What Florida Child Support Actually Costs for One Child

Florida calculates child support using the income of both parents, not a fixed dollar amount per child

Florida does not have a set payment for one child. Instead, the state uses a formula that takes the combined income of both parents, subtracts certain costs (like health insurance and daycare), and applies a percentage based on how many children need support. For one child, that percentage is 20% of the combined adjusted income. The actual dollar amount depends entirely on what both parents earn.

The court also considers which parent has custody and how much time each parent spends with the child. A parent who has the child most of the time typically receives support from the other parent. The parent paying support is called the obligor, and the parent receiving it is called the obligee.

Florida law requires both parents to report their income to the court. Income includes wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and some types of benefits. Self-employed parents must provide tax returns and profit-and-loss statements. The court will not accept a parent's word about their income alone.

Key Takeaways

• Florida child support for one child is 20% of the combined adjusted gross income of both parents, not a flat amount.
• Both parents must report all income sources to the court, including wages, self-employment income, and rental income.
• The parent with primary custody usually receives support; the other parent pays it.
• The actual monthly payment can range from under $100 to over $1,000 depending on parental income and custody arrangement.
• Either parent can request a modification if income changes significantly or custody changes.

How the 20% formula works in practice

Start with the gross monthly income of both parents combined. Subtract the cost of health insurance for the child, daycare or school expenses, and any existing child support obligations for other children. The remaining number is the combined adjusted gross income. Multiply that by 0.20 (20%), and you have the total child support obligation.

If both parents earn $3,000 per month and there are no deductions, the combined adjusted income is $6,000. Twenty percent of $6,000 is $1,200 per month total. The court then decides how much each parent pays based on their share of the income. If one parent earns $4,000 and the other earns $2,000, the higher earner pays roughly two-thirds of the $1,200 obligation.

The parent with primary custody does not automatically pay nothing. If that parent earns significantly more than the other, they may still owe support. The formula treats both parents' income the same way regardless of who has the child most of the time.

Income sources the court counts and does not count

The court counts W-2 wages, 1099 income, net self-employment income, rental income, interest and dividend income, pension and retirement distributions, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and Social Security (with some limits). It also counts bonuses and commissions if they are regular and recurring.

The court does not count means-tested public benefits like Temporary information for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It also excludes child support received from another child's other parent and certain types of reimbursements. If a parent claims they have no income, the court may impute income—assign an income level based on their education, work history, or the state minimum wage—if the court believes they are intentionally underemployed.

Custody arrangement and how it affects the payment

Florida recognizes two main custody structures: one parent has primary custody (the child lives with them most of the time), or parents share custody roughly equally. If one parent has primary custody, the other parent typically pays support to that parent. The amount does not change based on how many overnight visits the non-custodial parent has, as long as those visits are under 20% of the year.

If parents share custody equally—each has the child roughly 50% of the time—the calculation changes. The court still uses the 20% formula, but it may reduce the payment obligation because both parents are already spending money on the child during their time. Some judges reduce the obligation by a percentage; others use a different calculation entirely. The exact adjustment varies by judge and case.

A parent who has the child overnight more than 20% of the year but less than 50% may receive a partial reduction in the support obligation owed to them. The court must document this adjustment in the order.

What happens if one parent does not report income or claims zero earnings

If a parent refuses to provide income documentation or claims they have no income, the court can impute income based on several factors: the parent's education level, prior work history, local job availability, and the state minimum wage. In Florida, the minimum wage is currently $13.00 per hour (as of 2024, though this may change). A court might impute 40 hours per week at minimum wage if a parent is capable of working but claims no income.

The parent challenging the imputed income must present evidence that they truly cannot earn that amount—for example, a medical condition preventing work, or a documented job search showing no positions available. straightforward stating "I cannot find work" is not enough. The burden is on the parent to prove their actual income or lack thereof.

Modifications when income changes or custody shifts

Either parent can request a modification of child support if there is a substantial change in circumstances. In Florida, a substantial change usually means a change in income of at least 10% or a significant shift in custody. A parent who loses a job, receives a major raise, or changes custody arrangements can file a motion to modify with the court.

The parent requesting the change must file the motion with the court and serve the other parent with a copy. The court will review both parents' current income and may schedule a hearing. Until the court issues a new order, the old payment amount remains in effect. Back payments do not disappear if income drops; the parent still owes what was ordered until a judge changes it.

If a parent's income increases, the obligee (the parent receiving support) can also request a modification upward. The court will not automatically increase payments just because time has passed or inflation has occurred—one parent must ask for the change.

Deviations from the 20% guideline

The 20% formula is a guideline, not a hard rule. A judge can order a different amount if they find that explore the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate. Reasons for deviation include: one parent has significant assets or property income not reflected in regular income, the child has special needs requiring extra expenses, one parent is paying support for other children, or the parents have agreed to a different amount in writing.

If a judge deviates from the guideline, they must write down the reason in the court order. A parent who disagrees with the deviation can appeal, but the appeals court will only overturn it if the judge abused their discretion—a high bar to meet. Most deviations are upheld if the judge documented a valid reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does child support change if I get custody of the child?

Yes. If custody changes from one parent to the other, the support obligation reverses. The parent who was receiving support may now owe it, or the amount may decrease significantly. You must file a motion to modify with the court and show the change in custody. The new order takes effect when the judge signs it, not retroactively.

What if the other parent is self-employed or paid in cash?

Self-employed parents must provide tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, and bank records. If a parent is paid in cash and does not report it on taxes, the court can impute income or order the parent to produce bank records showing deposits. Hiding income is considered fraud and can result in contempt of court charges.

Can we agree to a different child support amount than what the formula says?

Yes, but the agreement must be in writing and approved by a judge. Both parents can negotiate a different amount if they both agree. The judge will review the agreement to make sure it is not unfair to the child. If one parent later claims they were pressured or did not understand, the judge may reject the agreement.

What if the paying parent loses their job?

The obligation does not stop automatically. The paying parent must file a motion to modify with the court and provide evidence of job loss and efforts to find new work. Until a judge changes the order, the parent still owes the full amount. If they fall behind, the other parent can pursue enforcement, including wage garnishment once they find new employment.

Is child support the same as alimony in Florida?

No. Child support is for the benefit of the child and is based on both parents' income and the 20% formula. Alimony is spousal support and is calculated differently, based on factors like length of marriage and standard of living. A parent can owe both child support and alimony in the same case.