Florida recommends taking the Florida Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course as early as possible in the divorce process. Taking it early reduces deadline pressure, gives you time to submit your certificate, and lets you apply what you learn from the start of the process.

Parents who complete the course early in the process are better prepared throughout the divorce. Completing the course early means:

Florida law sets the following deadlines:

For paternity actions, the filing parent must complete within 45 days of filing, and the other party within 45 days of acknowledgment of paternity, adjudication, or an order granting time-sharing or support.

The petitioner may choose to complete the course before or shortly after filing the petition. Completing it close to or after your filing date is generally advisable so the completion clearly relates to your current proceedings. Consult your attorney for guidance on timing specific to your case.

Can I take the course on the same day I file? Yes. Many petitioners enroll and complete the course on or shortly after the day they file. The course takes 4 hours and your certificate is emailed immediately after you pass the final exam.

What if I cannot complete the course within 45 days? Contact your court and attorney immediately. Courts may hold non-complying parents in contempt or deny time-sharing. Do not wait — complete the course and submit your certificate as soon as possible.

Is my 120-day access period connected to my 45-day deadline? No. The 120-day access period is how long your course account remains open — it is separate from the court-mandated 45-day deadline. You must complete the course and submit your certificate within your legal deadline regardless of your access period.