In Florida, a new law is set to roll out, creating safe designated areas at sheriff’s offices for separated parents with split custody to exchange children without fear of harm. Commencing today, purple signs at sheriff’s offices statewide will mark these safe zones, enabling parents to drop off their children while reducing the risk of danger – with the color purple symbolizing domestic violence awareness.

 

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The exchange zones – boasting 24/7 accessibility – feature a designated parking lot. Equipped with a purple light or sign, parents will carry out custody exchanges while being monitored by deputies via camera surveillance in line with H.B. 385, also known as the Safe Exchange of Minor Children law.

 

Under this legislation, these areas are mandated to have sufficient lighting and video surveillance that operates continuously, recording every minute of every day. At a minimum, one camera must be focused on the parking lot, capturing clear and accurate images, including time and date stamps, and retaining the footage for at least 45 days.

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The law was named in honor of Cassie Carli, a Florida mother who tragically disappeared in 2022 after meeting her child’s father for a custody exchange at a restaurant parking lot. Her body was later discovered buried in Alabama, and the child’s father, Marcus Spanevelo, was subsequently indicted in connection with her death.

 

 

Furthermore, this legislation necessitates that parents sharing custody must establish a court-approved parenting plan outlining their shared responsibilities for raising the child. This plan encompasses detailed time-sharing schedules, assigning each parent specific periods with the child, and designating which parent carries responsibility for the child’s healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities.

 

 

With this new law coming into effect, Florida aims to protect children and prevent tragic incidents like Cassie Carli’s from occurring, ensuring their safety during custody exchanges while attributing much-needed accountability to parents in managing their shared parental responsibilities.