When a couple files for dissolution of marriage (divorce) and there is a child or children involved, both parties have a duty to provide the financial support necessary to raise the child. In Florida, the responsibility to financially support children, regardless of whether the parties are married to each other, falls on both parents. With a Florida child support calculator, both parents can get important basic information related to the financial support of their children.
At Golden Key Law Group, our attorneys are experienced in handling child support and related matters, such as a modification of child support obligations when there is a permanent, substantial change in circumstance. Whether you receive child support or are obligated to pay child support, we will aggressively fight for your rights and ensure that child support is calculated accurately. Our firm represents both obligors (the person paying) and obligees (the person being paid) in child support cases.
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Florida Child Support Chart
Understanding the financial responsibilities associated with child support can be a complex process, but it is a crucial one for both parents. In the state of Florida, both parents, regardless of marital status, are obligated to provide for their children financially. The Florida Child Support Chart outlined here offers a clear breakdown of the expected monthly net income contributions for one to six children.
| Monthly Net Income | One Child | Two Children | Three Children | Four Children | Five Children | Six Children |
| $800.00 | 190 | 211 | 213 | 216 | 218 | 220 |
| $1000.00 | 235 | 365 | 397 | 402 | 406 | 410 |
| $1500.00 | 340 | 529 | 662 | 746 | 813 | 869 |
| $2000.00 | 442 | 686 | 859 | 968 | 1054 | 1128 |
| $2500.00 | 547 | 847 | 1061 | 1196 | 1304 | 1394 |
| $3000.00 | 644 | 1001 | 1252 | 1412 | 1540 | 1647 |
| $3500.00 | 738 | 1149 | 1438 | 1620 | 1768 | 1891 |
| $4000.00 | 828 | 1288 | 1603 | 1816 | 1982 | 2119 |
| $4500.00 | 916 | 1423 | 1771 | 2006 | 2189 | 2339 |
| $5000.00 | 1000 | 1551 | 1939 | 2188 | 2387 | 2551 |
| $5500.00 | 1064 | 1647 | 2061 | 2324 | 2537 | 2711 |
| $6000.00 | 1121 | 1737 | 2175 | 2451 | 2676 | 2860 |
| $6500.00 | 1170 | 1819 | 2278 | 2562 | 2798 | 2994 |
| $7000.00 | 1212 | 1885 | 2362 | 2656 | 2900 | 3103 |
| $7500.00 | 1251 | 1945 | 2438 | 2741 | 2993 | 3201 |
| $8000.00 | 1290 | 2004 | 2513 | 2827 | 3085 | 3298 |
| $8500.00 | 1329 | 2064 | 2589 | 2912 | 3178 | 3396 |
| $9000.00 | 1368 | 2123 | 2664 | 2998 | 3270 | 3493 |
| $9500.00 | 1407 | 2183 | 2740 | 3083 | 3363 | 3591 |
| $10000.00 | 1437 | 2228 | 2795 | 3148 | 3432 | 3666 |
How is child support calculated in Florida?
Initially, child support orders are determined mainly by formula, which takes into consideration:
- the incomes of both parties,
- the number of children,
- parental timesharing, and
- the cost of daycare and medical expenses
The Florida child support calculator is intended to give parents a general idea of what to expect when child support is calculated. Child support calculations are typically driven by the numbers- they are primarily based on each parent’s income, childcare costs medical insurance costs, and the amount of overnight timesharing. However, every situation is different, and there are special circumstances that can affect child support calculations.
Special circumstances may include high medical expenses for a child, special needs or expenses for the child, or unique timesharing schedules.
The Court will determine the amount of child support owed using the formula that is listed in Florida Statutes 61.30. If there are special circumstances, the Judge may take those circumstances into consideration and deviate by 5% above or below the calculated amount.
The child support obligation is typically paid to the parent who has the majority of overnight timesharing with the child, but if the parent with the majority of timesharing has a significantly higher income, that parent may have the support obligation. Having an attorney to help in your child support case will ensure that the Court understands any circumstances and that the relevant documentation, such as child support guideline worksheets and financial affidavits, are properly prepared and submitted.
Child Support Laws for Unmarried Parents
In Florida, child support laws apply to all parents, whether they are married or not. For unmarried parents, the process for establishing child support is slightly different compared to divorcing parents. The primary difference lies in the establishment of legal paternity. If legal paternity is proven before filing for a child support order, unmarried parents will follow the same procedure as divorcing parents.
However, if legal paternity has not been established, it must be done so before the court will recognize the biological father and include him in the child support filing process. This is because Florida automatically grants the unwed biological mother sole physical and legal custody of the child. To establish paternity, an unwed biological father must undergo a legitimate DNA test, which can be part of a court order or taken voluntarily.
- In Florida, unwed biological mothers automatically receive full parental rights to their child upon birth.
- Florida state law allows both unmarried parents the opportunity to share physical and legal custody of their child evenly.
- Like divorcing parents, unmarried parents who have legally established paternity may receive the legal title of parent.
Establishing paternity is crucial for an unwed father to secure parental rights, including custody and visitation rights.
When Does Child Support End in Florida?
Child support in Florida does not automatically end when the child turns eighteen. Instead, the termination of child support is contingent upon the child’s education status as a high school graduate or on the date of their nineteenth birthday.
- If the child is eighteen and has graduated from high school before this date, child support ends on their eighteenth birthday.
- If the child turns eighteen before graduating from high school, child support ends following their high school graduation.
- If the child is on track to graduate high school after their nineteenth birthday, child support ends following graduation.
- However, if the child is not on track to graduate high school shortly after their nineteenth birthday, termination occurs on their nineteenth birthday
Florida Child Support FAQs
When parents separate, it is a stressful time. Most parents have questions and concerns about child support, whether they will be receiving it or paying support. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about child support in Florida.
What is the maximum child support in Florida?
Technically, there is no maximum amount for child support in Florida. However, the Court will consider the standard of living prior to a divorce (or other family situation), childcare responsibilities, and each parent’s income, or whether the projected support obligation is more than 55% of the parent’s net income and adjust accordingly.
What is the average child support payment for one child in Florida?
In Florida, child support payments depend on income and related factors. Florida Statutes 61.30 provides a chart with the projected minimum need for the child(ren) based on the parent’s combined income and the number of children. For example:
One child:
- Combined monthly income: $3,000 – child support: $644
- Combined monthly income: $6,000 – child support: $1,121
Two children:
- Combined monthly income: $3,000 – child support: $1,001
- Combined monthly income: $6,000 – child support: $1,737
These are for standard reference only. The actual calculations vary based on individual circumstances like parenting time, insurance costs, and other factors.
Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in Florida?
Having a 50/50 timesharing schedule does not prevent one parent from having to pay child support. Typically, the parent with the higher income will need to pay child support in a 50/50 timesharing situation, though the support obligation may be very low, depending on the disparity in income. However, in some cases, the parents may agree that child support should be $0 because of 50/50 timesharing.
What else should parents know in addition to “How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?”
In addition to ensuring support is calculated accurately, our lawyers can assist you with the following:
Modification of child support. If your circumstances change substantially — this can include promotions, career changes, layoffs, disability, or other situations that can either increase or decrease income, you may be able to modify your child support upwards or downwards. Parents are typically responsible for the financial support of their children until they turn eighteen, barring certain exceptions, and it is not uncommon for circumstances to change over the years. In order to modify child support, the change in circumstance must be unanticipated and permanent—a temporary payout or pay raise is not a sufficient basis for modification.
Enforcement of child support orders — if a non-custodial parent is not holding up to their legal responsibilities under a child support order, a family law attorney can help with Child Support Enforcement, assisting parents in dealing with the complex legal processes and paperwork needed for enforcement of child support.
Establishment of Child Support— this includes establishing child support in paternity actions, dissolution of marriage, or in other unrelated circumstances.
Contact A St. Petersburg Family Law Attorney
Golden Key Law Group is ready to help. We offer family and marital law services, including divorce, custody, child support, paternity actions, dependency, modifications, and post-final judgment of dissolution matters.
Contact Golden Key Law Group, your “family” lawyer, at 727-317-4738 to schedule a consultation today.
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