How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida calculates child support using a statewide guideline formula, not a judge’s discretion alone. The formula looks at both parents’ incomes, the number of children, the time-sharing schedule, and certain costs such as health insurance and childcare. Because the guideline figures change over time, this article does not list dollar amounts.

The Income-Shares Model

Florida uses an income-shares approach, which is built on the idea that a child should receive roughly the same proportion of parental income that the child would have received if the parents lived together. The guideline formula combines both parents’ incomes and then allocates the support obligation between them. (Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.30.)

What Goes Into the Calculation

The main inputs generally include:

• Each parent’s net income.
• The number of children being supported.
• The number of overnights in the time-sharing schedule.
• The cost of the child’s health insurance and childcare.

Because the numbers change and every family’s finances are different, the best way to estimate support is to apply the current guidelines to your own figures. We do not publish specific amounts here, and you should be cautious about online estimates that do.

Support Can Change Over Time

A child support order is not always permanent. It can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income or in the time-sharing schedule. (Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.30.)

Talk With a Miami Child Support Lawyer

To understand what the guidelines mean for your family, or to establish, enforce, or modify support, speak with a Miami child support lawyer. We help parents across Miami-Dade and South Florida.