Florida child support for one child has no fixed dollar amount — the court calculates it using your income, the other parent's income, and custody time, then applies a percentage formula.
Florida law requires the paying parent to contribute a percentage of their combined gross monthly income. For one child, that percentage is 20 percent of combined gross income. The court then divides that total between both parents based on how much each earns and how much time each parent spends with the child. The result is what one parent owes the other each month.
The actual payment depends entirely on both parents' incomes and the custody arrangement. A parent earning $2,000 per month with the other parent earning $3,000 per month will owe a different amount than a parent earning $5,000 per month. The court also considers whether the paying parent has other children from other relationships, overnight custody time with this child, and certain work-related childcare costs.
Key Takeaways
- Florida uses 20 percent of combined gross monthly income as the base amount for one child, then divides it between parents based on income share.
- Gross income includes wages, salary, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and some benefits — not just take-home pay.
- The paying parent's obligation drops if they have significant overnight custody time (called "timesharing" in Florida) or other dependent children.
- Child support orders are based on the income and custody arrangement at the time the order is entered, and either parent can request a modification if circumstances change by 10 percent or more.
- The Florida Department of Revenue collects most child support payments through income withholding, meaning the amount is deducted from the paying parent's paycheck before they receive it.
How Florida Calculates the Base Amount
The court starts by adding both parents' gross monthly income together. Gross income means income before taxes or deductions — it includes W-2 wages, self-employment income, rental income, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and some retirement income. It does not include means-tested benefits like food assistance or Medicaid.
Once the court has the combined gross income, it multiplies that number by 0.20 (20 percent). That is the total child support obligation for one child. The court then calculates each parent's share of that total based on what percentage of the combined income each parent earns. If one parent earns 60 percent of the combined income and the other earns 40 percent, the higher earner pays 60 percent of the 20 percent obligation.
Example: Parent A earns $3,000 per month gross. Parent B earns $2,000 per month gross. Combined income is $5,000. Twenty percent of $5,000 is $1,000. Parent A earns 60 percent of the combined income, so Parent A's share of the $1,000 obligation is $600 per month. Parent B earns 40 percent, so Parent B's share is $400 per month. If Parent A has primary custody, Parent B pays Parent A $600 per month.
How Custody Time Changes the Amount
The percentage formula assumes one parent has primary custody and the other has limited overnight time. If both parents share significant overnight custody — Florida calls this "timesharing" — the paying parent's obligation is reduced. The reduction is based on the percentage of nights the paying parent spends with the child.
If the paying parent has the child 40 percent of the time or more, the court reduces their obligation by multiplying the calculated amount by a factor that reflects their custody percentage. A parent who has the child 50 percent of the time pays less than a parent who has the child 10 percent of the time, even if their income is identical.
The court also considers whether the paying parent's overnight time with the child reduces their housing costs — for example, if they have a smaller apartment because the child is only there part-time. This is factored into the final order.
Income Adjustments and Special Circumstances
The court can adjust the calculated amount if the paying parent has other dependent children from other relationships. If you owe child support for two other children, your obligation for this child is lower because your income is already committed elsewhere. The court calculates your total obligation across all children and divides it proportionally.
The court also considers childcare costs that are directly related to the paying parent's work or the other parent's work. If one parent pays $500 per month for daycare so they can work, that cost is added to the combined income calculation, which can increase the total obligation. Health insurance premiums for the child are also added to the base amount.
If either parent's income is below the poverty line or if the calculated amount would be unjust or inappropriate given the parents' financial situation, the court has discretion to deviate from the 20 percent formula. This is rare and requires the parent requesting the deviation to present evidence to the judge.
What Income Counts and What Does Not
| Counts as Gross Income | Does Not Count |
|---|---|
| W-2 wages and salary | Means-tested benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF) |
| Self-employment income (after business expenses) | Child support received from another child |
| Rental income and investment income | Alimony received from a prior relationship |
| Disability and workers' compensation | Reimbursements for actual expenses |
| Unemployment benefits | Tax refunds |
| Retirement and pension income | Loans or borrowed money |
| Bonuses and overtime | Gifts |
How Modifications Work When Circumstances Change
A child support order is not permanent. Either parent can request a modification if circumstances have changed substantially — usually defined as a 10 percent or greater change in either parent's income or a significant change in custody time. If you lost your job, received a promotion, or the custody arrangement changed, you can ask the court to recalculate.
The parent requesting the modification must file a motion with the court and provide recent income documentation — usually the last two months of pay stubs and a recent tax return. The other parent has the right to respond. The court will recalculate using current income and current custody time.
Child support does not automatically stop when the child turns 18. In Florida, support continues until the child graduates from high school or reaches age 19, whichever comes first. If the child is still in high school at 18, the paying parent continues to owe support. Either parent can request that support end once the child has graduated or turned 19.
How Payments Are Collected
Most child support orders include income withholding, which means the amount is deducted from the paying parent's paycheck by their employer and sent to the Florida Department of Revenue. The department then forwards the payment to the receiving parent. This is automatic — the employer is required by law to withhold the amount listed in the court order.
If the paying parent is self-employed or does not have regular employment, they may be required to pay directly to the department or to the other parent. The court order specifies the payment method. Payments are due on the first of each month unless the order states otherwise.
If the paying parent falls behind on payments, the department can take enforcement action: intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver's licenses, placing liens on property, or referring the case to the state attorney for prosecution. Arrears (unpaid child support) accrue interest and do not go away, even if the child turns 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the amount change if one parent loses their job?
Yes. If income drops significantly, the paying parent can request a modification. The court will recalculate based on current income. However, the parent must file the motion before falling behind on payments — arrears do not disappear just because income changed. Unemployment benefits count as income for calculation purposes.
What if the parents share custody 50-50?
The court still calculates 20 percent of combined income, but both parents' obligations are reduced based on their 50 percent custody time. The parent with higher income typically still owes the parent with lower income, but the amount is smaller than it would be if one parent had primary custody. The exact reduction depends on the judge's calculation of the custody adjustment factor.
Does child support cover health insurance and daycare?
The base child support amount does not automatically include these costs. However, the court can order the paying parent to maintain health insurance for the child and to pay a portion of childcare costs. These are often added to the base amount or ordered separately. Check your specific court order to see what is included.
What happens if I remarry or have another child?
A new marriage does not change your child support obligation — your spouse's income is not counted. However, if you have another biological child, your obligation for this child is reduced because your income is now divided among more dependents. You must file a modification request and provide proof of the new child's birth.
Can the amount be changed if my ex's income increases?
Yes. If the other parent's income increases by 10 percent or more, either parent can request a modification. The court will recalculate the obligation based on the new combined income. You will need recent pay stubs or tax returns as proof of the income change.