Thirteenth Circuit page we checked on October 26, 2026, the course FAQ quoted section 61.21 and linked to DCF’s course page. The Community Partners area listed two parenting education classes without stating DCF approval.
The page gave no deadline, no certificate details and no rule on online classes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Each point comes from the circuit page, section 61.21 or DCF rules:
- Reading “Community Partners” as approval. The page does not say they are approved.
- Thinking one parent is enough. The page says “each party.”
- Ignoring the expiration date. DCF approvals last three years.
- Stopping at the certificate. Proof still has to be filed with the court.
- Asking the help desk for legal advice. Its staff are not attorneys.
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
Who has to take a parenting class in Hillsborough County?
Each natural or legal parent of a minor child whose parental responsibility or time-sharing is directly affected by the case. That is the Thirteenth Circuit’s wording.
Are the Community Partners classes court-approved?
DCF, not the court, approves these courses, and the page does not say the two listed classes are DCF-approved. Check any class on DCF’s provider list first.
How long do I have to finish?
Under section 61.21, the petitioner has 45 days after filing. The other parent has 45 days after service in a divorce.
Can I take the class online for a Tampa case?
The circuit page does not address it. Ask the court before you choose an online course.
What score do I need to pass?
DCF’s rule sets 70 percent. Attempts are unlimited, and missed material is reviewed before a retake.
Do both parents take the class at the same time?
They do not have to. Florida law does not require parents to attend together.
With a history of domestic violence, the court can bar it. With a history of domestic violence, the court can bar it.
Do I need the class if my case only changes time-sharing?
Maybe. In a case that changes a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule, state law says the court may require it. Ask the court whether your judge will.
Who can answer my questions about local steps?
The Domestic Relations Case Management Unit at (813) 272-5173 gives procedural and referral information. Its staff cannot give legal advice.
Conclusion
Hillsborough parents should use DCF’s list to choose an approved course, finish within 45 days, and file proof before the final judgment. If you are considering DivorceParentingClass.net’s online Florida parent education course, confirm first that the Thirteenth Circuit accepts an online course in your case. The case management unit can help with procedure, and an attorney can help with your own situation.
Related Articles
- Parenting Classes Florida by County: Court Certificate Guide
- Pinellas County Parenting Class Guide
- Parenting Classes Orlando: Orange County Divorce Guide
- Court Ordered Parenting Classes for Paternity and Custody
Sources
- Thirteenth Judicial Circuit — Domestic Relations Case Management Unit
- Florida Statutes § 61.21 — Parenting course
- Florida Statutes § 61.046 — Definitions
- 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
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.