Child Support in Florida: How It's Calculated
Florida uses the Income Shares Model (§61.30) to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Florida courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Florida resources.
Income Shares Model (§61.30) in Florida
Florida calculates child support under §61.30 of the Florida Statutes using the Income Shares Model. Both parents' net incomes are combined and compared to a schedule to determine a minimum child support obligation, which is then divided proportionally.
Florida provides a parenting time credit when the non-primary parent exercises 20% or more of the overnights (approximately 73+ overnights per year). Once the threshold is met, an adjustment to the support amount is applied. Florida law also requires that both parents' net incomes — after federal income tax, FICA, state income tax, mandatory retirement, and health insurance — be used rather than gross income.
Key Factors Florida Courts Consider
- Both parents' net monthly income
- Number of children
- Parenting time — 20% of overnights (73+) triggers a credit adjustment
- Child's health insurance premium
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Extraordinary medical costs not covered by insurance
- Any prior court-ordered support obligations
Official Florida Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Florida's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How Florida's Formula Works
Here is how Florida applies the Income Shares Model (§61.30) to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
Florida starts by calculating each parent's income — net income (after taxes and mandatory deductions). The specific definition of income is set by Income Shares Model (§61.30).
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to Florida's child support schedule. The schedule produces a basic child support obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Add health insurance and childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child and work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation before it is divided between parents.
4. Divide proportionally based on income share
The total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of combined income. The parent with the higher income share bears a larger portion of the obligation.
5. Apply parenting time credits
Parenting time — 20% of overnights (73+) triggers a credit adjustment parenting time credit when the non-primary parent exercises 20% or more of the overnights (approximately 73+ overnights per year).
Document Everything for Your Florida Case
Florida courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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