A new law goes into effect in Florida on Monday that creates designated areas within sheriff’s offices where separated and divided custody parents can safely exchange children.
Purple signs are being installed at sheriff’s offices across Florida to mark child interaction zones where parents can leave their children without fear of harm to themselves or their children. Purple represents domestic violence awareness.
Designated parking areas will be accessible all day and will be monitored by police cameras with purple lights or signs indicating where parents should hand over their children under a care plan.
HB 385, titled “Safe Exchange of Minor Children,” would require adequate lighting and continuous video surveillance recording 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Kathy Currie: Murdered Florida mother’s ex-boyfriend extradited to Alabama to face corpse abuse charges
In Florida, a new law takes effect Monday that will create designated areas within sheriff’s offices where separated parents with joint custody can safely exchange children. (Indio Police Department)
At least one camera must be aimed at the parking lot, record the area near the purple lights or signs at all times of the day or night, take photographs that clearly and accurately display the time and date, and be capable of storing the video surveillance recordings or photographs for at least 45 days.
The law is named after Florida mother Kathy Carli, who went missing in 2022 after meeting with her child’s father in a restaurant parking lot during a custody exchange. Her body was found buried in Alabama weeks later.
The girl’s father, 35-year-old Marcus Spanebello, has been charged in connection with her death.
Cause and manner of death of Florida mother Kathy Curli ruled “unknown” six months after murder
Kathy Carli (left) disappeared after meeting with her child’s father, Marcus Spagnevero (right), during a child custody exchange in a restaurant parking lot in 2022, and her body was found buried in Alabama weeks later. (Photos: Curley family, Santa Rosa County Sheriff)
The law also requires parents who have joint custody of a child to create a court-approved parenting plan that details how they will share the day-to-day responsibilities of raising the child.
The plan should include a time-sharing schedule that specifies how much time the children will spend with each parent. It also specifies which parent will be responsible for the children’s health care, education and other activities.
Click here to get the FOX News app
HB 385 was signed into law last month by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
