What Is the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course?
The Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is a required 4-hour online course for both parties in a Florida divorce or paternity action involving minor children. It is approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
What Does the Course Do?
The course educates divorcing parents on how to support their children through the divorce process. It covers the emotional and practical effects of divorce on children, effective communication between co-parents, legal concepts related to time-sharing and shared parental responsibility, and resources for additional support.
Completing the course is a legal requirement in Florida — it is not optional. Courts may hold a parent in contempt or deny time-sharing if the course is not completed on time.
Who Has to Take It?
Both the petitioner and the respondent must each complete their own separate enrollment and course. One parent completing the course does not satisfy the other parent's requirement.
The course is also required in paternity actions involving minor children.
How Does It Work?
The course is completed entirely online — no classroom attendance is required. It consists of 9 modules completed in sequence, each ending with an ungraded chapter review. After all 9 modules, you take a 40-question final exam with a 70% passing score.
Your completion certificate is emailed to you immediately after you pass the final exam.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Official name | Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course |
Also called | Florida Parenting Class, Divorce Parenting Class |
Approved by | Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) |
Required for | Both parties in FL divorce or paternity action with minor children |
Course length | 4 hours |
Format | Online — no classroom required |
Cost | $29.95 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course the same as a co-parenting class? The Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course covers co-parenting topics, but it is specifically the court-required course under Florida law. It is not a voluntary co-parenting program — it is a legal requirement for divorcing parents with minor children.
Is the course available in languages other than English? The course is available in English. Contact us if you have questions about language options.
Is this course accepted by all Florida courts? The course is approved by the Florida DCF and accepted by most Florida courts. Some courts do not permit online courses. Contact your local court before enrolling to confirm they will accept your certificate.
Does the course replace any legal advice? No. The Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course is an educational requirement, not legal counsel. Consult an attorney for advice about your specific divorce or paternity case.