Florida Child Support Calculator

Florida uses the income shares model under Florida Statute 61.30. Both parents' monthly net incomes are combined to look up a basic support obligation from the statutory schedule. That obligation is split proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income. Additional costs like childcare and health insurance are added before splitting. If the non-custodial parent has substantial time-sharing (73+ overnights), the amount is adjusted.

Net income in Florida is gross income minus allowable deductions. Gross income includes salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, business income, disability benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment, pensions, Social Security, rental income, and more. Deductions include federal and state taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement, health insurance (excluding the child's portion), and court-ordered support for other children.

Substantial time-sharing occurs when the non-custodial parent has the child for 73 or more overnight stays per year (20% or more of the time). When this threshold is met, Florida adjusts the child support calculation to account for the increased expenses the non-custodial parent incurs during their parenting time, typically resulting in a lower support payment.

Yes, either parent can petition for modification if there is a substantial change in circumstances. This includes a significant change in income (increase or decrease), a change in the child's needs, a change in the time-sharing schedule, changes in childcare or health insurance costs, or the child reaching the age of majority. Florida also allows modification if the existing order differs from the guidelines by 15% or $50, whichever is greater.

In Florida, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19, support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. Support may also continue for a dependent child with a mental or physical incapacity that existed before age 18. Florida courts cannot order parents to pay for college as part of child support.

Yes. Florida Statute 61.30 requires that childcare costs necessary for the parent's employment, job search, or education, and the cost of health insurance for the child, be added to the basic support obligation before it is divided between parents. These can significantly increase the total support amount.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the Florida child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered support may differ because judges can deviate from the guidelines by up to 5% without written findings, and by more with specific justification. Factors like extraordinary medical expenses, seasonal income variations, special needs of the child, and the paying parent's total support obligations are also considered. Consult a Florida family law attorney for an accurate assessment.