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Child Support in Florida

Child Support in Florida

Florida Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119
  • Immediate legal help: Florida Legal Aid varies by county – see resources below
  • Crisis assistance: Call 211 Florida (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Florida Food Banks at feedingflorida.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Florida Department of Revenue at (850) 488-5437
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Florida Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact local Legal Aid (see Resources section)
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Temporary Cash Assistance

Main Points

✅ Florida uses the Income Shares Model – both parents’ incomes determine support amounts¹

✅ No application fee for most cases – Department of Revenue services are free for those receiving assistance²

✅ Two payment options: smiONE Visa prepaid card or direct deposit³

✅ Time-sharing affects payments – significant overnight time with other parent reduces support⁴

✅ Support continues until age 18 – or 19 if still in high school⁵

✅ Recent 2025 updates – new guidelines better reflect modern family expenses⁶

Understanding Florida Child Support in 2025

What’s New in Florida Child Support for 2025

Florida has updated its child support calculation system in 2025 to better reflect real-life costs of raising children, including daycare, extracurricular activities, and maintaining the child’s pre-divorce lifestyle standard. These changes particularly benefit single mothers by ensuring more accurate calculations that consider:

  • Shared parenting adjustments for cases where both parents have significant time with children
  • Enhanced consideration of actual childcare costs rather than estimates
  • Better accounting for health insurance and medical expenses
  • Digital payment processing improvements for faster, more transparent transactions

Reality Check: While these updates generally result in more accurate support amounts, they also mean calculations can be more complex. Courts now scrutinize income from non-traditional sources like freelance work, dividends, and side businesses more carefully.

Who Can Apply for Florida Child Support Services

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A parent with primary residential custody of a child under 18
  • A legal guardian or caretaker
  • Someone caring for a child whose parent is absent
  • A relative with custody responsibilities

Important: If you’re already receiving public assistance like SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you’re automatically referred to Florida’s Child Support Program and must cooperate with child support establishment.

Florida’s Income Shares Model Explained

Florida calculates child support using the “Income Shares Model” under Florida Statute 61.30. This means both parents’ incomes are combined to determine the total support needed, then divided based on each parent’s percentage of the combined income.

Example: If combined monthly income is $6,000 and you earn $2,000 (33%) while the other parent earns $4,000 (67%), the other parent would be responsible for 67% of the total support amount.

How Much Florida Child Support Can You Actually Get?

2025 Florida Child Support Base Amounts

Based on current Florida guidelines, here are typical monthly support amounts before considering each parent’s income percentage:

Combined Monthly Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children
$3,000 $649 $943 $1,081 $1,192
$4,000 $865 $1,257 $1,441 $1,588
$5,000 $1,081 $1,570 $1,801 $1,985
$6,000 $1,297 $1,884 $2,161 $2,382
$8,000 $1,729 $2,512 $2,881 $3,175
$10,000 $2,161 $3,140 $3,601 $3,969

Real-World Example: Maria earns $2,000 monthly as a nursing assistant, and her ex-partner earns $4,000 monthly as a contractor. For their 2 children, the total support need is $1,570 monthly. Since she earns 33% of combined income, her ex-partner pays approximately $1,050 monthly while she provides $520 through direct care.

Time-Sharing Impact on Support

Florida law emphasizes that both parents should have frequent and continuing contact with their children, and time-sharing arrangements significantly affect support calculations. Key thresholds:

  • Standard time-sharing (less than 20% overnights): Full support calculation applies
  • Substantial time-sharing (20-40% overnights): Moderate reduction in support
  • Equal time-sharing (40%+ overnights): Significant support reduction possible

Warning: Some parents try to claim more time-sharing than they actually exercise to reduce support payments. Document actual overnight stays carefully.

Factors That Increase Support Amounts

Beyond basic income calculations, courts consider:

Factor How It Affects Support Example Impact
Childcare costs Added to base support $800/month daycare = additional $800
Health insurance Divided between parents $200/month premium split by income ratio
Medical expenses Uncovered costs shared $500 in medical bills split proportionally
Private school May be added if previously agreed $300/month tuition consideration

How to Apply for Florida Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Determine Your Application Path

If you receive assistance: You’re automatically referred to the Child Support Program and must cooperate with establishing support.

If you don’t receive assistance: You can choose to apply through the Department of Revenue for free services or handle the case privately through the courts.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect these documents before applying:

  • Child’s certified birth certificate
  • Your driver’s license or state ID
  • Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements)
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Social Security number and date of birth
    • Current and previous addresses
    • Employer information
    • Contact information
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, paternity orders)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Online Application: Visit Florida Child Support eServices to apply online and manage your case.

Phone Application: Call (850) 488-5437 to start your application over the phone.

In-Person Application: Visit your local Department of Revenue office. Find locations at floridarevenue.com.

Step 4: Work with Your Case Worker

Once your application is processed, expect:

  1. Case assignment to a local office within 30 days
  2. Parent location if the other parent’s whereabouts are unknown
  3. Paternity establishment if needed through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing
  4. Support order establishment through administrative or court process
  5. Payment setup and enforcement if needed

Timeline Expectations:

  • Cooperative cases: 60-90 days from application to first payment
  • Location needed: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on cooperation

Understanding Florida Child Support Fees and Payment Processing

Florida Child Support Services Fees

Good News: Unlike many states, Florida does not charge application fees for most child support services through the Department of Revenue.

Service Cost When Charged Notes
Child Support Services Free N/A For assistance recipients and voluntary applicants
Genetic Testing $89-150 When paternity disputed Initially charged to alleged father
Legal Action Fees Varies Complex court cases May be assessed to non-custodial parent
Processing Fees 4% (max $5.25) Non-DOR cases only Through local clerk of court

How You’ll Receive Your Support Payments

Florida offers two electronic payment methods:

Option 1: smiONE Visa Prepaid Card

The smiONE Visa prepaid card provides fast, secure access to your payments with features like mobile app management, fraud protection, and 24/7 customer service.

How it works:

  • Automatic setup: You’ll receive a card once your case is established
  • Direct loading: Support payments are loaded directly onto the card
  • Flexible use: Make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted or withdraw cash
  • Mobile app: Check balance, view transactions, deposit mobile checks, and manage your account

Services with NO fees:

  • Account maintenance
  • Making purchases with the card
  • Customer service calls
  • Mobile app usage

Potential fees for:

  • ATM withdrawals at non-network locations
  • Paper statements
  • Expedited card replacement

Option 2: Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Active checking or savings account at any U.S. financial institution
  • Completed direct deposit enrollment through eServices

Setup process:

  1. Log into Florida Child Support eServices
  2. Complete direct deposit enrollment
  3. Allow 5-10 business days for setup
  4. Contact your bank about fund availability timing

Important: If direct deposit fails (closed account, etc.), payments automatically switch to the smiONE card.

When Florida Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What Florida Can Do to Collect Support

Florida’s child support enforcement system offers several tools including income withholding, license suspension, asset seizure, and advanced federal coordination for complex cases.

Enforcement Method How It Works Effectiveness Requirements
Income Withholding Direct payroll deduction Most effective Known employment
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses High compliance rate Past-due support
Asset Seizure Bank accounts, property liens Very effective Significant arrears
Tax Intercept State and federal refunds Seasonal effectiveness Past-due support
Credit Reporting Reports to all major bureaus Long-term consequences Any arrears
Passport Denial Prevents international travel Moderate effectiveness $2,500+ owed

Florida’s Data-Driven Enforcement Approach

Florida uses advanced data analytics and predictive models to prioritize enforcement actions, focusing on methods most likely to succeed while minimizing unnecessary legal costs. This means:

  • Employment monitoring through new hire registries and wage records
  • Asset discovery through financial institution data matching
  • Predictive modeling to determine the most effective enforcement action for each case
  • Automated systems that trigger enforcement without manual intervention

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of missed payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets immediately
  3. Use eServices to monitor your case and payment history online
  4. Document inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth on social media
  5. Stay in contact with your caseworker, especially when payments are inconsistent

Reality Check: Even with all these enforcement tools, some parents still avoid paying. Success often depends on the other parent having verifiable income or assets that can be reached.

Special Situations and Support for All Families

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Florida

Florida child support laws apply equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Key considerations:

Same-sex couples who were married: If both parents are listed on the birth certificate or have legal parental rights through adoption, both may have support obligations.

Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered. This may require:

  • Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage
  • Court determination of parental rights
  • Review of donor agreements

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact:

  • Equality Florida: eqfl.org or (954) 270-4060
  • LGBTQ+ Legal Helpline: Through local Legal Aid programs

Tribal Connections and Federal Recognition

While Florida doesn’t have large tribal reservations, families with tribal connections may face unique considerations:

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land in another state, Florida works with federal tribal services and may need to coordinate with tribal courts that have jurisdiction.

Seminole Tribe of Florida considerations: The Seminole Tribe has its own court system that may have jurisdiction over tribal members for family law matters.

Federal coordination: For complex tribal cases, contact the Florida Department of Revenue at (850) 488-5437 for guidance on federal coordination.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges:

  • Phone consultations: Most Department of Revenue business can be handled by phone
  • Online services: eServices portal allows case management from home
  • Mobile services: Some areas receive periodic visits from DOR staff
  • Local assistance: County health departments and social services offices often provide computer access

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access
  • Community centers: Many rural areas have public access points
  • Phone support: Full case management available by calling (850) 488-5437

Additional rural resources:

  • University of Florida Extension: Family resource programs in all counties
  • Rural Health Network of Florida: Medical assistance programs
  • USDA Rural Development: Housing and utility assistance

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Florida child support law. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Specific considerations for single fathers:

  • Same enforcement tools available for non-payment
  • Equal access to Department of Revenue services
  • Identical calculation methods based on income and time-sharing

Resources for single fathers:

  • Florida Fathers’ Rights groups: Local support and advocacy
  • Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender
  • Single Parent Scholarship Programs: Many Florida programs serve single fathers

Florida Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Florida Department of Revenue – Child Support Program

What they do: The Florida Department of Revenue oversees the state’s Child Support Program, using advanced data analytics to ensure compliance and effective enforcement. They provide comprehensive services including parent location, paternity establishment, support order creation, payment processing, and enforcement.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, create and modify child support orders through administrative and court processes, enforce payment through wage withholding and other tools, distribute support payments, and provide case management through eServices.

How to contact: Main line (850) 488-5437, with regional offices throughout Florida providing in-person services. Online case management available at childsupport.floridarevenue.com.

Application process: Apply online through eServices, by phone, or in person at regional offices. No application fee for most cases.

Florida Legal Aid Programs

What they do: Legal Aid programs across Florida provide free civil legal services to low-income residents, including family law representation for child support, custody, domestic violence, and related issues.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice for child support modifications, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, and self-help resources including forms and guides.

Who qualifies: Generally households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $3,496/month for family of three in 2025), with priority for domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

Major programs:

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)

What they do: DCF administers assistance programs that coordinate with child support services, providing comprehensive family support including food assistance, cash aid, medical coverage, and emergency services.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance, Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF), Medicaid and managed care health coverage, emergency assistance programs, childcare assistance for working parents, and domestic violence services.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program, with most serving families at 130-200% of federal poverty level depending on the specific program and family circumstances.

How to apply: Online applications at myflfamilies.com provide access to multiple programs, or visit local DCF offices in all 67 counties. Phone assistance available at 1-850-300-4323.

Domestic Violence Resources

What they do: Florida’s 41 certified domestic violence centers offer temporary emergency shelter, advocacy, and crisis intervention services to provide victims with the resources necessary to be safe and live free of violence.

Services provided: Emergency shelter and transitional housing, safety planning and risk assessment, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, counseling and support groups, economic empowerment programs, and children’s services.

Statewide hotline: 1-800-500-1119 with services available in English, Spanish, and Creole.

Major programs:

Common Questions Single Moms Ask About Florida Child Support

About Applying and Getting Started

Q: Do I have to be a Florida resident to get child support through Florida? A: No, you don’t have to be a Florida resident if the other parent lives in Florida or if there’s an existing Florida court order. However, you might need to travel to Florida for court hearings or meetings.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: The Department of Revenue has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, motor vehicle registrations, and credit reports. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old, including previous addresses, relatives’ names, or social media profiles.

Q: Can I get child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. The Department of Revenue can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing.

Q: What if the father claims he can’t afford to pay or is unemployed? A: Florida courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be calculated based on what they could reasonably earn with their education, training, and work history.

About Calculations and Amounts

Q: How does my income affect what the other parent pays? A: Under Florida’s Income Shares Model, both incomes are combined to determine total support needed, then each parent pays their percentage. Example: If combined income is $5,000 monthly, you earn $1,500 (30%) and other parent earns $3,500 (70%), they would pay approximately 70% of the total support amount to you.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for the years before I applied? A: Yes. Florida courts can order retroactive support up to 24 months before you filed your petition, or back to the child’s birth if the child is under 24 months old when you apply.

Q: What counts as “income” for Florida child support calculations? A: Florida now scrutinizes income from all sources including wages, business income, rental income, dividends, bonuses, unemployment benefits, Social Security, and income from side businesses or freelance work.

Q: Is there a maximum amount of child support in Florida? A: Florida doesn’t set a specific cap. For high-net-worth families, courts have discretion to set higher child support to match the child’s lifestyle and best interests.

About Payments and Problems

Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent than when we got the original order? A: If time-sharing arrangements change significantly (especially if the other parent now has 20% or more overnights), this may qualify for a support modification. You’ll need to petition the court or request a review through the Department of Revenue.

Q: How do I switch from the smiONE card to direct deposit? A: Log into Florida Child Support eServices and update your payment preferences, or call (850) 488-5437. Allow 5-10 business days for the change.

Q: What should I do if I receive a support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact the Florida State Disbursement Unit at (877) 769-0251 immediately. Check your eServices account for payment details and contact your caseworker if the amount doesn’t match your court order.

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying child support? A: Florida has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding, including asset seizure, license suspension, tax intercept, and credit reporting. Job changes are tracked through the new hire registry, and courts can impute income based on earning capacity.

Q: Can the Department of Revenue help with custody or visitation issues? A: No. The Department of Revenue only handles financial support and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact a private attorney, Legal Aid, or file directly with the family court.

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: Florida can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under federal cooperation agreements. Your Florida order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with enforcement.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarceration doesn’t automatically terminate child support obligations. The obligation continues to accrue, though the incarcerated parent may petition for a temporary modification based on changed circumstances.

About Modifications and Appeals

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification through the Department of Revenue (for DOR cases) or file a petition with the court that issued the original order. Common reasons include:

  • Significant change in either parent’s income (typically 15% or $50/month)
  • Change in time-sharing arrangements
  • Change in childcare or health insurance costs
  • Three years since the last review

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount ordered? A: You have the right to request a hearing or appeal within 30 days of an administrative order. Contact Legal Aid or a private family law attorney for assistance with appeals.

Q: Can child support be reduced if the other parent can’t pay due to illness or disability? A: The court may temporarily modify support based on genuine inability to pay, but past-due support generally cannot be forgiven. Any modification must be approved by the court – agreements between parents are not legally binding without court approval.

Complete Florida Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Florida Department of Revenue – Child Support Program

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Major Legal Aid Programs:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Housing and Utility Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1119
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Florida Resources:

Benefits Screening:

Regional Resources by County

Miami-Dade County:

Broward County:

Palm Beach County:

Orange County (Orlando):

Hillsborough County (Tampa):

Duval County (Jacksonville):

Pinellas County:

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

  • Spanish interpretation: Available through all Department of Revenue offices
  • Multi-language services: Translation services available for court proceedings

Disability Accommodations:

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Florida guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Courts, Legal Aid organizations, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Florida Department of Revenue, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Courts, Florida Legal Aid organizations, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Florida child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.

Always:

  • Verify current information with the Florida Department of Revenue at (850) 488-5437
  • Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your unique situation
  • Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
  • Report changes in your circumstances to the Department of Revenue promptly
  • Review your case regularly through eServices or by contacting your caseworker

The information in this guide:

  • Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
  • May not apply to every individual situation or case
  • Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
  • Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to Florida child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact the Florida Department of Revenue directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program at (850) 488-5437 or visit floridarevenue.com/childsupport.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Florida Statute 61.30 – Child Support Guidelines
² Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program Services
³ Florida State Disbursement Unit Payment Options
⁴ Florida Statute 61.30 – Time-sharing considerations in support calculations
⁵ Florida Statute 61.13 – Duration of child support obligations
⁶ Brandon Legal Group, “Florida Child Support Calculator Guide 2025” (December 2024)

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