How child support is calculated in Florida

How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Florida uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. The parents' monthly net incomes are added together and looked up in the guidelines schedule in the statute.

Model
Income shares
Official calculator
Official Florida child support worksheet

Get the number from Florida's official tool

The parents' monthly net incomes are added together and looked up in the guidelines schedule in the statute. Each parent pays a share based on their percentage of the combined income, plus shares of child care and the child's health insurance and medical costs. If each parent has the child at least 20% of overnights, a special time-sharing formula is used.

Law: Fla. Stat. 61.30

We don't estimate Florida's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official Florida child support worksheet

The low-income rule in Florida

If the paying parent's net income is below the schedule, the court sets an amount case by case. The payment is the lesser of the parent's share and 90% of the difference between their monthly net income and the federal poverty guideline for one person. The judge may move up to 5% from the guideline amount; more than 5% needs written reasons.

Law: Fla. Stat. 61.30(6)(a); Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(a)

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)

What goes into support in Florida

The parents' monthly net incomes are added together and looked up in the guidelines schedule in the statute. Each parent pays a share based on their percentage of the combined income, plus shares of child care and the child's health insurance and medical costs. If each parent has the child at least 20% of overnights, a special time-sharing formula is used.

Law: Fla. Stat. 61.30

Health insurance in Florida

Every support order must provide health insurance for the child when it is reasonable in cost and accessible. It is presumed reasonable if adding the child costs no more than 5% of the parent's gross income. Uncovered medical, dental and prescription costs are shared.

Law: Fla. Stat. 61.13(1)(b); 61.30(8)

How this kind of formula works

In an income-shares state, both parents' incomes are added together. A table gives the support for that combined income, and each parent pays the share that matches their part of the income.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

In nearby states

From income to an order in Florida

  1. Find the income numbers

    The formula needs each parent's income: use pay stubs and tax returns.

  2. Use the official tool

    The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official Florida child support worksheet.

  3. Add the extra costs

    Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.

  4. Open a case

    The agency can set up an order: contact Florida Department of Revenue, Child Support Program (850-488-5437) · Apply online

Where to get free help in Florida

Questions about the Florida guidelines

What formula does Florida use for child support?

The parents' monthly net incomes are added together and looked up in the guidelines schedule in the statute. Each parent pays a share based on their percentage of the combined income, plus shares of child care and the child's health insurance and medical costs. If each parent has the child at least 20% of overnights, a special time-sharing formula is used.

How does Florida treat low incomes?

If the paying parent's net income is below the schedule, the court sets an amount case by case. The payment is the lesser of the parent's share and 90% of the difference between their monthly net income and the federal poverty guideline for one person. The judge may move up to 5% from the guideline amount; more than 5% needs written reasons.

Is health insurance part of child support in Florida?

Every support order must provide health insurance for the child when it is reasonable in cost and accessible. It is presumed reasonable if adding the child costs no more than 5% of the parent's gross income. Uncovered medical, dental and prescription costs are shared.

Related Florida pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources