Florida Child Support Calculator

Florida uses the income shares model under Statute § 61.30, combining both parents' monthly net incomes to look up a guideline amount from the statutory schedule. Each parent pays a proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. For example, one child with $3,000 combined monthly income yields $644; two children at $6,000 yields $1,737. Courts may deviate ±5% from the guideline without written justification.

Florida Statute § 61.30 defines gross income broadly to include wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment earnings, pensions, Social Security benefits, and business income (gross receipts minus ordinary business expenses). Public assistance is excluded. Net income is calculated by deducting federal and state taxes, Social Security contributions, union dues, and mandatory retirement. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed, courts impute income using U.S. Census median earnings data.

Florida uses the term time-sharing rather than custody. Under § 61.30, when both parents have at least 20% overnight time-sharing (73+ overnights per year), the basic support obligation is multiplied by 1.5 and adjusted proportionally between parents. More overnight time with a parent reduces their cash support obligation because they already spend directly on the child. Below 73 overnights, the standard guideline amount applies without the time-sharing adjustment.

Florida allows child support modification when there is a substantial change in circumstances or when the current amount differs by at least 10% (and no less than $25) from the guideline amount under § 61.30. Either parent may petition for modification due to job loss, income changes, or shifts in time-sharing. The Florida Department of Revenue also reviews orders administratively. Modifications apply going forward only—they do not erase existing arrears.

Beyond the base guideline amount, Florida Statute § 61.30 requires adding health insurance premiums for the child and noncovered medical, dental, and prescription costs to the basic obligation. Childcare costs necessary for employment or education are also added. These additional expenses are split proportionally based on each parent's share of combined net income. Extraordinary expenses like private school or special needs may be considered if the court finds them appropriate.

Florida has no statutory minimum or maximum child support amount. For combined monthly net incomes below $800, the court sets support at its discretion. The statutory schedule covers incomes up to $10,000 per month combined. Above $10,000, Florida applies additional percentages to the excess income: 5% for one child, 7.5% for two, and 9.5% for three. Courts also ensure the obligor's payment does not exceed 55% of their net income.

Under Florida Statute § 61.13, child support generally terminates when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at 18 and performing in good faith toward graduation, support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. Support may also end early through emancipation, marriage, or military enlistment. For children with physical or mental incapacity that began before age 18, support may continue indefinitely under § 61.1255.

Florida enforces child support aggressively through multiple mechanisms. Courts can garnish up to 65% of disposable income (60% plus 5% if over 12 weeks delinquent). Under § 409.2598, the Department of Revenue can suspend driver's licenses, professional licenses, and vehicle registrations after 30 days of nonpayment. Additional penalties include bank account levies, tax refund interception, property liens, and credit bureau reporting. Willful nonpayment may result in contempt of court with up to 179 days in jail.