West Palm Beach Hurricane Time-Sharing Guide
Storms don’t pause for custody schedules. This Florida hurricane time-sharing guide gives parents in West Palm Beach and across Palm Beach County a simple, court-ready framework: clear activation points, safe evacuation options, set check-ins, a temporary schedule, automatic make-up time, and a plan for sharing necessary costs. Use the copy-ready clauses to create a one-page Hurricane/Emergency Addendum to your existing Parenting Plan so both parents know when the storm rules start, what to do during an evacuation, and how to resume the regular schedule when travel is safe. If you need help tailoring language to your order and your actual driving routes, The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire can draft and file a version that fits your family and Florida law.
When the storm rules start (activation point)
Use one primary activation point and, if you prefer, an earlier backup so there’s no guesswork.
Primary (objective). When Palm Beach County or the State issues a hurricane evacuation order affecting either parent’s residence, the Evacuation Rules below apply.
Optional backup (earlier start). The Evacuation Rules can also apply when the National Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Warning for Palm Beach County.
When they end. These provisions end when the order or warning is lifted, and travel is safe for an exchange. The regular schedule resumes, and any lost overnights are credited within 60 days.
What to write into your agreement (copy-ready)
Evacuation destinations
- If the activation point occurs, the parent with the child may evacuate to a pre-approved list of safe places, such as two or three specific relatives or hotels.
- Add a safety clause stating the evacuating parent may take any reasonable step necessary to protect the child.
- Allow one-line additions by text or email to the other parent if your primary options are full or unreachable.
Local tip. Choose destinations and exchange points with realistic drive times on I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike. Both corridors clog during evacuations, so build in extra time or add an alternate route.
Communication during evacuation
- Send a location and status text within two hours of departure and once daily at a set time.
- Offer a 10-15 minute daily video call for the other parent if phone service or Wi-Fi is available.
Temporary schedule
- If roads or schools are closed, the evacuating parent keeps the child until exchanges are safe.
- Once conditions improve, resume the regular schedule.
Make-up time
- Lost overnights are credited within 60 days of safe return, with equal or greater time as needed.
- Make-up weekends take priority over extracurriculars unless both parents agree otherwise.
Expense sharing
- Share reasonable evacuation costs, including fuel, lodging, food, and basic supplies.
- Reconcile with receipts within 30 days.
Relocation clarification
- Add one line: Evacuation is not relocation. Under Florida’s parental relocation law, “relocation” generally means a move 50 miles or more from the current residence for 60 consecutive days or longer, not including temporary absences for vacation, education, or health care. Short-term hurricane evacuations for safety are not relocation. Permanent or semi-permanent moves follow the parental relocation procedure and require separate steps.
Where to put it
- Attach a one-page Hurricane/Emergency Addendum to your existing Parenting Plan or time-sharing order. Keeping the structure familiar makes approval by a judge easier if needed.
What parents want to know right now
Why use an activation point at all?
It’s a plain-English switch that turns the storm rules on and off. Everyone knows exactly when the special terms apply, which makes the plan predictable and enforceable.
Can we evacuate out of state with the child once the activation point hits?
Yes, if necessary for safety and consistent with your written terms. It is not relocation unless it becomes a move 50+ miles for 60+ consecutive days (Florida definition), which triggers the relocation procedure.
What if one of us ignores the activation point and refuses to follow the plan?
Document calmly, continue child-focused communication, follow the check-ins, and exchange as soon as it’s safe. Then apply the automatic make-up time.
We already have a plan. Do we have to re-draft everything?
No. Keep your current order and add a one-page addendum covering the activation point, destination list, communication windows, temporary schedule, make-up time, and expenses. If your case is still open, file it by agreement.
What should our messages include during an evacuation?
Departure time, current location, child’s condition, next check-in time, and any change in destination.
Quick FAQs
Is a week-long evacuation considered relocation?
No. Florida generally defines relocation as a move 50 miles or more for 60 consecutive days or longer (excluding temporary absences). A short evacuation or trip does not meet that threshold.
How soon should make-up time happen after we return?
Within 60 days. Put that deadline in writing so you’re not negotiating credits for months.
Do we need to list exact hotels or addresses?
List two or three realistic options and allow additions by text or email if your main choices are full or unreachable.
What if school reopens before travel is fully safe?
Prioritize school attendance but keep safety in mind and resume exchanges when travel is safe. If that shifts weekends or holidays, the make-up provision balances it out.
If you’re in West Palm Beach or anywhere in Palm Beach County, we can translate this into clean, court-ready language that fits your current order and real driving routes.
Contact The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire in West Palm Beach, Florida for a tailored Parenting Plan addendum so everyone knows exactly what to do when the next advisory hits.