Relocating with Children – Florida Parental Relocation Laws
Moving with a Child Requires Consent or Court Approval
Under Florida law, you can’t simply pack up and move away with your child—even for a job or family support—without following strict relocation rules. If you or your child’s other parent wants to move 50+ miles from your current residence for more than 60 days, you’ll either need the other parent’s agreement or a court order approving the move.
Understanding Florida’s 50-Mile Rule
When Parental Relocation Requires Legal Action
Florida law defines “relocation” as a move of more than 50 miles from your current home for at least 60 consecutive days, not including temporary travel or vacation. If you’re planning such a move with your child, you must either:
- Get the written consent of the other parent (and anyone else with time-sharing rights),
or - File a
Petition to Relocate with the court and request permission.
Skipping this process can have serious legal consequences—even custody repercussions. We help parents on both sides of relocation disputes navigate this sensitive process the right way.
Agreed Relocation
Creating a Relocation Agreement Everyone Can Accept
If both parents agree to the move, Florida allows a streamlined process. You’ll sign a
Relocation Agreement that includes:
- Consent to the relocation
- A revised parenting plan (including a new long-distance schedule)
- Details about travel costs and responsibilities
Once signed, we’ll submit the agreement to the court for approval. No hearing is needed if everything is properly documented. Our firm will help ensure your agreement is clear, enforceable, and future-proof.
Contested Relocation Petitions
What Happens If the Other Parent Objects
If the other parent doesn’t agree to the move, you must file a
Petition to Relocate that includes:
- The destination and new address (if known)
- The reason for the move (such as a job offer or family support)
- A proposed time-sharing plan
- Notice to the other parent, who then has
20 days to object
If an objection is filed, the case goes to court. The judge will hold a hearing (or trial) to decide whether the relocation is in the
child’s best interest. We build compelling, fact-based cases—whether you’re requesting relocation or fighting to keep your child close.
How the Court Decides
Best Interest Factors in Relocation Cases
Florida courts consider many factors when deciding on relocation, including:
- The reason for the move (career, education, family support)
- Impact on the child’s quality of life and opportunities
- The feasibility of preserving the other parent’s relationship with the child
- How travel arrangements would work
- Each parent’s history of supporting or frustrating time-sharing
- The child’s preference, if age-appropriate
The outcome depends heavily on the facts. We help gather and present clear evidence—school records, job offers, communication history—to support your position.
Temporary Relocation and Emergency Situations
Don’t Move Without Permission—Even Temporarily
You cannot move your child without consent or court approval while a relocation case is pending. Doing so could trigger sanctions, including a reversal of custody. In urgent cases, we can:
- Seek temporary relocation approval
- Request an emergency injunction to
prevent unauthorized relocation
- File enforcement actions if a move already occurred unlawfully
Always talk to an attorney before making any major move with your child.
Need Help with a Move-Away Case?
We Handle Relocation Requests and Objections
Whether you’re trying to move with your child or stop a relocation you believe is harmful, we’re ready to help. These cases require fast, strategic action and detailed knowledge of Florida’s parental relocation laws.
Contact us to protect your parenting rights and your child’s future.
