How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Let’s be real—divorce and custody cases are already emotionally tough. Add in the stress of child support, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

So if you're asking, "How is child support calculated in Florida?", you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

Whether you're preparing to pay or receive child support, understanding Florida’s rules can help you avoid surprises, make better decisions, and protect your child’s well-being. Let’s break it down.

Florida’s Child Support Formula: The Basics

Florida uses what's known as the “Income Shares Model” to calculate child support. The idea is that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents were still together.

Here’s the general formula in action:

Step 1: Combine both parents’ gross monthly income Step 2: Use the Florida Child Support Guidelines Chart to find the basic support obligation based on total income and number of children Step 3: Determine each parent’s percentage share of combined income Step 4: Allocate costs for healthcare, daycare, and other expenses Step 5: Adjust the amount based on number of overnights (timesharing)

 What Income Is Considered?

Florida law includes more than just salary when calculating child support. The court considers (among other sources):

• Wages or salary

• Bonuses and commissions

• Overtime (if regular)

• Self-employment income

• Unemployment or workers' comp

• Rental income

• Alimony received

If one parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income based on earning potential.

What If Parents Share Custody?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “If we share custody, does either parent still pay child support?”

Yes—shared custody doesn't automatically cancel out child support. The amount each parent contributes depends on how time is split, how expenses are shared, and how much income each parent earns.

So even in a 50/50 timesharing situation, child support may still be required if one parent earns significantly more than the other.

 Adjustments Based on Parenting Time

One of the biggest influencers on child support is overnight stays. Florida allows a parenting time offset if the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 20% of the overnights (73+ nights per year).

Can Judges Deviate From the Guidelines?

Yes. While the formula provides a starting point, Florida family courts have discretion to increase or decrease the child support amount by up to 5% (or more with required findings) based on:

• The child’s special needs or medical expenses

• The standard of living the child is used to

• A parent’s additional financial responsibilities

• High travel costs for shared custody

• Whether one parent is hiding or minimizing income

What If Circumstances Change?

Florida allows either parent to file a petition to modify child support if there’s a “substantial change in circumstances,” such as:

• A significant increase/decrease in income

• Change in custody or parenting time

• A significant increase/decrease in health insurance and/or child care costs

• New medical or school expenses for the child

The change must be permanent, involuntary, and material—and supported with financial documents.

Don’t Navigate Florida Child Support Alone

Understanding the Florida child support guidelines is one thing. Applying them to your unique situation is another.

At Vinson Law Firm, we help parents across Tavares and Lake County get clarity, fairness, and confidence in their child support cases. Whether you’re establishing a new support order or modifying an existing one, our experienced attorneys are here to fight for your child’s future.

Get the Support You Deserve

Need help with child support in Florida?

Call Vinson Law Firm or schedule a consultation today to protect your rights and secure your child’s needs.