Effective July 1, 2023, Florida law presumes that equal timesharing is in the best interest of a minor child. The presumption is rebuttable — a parent seeking a different schedule must present evidence under the 20 best-interest factors of Fla. Stat. § 61.13(3).
Quick Answer
Yes — Florida has a rebuttable presumption of equal (50/50) timesharing as of July 1, 2023, codified at Fla. Stat. § 61.13. To rebut, a parent must present competent, substantial evidence under the 20 statutory best-interest factors. Common rebuttal grounds: domestic violence, substance abuse, parental unfitness, geographic distance, work schedules incompatible with daily care. Free consultation: 877-862-7188.
Florida Statute § 61.13(3) lists 20 factors a court must consider in any timesharing decision. The 2023 amendment added the rebuttable presumption of equal timesharing — but did not eliminate the factor analysis. The court still applies all 20 factors; the presumption simply means equal time is the starting point unless evidence shows otherwise.
The most commonly outcome-determinative factors:
Practical effect: in cases without specific concerns (no DV, no substance abuse, both parents engaged), Florida courts now default to a 50/50 schedule unless one parent demonstrates a meaningful reason to deviate. Documentation of historical caregiving has become more important — not because it overrides the presumption automatically, but because it informs the factor-by-factor analysis.
Strategy for rebutting (or asserting) the 50/50 presumption.