2026 Florida Child Support Calculator
Estimate your Florida child support obligation in minutes. This free calculator follows Florida Statute §61.30 and the official Child Support Guidelines Worksheet used by Florida family courts, including both the standard method and the substantial time-sharing (gross-up) method for parents with 73 or more overnights per year.
Whether you’re preparing for a divorce, establishing paternity, or considering a child support modification, use this tool to get a reliable starting estimate before consulting with an attorney.
Results are estimates only, not legal advice.
Monthly Net Income
Enter each parent's monthly net income after allowable deductions (taxes, FICA, mandatory retirement, health insurance, etc.)
Majority overnights
Non-custodial
The parent with the majority of overnights
$
$
This calculator provides estimates based on Florida Statutes §61.30 for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Results may differ from court-ordered amounts.
Contact TK Law Firm for guidance specific to your case.
Contact TK Law Firm for guidance specific to your case.
How to Use Our Florida Child Support Calculator
Enter each parent’s monthly net income (after taxes, FICA, Medicare, and mandatory deductions), select the number of shared children, and input each parent’s overnights per year. The calculator auto-fills the other parent’s overnights to total 365. If either parent pays childcare or health insurance for the children, enter those amounts and select who currently pays. The parent who prepays receives a credit against their obligation.
The overnight count determines which method applies. Fewer than 73 overnights uses the standard method. 73 or more triggers the substantial time-sharing (gross-up) method, and the calculator highlights which is active as you adjust.
Interpreting Your Results
The results show the estimated monthly support amount, which parent pays, and a full breakdown of the math: combined income, guideline obligation, income shares, and (for substantial time-sharing) the 1.5x gross-up and each parent’s cross-calculated obligation. is a guideline estimate, not a court order. Judges can deviate based on factors like imputed income, extraordinary expenses, or prior support obligations. For an accurate assessment, speak with a top-rated family law attorney.
How Florida Child Support Is Calculated
Florida uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support. The principle is straightforward: children should receive the same level of financial support they would have had if both parents lived in the same household. Both parents share the obligation proportionally based on their income.
The calculation starts with each parent’s net monthly income, which is gross income minus allowable deductions like federal and state taxes, FICA, Medicare, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums. These net incomes are combined and matched to the statutory guidelines chart in F.S. §61.30(6), which sets the basic monthly obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
Each parent’s share is then determined by their percentage of the combined income. A parent earning 70% of the total income is responsible for 70% of the child support obligation. This proportional split also applies to additional expenses like childcare and health insurance for the children.
Standard Method vs. Substantial Time-Sharing
Florida’s child support guidelines include two calculation methods, and the one that applies depends on how many overnights the non-custodial parent has each year.
Standard Method (Fewer Than 73 Overnights)
When one parent has fewer than 73 overnights per year (less than 20% of the year), the standard calculation applies. The basic obligation plus additional expenses are divided by each parent’s income share. Credits are given for childcare or health insurance costs a parent has already paid. The non-custodial parent (the parent with fewer overnights) pays their net obligation to the custodial parent.
Substantial Time-Sharing / Gross-Up Method (73 or More Overnights)
When both parents have at least 73 overnights annually, the calculation recognizes that both households carry duplicated expenses: separate bedrooms, clothing, food, and household costs for the children in each home. Florida law adjusts for this by multiplying the basic obligation by 1.5 (the “gross-up”), then cross-multiplying each parent’s share by the other parent’s percentage of overnights. The difference between what each parent owes determines the final support amount.
This 73-overnight threshold is often called the “20% cliff” because crossing it, even by a single night, can change the monthly support amount by hundreds of dollars. Understanding which method applies to your situation is critical when negotiating a parenting plan.
Can Child Support Be Modified in Florida?
Yes. Child support orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons for modification include:
- A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Job loss or involuntary reduction in hours
- A change in the parenting schedule or overnight allocation
- Changes in childcare or health insurance costs
- A child reaching the age of majority
To modify child support, a parent must petition the court. It is important to continue making current payments until the court issues a new order. Stopping payments without court approval can result in contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and other penalties.
Contact TK Law, Award-Winning Child Support Lawyers
If you are going through a divorce, separation, or custody matter in Central Florida, TK Law can help you understand your child support rights and obligations. Our family law attorneys have decades of experience handling child support cases throughout Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Volusia counties.
We offer confidential consultations, evening appointments, and payment plans. Call us today at (407) 834-4847 or visit our contact page to schedule a case review.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Make Your Best Decision Today
STEP 2
Consultation
During your consultation we’ll review your options and see if we’re a right fit for you.
STEP 3
Representation
If we take on your case, you’ll be represented by the best.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
The Orlando divorce lawyers at TK Law are deeply committed to the individuals and families they serve. We are here to help you resolve each legal concern so you can regain control and move forward with your life. You will also have a steadfast, accomplished advocate in your corner to fight for what matters most if a dispute goes to trial.
We know how overwhelming conflict can be and how painful it is to see a marriage end. We will guide you through this difficult process before, during and after your divorce.
Contact our offices today to schedule a confidential consultation with one or our family law attorneys, or call us at 855-572-6376.
OUR SERVICE AREAS
- Orange County
- Seminole County
- Volusia County
- Osceola County
407-834-4847
Disclaimer
The information found here is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any situation or individual case. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.