Child Custody In Tampa: How Parents Can Prepare For Hurricanes And Other Emergency Situations
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts from June through November, but September and October are particularly active. While the weather has been mild so far, Tampa residents should remain prepared.
In addition to protecting your family’s safety, Hillsborough County parents need to factor in how child custody arrangements could impact their rights and responsibilities in an emergency. Our experienced Tampa child custody lawyer explains common concerns that often arise and the steps you can take now to prevent problems.
Common Concerns During Hurricanes or Other Emergencies When You Have A Tampa Parenting Plan In Place
Just a year ago, Hurricane Helene hit the Gulf Coast in late September, followed by Milton in early October. They caused widespread damage, and some Hillsborough County residents still struggle to recover. While the 2025 season has been quiet so far, it is important to remain prepared, both for major storms and other emergencies.
Under the Florida Statutes, parenting plans detail child custody arrangements, but often fail to cover what happens when the unexpected occurs. This can cause uncertainty and conflict at a time when children need calm and reassurance the most. Common concerns Tampa parents often have include:
- What happens if a storm or other emergency forces one of us to leave Tampa?
- Who decides if it’s safe for the child to stay in a particular home?
- How do we handle custody exchanges if roads close or airports shut down?
- What if power outages or flooding make one parent’s home unsafe?
- How do we keep communication clear when emotions are running high?
When you don’t have answers to these questions, your child feels that instability. When parents can’t agree, the courts may have to step in, but that isn’t always practical in emergencies.
How to Protect Your Child During Emergencies and Reduce Tampa Child Custody Conflicts
It is not too late if you haven’t already put hurricane or other emergency plans in place. Take these steps now to prevent last-minute battles and protect everyone’s safety:
- Update your parenting plan to include provisions for hurricanes and other emergencies.
- Choose whether the child will go if the unexpected happens, and put it in writing.
- Prepare for potential road or business closures and choose alternate routes/arrangements.
- Keep communications open and clarify that your child’s well-being outweighs strict adherence to custody schedules when emergencies arise.
The more detailed your plan, the less likely you’ll face disputes if a hurricane or other emergency happens.
Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Tampa Child Custody Lawyer
No parent wants to argue about child custody during hurricanes or other emergencies. Updating your parenting plan now gives your child stability and can reduce conflict with your co-parent.
At Bubley & Bubley, P.A., we help parents in Tampa build parenting plans that account for real-life scenarios, so you can focus on keeping your child safe, not fighting over logistics. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Tampa child custody lawyer.
Sources:
nhc.noaa.gov/refresh.shtml?epac
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/History-of-Family-Courts-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C/Parenting-Plan
