Child Support in Florida: How Much Will You Owe?

Quick answer: it depends on both parents' incomes, how many children you have, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page turns those numbers into a real guideline estimate in about a minute. It is an educational estimate, not legal advice, and the judge always sets the final amount. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource, not a law firm.

Wondering how much child support you will owe or receive in Florida? The state uses one formula everywhere, so the same math applies in every county. This page explains how it works, lets you run a live estimate, and links to a dedicated page for each county at the bottom.

Florida follows the Income Shares model under Fla. Stat. § 61.30. The court combines both parents' monthly gross incomes, looks up the basic support obligation on the state's guideline schedule for that income level and number of children, then prorates the obligation between the parents according to each parent's percentage share of the combined income.

What counts as income? Florida runs the formula on net income, meaning income after taxes come out. Gross income from any source, salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, business income, disability, workers' comp, unemployment, pensions, Social Security, rental income, royalties, trust income, annuities, and interest, is reduced by allowable deductions (taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement, health insurance for the parent, and existing court-ordered support) to produce net monthly income.

Parenting time matters directly in Florida: the number of overnights each parent has changes the math itself. Parenting time changes the Florida number through the Substantial Time-Sharing Adjustment under Fla. Stat. 61.30(11)(b). That adjustment kicks in only when each parent has at least 20% of the overnights, which is about 73 nights per year. Once you cross that threshold, the formula accounts for the cost of caring for the child in two homes and generally reduces the paying parent's amount. Below 73 nights, your share of overnights does not change the guideline result.

When does it end? Florida child support typically ends when the child turns 18, but extends to age 19 if the child is still in high school and reasonably expected to graduate before turning 19. A dependent adult child with a disability that began before age 18 may receive continuing support under § 743.07.

Can the amount change later? Either parent can file a Supplemental Petition for Modification in circuit court, or request administrative review through the Department of Revenue. A 15% or $50/month variance under § 61.30(1)(b) is the standard threshold.

If payments fall behind, Florida has real enforcement tools. The Florida Department of Revenue uses immediate income withholding, federal and state tax refund offset, lottery intercept, suspension of driver and professional licenses under § 61.13016, vehicle registration suspension, credit reporting, passport denial, lien filings, and contempt referrals to circuit court.

Child support cases in Florida are generally handled through the state's Circuit Court, and Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program runs the state's child support services program. Forms and local practice can vary, so confirm the current details with your local court or the agency.

The calculator on this page is the same live engine behind our full Child Support Calculator. Enter both incomes, the number of children, and the overnight split, and the estimate updates instantly. The full calculator page adds extras like health insurance, child care costs, and saved scenarios.

Bottom line for Florida: the guideline number comes from incomes, children, and parenting time. Run the estimate on this page, keep your paperwork honest and complete, and let the court confirm the final amount.

Frequently asked questions

How much child support will I owe in Florida?

There is no flat amount. Florida uses the Income Shares model under Fla. Stat. § 61.30, so the number depends on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The calculator on this page gives you a guideline estimate, and the court sets the final amount.

When does child support end in Florida?

Age 18, with extension to age 19 if the child is in high school full-time and reasonably expected to graduate before turning 19.

Can the child support amount be changed later in Florida?

Usually yes, when circumstances change enough. A change that produces a 15% or $50 per month difference between the existing order and a new guideline calculation is the standard substantial-change threshold under Fla. Stat. § 61.30(1)(b).

Who handles child support cases in Florida?

Cases are generally heard in the state's Circuit Court, and Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program handles services like locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments.