Florida Child Support Calculator

1 Step 1

Father's Income

Mother's Income

Total Monthly net income: [field4]$

Your basic monthly obligation is:

Financial responsibility for father: [field19]%

Financial responsibility for mother: [field20]%

Cost of financial responsibility for father: [field21]$

Cost of financial responsibility for mother: [field22]$

Additional Support — Health Insurance, Child Care & Other

100% of monthly child care costsChild care costs should not exceed the level required to provide quality care from a licensed source.

Total monthly child(ren)’s health insurance costThis is only amounts actually paid for health insurance on the child.

Total monthly child(ren)’s noncovered costThat includes Medical, Dental and Prescription Medication Costs.

Additional child support actually made by father: [field31]$

Additional child support actually made (Mother): [field33]$

Total Monthly Child Care & Health Costs: [field28]$

Statutory Adjustments/Credits

Monthly child care payments actually made(Father)

Monthly child care payments actually made(Mother)

Monthly health insurance payments actually made(Father)

Monthly health insurance payments actually made(Mother)

Other payments/creditsActually made for any noncovered medical, dental and prescription medication expenses of the child(ren) not ordered to be separately paid on a percentage basis. (Father)

Other payments/creditsActually made for any noncovered medical, dental and prescription medication expenses of the child(ren) not ordered to be separately paid on a percentage basis. (Mother)

Total support payments actually made (Father):[field44]$

Total support payments actually made (Mother): [field45]$

Minimum child support obligation for father: [field46]$

Minimum child support obligation for mother: [field47]$

Increased basic obligation for father: [field49]$

Increased basic obligation for mother: [field50]$

Basic monthly obligation x 150%[ Multiply line 2 by 1.5]: [field48]$

Overnight Stay with Parents

Number and percentage of overnight stays with father

Number and percentage of overnight stays with Mother

Overnight stays percentage father: [field53]%

Overnight stays percentage mother: [field54]%

Father support overnight: [field55]$

Mother Support overnight : [field56]$

Actual child support to be paid by father: [field58]$

Actual child support to be paid : [field62]$

Actual child support to be paid by mother: [field61]$

Introduction

During the divorce or separation, the financial well-being of the children is a top priority for the parents. Florida state ensures both parents (father and mother) contribute to their children’s future.

Florida Child Support Calculator is a useful tool that helps parents with taxes and payments. The guide will explain how child support is calculated, what the factors are, and how you can get the most accurate results.

Understanding Florida Child Support Calculator

What is Child Support?

In child support, one parent pays another parent to raise their children. It involves health care, overnight stays with parents, and other fees.

In short, child support includes the following expenses:

Food, clothing, and shelter
Education costs
Healthcare and medical expenses
Extracurricular activities
Childcare expenses

Legal Basis for Child Support in Florida

Florida child support laws are written in the Florida Statutes (Section 61.30). The parents must read them before going to the final hearing. Florida family courts follow these statutes when determining child support payments.

How Child Support is Calculated

We use an income-based formula to determine child support payments. This makes sure that the children receive the same level of financial support as they had when the parents were living together.

Income-Based Calculation

In income-based calculation, we add the monthly income of both parents (father and mother). Then, we assign a fixed percentage of financial responsibility to each parent.

Expenses Considered in the Calculation

Florida Courts considers the following:

Basic living expenses (food, clothing, shelter)
Health insurance and medical costs
Childcare and education costs
Extracurricular activities

Why Florida Child Support Guidelines?

The Florida Child Support Guidelines provide a reference for monthly obligations, fairness, and equal payments.

Factors Influencing Child Support Amounts

Below are some of the most important factors that can increase or decrease the amount of child support payment.

Parental Income: Wages, bonuses, commissions, and rental income
Number of Children: The more children, the higher the payments.
Custody Arrangement:
- If one parent has sole custody, the other usually pays child support.
- In shared custody cases, the overnight stays with each parent can be decided using the Florida child support calculator.
Health Insurance & Childcare Costs:
- The parent who is providing health insurance usually receives a child support reduction.
- Childcare amounts may directly impact the total child support amount.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using the Florida Child Support Calculator Online

Step 1: Gather Financial Information

Before you use the calculator, you must collect some details about:

Your gross income (salary, bonuses, rental income)
Your ex-partner’s gross income
Monthly childcare and health insurance costs
Number of overnights the child spends with each parent

Step 2: Input Data into the Calculator

Use the Florida Child Support Calculator or a mobile app and enter the financial details.

Step 3: Review the Results

The tool then estimates the monthly child support obligation based on Florida’s guidelines.

6. Understanding Gross vs Net Income in Child Support Calculations

Gross Income

Gross income includes all earnings before deductions, such as:

Salaries and wages
Commissions and bonuses
Self-employment income
Rental income

Net Income Adjustments

Using the Florida Child Support Calculator, the amount of net income is finalized after deductions, including:

Taxes (Federal & State)
FICA-Social Security & FICA-Medicare
Health insurance premiums
Retirement contributions

What is the Gross Up Formula?

In Florida, the gross-up formula is typically used when parents have equal time sharing (50/50 custody). The formula adjusts the amount of child support to make sure both parents contribute equally. It usually considers each parent’s income and the number of overnight stays of the child.

FAQs on Florida Child Support Calculator

Q. How long do child support payments last?

In Florida, support payments usually last until the child turns 18 years old. However, if the child is in high school or graduating sooner (before 19), the payments will continue until then.

Q. What happens if a parent loses their job?

A parent who lost their job must file a petition for modification in the family court. Note that the child support obligations remain the same until the court approves the change.

Q. Can child support orders be challenged?

Yes. Parents can request a review by re-estimating with the Florida child support calculator if there is a big income change or new financial circumstance.

Q. Do both parents have to contribute to child support?

Yes. Both parents must share financial responsibility, even if one parent earns more. Courts ensure a fair distribution based on income and custody arrangements.

Q. Can child support be paid directly to the other parent?

No, child support payments must go through the Florida State Disbursement Unit (FLSDU) for proper tracking and enforcement.

Q. I have my child 50% of the time, so I don’t have to pay child support, right?

Not necessarily. Time-sharing alone does not eliminate child support obligations. Florida courts usually consider:

Each parent’s income
The child’s financial needs
The Gross Up Formula (equal custody).

Q: If I make $1,000, $50,000, $60,000, $70,000, $80,000, $100,000, or $200,000, how much child support do I pay?

Here’s an estimated child support table based on Florida’s Child Support Guidelines (Florida Statute § 61.30). These estimates assume:

Estimated Child Support Table (1 Child)

Yearly Income	Monthly Income	Estimated Child Support
$12,000	$1,000	$213
$50,000	$4,167	$811
$60,000	$5,000	$943
$70,000	$5,833	$1,060
$80,000	$6,667	$1,175
$100,000	$8,333	$1,414
$200,000	$16,667	$2,541

Conclusion

If you are living in Florida, it is very important to understand child support laws. The Florida Child Support Calculator tool we’ve developed can estimate payments based on income, custody arrangements, and expenses. However, the courts may consider several factors before making a final decision.

In case there’s a change in financial situation, you can request child support modification through the Florida family court. It is important to know that paying child support from time to time is very important. If you miss any payments, it can lead to legal consequences like wage garnishment and license suspension.

For the most accurate advice, please consult a child support attorney in Florida. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as stated in Florida Statutes (Section 61.30).