What do fatherhood programs actually do?

Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.

Who can join? Do I need custody?

Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).

Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?

Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.

How do fatherhood programs help with child support?

Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.

Fatherhood Programs in Florida

18 verified resources.

About Fatherhood Programs for Fathers

Fatherhood programs in the US are funded through the federal Office of Family Assistance (OFA) under the Responsible Fatherhood grant program and through state and local initiatives. Programs typically focus on three areas: healthy marriage and relationship skills, responsible parenting, and economic stability (employment and financial literacy). Services often include peer support groups, one-on-one mentoring, job training, help navigating child support, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated fathers. Organizations like the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) and Fathers' Rights Movement operate nationally; most states also have dedicated fatherhood coalitions and faith-based organizations running local programs. This directory includes federally-funded Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grantees, state fatherhood coalitions, and community-based mentorship programs — all open to dads regardless of custody status.

Fatherhood Programs in Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

18 Resources

1. Father First Florida (FL Dept. of Children & Families) — Free

Florida's statewide Responsible Fatherhood Initiative backed by $83+ million in funding. Network of 30 community organizations providing educational programs, mentorship, one-on-one support, employment assistance, and parenting skills training for fathers across all Florida counties. Services are free and available to biological, adoptive, and stepfathers. Call 850-487-1111 or visit fatherfirstfl.com to locate your nearest partner organization.

850-487-1111 · 1317 Winewood Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Visit Website

2. NE Florida Healthy Start - Fatherhood P.R.I.D.E. (Jacksonville) — Free

Fatherhood P.R.I.D.E. (Parental Responsibility Inspiring Dads Everywhere) offering case management, group classes, employment help, housing resources, healthcare referrals, and mentoring for dads in NE Florida. Part of Father First network. Evidence-based curricula include Fathering in 15 and 24/7 Dads. Located at 751 Oak St, Jacksonville. Call 904-723-5422. Free services for fathers in Duval and surrounding counties.

904-723-5422 · 751 Oak St, Suite 610, Jacksonville, FL 32204 · Visit Website

3. Champions for Children - FRANC Program (Tampa) — Free

Fathers Resource and Networking Community (FRANC) provides father-specific services including parenting education, community resources, and support groups. Promotes positive fatherhood and helps dads build safe, healthy, nurturing relationships with their children in Hillsborough County. Located at 3108 W Azeele St, Tampa. Call 813-673-4646 or email franc@cfctb.org. Free programming through Champions for Children.

813-673-4646 · 3108 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL 33609 · Visit Website

4. Healthy Families Florida (Statewide Home Visiting Program) — Free

Nationally accredited home visiting program for expectant parents and parents of newborns across Florida. Trained family support workers visit your home to provide parenting education, child development information, and connections to community resources. Serves fathers and mothers statewide at no cost. Voluntary enrollment. Call 850-488-1752 or visit healthyfamiliesfla.org to find your local Healthy Families program and enroll today.

850-488-1752 · Tallahassee, FL · Visit Website

5. Healthy Families Orange/Osceola (Orlando) — Free

Local Healthy Families program serving Orange and Osceola counties through the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families. Free home visiting for new and expectant parents providing in-home parenting support, child development education, and community resource connections. Fathers are actively encouraged to participate. Located at 2600 Technology Dr, Orlando. Call 321-841-2950 to enroll or learn more about eligibility.

321-841-2950 · 2600 Technology Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 · Visit Website

6. Healthy Families Pinellas County (St. Petersburg) — Free

Local Healthy Families home visiting program serving Pinellas County families at no cost. Trained family support workers visit your home to provide parenting education, infant developmental screenings, and connections to community resources. Fathers and expectant dads are welcome to enroll. Call 727-824-6990 to learn more or to get referred. Services are voluntary and free for qualifying families in Pinellas County.

727-824-6990 · Visit Website

7. Healthy Families Hillsborough County (Tampa) — Free

Healthy Families home visiting program for Hillsborough County administered through Champions for Children. Supports expectant parents and parents of newborns with in-home parenting education, parenting skills development, and connections to community resources. Fathers are encouraged to participate in all visits. Located at 3108 W Azeele St, Tampa. Call 813-673-4646 or email healthyfamilies@cfctb.org to enroll.

813-673-4646 · 3108 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL 33609 · Visit Website

8. Healthy Families Polk County (Lakeland) — Free

Home visiting program serving families in Polk County at no cost. Trained family support workers provide in-home parenting education, child development guidance, and connections to local community resources for new and expectant parents. Fathers are actively included in all visits and programming. Call 863-534-5344 to inquire about enrollment or visit polkfl.gov for eligibility information and to connect with a local coordinator.

863-534-5344 · Visit Website

9. National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) - 24/7 Dad Program — Free

The most widely used fatherhood curriculum in the country, available through multiple Florida organizations. Evidence-based 24/7 Dad program covers fathering skills, responsibility, and building strong family relationships. InsideOut Dad curriculum also available for incarcerated fathers in Florida correctional facilities. Call 301-948-0599 to find a local facilitator. Visit fatherhood.org to locate programs and resources near you across Florida.

301-948-0599 · 12410 Milestone Center Dr, Suite 600, Germantown, MD 20876 · Visit Website

10. Fatherhood.gov (Federal Office of Family Assistance) — Free

Federal resource hub for fathers with a program locator, parenting tips, and connections to local fatherhood programs across Florida. Provides information on responsible fatherhood grants, evidence-based curricula used in Florida, and federal resources for child support and custody. Access free articles, videos, and tools at fatherhood.gov. No cost to use. Resources cover co-parenting, finances, health, and staying involved in your children's education.

Visit Website

11. Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida (Tallahassee) — Free

Statewide nonprofit administering Healthy Families Florida and Prevent Child Abuse Florida programs. Provides training, technical assistance, and quality improvement support for family support programs across the state. Connects families to local home visiting services and child abuse prevention resources. Located in Tallahassee. Call 850-921-4494 or visit ounce.org to learn more about programs available for fathers and families in Florida.

850-921-4494 · Tallahassee, FL · Visit Website

12. Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade — Fatherhood Program — Free

Free fatherhood engagement program offering parenting classes, job readiness workshops, and peer support groups for dads in Miami-Dade County. Part of the Father First Florida network. Located at 7785 NW 48th St Suite 230, Miami. Call 305-541-0210 to enroll. Serves biological, adoptive, and stepfathers. Programming focuses on building strong parent-child bonds, financial literacy, and navigating co-parenting responsibilities.

305-541-0210 · 7785 NW 48th St Suite 230, Miami, FL 33166 · Visit Website

13. Healthy Start Coalition of Broward — Dad Programs — Free

Fatherhood engagement through the Broward Healthy Start program connecting dads with parenting education, prenatal involvement opportunities, and family support services in Broward County. Located at 200 SE 13th St Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-567-0594 for enrollment information. Free programming for expectant fathers and dads of young children. Covers child development, healthy relationships, and community resource referrals.

954-567-0594 · 200 SE 13th St Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

14. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida — Free

One-on-one mentoring matching adult male volunteers with boys and young men who need positive role models in Central Florida. Programs span Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Fathers can volunteer as mentors or enroll their sons. Located at 4985 L B McLeod Rd Suite G, Orlando. Call 407-478-2996 to get involved. Community-based and school-based mentoring options available. Background checks required for all volunteers.

407-478-2996 · 4985 L B McLeod Rd Suite G, Orlando, FL 32811

15. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay — Free

Mentoring program matching adult volunteers with boys and young men in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties. Offers community-based and school-based mentoring options. Fathers can volunteer as mentors or refer their sons for a match. Located at 4300 W Cypress St Suite 800, Tampa. Call 813-720-7514 or visit bbbstampabay.org. Background checks required. Long-term match commitments of one year or more encouraged.

813-720-7514 · 4300 W Cypress St Suite 800, Tampa, FL 33607 · Visit Website

16. Florida Head Start — Father Engagement — Free

All Florida Head Start and Early Head Start programs include father and male engagement components as a federal requirement. Dads are actively encouraged to participate in classroom activities, home visits, family events, and the parent policy council. Contact your local Head Start center to learn about dad-specific programs in your area. Call 850-487-1111 or visit eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov to find your nearest Florida Head Start location.

850-487-1111 · Visit Website

17. Florida Fathers and Families Association — Free

Advocacy organization supporting fathers' involvement in their children's lives through community outreach, resources, and events across Florida. Connects dads to local fatherhood programs, co-parenting services, and legal resources. Part of the Father First Florida network. Call 850-487-1111 or visit fatherfirstfl.com to access statewide resources, find local events, and connect with other dads building stronger relationships with their children.

850-487-1111 · Visit Website

18. Healthy Families Duval County (Jacksonville) — Free

Home visiting program serving new and expectant fathers in Duval County at no cost. Trained family support workers provide in-home parenting education, infant developmental screenings, and connections to family resources in Jacksonville. Fathers are actively included in all visits. Call 904-723-5422 to enroll or get a referral. Visit nefhealthystart.org for more information about fatherhood programming available through NE Florida Healthy Start.

904-723-5422 · Jacksonville, FL · Visit Website

Fatherhood Programs — Common Questions

What do fatherhood programs actually do?: Most combine peer support groups, parenting skill workshops, help navigating child support and custody, job training or placement, and — for fathers involved in the justice system — reentry services. Programs run 6–16 weeks typically, and most are free.
Who can join? Do I need custody?: Most fatherhood programs serve any dad regardless of custody status, marital status, or whether children live with them. Many specifically serve non-custodial fathers and fathers coming out of incarceration. A small number focus on specific populations (teen dads, reentry, veterans).
Are there programs for fathers who lost custody?: Yes. Programs like National Fatherhood Initiative's InsideOut Dad, Father Friendly Check-up-affiliated organizations, and many faith-based programs specifically support dads rebuilding relationships with kids after separation or incarceration.
How do fatherhood programs help with child support?: Many run 'Fatherhood Fridays' or similar collaborations with child support agencies that provide modifications for reduced income, arrears reduction for program completion, or bridge-the-gap job placements to help dads get current on orders.