Child Support in St. Johns County, 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.

If you are facing a child support case in St. Johns County, Florida, the first question is almost always the same: how much? The honest answer is that it depends on income, children, and parenting time, all run through Florida's statewide formula. Below you can see how that formula works and try it with your own numbers.

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 arising in St. Johns County are generally handled through Florida's Circuit Court, and Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program runs the state's child support services program. Offices, forms, and local practice can vary from county to county, so confirm the current details with your local court or the agency. This page stays general on purpose and does not give St. Johns county filing steps.

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 St. Johns County, 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 St. Johns County, 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 in about a minute, and the court sets the final amount.

Does parenting time change child support in Florida?

Parenting time matters directly in Florida: the number of overnights each parent has changes the math itself. Keep a clear record of your actual schedule, because the overnight count is one of the main inputs.

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 St. Johns County?

Cases are generally heard in Florida's Circuit Court, and Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program handles services like locating parents, establishing orders, and collecting payments. Confirm the right office with your local St. Johns county court.

Is the calculator on this page the official Florida calculator?

No. It is a free educational estimate built on Florida's guideline model. Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program publishes the official rules and worksheets, and the judge always sets the final amount. Most parents use the estimate to budget, sanity-check a proposal, or decide whether to ask for a change.