New Florida law creates safe areas for parents to exchange custody of their children at sheriff’s office parking lots.

Florida is taking a groundbreaking step to ensure the safety of children during custody exchanges with the implementation of a new law set to take effect on Monday. The law will create designated areas at sheriff’s offices where separated parents with split custody can safely exchange their children without fear of harm.

These designated child exchange zones will be marked by purple signs at sheriff’s offices across the state. The color purple, representing domestic violence awareness, serves as a symbol of the commitment to protecting children and their parents during the exchange process.

The designated parking lots will be equipped with adequate lighting and video surveillance that records continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This heightened security measure aims to provide a sense of comfort and safety to parents and children alike during custody exchanges.

One or more cameras will be strategically placed to capture the surroundings of the parking lot, ensuring clear and accurate recordings of the exchange area during both day and night. The recorded footage will be retained for a minimum of 45 days, offering an added layer of protection and accountability.

The law, known as H.B. 385, was named in honor of Cassie Carli, a Florida mother who tragically vanished in 2022 after a custody exchange with her child’s father. Her body was later discovered in Alabama, prompting the introduction of this legislation as a proactive measure to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In addition to the establishment of safe exchange zones, the new law mandates that parents with shared custody must create a detailed parenting plan approved by the court. This plan will outline the responsibilities of each parent in raising the child, including time-sharing schedules, healthcare decisions, educational arrangements, and more.

With the support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, H.B. 385 underscores the state’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of children in shared custody arrangements. By providing secure and monitored exchange locations, the law aims to reduce the risk of conflict or harm during custody exchanges and promote a healthier co-parenting environment for families across the state.