When a couple in St. Petersburg or Tampa files for dissolution of marriage (divorce) and there is a child or children involved, both parties have a duty to provide the financial support necessary to raise the child. In Florida, the responsibility to financially support children, regardless of whether the parties are married to each other, falls on both parents. With a Florida child support calculator, both parents can get important basic information related to the financial support of their children.
At Golden Key Law Group, PLLC, our attorneys in St. Petersburg and Tampa are experienced in handling child support and related matters, such as a modification of child support obligations when there is a permanent, substantial change in circumstance. Whether you receive child support or are obligated to pay child support, we will aggressively fight for your rights and ensure that child support is calculated accurately. Our firm represents both obligors (the person paying) and obligees (the person being paid) in child support cases.
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Florida Child Support Chart
Understanding the financial responsibilities associated with child support can be a complex process, but it is a crucial one for both parents. In the state of Florida, both parents, regardless of marital status, are obligated to provide for their children financially. The Florida Child Support Chart outlined here offers a clear breakdown of the expected monthly net income contributions for one to six children.
| Monthly Net Income | One Child | Two Children | Three Children | Four Children | Five Children | Six Children |
| $800.00 | 190 | 211 | 213 | 216 | 218 | 220 |
| $1000.00 | 235 | 365 | 397 | 402 | 406 | 410 |
| $1500.00 | 340 | 529 | 662 | 746 | 813 | 869 |
| $2000.00 | 442 | 686 | 859 | 968 | 1054 | 1128 |
| $2500.00 | 547 | 847 | 1061 | 1196 | 1304 | 1394 |
| $3000.00 | 644 | 1001 | 1252 | 1412 | 1540 | 1647 |
| $3500.00 | 738 | 1149 | 1438 | 1620 | 1768 | 1891 |
| $4000.00 | 828 | 1288 | 1603 | 1816 | 1982 | 2119 |
| $4500.00 | 916 | 1423 | 1771 | 2006 | 2189 | 2339 |
| $5000.00 | 1000 | 1551 | 1939 | 2188 | 2387 | 2551 |
| $5500.00 | 1064 | 1647 | 2061 | 2324 | 2537 | 2711 |
| $6000.00 | 1121 | 1737 | 2175 | 2451 | 2676 | 2860 |
| $6500.00 | 1170 | 1819 | 2278 | 2562 | 2798 | 2994 |
| $7000.00 | 1212 | 1885 | 2362 | 2656 | 2900 | 3103 |
| $7500.00 | 1251 | 1945 | 2438 | 2741 | 2993 | 3201 |
| $8000.00 | 1290 | 2004 | 2513 | 2827 | 3085 | 3298 |
| $8500.00 | 1329 | 2064 | 2589 | 2912 | 3178 | 3396 |
| $9000.00 | 1368 | 2123 | 2664 | 2998 | 3270 | 3493 |
| $9500.00 | 1407 | 2183 | 2740 | 3083 | 3363 | 3591 |
| $10000.00 | 1437 | 2228 | 2795 | 3148 | 3432 | 3666 |
How is child support calculated in Florida?
Initially, child support orders are determined mainly by formula, which takes into consideration:
- the incomes of both parties,
- the number of children,
- parental timesharing, and
- the cost of daycare and medical expenses
The Florida child support calculator is intended to give parents a general idea of what to expect when child support is calculated. Child support calculations are typically driven by the numbers- they are primarily based on each parent’s income, childcare costs, medical insurance costs, and the amount of overnight timesharing. However, every situation is different, and there are special circumstances that can affect child support calculations.
Special circumstances may include high medical expenses for a child, special needs, or expenses for the child, or unique timesharing schedules.
The Court will determine the amount of child support owed using the formula that is listed in Florida Statutes 61.30. If there are special circumstances, the Judge may take those circumstances into consideration and deviate by 5% above or below the calculated amount.
The child support obligation is typically paid to the parent who has the majority of overnight timesharing with the child, but if the parent with the majority of timesharing has a significantly higher income, that parent may have the support obligation. Having an attorney to help in your child support case will ensure that the Court understands any circumstances and that the relevant documentation, such as child support guideline worksheets and financial affidavits, are properly prepared and submitted.
Child Support Laws for Unmarried Parents
In Florida, child support laws apply to all parents, whether they are married or not. For unmarried parents, the process for establishing child support is slightly different compared to divorcing parents. The primary difference lies in the establishment of legal paternity. If legal paternity is proven before filing for a child support order, unmarried parents will follow the same procedure as divorcing parents.
However, if legal paternity has not been established, it must be done so before the court will recognize the biological father and include him in the child support filing process. This is because Florida automatically grants the unwed biological mother sole physical and legal custody of the child. To establish paternity, an unwed biological father must undergo a legitimate DNA test, which can be part of a court order or taken voluntarily.
- In Florida, unwed biological mothers automatically receive full parental rights to their child upon birth.
- Florida state law allows both unmarried parents the opportunity to share physical and legal custody of their child evenly.
- Like divorcing parents, unmarried parents who have legally established paternity may receive the legal title of parent.
Establishing paternity is crucial for an unwed father to secure parental rights, including custody and visitation rights.
When Does Child Support End in Florida?
Child support in Florida does not automatically end when the child turns eighteen. Instead, the termination of child support is contingent upon the child’s education status as a high school graduate or on the date of their nineteenth birthday.
- If the child is eighteen and has graduated from high school before this date, child support ends on their eighteenth birthday.
- If the child turns eighteen before graduating from high school, child support ends following their high school graduation.
- If the child is on track to graduate high school after their nineteenth birthday, child support ends following graduation.
- However, if the child is not on track to graduate high school shortly after their nineteenth birthday, termination occurs on their nineteenth birthday
Find Out How Much Back Child Support You Can Claim in Florida
Florida’s rules on retroactive child support can be time-sensitive—and the details matter. Talk with a St. Petersburg family law attorney at Golden Key Law Group, PLLC to understand your options and next steps.
