Relocation with Children in Florida Divorce: 2025 Family Law Guide

This page explains Florida relocation law for divorced or separated parents—including legal requirements, time-sharing changes, court petitions, best interests standards, and practical support for families in Plantation, Broward County, and South Florida.

ARTICLE GUIDE

• What Counts as Relocation in Florida?
• Do You Need Consent or a Court Order?
• What’s the Process to File a Relocation Petition?
• How Does the Court Decide on Relocation?
• How Can a Parent Object or Stop Relocation?
• How Are Long-Distance Visits & Costs Handled?
• Does Relocation Change Custody/Support Orders?
• Why Hire a Plantation Relocation Lawyer?
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Counts as Relocation in Florida?

Under Florida Statute 61.13001, relocation means moving a child more than 50 miles from their principal residence for at least 60 consecutive days—not including temporary absences for vacation, education, or medical treatment. This law applies to all time-sharing, custody, and paternity cases in Florida, regardless of whether your case is from divorce, never-married parents, or a later modification.

Do You Need Consent or a Court Order to Relocate?

Yes. You cannot just move with your child if you share time-sharing (custody). Before a qualifying move, you must:

• Obtain written consent from the other parent (and any other person with court-ordered time-sharing), with a new signed and court-approved agreement describing the move, the revised visitation schedule, and transportation arrangements.
• If you can’t agree, you must file a formal Petition to Relocate in court and serve it to all parties entitled to access or time-sharing.

Moving without proper approval often results in court penalties, loss of time-sharing, contempt, or orders to return the child. Always follow the process—especially in Broward County and South Florida courts, which strictly enforce these rules.

What’s the Process to File a Relocation Petition?

1. File a signed Petition to Relocate with the court, including details: new address, phone, move date, reasons (e.g., job, family, safety), and a proposed revised time-sharing plan.
2. Serve the petition on all parties entitled to access, following court service rules.
3. The other parent has 20 days to object and must file a written objection with supporting facts.
4. The court may hold a hearing or trial to decide.

The most successful petitions are detailed and realistic, addressing how the move benefits the child and supporting ongoing relationships with both parents. Attach supporting evidence (job offer, family support, medical reasons) as needed.

How Does the Court Decide on Relocation?

Florida courts always prioritize the child’s best interests. Key factors include:

• Reasons for the move (better job, closer to family, improved safety)
• Quality and continuity of the child’s relationship with both parents and extended family
• Impact of the move on the child’s development, education, and stability
• Feasibility of preserving a meaningful parent-child relationship after relocation
• Proposed plans for time-sharing, transportation, and communication (phone/video calls)
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The child’s age and expressed preference (older children may have input)

Court orders are highly detail-oriented—judges in Plantation and Broward County expect thoroughly documented, child-focused relocation petitions.

How Can a Parent Object or Stop Relocation?

Any parent or party with access rights can object in writing within 20 days. Objections must include specific reasons why the move isn’t in the child’s best interests—for example, loss of time-sharing, harm to schooling, or lacking actual benefit from the move. If a parent relocates without permission, Florida courts may change custody, enforce sanctions, and order the child’s return.

How Are Long-Distance Visits & Costs Handled?

Relocating parents must propose (and court orders address):

• How children will travel for visits with the non-relocating parent
• Who pays for travel (sharing costs, offsetting in child support, etc.)
• Technology plans for communication (scheduled phone/video calls)

Details should be realistic and enforceable—courts generally want both parents to remain actively involved no matter the distance.

Does Relocation Change Custody/Support Orders?

Yes. If relocation is granted, the time-sharing (custody) schedule and child support amount are typically modified. Child support may change to account for travel expenses or differences in time spent with each parent. A new parenting plan and/or support order will be entered into the record.

Why Hire a Plantation Relocation Lawyer?

Joel E. Greenberg Law brings 30+ years of experience helping South Florida families through complex relocation issues. Our team understands the local court requirements, how judges weigh evidence, and ways to protect your parental rights—whether you’re seeking to move or objecting to a proposed relocation. We guide clients through drafting petitions, negotiating agreements, preparing evidence, and representing your case from start to finish.

Contact Joel E. Greenberg Law for Relocation Guidance

Considering relocation or worried about losing time with your child? Contact Joel E. Greenberg Law for a free, confidential consultation in Plantation, Broward County, or anywhere in South Florida. We’ll help you take the right steps, protect your family, and ensure the law works for your child’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered relocation under Florida law?

Relocation means moving more than 50 miles away for at least 60 days. Temporary vacations or health/education trips are not considered relocation.

Can I relocate with my child if I have sole custody?

Even with sole decision-making, you must follow Florida Statute 61.13001 and either get the other parent’s consent or court approval if the move meets relocation requirements.

How can I stop my ex from moving my child away?

File a timely written objection to the court and attend the scheduled hearing. Show how the move harms your parent-child relationship or is not in the child’s best interests.

Can relocation affect child support?

Yes. Support orders are often adjusted to account for new travel, housing, or time-sharing changes after relocation.

What evidence do I need for a relocation hearing?

Details about the new home/school, reasons for the move, a proposal for new time-sharing, and facts about how the move benefits or harms the child.

How fast will the court make a decision?

Courts try to resolve relocation cases quickly if a parent objects, especially during school breaks. Timing depends on court calendars and the complexity of evidence.

What is the consequence if I move without consent or a court order?

Court may order your child’s return, change custody, and sanction the moving parent for violating Florida law.

Can I move for work, family, safety, or medical reasons?

Yes, but you must follow the legal process and show how the move benefits your child’s best interests.

Does relocation apply to moves within Florida?

Yes. The law applies to any move 50+ miles, whether within Florida or out of state.

When should I talk to a lawyer?

Consult a relocation attorney as soon as you start thinking about moving or believe your ex may move—early advice is critical.