Child support ensures that children receive the financial care they need from both parents, regardless of their living arrangements. In Florida, child support is calculated based on statutory guidelines that consider both parents’ income, the child’s needs, and other relevant factors. This guide will walk you through the process of calculating child support in Florida and what to expect when determining support obligations.
Understanding Florida’s Child Support Guidelines
Florida follows the Florida Child Support Guidelines, which provide a formulaic approach to determining child support payments. These guidelines are based on the combined income of both parents and the number of children involved.
Key Factors That Determine Child Support in Florida
- Combined Net Income of Both Parents – The total monthly net income of both parents is used to determine support obligations.
- Number of Children – The more children involved, the higher the support amount.
- Time-Sharing (Custody) Arrangement – The number of overnight stays a child has with each parent affects child support calculations.
- Health Insurance and Medical Expenses – Who provides insurance for the child and any uninsured medical expenses.
- Childcare Costs – Work-related daycare or babysitting expenses are factored into the calculation.
- Other Expenses – Educational costs, special needs, and other necessary child-related expenses may be included.
Steps to Calculate Child Support in Florida
Step 1: Determine Each Parent’s Net Income
To calculate net income, start with each parent’s gross income, which includes:
- Wages, salaries, bonuses, and commissions
- Business income
- Social Security benefits (excluding SSI)
- Workers’ compensation or disability payments
- Unemployment benefits
- Rental income
- Pension and retirement benefits
From gross income, subtract allowable deductions such as:
- Federal, state, and local taxes
- Health insurance premiums (for the parent only)
- Mandatory union dues
- Court-ordered child support for other children
- Spousal support payments (alimony)
Step 2: Determine the Combined Net Income
Once each parent’s net income is determined, add them together to get the combined net income. Using Florida’s child support guidelines, find the baseline child support obligation corresponding to this combined amount.
Step 3: Allocate Support Based on Each Parent’s Percentage of Income
Each parent’s contribution is proportional to their share of the combined income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, they are generally responsible for 60% of the child support obligation.
Step 4: Adjust for Parenting Time
If a parent has the child for at least 20% of overnight stays (73+ nights per year), child support may be adjusted to reflect shared parenting. More overnights typically reduce the paying parent’s obligation.
Step 5: Factor in Additional Expenses
- Health insurance premiums for the child
- Daycare or after-school care costs
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Other necessary child-related costs
Each parent’s responsibility for these expenses is divided based on their percentage of the combined income.
Step 6: Finalize the Child Support Obligation
After factoring in all relevant costs and adjustments, the final child support obligation is determined. This amount must be approved by the court before it becomes legally enforceable.
Modifying Child Support in Florida
Child support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- A change in the child’s needs
- A modification in the time-sharing arrangement
- A parent becoming unemployed or disabled
Enforcing Child Support Orders
If a parent fails to pay child support, enforcement measures can include:
- Wage garnishment
- Driver’s license suspension
- Seizure of tax refunds
- Contempt of court proceedings
Need Legal Assistance?
Calculating child support can be complex, especially when unique financial situations and custody arrangements are involved. If you need help determining, modifying, or enforcing child support, our experienced family law attorneys at the Law Office of Vanessa D. Torres, P.A. are here to assist. Contact us today for a consultation to ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve.
