Child Support in Florida

Both parents of a child have a legal responsibility to provide financial support. Normally, that obligation ends when the child reaches age 18, marries, emancipates, joins the armed forces or dies.

Child support is calculated based on the income of both parties; the number of children; and the amount of time the children spend with each parent. The computed support is adjusted for child care and health insurance expenses. To secure payment, a court may order a parent to purchase or maintain life insurance.

A party may not withhold time-sharing or child support because the other parent fails to pay court-ordered child support or violates the the parenting plan.