HB 971 — Family Law

Summary

Family Law; Requires that at least one judge be available in each judicial circuit on weekends, holidays, & after hours on weekdays to hear motions to enforce certain orders & agreements; requires chief judge to assign circuit judge to be available for certain hearings; requires that certain time-sharing matters be accorded priority on court's calendar; provides procedural requirements for evidentiary hearings on pleadings seeking temporary parental responsibility & time-sharing schedules & on motions to enforce compliance with existing time-sharing orders or agreements; requires court to issue upon motion by party, rather than authorizing court to make determination of, appropriate parenting plans.

Bill Text

• Introduced H 971 Filed Current pdf

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill requires judges to be available for enforcement hearings outside normal business hours and prioritizes certain time-sharing matters in court schedules.

• 26.20

  The chief judge shall may assign a judge for this purpose.

  Allows the chief judge to assign a judge for availability at their discretion instead of mandating it.

• 61.13

  (10) The following time-sharing matters must be accorded priority on the court's calendar: (a) An evidentiary hearing on an initial pleading seeking temporary parental responsibility and time-sharing schedule not agreed to by the parties. Each parent must file a proposed temporary parenting plan with the clerk of the court as part of his or her initial pleading seeking temporary affirmative relief. Portions of the proposed temporary parenting plans which are in agreement with each other must be adopted as a voluntary agreed schedule between the parents before an evidentiary hearing. Absent good cause, the court shall set a hearing on the contested issues within 30 days after the pleading is filed. The court may not refer the parties to mediation as a condition precedent to the court holding a hearing unless the court has the consent of both parties. The court shall issue an order on temporary parental responsibility and time-sharing within 30 days after the evidentiary hearing. (b) An evidentiary hearing on a motion to enforce compliance with an existing time-sharing order or agreement. The court shall set a hearing on a motion seeking to enforce compliance with an existing time-sharing order or agreement within 5 business days after the motion is filed. If the judge assigned to the case is not able to conduct the hearing within 5 business days, a judge who is available pursuant to s. 26.20 must hold the hearing, which may occur during regular business hours, on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, or after hours on a weekday.

  Establishes a priority for time-sharing matters and sets specific timelines for hearings and decisions.

• 742.031

  The court shall, upon motion by a party, issue may also make a determination of an appropriate parenting plan, including a time-sharing schedule, in accordance with chapter 61. → The court shall, upon motion by a party, issue an appropriate parenting plan in certain proceedings.

  Changes the language to require a court to issue a parenting plan upon request rather than giving the court discretion.

• 742.031

  If a paternity judgment contains only a child support award with no parenting plan or time-sharing schedule, the obligee parent shall receive all of the time-sharing and sole parental responsibility without prejudice to the obligor parent. If a paternity judgment contains no such provisions, the mother shall be presumed to have all of the time-sharing and sole parental responsibility.

  Removes provisions that automatically favor the obligee parent or the mother in terms of time-sharing and parental responsibility.

Action History

1. March 13, 2026

   Died in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee

2. January 13, 2026

   1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

3. January 12, 2026

   Now in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee

4. January 12, 2026

   Referred to Judiciary Committee

5. January 12, 2026

   Referred to Justice Budget Subcommittee

6. January 12, 2026

   Referred to Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee

7. January 05, 2026

   Filed

Sponsors

• Dana Trabulsy · Primary

Subjects