In Florida, child support is largely based on each parent’s income and financial circumstances. Florida calculates child support using the income shares model under Florida Statutes § 61.30.
This approach combines both parents’ incomes to estimate what they would have spent on the child if the family remained intact, then divides that obligation in proportion to each parent’s share of the combined income.
Sources of Income That Count
Florida law defines gross income broadly. Common sources of income considered in a child support calculation include:
- Salary, wages, tips, and bonuses
- Self-employment and business income
- Disability, Social Security, workers’ compensation, and unemployment benefits
- Pension and retirement income
- Spousal support received from a previous marriage
- Interest, dividends, rental income, royalties, and trust income
- Reimbursed expenses or in-kind benefits that reduce living expenses
Even certain non-cash benefits can count if they meaningfully reduce a parent’s everyday expenses (e.g., company car or employer-provided housing).
Allowable Deductions
Gross income is not the whole calculation. Florida allows specific deductions to arrive at net income, including federal income taxes, self-employment taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, health insurance premiums for the parent, and court-ordered support for other children actually being paid.
Subtracting these items produces the net income used in the support guidelines.
Imputed Income
If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income to them. That means it will assign earning potential based on the parent’s recent work history, qualifications, and prevailing local wages.
This prevents a parent from avoiding support by intentionally earning less. A parent who is involuntarily out of work generally will not have income imputed.
What Happens if a Parent’s Income Changes?
Child support orders are based on the parents’ financial circumstances at the time they are entered. When a parent’s income changes significantly, Florida law allows either parent to request a modification of the support order.
To qualify, the change must generally be substantial, material, permanent, and involuntary. Under Florida Statutes § 61.30, a change is presumed substantial when it would alter the support amount by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater.
Common situations that may justify a modification include:
- A significant raise or new, higher-paying job
- Job loss or a substantial reduction in income
- A serious illness or disability affecting earning ability
- A change in the child’s needs, such as new medical or childcare costs
- A meaningful shift in the parenting time-sharing schedule
A voluntary income reduction, such as quitting a job or deliberately earning less, generally will not support a modification. In these situations, the court may impute income (see previous section). A modification is also not automatic after a substantial change in income; a parent must file a petition for modification to seek an adjustment.
How an Attorney Can Help With a Child Support Modification
If you are seeking a fair child support payment, a Florida family law attorney can protect your interests and make sure the support amount reflects your true financial circumstances.
An attorney can:
- Gather and present financial records, pay stubs, and tax documents to support your position
- Calculate the proposed support amount under the current guidelines
- Challenge a parent’s claim of reduced income and argue for imputed income when a reduction is voluntary
- Evaluate whether any changes to your income meet Florida’s substantial, material, permanent, and involuntary standard
- Seek a modification if current obligations no longer reflect your financial reality
- Negotiate a fair agreement with the other parent or advocate on your behalf at a hearing
Child support modifications can become complicated when income changes, a parent becomes unemployed, or disputes arise over earning capacity. An experienced Florida family law attorney can review your circumstances, explain your options, and help you seek a fair outcome.
Contact the Orlando Child Support Lawyers at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC for Help Today
Child support calculations and modifications can have a significant impact on both parents and children. Whether you are seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or address a dispute involving income, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under Florida law.
For more information, contact our experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, by calling (407) 831-0203 to schedule a free consultation.
We serve all through Orange County and its surrounding areas. Visit our office at:
Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC
815 N Magnolia Ave Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 831-0203
