Florida Sheriff's Offices, Substations Must Have Child Custody Exchange Sites, New Law Requires

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A new Florida law aims to protect survivors of domestic violence by codifying a long-standing practice: child custody exchanges in law enforcement parking lots.

“We really believe in everyone’s safety,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

According to Judd, most child custody exchanges are peaceful and eventful.

“But sometimes we see an event where family members just can't stand each other and therefore there needs to be a safe exchange,” he said.

Polk County substations already have safe exchange zones for both children and commercial exchanges.

The new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in early June requires every sheriff's office and substation in Florida to have designated areas.

They should have a purple light or sign to identify the location of the secure child care exchange site.

It must be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, have adequate lighting and a continuously recording surveillance camera system.

“Make sure there's no crosswords, there's no ugliness, because if there is, we'll put you in jail and make a video,” Judd said.

“We see all kinds of power and control playing out in these interactions,” said Mindy Murphy, president and CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay, the state-certified comprehensive domestic violence center for Hillsborough County.

Murphy said victims and their children are often placed in dangerous situations during custody exchanges.

Just because a couple separates doesn't mean the abuse stops, she added.

“I think the law reinforces that, by creating a defined space with good lighting, 24 hours a day, with cameras on that location,” Murphy said.

Despite the presence of cameras, lighting and law enforcement nearby, Murphy still advises survivors to be aware of their surroundings and follow their instincts during all interactions.

The new law also states that sheriff's offices are immune from civil liability for anything that happens on those premises.