Orlando Child Support Attorney

How Florida calculates child support

Florida uses an income-shares model under section 61.30. The court combines both parents' net monthly incomes, finds the guideline support amount for that combined income and the number of children, and then allocates it between the parents in proportion to their incomes. Net income is gross income minus allowable deductions such as taxes, health insurance, and mandatory retirement.

What goes into the number

Both parents' net incomes (and, for business owners and high earners, what truly counts as income);
Work-related child care costs;
The cost of the child's health and dental insurance and uncovered medical expenses;
The number of overnights — once a parent has at least 20% of the overnights, a gross-up calculation adjusts the obligation;
Support paid for other children.

Imputed income

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income based on earning capacity. This issue is common — and contested — where one spouse owns a business or controls how income is reported.

Deviation and modification

A court may deviate from the guideline amount by more than 5% only with written findings explaining why. Support can later be modified when there is a substantial change — generally a change that would alter the guideline amount by at least 15% or $50.

Frequently asked questions

How is child support calculated in Florida?

By the income-shares guidelines in section 61.30 — combining both parents' net incomes, the number of children, child-care and health-insurance costs, and the overnight schedule.

Until what age is child support paid?

Generally until the child turns 18, or up to 19 if still in high school with a reasonable expectation of graduating; support can extend for a dependent adult child with a disability.

Does 50/50 time-sharing eliminate child support?

Not necessarily. Even with equal overnights, the parent with the higher income usually still pays support, because the guidelines are driven by the income difference.

Can child support be changed later?

Yes, on a substantial change in circumstances — typically a change that would move the guideline amount by at least 15% or $50.

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