Effective July 1, 1982, Florida enacted the Shared Parental Responsibility Act.

Shared parental responsibility means both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities with respect to their children. Both parents must confer and cooperate with each other so major decisions affecting the welfare of the child are determined together. All major decisions are still to be made by both parents. Access to all school activities, medical records, and all information regarding the children should be shared.

The court's rulings are always based on what are the best interests of the minor children. Florida's public policy assures that children continue having frequent contact with each parent after divorce.

As of October 1, 2008, the courts are doing away with titles such as "custody", "primary residence", "rotating custody" and "visitation". Instead the courts now will require a Parenting Plan that includes a Time-Sharing Schedule.

This plan includes issues such as: child's education, health care, and physical, social and emotional well-being. In creating the plan, all circumstances between the parties, including the parties' historic relationship, domestic violence, and other factors must be taken into consideration.