How is Florida Child Support Calculated?
Florida relies on the Income Shares Model to determine child support. This approach is based on the concept that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together. The formula accounts for both parents' incomes to generate a combined monthly net income, which dictates the total child support need.
The estimation widget above uses the standard breakdown:
Combined Net Income = Parent 1 Net + Parent 2 NetNon-Custodial Share % = Non-Custodial Income ÷ Combined Net IncomeEstimated Payment = Total Basic Obligation × Non-Custodial Share %
Note: The "Total Basic Obligation" is determined by a specific grid provided by Florida State Statutes section 61.30. Our widget uses a close proportional approximation for standard income brackets.
Florida Child Support Approximations by Children
While the state utilizes an exact grid structure based on every $50 increase in combined income, you can generally expect the basic obligation to represent the following estimated percentages of combined net income:
| Number of Children | Approx. % of Combined Net Income | Notes & Variations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | ~ 22% | Decreases slightly as income surpasses $10,000/mo. |
| 2 Children | ~ 32% | Accounts for shared household efficiency. |
| 3 Children | ~ 41% | Base standard before additional child additions. |
| 4+ Children | ~ 47% + | Additional % added for each subsequent child. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does 50/50 custody eliminate child support in Florida?
Not necessarily. Even with equal timesharing (50/50 custody), if one parent makes significantly more money than the other, the higher-earning parent may still be required to pay child support to ensure the child's standard of living is consistent in both homes.
What is considered "Net Income" for the calculator?
Net income in Florida is your gross income minus allowable deductions. These deductions primarily include federal, state, and local taxes, mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement payments, and health insurance premiums paid for yourself.
Are health insurance and daycare included in this base calculation?
No. The basic obligation only covers standard living expenses (housing, food, clothing). Florida courts will take the base estimated support and add the actual costs of health insurance, dental insurance, and childcare, dividing those additional costs based on the parents' Income Share percentage.