Florida Child Support Calculator

Free instant estimate based on Florida's Income Shares Model (§ 61.30)

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Select a state and enter your monthly gross income to see an estimated child support payment based on net income.

How Florida Calculates Child Support

Florida calculates child support using the Income Shares Model established under Florida Statute § 61.30. This approach assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together. The court refers to the Florida Child Support Guidelines chart, which provides a schedule of basic support obligations based on combined monthly net income and the number of children.

Each parent's share of the total obligation is determined by their proportionate share of the combined net income. For example, if one parent earns 65% of the combined income, that parent is responsible for 65% of the total child support obligation. Additional expenses such as health insurance, childcare costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are factored into the final calculation.

Florida also provides adjustments for substantial parenting time. If the non-custodial parent has the child for 20% or more of overnights annually, the support amount may be reduced. The court may also deviate from the guidelines in special circumstances, such as when a child has special needs or when shared custody arrangements make the standard calculation inequitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Florida calculate child support under § 61.30?
Florida uses the Income Shares Model, which estimates the amount parents would spend on their children if the family were intact. Both parents' combined net income is applied to the Florida Child Support Guidelines table to determine the total support obligation, which is then divided proportionally based on each parent's income share.
What is considered income for Florida child support?
Florida considers gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, disability benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits. Certain deductions are allowed, such as taxes, mandatory union dues, and health insurance premiums.
Does parenting time affect child support in Florida?
Yes. Florida law provides a substantial parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the child for 20% or more of the overnights (at least 73 overnights per year). The adjustment increases with more overnights, and shared parental custody can significantly reduce the support obligation.
Is there a minimum child support amount in Florida?
Yes. Florida has a minimum child support amount that varies based on the parents' combined income and the number of children. Even low-income parents are generally required to pay at least the minimum amount established by the guidelines, unless the court finds a deviation is justified.
Can Florida child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification of a child support order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in income, changes in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. The change must be at least 15% or $50 difference from the current order.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on SupportCalc is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing on this website should be taken as legal advice. Child support calculations are estimates based on publicly available state guidelines and may not reflect the exact amount ordered by a court. Every case is unique, and many factors can affect the final support order. Please consult with a qualified family law attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation.