How this calculator works
Florida calculates child support using the income shares model under Fla. Stat. § 61.30source verified 2026-07-18. The idea is simple even though the worksheet has several steps: estimate what the child would have received if the parents' incomes were pooled in one household, then split that amount between the parents in proportion to what each one earns.
Step by step
1. Each parent's net monthly income is found by subtracting allowable deductions (income tax, FICA, mandatory retirement, court-ordered support for other children, and a few others) from gross income, per § 61.30(2)-(3).
2. The two net incomes are added together (§ 61.30(5)) and matched against the statutory guidelines schedule in § 61.30(6), which sets a minimum support need based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Work-related child care costs and the child's health insurance premiums are added to that need (§ 61.30(7)-(8)).
4. The total need is split between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of the combined net income (§ 61.30(9)-(10)).
5. If each parent has the child at least 20% of overnights per year (about 73 nights), Florida uses a different formula instead: the base obligation is increased by 50%, then each parent's share is weighted by the other parent's percentage of overnights, and the difference between the two is the amount that changes hands (§ 61.30(11)(b)).
Worked example — Two children, Parent A nets $3,000/month, Parent B nets $2,000/month, standard (non-shared) time-sharing.
Combined net income: $5,000/month. Per the § 61.30(6) schedule, the minimum support need for two children at $5,000 combined is $1,551/month. Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, Parent B 40%. Parent A's share is $930.60; Parent B's share is $620.40. If Parent B has the child most of the time, Parent A pays the guideline amount of $930.60/month toward Parent B.
Estimation limits
- This tool interpolates between the schedule's $50 income increments for a smoother estimate; the official court worksheet uses the exact statutory table.
- It does not estimate cases where combined net income is below $800/month (§ 61.30(6)(a) ties that case to federal poverty guidelines not modeled here).
- It does not calculate income imputation for an unemployed or underemployed parent, or deviations for extraordinary medical costs, a child's special needs, or the other factors listed in § 61.30(11)(a).
- A court can order an amount up to 5% above or below the guideline without a written finding, and more than that with one — the guideline amount is a strong presumption, not a guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Florida?
Florida uses the income shares model under Fla. Stat. § 61.30: both parents' net incomes are combined, matched to a statutory schedule for the minimum support need, then split in proportion to each parent's share of that combined income.
What counts as income for Florida child support?
Gross income covers salary and wages, bonuses and commissions, self-employment or business income, disability and workers' compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, pensions, Social Security, spousal support received, interest, dividends, rental income, and trust or royalty income (§ 61.30(2)(a)).
What can be deducted to reach net income?
Only specific items: income tax withholding, FICA/self-employment tax, mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, the paying parent's own health insurance premium, court-ordered support actually paid for other children, and spousal support paid under a prior order (§ 61.30(3)).
Does overnight time-sharing change the amount?
Yes. Once each parent has at least 20% of overnights (about 73 nights a year), § 61.30(11)(b) requires a different calculation that increases the base obligation by 50% and then weighs it by each parent's share of overnights.
Is the result from this calculator legally binding?
No. It's an educational estimate of the guideline amount. Only a signed court order creates an enforceable child support obligation, and a judge can order an amount that varies from the guideline for stated reasons.
What if combined net income is under $800/month?
The statute uses a different method below that floor, tied to federal poverty guidelines. This calculator flags that case rather than estimating it — check the official Form 12.902(e) worksheet or ask an attorney.
Does child care or health insurance change the estimate?
Yes — those costs are added to the basic obligation and then split proportionally, with a credit to whichever parent is already paying them directly (§ 61.30(7)-(8)).
Can a judge order something different from the guideline?
Yes, up to 5% above or below without a written finding, and more with one, for reasons such as extraordinary medical expenses, a child's special needs, or the parties' available assets (§ 61.30(1)(a), (11)(a)).
How often does Florida update the guidelines schedule?
The Legislature reviews it at least every four years under § 61.30(16); this page reflects the schedule published in the 2025 Florida Statutes.
Is income imputed to an unemployed parent?
If the court finds unemployment or underemployment voluntary, income can be imputed based on recent work history and local earning potential, or presumed at the median for full-time workers if no information is available (§ 61.30(2)(b)).