Although a number of federal laws have been passed in the United States in order to ensure uniformity and consistency in the custody laws that are applied in each state, there are still considerable variations between different jurisdictions. While the laws governing child custody and variation rights are generally similar across the country, each state still retains its own unique processes, guidelines, procedures, and rules that parents must follow in the aftermath of a divorce. Florida custody rules are unique in several key ways. For example, Florida parents are required to submit a parenting plan before custody proceedings can be concluded. In addition, Florida courts have phased out the use of the term