Florida Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida determines child support by combining your and the other parent's monthly net incomes to find a basic obligation in a state schedule. Costs for health insurance and childcare are added to this amount, and the total is then divided between you based on your percentage of the combined income. This entire process is governed by Florida Statutes § 61.30.

Understanding Florida's Shared Parenting Time Rules

In Florida, when each parent has the child for at least 73 overnights per year (20% of the time), it triggers a special shared custody calculation called 'substantial time-sharing'. Under Florida Statutes § 61.30(11)(b), the basic support obligation is increased by 50% (a 'gross-up'). This new, higher amount is then allocated between the parents based on both their income shares and the precise percentage of overnights each parent has with the child.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Florida Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority Florida Statutes § 61.30
Shared Custody Threshold 73 Overnights (20% Time)
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19 if in High School)
Modification Standard 15% Change in Support Amount (or $50)

Frequently Asked Questions About FL Support


At what age does child support end in FL?

Child support in Florida ends when a child turns 18, but it can be extended until the child's 19th birthday if they are still attending high school full-time with a reasonable expectation of graduating. Florida Statutes § 61.13(1)(a) allows for this extension, but support otherwise terminates automatically at age 18.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in FL?

Florida courts will impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent based on their potential earning capacity, qualifications, and recent work history. Under Florida Statutes § 61.30(2)(b), the court can assign a monthly income figure to the parent for the calculation, even if they are not actually earning it, to ensure the child is adequately supported.

How do I modify a child support order in FL?

You can modify a child support order in Florida if a new calculation results in a difference of at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater, from the current order. Florida Statutes § 61.30(1)(b) establishes this threshold, which must be based on a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances for either parent.

Does FL child support cover college expenses?

No, Florida law does not require a parent to pay for a child's college or post-secondary education expenses. A court cannot order a parent to pay for college unless both parents have previously and voluntarily agreed to do so in a signed marital settlement agreement or other binding contract.

How does FL handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare costs are added directly to the basic child support obligation and divided between the parents based on their percentage shares of their combined net income. As outlined in Florida Statutes § 61.30(7) and (8), these are considered mandatory add-on expenses in the child support calculation.