Florida Child Support Calculator
Professional-grade calculator using Florida's Income Shares model with Gross Up method for substantial time-sharing cases. Fully compliant with F.S. § 61.30.
Understanding Florida's Child Support System
Income Shares Model
Florida uses the Income Shares model, which calculates child support based on the combined income of both parents and allocates the support obligation in proportion to each parent's income.
- Combines both parents' net monthly income
- Uses official guideline tables
- Considers number of children
- Accounts for time-sharing arrangements
Gross Up Method
When both parents have substantial time-sharing (73+ overnights each), Florida applies the Gross Up method to recognize the increased costs of maintaining two households.
- Basic obligation multiplied by 1.5
- Applies when both parents have 73+ overnights
- Cross-multiplication for time credits
- Results in net transfer amount
Key Features of This Calculator
Florida Income Definition & Calculation Rules
What Counts as Income (Gross Income)
Florida uses an intentionally broad definition: "shall include, but is not limited to..."
- Salary, wages, tips, bonuses, commissions, overtime
- Business income (gross receipts minus ordinary/necessary expenses)
- Disability benefits and workers' compensation
- Unemployment/reemployment assistance
- Pension, retirement, annuity payments
- Social Security benefits (including child benefits)
- Spousal support received from previous marriages
- Interest, dividends, rental income
- Royalties, trust/estate income
- Reimbursed expenses that reduce living costs
- Property gains (unless non-recurring)
Excluded: Public assistance per F.S. § 409.2554
Allowable Deductions (Net Income)
Limited, specific list - designed to maximize available income for child support:
- Federal, state, local income taxes (adjusted for filing status)
- FICA or self-employment tax
- Mandatory union dues
- Mandatory retirement payments
- Health insurance premiums (excluding child's portion)
- Court-ordered support for other children (actually paid)
- Spousal support from previous marriages (actually paid)
NOT Deductible: Mortgage, car loans, voluntary retirement beyond mandatory minimums, personal expenses
Special Calculation Scenarios
High-Income Cases (Combined Income >$10,000/month)
For combined net incomes exceeding $10,000 per month, Florida uses a percentage formula rather than the standard guidelines table.
- • Apply guidelines to first $10,000 of combined income
- • Use percentage formula for excess income above $10,000
- • Consider child's lifestyle if parents remained together
- • Additional support typically 5% to full guideline percentage
Health Insurance & Childcare Add-Ons
Additional expenses beyond basic support obligation, allocated based on income percentages:
- • Health Insurance: "Reasonable" if ≤5% of gross income to add child
- • Childcare: Only work-related, education, or job-seeking expenses
- • Proration: Split based on income percentage shares
- • Credits: Parent paying directly gets credit against obligation
Business Income Analysis
Self-employed parents require special consideration for business vs. personal expenses:
- • Business income = gross receipts minus ordinary/necessary expenses
- • Personal expenses disguised as business costs are added back
- • Courts may average income over 2-3 years for fluctuations
- • Extensive documentation required (tax returns, P&L, bank records)
Related Resources
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