Summer should be a time for kids to unwind, explore, and make memories, but for co-parents, it can bring a wave of scheduling challenges. At Parra Harris Law, we know that navigating summer vacation custody schedules in Florida requires thoughtful planning, clear communication, and an understanding of your legal rights and obligations.
To follow are some practical tips to help you avoid common pitfalls, enjoy a smooth co-parenting experience, and stay aligned with Florida’s custody laws.
Understanding Summer Custody in Florida
In Florida, custody is referred to as “time-sharing” under the law. Each family’s time-sharing arrangement is detailed in a Parenting Plan, which is either agreed upon by both parties or ordered by the court. That plan typically includes provisions for holiday and summer time-sharing.
Florida Statute §61.13(2)(b) governs time-sharing and requires that Parenting Plans clearly define how holidays and school breaks, including summer vacation, are divided between parents.
Most Parenting Plans will include either:
- Alternating summer schedules (e.g., one parent has the child for June, the other for July),
- Or shared weeks (e.g., alternating weeks or a 2-week rotation),
- Sometimes, including special vacation time that allows one parent to designate a specific trip or block of time.
If your Parenting Plan is silent on summer schedules, it’s essential to work with your co-parent early in the year to reach an agreement.
Tip 1: Start Planning Early
Begin discussing your summer plans in early spring, ideally by March or April. This ensures both parents have time to coordinate work schedules, travel plans, and childcare arrangements.
- Create a shared calendar or use a co-parenting app like OurFamilyWizard or Talking Parents to avoid miscommunication.
- Be specific. Include pickup/drop-off times, travel details, and whether the child will be enrolled in camps or other structured activities.
Legal Tip: If there is a disagreement and no summer schedule is detailed in your Parenting Plan, a Modification of Time-Sharing may be filed with the court—but this takes time and requires demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances. (Learn more about modifications)
Tip 2: Follow the Parenting Plan
Your Parenting Plan is a court order. Failing to follow it—even during summer—can have legal consequences.
Example: If the plan specifies alternating weeks and one parent unilaterally keeps the child longer, this could be considered interference with custodial rights, which courts take seriously.
- Always follow the plan unless both parties agree in writing to a temporary change.
- Consider adding a clause for future years that allows for flexibility with notice—this can reduce conflict.
Tip 3: Prioritize the Child’s Well-Being
Summer parenting time should be about giving your child a fun, supportive experience, not about keeping score.
- Keep routines in mind. Kids thrive on structure. If switching homes every week causes disruption, consider longer blocks of time or consistent weekly activities.
- Involve the child in age-appropriate ways. For older children, ask for their input on summer camps, vacations, or which weeks work best.
- Avoid negative talk about the other parent or pressuring the child to choose one parent’s plans over another.
Florida courts emphasize the importance of encouraging a close and continuing parent-child relationship with both parents (Fla. Stat. §61.13(2)(c)).
Tip 4: Plan for Travel Out of State or Country
If you plan to take your child out of Florida or out of the country during your summer time-sharing, review your Parenting Plan.
- Most Florida Parenting Plans require written consent from the other parent for travel outside the state or country.
- Provide detailed travel itineraries including flights, accommodations, and emergency contact info.
- If the other parent refuses travel for no valid reason, and the trip falls within your scheduled time-sharing, you may seek court intervention—but it’s best to avoid last-minute disputes.
Bonus Tip: Keep a notarized letter of travel consent and a copy of the Parenting Plan when flying, especially for international trips.
Tip 5: Communicate and Compromise
Open and respectful communication is the cornerstone of successful co-parenting—especially during high-stress times like summer scheduling.
- Use neutral, fact-based language when discussing logistics.
- Put all agreements in writing (texts, emails, or messages through a co-parenting app).
- If unexpected changes arise (illness, work conflicts), approach them with flexibility. A good-faith effort goes a long way in building trust.
Tip 6: Address Summer Childcare
Don’t forget about the practicalities of supervision. If your child is too young to stay home alone, you’ll need to coordinate childcare during summer working hours.
- Discuss how to share costs for camps, daycare, or babysitters. If your Parenting Plan doesn’t address it, consider updating it through mediation or court-approved modification.
- Look into tax implications: The IRS allows a Child and Dependent Care Credit for work-related childcare expenses, but only one parent can claim it. Check your divorce decree or consult your tax advisor.
Tip 7: Consider Mediation for Disputes
If you and your co-parent can’t reach a summer scheduling agreement, Florida law often encourages or requires mediation before a court hearing.
- Mediation provides a neutral setting to resolve disputes quickly and cost-effectively.
- The courts generally favor agreements reached by both parties over imposed judgments.
Learn more about mediation and dispute resolution through the Florida Courts’ Family Law Resources.
Set the Tone for a Positive Summer
At Parra Harris Law, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful planning and legal clarity can make summer break a joyful time for both parents and children. While every family is different, the best outcomes always come from putting the child’s needs first and following the legal framework designed to protect them.
If you need help reviewing or modifying your Parenting Plan—or resolving a summer custody dispute—contact our Jacksonville family law attorneys today. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and ensure your rights and your child’s best interests are protected.
