Florida Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Florida's official guidelines
About Florida's Guidelines
Income Shares with substantial shared parenting time credits
Note: Threshold of 73+ overnights for extended time adjustment
Key Information
- •Model: Income Shares
- •Income Cap: $10,000/month combined
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Florida family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Florida Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Florida judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
Parenting Plan
Custody & visitation schedule
These links go to official Florida court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Florida Child Support Guidelines
Florida uses the Florida Child Support Guidelines (F.S. § 61.30) to determine child support obligations. Under the Income Shares model, both parents' incomes are combined to estimate what the family would have spent on the child if the household were intact. The obligation is then divided proportionally based on each parent's contribution to combined net income.
Florida has several distinctive features in its child support system. Florida has one of the lowest overnight thresholds — just 73 overnights (20%) triggers the substantial time-sharing formula. Florida uses net income (after taxes and mandatory deductions) rather than gross income. The state recently updated guidelines (2024) with revised income schedules reflecting current economic data.
Florida bases calculations on net income — meaning income after mandatory deductions like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This gives a more accurate picture of each parent's take-home pay. The self-support reserve in Florida is $1,325/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Florida Calculates Child Support
Florida follows a 6-step process under the Florida Child Support Guidelines (F.S. § 61.30):
- 1
Determine each parent's gross monthly income from all sources
- 2
Calculate net income by deducting federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, union dues, health insurance (for the parent only)
- 3
Combine net incomes and find the minimum child support need from the statutory schedule
- 4
Each parent's share is their percentage of combined net income
- 5
If the non-custodial parent has 73+ overnights (20%+), apply the substantial time-sharing formula — multiply the basic obligation by 1.5, then calculate each parent's share and offset
- 6
Add proportional shares of health insurance for children, non-covered medical/dental, childcare, and other approved expenses
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Florida
Maximum Income Cap
$10,000/mo
Self-Support Reserve
$1,325/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
73 nights/yr
20% of overnights
Income Basis
net
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $190 | $268 | $316 |
| $2,500 | $370 | $540 | $655 |
| $5,000 | $666 | $975 | $1,190 |
| $7,500 | $878 | $1,290 | $1,575 |
| $10,000 | $1,058 | $1,557 | $1,903 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in Florida
Florida recognizes "Substantial Time-Sharing" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 73 overnights per year (approximately 20% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under Florida's Income Shares approach, the shared parenting adjustment typically calculates each parent's obligation based on their income share, then applies a credit or cross-calculation that accounts for the time each parent directly supports the child. The more overnights the non-custodial parent has, the greater the reduction in their payment — but the adjustment is not dollar-for-dollar because fixed costs like housing don't decrease when the child is away.
Below 73 overnights, Florida generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Child Support
What is the 20% rule in Florida child support?
Does Florida use gross or net income?
What is the income cap in Florida?
Can child support be modified in Florida?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Florida
While child support is determined by Florida's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Florida, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
Florida allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in Florida
Calculation Model
Income Shares
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Income Cap
$10,000/mo
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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