Shared parental responsibility is the Florida legal term for both parents sharing the right and obligation to make major decisions about their child's life — including decisions about education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Florida courts presume that shared parental responsibility is in the best interest of the child unless a judge determines otherwise.

Under shared parental responsibility, both parents are required to confer and jointly make decisions that affect their child's welfare. Neither parent has unilateral authority over major decisions. Day-to-day decisions made during each parent's time-sharing period are typically left to the parent who has the child at that time.

In cases where shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the child — for example, in situations involving domestic violence or a parent's inability to act in the child's best interest — a court may award sole parental responsibility to one parent. This is the exception, not the rule.

Florida courts may deny shared parental responsibility to a parent who fails to complete the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course by the required deadline. Completing the course on time is one of your obligations as a party to the case.

Module 2 of the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course — Permanency of Parental Role / Shared Parenting — covers the advantages, challenges, and strategies for successful shared parenting after divorce.

Is shared parental responsibility the same as joint custody? Functionally, yes — shared parental responsibility in Florida is equivalent to what other states call joint legal custody. Florida uses its own statutory terminology.

What is the difference between shared parental responsibility and time-sharing? Shared parental responsibility covers decision-making authority. Time-sharing covers where the child physically lives and spends time. Both are established in the parenting plan.

Can I get sole parental responsibility? Sole parental responsibility may be awarded if a court finds that shared responsibility would be detrimental to the child. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Consult your attorney for guidance on your specific situation.