In the context of dissolution of marriage and paternity cases, the term custody has been abolished by Florida law, and replaced by the concepts of time-sharing and parental responsibility.

As part of a parent's right to exercise parental responsibility, he or she is entitled to participate in the major decisions that affect the welfare of the children, such as decisions regarding choice of education, health care, religion, etc. These issues must be agreed upon by the parties prior to the final hearing, or will be determined by a judge at trial in a contested case of paternity or dissolution of marriage.

An extended family member may also obtain temporary custody of a minor child if the child's parents consent or the best interests of the child so requires.