Supervised Visitation in Florida 2026: When It's Ordered and How It Works

When a Florida court orders supervised visitation, it means one parent can only spend time with their child while another approved adult is present. This arrangement exists to protect children while still preserving the parent-child relationship. In my experience handling these cases across Florida, supervised visitation is never ordered lightly—courts only impose this restriction when there are genuine concerns about a child's safety or well-being.

If you're facing a situation involving supervised visitation in Florida, whether you're seeking it for your child's protection or defending against it, understanding how this process works is essential. Let me walk you through everything you need to know for 2026.

What Is Supervised Visitation Under Florida Law?

Supervised visitation is a court-ordered arrangement where a parent's time-sharing with their child must occur in the presence of a third party. This third party—called a supervisor—can be a professional, a family member, or another approved individual who monitors the interaction between parent and child.

Under Florida Statute 61.13, courts must determine time-sharing arrangements based on the best interests of the child. When a judge believes unsupervised contact poses a risk, they can order supervision as a protective measure rather than eliminating visitation entirely.

The Florida courts recognize that children generally benefit from relationships with both parents. Supervised visitation represents a middle ground—it allows the parent-child bond to continue while addressing legitimate safety concerns.

When Do Florida Courts Order Supervised Visitation?

Florida judges don't order supervised visitation without cause. In my practice, I've seen this restriction imposed in several specific circumstances:

Domestic Violence History

When there's documented domestic violence, courts take immediate protective action. Under Florida Statute 61.13(2)(c)(2), evidence of domestic violence creates a rebuttable presumption that shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the child. Supervised visitation often accompanies these findings.

I worked with a client in Hillsborough County whose ex-husband had a domestic violence injunction against him. The court ordered professional supervision for all visits until he completed a batterer's intervention program and demonstrated consistent behavioral change over twelve months.

Substance Abuse Concerns

Active drug or alcohol abuse represents one of the most common reasons for supervised visitation in Florida. Courts may require:

• Random drug testing before visits
• Proof of sobriety for a specified period
• Professional supervision at a certified facility
• Gradual transition to unsupervised time as recovery progresses

The key factor is whether the substance abuse impairs the parent's ability to safely care for the child.

Mental Health Issues

Untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions can lead to supervision requirements, particularly when:

• The parent has experienced psychiatric hospitalizations
• There's evidence of erratic or dangerous behavior
• The parent refuses recommended treatment
• Previous incidents suggest the child could be at risk

However, courts cannot order supervised visitation simply because a parent has a mental health diagnosis. There must be evidence connecting the condition to a genuine risk to the child.

Child Abuse or Neglect Allegations

When there are credible allegations of abuse or neglect, courts frequently order supervised visitation while investigations proceed. If the Department of Children and Families becomes involved, their recommendations carry significant weight.

Parental Alienation or Interference

In some cases, supervision is ordered not to protect the child from physical harm but to ensure the visiting parent doesn't engage in alienating behavior or violate court orders. This is less common but does occur in high-conflict custody situations.

Reintroduction After Absence

When a parent has been absent from a child's life for an extended period, courts sometimes order a graduated reintroduction starting with supervised visits. This protects the child emotionally while allowing the relationship to rebuild.

Types of Supervision Available in Florida

Florida courts have flexibility in how they structure supervised visitation. The type ordered depends on the specific concerns and risk level involved.

Professional Supervision

Professional supervisors are trained individuals or agencies that provide monitoring services. This is the most restrictive and secure option, typically used when:

• There are serious safety concerns
• The court wants detailed documentation of visits
• No appropriate family member is available or willing
• Previous informal supervision arrangements failed

Professional supervision usually takes place at designated supervised visitation centers throughout Florida. These facilities are equipped with observation rooms, documented check-in procedures, and trained staff.

Supervised Visitation Centers in Florida

Florida has numerous supervised visitation centers, often operated by nonprofits or connected to family court services. Major counties including Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Hillsborough, and Duval all have established facilities.

These centers typically offer:

• Neutral exchange locations
• Monitored visitation rooms
• Written reports for the court
• Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
• Child-friendly environments

Family Member Supervision

Courts sometimes approve a family member or friend to serve as the supervisor. This option works best when:

• The concerns are moderate rather than severe
• A trustworthy, neutral person is available
• Both parents agree on the supervisor
• The supervisor commits to following court guidelines

The designated supervisor must be approved by the court and typically cannot be the other parent. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close family friends often fill this role. Learn more about grandparent involvement in custody matters.

Therapeutic Supervision

In cases involving trauma, abuse recovery, or significant parent-child relationship damage, courts may order therapeutic supervision. A licensed mental health professional supervises visits and works to repair the relationship while ensuring the child's emotional safety.

The Cost of Supervised Visitation in Florida

One of the most common questions I receive concerns supervised visitation cost. The expenses vary significantly based on the type of supervision ordered.

Professional Supervision Costs

Professional supervision at a certified center typically costs:

• Intake and assessment fees: $50 to $150
• Hourly supervision rates: $40 to $100 per hour
• Minimum session requirements: Usually 2 hours
• Monthly costs can range from $300 to $800 for weekly visits

Some centers offer sliding scale fees based on income. County-funded programs may provide services at reduced rates for qualifying families.

Who Pays for Supervised Visitation?

Florida courts have discretion in allocating these costs. Common approaches include:

• The supervised parent pays all costs
• Costs are split between parents based on income ratios
• The parent who requested supervision pays
• Costs are allocated based on who can better afford them

In my experience, courts most often require the supervised parent to bear these costs, reasoning that their conduct necessitated the supervision.

Reducing Supervision Costs

If you're the supervised parent, consider these strategies:

• Ask about nonprofit supervision programs in your county
• Propose an approved family member as supervisor to eliminate fees
• Request the court consider financial hardship in cost allocation
• Work toward modifying the order to unsupervised visits

How to Request Supervised Visitation in Florida

If you believe your child needs protection during the other parent's visitation time, you'll need to take formal legal action.

Filing a Motion

To request supervised visitation, you must file a motion with the family court. This motion should:

• Clearly state the reasons supervision is necessary
• Provide specific evidence supporting your concerns
• Propose the type of supervision needed
• Include a proposed visitation schedule

For urgent situations involving immediate danger, you may be able to seek an emergency custody order for faster court action.

Evidence That Supports Your Request

Courts require evidence, not just allegations. Strong supporting documentation includes:

• Police reports or arrest records
• Medical records documenting injuries
• Drug test results
• Witness statements
• Text messages or emails showing concerning behavior
• Department of Children and Families reports
• Mental health professional evaluations

Photographs, videos, and dated documentation strengthen your case significantly.

The Role of a Guardian ad Litem

In contested cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate and recommend what arrangement serves the child's best interests. These appointed advocates carry considerable influence with judges.

How to Respond If Supervised Visitation Is Requested Against You

Facing a request for supervised visitation can feel devastating. However, these requests don't always succeed, and even when supervision is ordered, it's rarely permanent.

Building Your Defense

If you're defending against a supervised visitation request:

• Document your positive parenting history
• Gather character witnesses
• Complete any relevant programs proactively (parenting classes, counseling, substance abuse treatment)
• Demonstrate you've addressed the other parent's concerns
• Consider a professional custody evaluation

Working with an Attorney

Supervised visitation cases involve complex family law issues. A strategy session with an experienced Florida family law attorney can help you understand your options and develop an effective approach.

Modifying Supervised Visitation Orders

Supervised visitation is meant to be temporary in most cases. Florida law allows modification when circumstances change substantially.

Steps Toward Unsupervised Visitation

To move from supervised to unsupervised visitation, you typically need to demonstrate:

• Successful completion of court-ordered programs
• Consistent, positive supervised visits
• Changed circumstances that address original concerns
• Sustained behavioral improvement over time

The length of supervised visitation before modification varies widely. Some orders specify conditions for automatic step-down, while others require formal modification proceedings.

Filing for Modification

To modify a supervised visitation order, you must file a Supplemental Petition for Modification showing a substantial change in circumstances. Courts will evaluate whether the original concerns have been adequately addressed.

What Happens During Supervised Visits

Understanding what to expect helps both parents and children navigate supervised visitation more smoothly.

At a Professional Center

Typical supervised visits at a center involve:

Rules and Restrictions

Most supervised visitation orders and centers impose rules including:

• No discussing court proceedings with the child
• No disparaging the other parent
• No physical discipline
• No alcohol or drug use before or during visits
• No outside parties without prior approval
• No removing the child from the supervised area

Violating these rules can result in termination of the visit and negative reports to the court.

How Supervised Visitation Affects Children

Research shows children generally benefit from maintaining relationships with both parents, even in difficult circumstances. However, supervised visitation can create mixed emotions.

Parents can help children by:

• Explaining the arrangement in age-appropriate terms
• Avoiding blame or negative comments about the other parent
• Maintaining consistency and reliability
• Making visits as normal and enjoyable as possible
• Supporting the child's emotional processing

When Supervised Visitation Isn't Enough

In extreme cases, supervision alone may not adequately protect a child. Florida courts can terminate visitation entirely when a parent poses an ongoing serious threat. This is rare and typically reserved for situations involving:

• Sexual abuse
• Severe physical abuse
• Credible threats of harm
• Complete failure to comply with court orders

Most courts prefer to maintain some parent-child contact when safely possible.

Getting Legal Help for Your Supervised Visitation Case

Whether you're seeking supervised visitation to protect your child or facing a request that you believe is unwarranted, these cases require careful legal strategy. The stakes are high—your child's safety and your parental relationship hang in the balance.

If you're navigating a supervised visitation situation in Florida, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your specific circumstances. Understanding your rights and options is the first step toward achieving the best outcome for your family.

This article provides general information about Florida divorce law and is not legal advice. Every case is unique. For advice specific to your situation, schedule a consultation with a Florida-licensed attorney.