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Florida Statute 61.503 | Lawyer Caselaw & Research
F.S. 61.503 Case Law from Google Scholar
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The 2023 Florida Statutes (including Special Session C)

Title VI
CIVIL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
Chapter 61
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE; SUPPORT; TIME-SHARING
View Entire Chapter
F.S. 61.503
61.503 Definitions.As used in this part, the term:
(1) “Abandoned” means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision.
(2) “Child” means an individual who has not attained 18 years of age.
(3) “Child custody determination” means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, residential care, or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order. The term does not include an order relating to child support or other monetary obligation of an individual.
(4) “Child custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, residential care, or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic violence, in which the issue may appear. The term does not include a proceeding involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under ss. 61.524-61.540.
(5) “Commencement” means the filing of the first pleading in a proceeding.
(6) “Court” means an entity authorized under the laws of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child custody determination.
(7) “Home state” means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting as a parent for at least 6 consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding. In the case of a child younger than 6 months of age, the term means the state in which the child lived from birth with any of the persons mentioned. A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period.
(8) “Initial determination” means the first child custody determination concerning a particular child.
(9) “Issuing court” means the court that makes a child custody determination for which enforcement is sought under this part.
(10) “Issuing state” means the state in which a child custody determination is made.
(11) “Modification” means a child custody determination that changes, replaces, supersedes, or is otherwise made after a previous determination concerning the same child, regardless of whether it is made by the court that made the previous determination.
(12) “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, or government; governmental subdivision, agency, instrumentality, or public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity.
(13) “Person acting as a parent” means a person, other than a parent, who:
(a) Has physical custody of the child or has had physical custody for a period of 6 consecutive months, including any temporary absence, within 1 year immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding; and
(b) Has been awarded a child-custody determination by a court or claims a right to a child-custody determination under the laws of this state.
(14) “Physical custody” means the physical care and supervision of a child.
(15) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(16) “Tribe” means an Indian tribe, or band, or Alaskan Native village that is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state.
(17) “Warrant” means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child.
History.s. 5, ch. 2002-65.

F.S. 61.503 on Google Scholar

F.S. 61.503 on Casetext

Amendments to 61.503


Arrestable Offenses / Crimes under Fla. Stat. 61.503
Level: Degree
Misdemeanor/Felony: First/Second/Third

Current data shows no reason an arrest or criminal charge should have occurred directly under Florida Statute 61.503.



Annotations, Discussions, Cases:

Cases from cite.case.law:

N. B. v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN OF FAMILIES,, 274 So. 3d 1163 (Fla. App. Ct. 2019)

. . . ." § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat (2018). . . . We agree that, under the broad statutory definition promulgated in section 61.503(4), Florida Statutes . . . defines "abandoned" as "left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision." § 61.503 . . . Section 61.503(4), Florida Statutes (2018), defines "[c]hild custody proceeding" as "a proceeding in . . .

MCABEE, III, v. MCABEE,, 259 So. 3d 134 (Fla. App. Ct. 2018)

. . . ." § 61.503(4), Fla. . . . The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial, [and/or] modification order." § 61.503(3), Fla. . . . A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period." § 61.503(7), Fla . . .

KEOGH, v. KEOGH,, 254 So. 3d 633 (Fla. App. Ct. 2018)

. . . See § 61.503(3), Fla. Stat. (2017). This Act applies only to the issue of custody. Patterson v. . . .

FERRIS, v. WINN f k a M., 242 So. 3d 509 (Fla. App. Ct. 2018)

. . . ." § 61.503(3). . . .

KESSINGER, v. J. KESSINGER,, 228 So. 3d 1201 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2017)

. . . . § 61.503(2), Fla. Stat. (defining a “child” as an individual who has not turned eighteen). . . .

SCUDDER, v. SCUDDER,, 228 So. 3d 703 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2017)

. . . See § 61.503(7), Fla. . . . could have established a Florida residency for the parties or their children under sections 61.021, 61.503 . . .

D. LEDOUX- NOTTINGHAM, v. DOWNS,, 210 So. 3d 1217 (Fla. 2017)

. . . order was a final judgment and emanated from a “child custody proceeding” within the meaning of section 61.503 . . .

L. HAUGABOOK, v. JEFFCOAT- HULTBERG,, 219 So. 3d 65 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2016)

. . . .” § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. (2016); Ga. Code § 19-9-41(7) (2016). . . .

R. BAHL, v. P. BAHL,, 220 So. 3d 1214 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2016)

. . . Section 61.503(3) defines “[c]hild custody determination” as “a judgment, decree, or other order of a . . .

BAKER, v. TUNNEY,, 201 So. 3d 1235 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2016)

. . . . § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. (2015) (emphasis added). . . . than a “parent” who “claims a right to a child-custody determination under the laws of this state.” § 61.503 . . . See § 61.503(7), Fla; Stat. (2015); Fleckles v. . . .

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, v. M. N. O. C. S., 199 So. 3d 452 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2016)

. . . Section 61.503(7) defines “home state” as: (7) “Home state” means the state in which a child lived with . . . Under section 61.503(15), Puerto Rico is a “state” for purposes of the UCCJEA as enacted in Florida, . . .

T. B. v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES,, 189 So. 3d 150 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2015)

. . . , guardianship, paternity, termination, of parental rights, and protection frQm domestic violence § 61.503 . . .

D. LEDOUX- NOTTINGHAM, v. DOWNS, 163 So. 3d 560 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2015)

. . . order was a final judgment and emanated from a “child custody proceeding” within the meaning of section 61.503 . . .

McINDOO, v. ATKINSON,, 159 So. 3d 227 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2015)

. . . : (1) the mother did not file a motion regarding a “child custody proceeding” as defined by section 61.503 . . . Appellate Analysis and Disposition “Child Custody Proceeding” Section 61.503(4), Florida Statutes (2013 . . . involving juvenile delinquency, contractual emancipation, or enforcement under ss. 61.524-61.540. § 61.503 . . . Section 61.503(7), Florida Statutes (2013), provides: (7) “Home state” means the state in which a child . . . A period of temporary absence of any of the mentioned persons is part of the period. § 61.503(7), Fla . . .

BILLIE, v. STIER,, 141 So. 3d 584 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014)

. . . Section 61.503(7), Florida Statutes (2012), defines “Home state” as “the state in which a child lived . . .

HARDMAN, v. KOSLOWSKI,, 135 So. 3d 434 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014)

. . . See § 61.503(2), Fla. Stat. (2004). . . .

ABOUELSEOUD, v. ELBADRAWI,, 133 So. 3d 1079 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014)

. . . that determine “the right to immediate monetary relief or child custody in family law matters”); § 61.503 . . .

BARNES, v. M. BARNES,, 124 So. 3d 994 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2013)

. . . .” § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. (2011). . . .

M. A. C. v. M. D. H., 88 So. 3d 1050 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2012)

. . . consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding,” as required by F.S. 61.503 . . . Section 61.503(4) defines a “child custody proceeding” as “a proceeding in which ... visitation with . . . “Home state” is defined in section 61.503(7) as “the state in which a child lived with a parent or a . . .

H. JOHNSON, III, v. JOHNSON,, 88 So. 3d 335 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2012)

. . . Section 61.503(7) defines “home state” as “the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person . . .

GARCES, v. LEGARDA,, 86 So. 3d 602 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2012)

. . . "child custody proceeding” under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, see § 61.503 . . .

J. SCHAFFER, v. S. LING,, 76 So. 3d 940 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2011)

. . . .” § 61.503(3), Fla. Stat. (2010) (emphasis supplied). . . . The term includes a proceeding for ... paternity....” § 61.503(4), Fla. Stat. (emphasis supplied). . . .

SARPEL f k a v. EFLANLI,, 65 So. 3d 1080 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2011)

. . . .” § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. The UCCJEA does not define a “temporary absence.” . . . at least 6 consecutive months immediately before the commencement of a child custody proceeding.” § 61.503 . . . See § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. . . .

M. HOLUB, v. E. HOLUB,, 54 So. 3d 585 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2011)

. . . supports the trial court’s exercise of jurisdiction pursuant to sections 61.514(l)(a), 61.514(l)(b), and 61.503 . . . “Home state" is defined in section 61.503(7), Florida Statutes, as: "the state in which a child lived . . .

HICKEY, v. R. BURLINSON,, 33 So. 3d 827 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2010)

. . . See § 61.503(4), Fla. Stat. (2009). . . .

HINDLE, v. FUITH,, 33 So. 3d 782 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2010)

. . . .” § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. (2003). . . . Florida for six consecutive months prior to the commencement of the paternity action in November 2003. § 61.503 . . .

TILLOTSON, n k a v. TILLOTSON,, 32 So. 3d 191 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2010)

. . . .” § 61.503(2). . . .

LONDON, v. LONDON,, 32 So. 3d 107 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2009)

. . . See § 61.503(7). Therefore, section 61.514(l)(a) is satisfied. . . .

GAMACHE, v. L. GAMACHE,, 14 So. 3d 1236 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2009)

. . . See § 61.503(2), Fla. Stat. (2008). . . .

COBO, v. SIERRALTA,, 13 So. 3d 493 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2009)

. . . state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding”); see also % 61.503 . . .

LAWRENCE, v. PEYTON,, 9 So. 3d 670 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2009)

. . . (allowing appeal of non-final orders determining “child custody in family law matters”) see also § 61.503 . . .

KARAM, v. KARAM,, 6 So. 3d 87 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2009)

. . . .” § 61.503(7). The UC-CJEA is a “jurisdictional act which controls custody disputes. . . .

LANDE, v. A. LANDE,, 2 So. 3d 378 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2008)

. . . .” § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. (2007). . . .

HUNT Jr. v. HOOPER UTD, 996 So. 2d 940 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2008)

. . . See also § 61.503(15), Fla. . . .

HOLLOWELL, v. TAMBURRO,, 991 So. 2d 1022 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2008)

. . . A “child custody determination” under section 61.503(3), Florida Statutes (2008), is an order providing . . .

GOMEZ, v. SUAREZ,, 992 So. 2d 272 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2008)

. . . See § 61.503(7), Fla. Stat. (2007). . . .

MANNINO, v. MANNINO,, 980 So. 2d 575 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2008)

. . . See § 61.503(7) (" ‘Home state’ means the state in which a child lived with a parent or a person acting . . .

In D. N. H. W. a N. W. T. G. S. T. v. L. H. D. S. W., 955 So. 2d 1236 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2007)

. . . .” § 61.503(7). . . .

ARJONA a k a v. TORRES a k a, 941 So. 2d 451 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2006)

. . . custody matters (except for temporary emergency matters) to the “home state” of the child, and section 61.503 . . .

S. STECKLER, v. E. STECKLER,, 921 So. 2d 740 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2006)

. . . See § 61.503(4), Fla. . . .

M. BENSON, v. EVANS,, 901 So. 2d 893 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2005)

. . . Texas for over three years with petitioner, a “person acting as a parent” within the meaning of section 61.503 . . .

C. DOYLE, v. OWENS,, 881 So. 2d 717 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2004)

. . . See § 61.503(4), Fla. . . .

SIMPSON v. C. YOUNG, III, M., 884 So. 2d 186 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2004)

. . . See § 61.503(4) (“ ‘Child custody proceeding’ means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody . . .

In S. M. a E. K. v., 874 So. 2d 720 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2004)

. . . “Child custody proceedings,” defined in section 61.503(4) of the UCCJEA, include proceedings for dependency . . .

SPINDLER, v. MAYOL,, 849 So. 2d 1102 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2003)

. . . See § 61.503(3), Fla. Stat. (2002); Overcash v. Overcash, 466 So.2d 1261 (Fla. 2d DCA 1985). . . .

K. H. v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN FAMILY SERVICES,, 846 So. 2d 544 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2003)

. . . Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act [UC-CJA], which applies to dependency proceedings, see § 61.503 . . .