How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida? Complete Guide with Examples

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Quick Answer: Under F.S. 61.30, Florida uses the "Income Shares Model" based on both parents' net income, number of children, healthcare costs, childcare costs, and the time-sharing arrangement. The statute provides a specific formula and guideline tables.

The Florida Child Support Formula (F.S. 61.30)

Florida Statute 61.30 provides mandatory guidelines that courts must follow:

Step 1: Calculate Each Parent's Net Income (F.S. 61.30(2)-(3))

Net Income = Gross Income - Allowable Deductions

Gross Income includes (F.S. 61.30(2)(a)):

• Salary and wages
• Bonuses and commissions
• Self-employment income
• Rental income
• Investment income
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security benefits

Allowable Deductions (F.S. 61.30(3)):

• Federal and state taxes
• FICA/Medicare
• Mandatory retirement contributions
• Health insurance (for yourself)
• Union dues
• Court-ordered support for other children

Step 2: Combine Net Incomes

Add both parents' net income together.

Step 3: Look Up Guideline Amount

Florida publishes a table based on combined income and number of children:

Step 4: Calculate Each Parent's Share

Each parent pays their percentage of the total:

Parent's Share = (Parent's Net Income / Combined Net Income) x Guideline Amount

Step 5: Add Healthcare and Childcare

Add actual costs for:

• Health insurance for children
• Uncovered medical expenses
• Childcare (work-related)

Step 6: Adjust for Time-Sharing (F.S. 61.30(11)(b))

Per F.S. 61.30(11)(b), if the non-primary parent has 20% or more overnights (73+ nights/year), the child support obligation is adjusted using the statutory formula to account for the increased expenses borne by that parent.

Real Example Calculation

Scenario:

• Mother's Net Income: $4,000/month
• Father's Net Income: $6,000/month
• Combined: $10,000/month
• 2 children
• Father has 25% overnights
• Health insurance: $300/month (paid by Mother)
• Childcare: $800/month

Calculation:

Deviations from Guidelines (F.S. 61.30(1)(a))

Under F.S. 61.30(1)(a), courts can deviate from guidelines (up or down by 5%) when the guideline amount is "unjust or inappropriate." Factors include:

• Extraordinary medical, psychological, or educational expenses
• Child's special needs
• Significant age difference between children
• Seasonal income variations
• Assets available for support
• Total support exceeding 55% of gross income
• Independent income of the child

Statutory Note: Any deviation must be justified in writing with findings of fact.

Modifying Child Support (F.S. 61.14)

Under F.S. 61.14, you can petition to modify child support if:

• Income changes by 15% or more, OR
• Support would change by $50+ per month
• Child's needs substantially change
• Time-sharing schedule changes significantly
• Other substantial change in circumstances

Get an Accurate Calculation

Every situation is different. Schedule a $125 Strategy Session to get an accurate child support estimate for your case.