How to change child support in Florida

How and when to ask for a new amount, with a review letter.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. The change must usually be substantial, permanent and involuntary. In court, the guideline amount must differ from the current order by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Supplemental Petition for Modification of Child Support, Form 12.905(b) (packet from the Fifth Judicial Circuit)

When you can ask for a change in Florida

The change must usually be substantial, permanent and involuntary. In court, the guideline amount must differ from the current order by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater. When the Department reviews an order (the Department says: more than 3 years since it was issued, reviewed or changed), a difference of at least 10% and at least $25 is enough, with no need to prove a change in circumstances.

Law: Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(b); Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(c); Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(b)-(c); 61.14

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Florida's rule: The change must usually be substantial, permanent and involuntary. In court, the guideline amount must differ from the current order by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater. When the Department reviews an order (the Department says: more than 3 years since it was issued, reviewed or changed), a difference of at least 10% and at least $25 is enough, with no need to prove a change in circumstances.

Law: Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(b); Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(c); Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(b)-(c); 61.14

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Florida: Either parent with a case can ask the Child Support Program to review the order. Or file a Supplemental Petition for Modification of Child Support in circuit court with a financial affidavit. Until the order is changed, the old amount is still owed.

How a change is made in Florida

Either parent with a case can ask the Child Support Program to review the order. Or file a Supplemental Petition for Modification of Child Support in circuit court with a financial affidavit. Until the order is changed, the old amount is still owed.

Law: Form 12.905(b)

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

If a parent is in jail or prison

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

What to do now in Florida

  1. Read your current order

    Note the date it was made or last changed and the amount.

  2. Compare with the rule

    Florida's rule: The change must usually be substantial, permanent and involuntary. In court, the guideline amount must differ from the current order by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater.

  3. Collect papers

    Bring proof of the change, such as pay stubs or a layoff notice.

  4. Ask the agency or the court

    Contact Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program (850-488-5437) · Apply online

Where to get free help in Florida

Questions about changing support in Florida

How often can I ask for a change in Florida?

The change must usually be substantial, permanent and involuntary. In court, the guideline amount must differ from the current order by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater. When the Department reviews an order (the Department says: more than 3 years since it was issued, reviewed or changed), a difference of at least 10% and at least $25 is enough, with no need to prove a change in circumstances.

Where do I file to change support in Florida?

Either parent with a case can ask the Child Support Program to review the order. Or file a Supplemental Petition for Modification of Child Support in circuit court with a financial affidavit. Until the order is changed, the old amount is still owed.

Related Florida pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources