Florida Child Support Guidelines
How Child Support Is Calculated in Florida
Florida uses a standardized formula to ensure children receive fair financial support from both parents. Understanding how these guidelines work is essential whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay it.
Florida’s Income Shares Model
The Foundation of the Child Support Formula
Florida follows an income shares model, which estimates what both parents would have spent on their children if they lived together. The combined net incomes of both parents are applied to a statutory chart, which determines the base level of child support. That amount is then allocated between the parents based on their income percentages.
The goal is to maintain the child’s standard of living as closely as possible to what it would have been in a two-parent household.
What Counts as Income
Sources of Income Included in the Calculation
Nearly all forms of income are factored into child support. This includes:
- Wages and salary
- Overtime and bonuses
- Commissions and self-employment income
- Unemployment or disability benefits
- Rental income or investment returns
To calculate net income, certain deductions are allowed: federal income tax, Medicare and Social Security contributions, health insurance premiums for the parent, and mandatory retirement contributions.
The court uses each parent’s
monthly net income to determine their share of the obligation.
Basic Support and Additional Expenses
What the Guidelines Cover – And What They Don’t
Once the base child support amount is determined from the guidelines chart, additional necessary expenses are added to it. These can include:
- The child’s share of health insurance premiums
- Work-related daycare or childcare costs
- Uncovered medical, dental, or vision expenses
These extra costs are typically split between the parents in proportion to their income shares.
Example: For two children and a combined net income of $5,000/month, the base support might be $1,400. If Parent A earns 60% of the income, they would typically pay 60% of that obligation unless they have substantial parenting time.
Adjustments for Time-Sharing
How Parenting Schedules Affect the Support Amount
Florida child support guidelines include an automatic adjustment if the parent paying support has the child for 20% or more of overnights each year (roughly 73 nights or more).
This time-sharing adjustment reflects the reality that both parents incur costs while caring for the child. More time equals more shared expenses, which can reduce the support owed by the non-majority-time parent.
When Deviations Are Allowed
Customizing Support for Unique Circumstances
The guideline amount is presumed correct, but the court may deviate from it in certain situations. A deviation of up to 5% can be made without special findings; more than that requires written justification.
Common reasons for deviation include:
- Special needs of the child
- Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
- A parent’s extremely high or low income
- A parenting schedule that doesn’t reflect the actual costs incurred
Whether you’re asking for a deviation or opposing one, it’s crucial to present detailed financial and lifestyle evidence to the court.
Using the Child Support Worksheet
Applying the Numbers to Your Case
Florida requires a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet to be filed in all child support cases. This worksheet performs the actual calculation based on both parents’ financial disclosures and parenting schedule.
Our firm helps clients complete this worksheet accurately, and we often run alternative calculations to prepare for negotiation or trial.
While online calculators exist, they don’t always reflect all allowable credits or case-specific facts—relying on legal guidance ensures fairness and accuracy.
Take the Guesswork Out of Child Support
Legal Help to Ensure the Right Outcome
Florida’s child support formula might be standardized, but each case involves individual factors. Whether you’re seeking to receive or pay support, our firm ensures your financial interests are accurately represented—and your child’s needs come first.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get clear answers on your child support rights and responsibilities.
