Child Support in Florida
State-specific overview · Family Law
Florida uses income shares model; both parents share support obligations proportional to income, with specific time-sharing adjustments.
How Florida treats Child Support
Florida calculates child support by combining both parents' gross income and applying statutory percentages based on the number of children, with adjustments for time-sharing arrangements. The state presumes that both parents should contribute to child support in proportion to their incomes, and courts adjust the guideline amount based on the percentage of time each parent spends with the child. Child support generally terminates when a child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. Florida allows modification when there is a substantial and material change in circumstances, and the state provides for automatic review every three years or upon request.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Florida.