Question 1

How is child support calculated in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida uses an income shares model based on Florida Statute 61.30. Child support is calculated by determining the combined monthly income of both parents, applying a percentage based on the number of children (17.5% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, 33% for 4 children, 35% for 5 children, and 40% for 6+ children), then dividing the obligation proportionally based on each parent's income share. Additional factors include health insurance, childcare costs, and time-sharing adjustments.

Question 2

What is time-sharing adjustment in Florida child support?

Accepted Answer

Florida law provides for time-sharing adjustments when a parent has substantial time-sharing (at least 20% or approximately 73 overnights per year). The adjustment reduces the child support obligation to account for direct expenses incurred during parenting time. If time-sharing is equal (50/50 or 182+ overnights), a more substantial adjustment applies. The exact calculation considers the parent's share of the basic obligation and the percentage of overnights.

Question 3

What income is considered for Florida child support?

Accepted Answer

Florida considers all sources of income including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment compensation, disability benefits, workers' compensation, and investment income. Some allowable deductions include federal income tax, FICA, mandatory retirement, health insurance premiums, and union dues. The court may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Question 4

Can Florida child support orders be modified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Florida child support orders can be modified upon showing a substantial change in circumstances. This includes significant changes in either parent's income (typically 15% or $50 per month difference), changes in the child's needs, changes in time-sharing arrangements, or changes in health insurance or childcare costs. Either parent can petition the court for modification, and modifications are generally effective from the date of filing the petition.

Question 5

How long does child support last in Florida?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later (but not beyond age 19). Support may continue beyond age 18 if the child is still in high school and will graduate before turning 19, or if the child has special needs requiring ongoing support. Parents can also agree to extend support beyond these statutory requirements, such as for college expenses.

Question 6

What additional expenses are included in Florida child support?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the basic child support obligation, Florida child support orders typically include provisions for health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses (usually split proportionally), childcare expenses necessary for employment or education, and educational expenses. Parents may also agree or the court may order provisions for extracurricular activities, private school tuition, or college expenses, though these are not mandatory under the guidelines.

Question 7

What are Florida's minimum and maximum child support amounts?

Accepted Answer

Florida has a minimum child support order of $50 per month, even if calculated amount is lower. There is no statutory maximum, but the guidelines provide schedules up to a combined monthly income of $10,000. For combined incomes above $10,000, the court has discretion to determine the appropriate amount, typically by applying the percentage for the number of children to the income amount exceeding $10,000 and adding it to the guideline amount for $10,000.

Question 8

How does shared parenting affect Florida child support?

Accepted Answer

Shared parenting (approximately equal time-sharing of at least 40% for each parent) significantly impacts child support calculations in Florida. When time-sharing is substantial, the basic obligation is adjusted to account for direct expenses each parent incurs during their parenting time. The adjustment prevents double payment for expenses like food, clothing, and entertainment. However, even with equal time-sharing, if there's a significant income disparity, the higher-earning parent typically still pays support.

Question 9

What happens if a parent doesn't pay child support in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Failure to pay court-ordered child support in Florida can result in serious consequences including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, suspension of driver's license, suspension of professional licenses, reporting to credit bureaus, contempt of court charges, and even jail time. Florida's Department of Revenue Child Support Program actively enforces support orders. Past-due support accrues interest at 9% per year and cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.

Question 10

How is self-employment income calculated for Florida child support?

Accepted Answer

For self-employed parents in Florida, gross income is calculated by taking gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary business expenses. However, the court scrutinizes deductions carefully and may add back personal expenses claimed as business deductions, excessive depreciation, or other non-recurring expenses. The court typically averages income over 2-3 years to account for fluctuations. Self-employed parents must provide detailed financial documentation including tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank records.

Florida Child Support Calculator

Florida Child Support Calculator Features

Example Calculation Result

How Florida Child Support Calculator Works

Florida Child Support Formula & Guidelines

Understanding Florida's Income Shares Model

Sources & Legal References

Florida Child Support Calculator Examples

Input Parameters:

Calculation Results:

Equal Time-Sharing (50/50)

No Time-Sharing Adjustment

Frequently Asked Questions

Found This Calculator Helpful?

Related Calculators