What Happens If I Don't Complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course?
Failing to complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course by the required deadline is a violation of Florida law. Courts have broad authority to respond to non-compliance and the consequences can significantly affect your parenting rights.
Possible Consequences
Under Florida law, a parent who fails to complete the required course may be:
Held in contempt of court — which can carry fines or other penalties at the court's discretion
Denied time-sharing with their minor children
Denied shared parental responsibility
Subject to other sanctions the court deems appropriate
These are not automatic consequences — the court determines how to respond based on the circumstances — but the authority to impose them is clearly established under Florida law.
If You Have Not Started Yet
If you have not yet enrolled, enroll immediately at divorceparentingclass.net/checkouts/checkout-2. The course takes 4 hours and your certificate is emailed immediately after you pass the final exam. Even if you are close to your deadline, there is still time to complete the course.
If You Are Close to Your Deadline
Complete the course as soon as possible and submit your certificate to the court right away. If you have already passed your deadline, contact your attorney and the court immediately.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Petitioner deadline | 45 days from filing |
Respondent deadline | 45 days from being served |
Consequence of non-compliance | Contempt of court, denied time-sharing, denied shared parental responsibility |
Set by | Florida Statutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask the court for more time? Extensions are at the court's discretion. Contact your attorney immediately if you believe you will not meet your deadline.
What if I did not know about the requirement? Not being aware of the requirement is not typically accepted as an excuse by courts. Contact your attorney as soon as possible.
Does the other parent's non-completion affect my case? If the other parent does not complete the course, you can raise that with your attorney. The court may impose consequences on a non-complying parent, but how it affects your specific case depends on your circumstances. This is a legal matter — consult your attorney.