Florida Child Support Laws

Find out how many parents apply, collect, and enforce Florida child support.

Applying For Child Support in Florida The first step you must take to obtain child support from the non-custodial parent is to obtain and complete an application for services.

Interstate Child Support
If the non-custodial parent resides in another state, or if your child support order was issued in another state, you can still apply for assistance with the FL Child Support Enforcement Office. Be prepared to provide a certified copy of the support order and payment history of child support in order to expedite processing of your case.

If you do not have a copy of the child support order, the Child Support Enforcement Office may be able to obtain the necessary information with the identity of the county or state in which the support order was obtained and the approximate date of the order.

The application can be obtained at any Florida Child Support Enforcement Office or online at: MyFlorida Child Support

In addition to the application, you will have to pay a non-refundable fee of $25 to the Florida Department of Revenue to process your application. For more information or for assistance in filling out the child support application, contact the Child Support Enforcement Office's toll-free number: 1(800) 622-KIDS or visit your local Child Support Enforcement Office.

Each case varies in complexity; therefore it is difficult to determine the length of time it will take to process your Florida child support application. Difficulty locating the non-custodial parent or establishing paternity may increase the amount of time necessary to enforce a child support order.

Determining The Amount Of Child Support
Florida Statute 61.30 establishes the guidelines that are used to determine the amount of child support to be paid by the non-custodial parent. This amount is based on the number of children and combined income of both parents. The obligation for child support is divided between the two parents in direct proportion to their income and earning capacity.

The child support dollar amount may be increased or decreased up to five percent at the discretion of the Florida court system. The Child Support Enforcement Office will also pursue medical support, such as health insurance coverage for the child. The non-custodial parent may either be required to enroll the child on his or her health insurance plan, or pay a set fee towards health insurance coverage.

Reviewing A Child Support Order
The Florida Child Support Enforcement Office will review a child support order every three years at the request of either parent. In order to request a review, you must submit a "Request for Review and Adjustment" form to Florida' Department of Revenue. You can obtain a copy of this form at your local Child Support Enforcement Office or apply online at: Florida Child Support Adjustments

Child Support Enforcement
The Florida Child Support Enforcement Agency will work with both parents to ensure that child support payments are made. Non-custodial parents can arrange to have their child support payments automatically deducted from their paycheck or bank account, or a check can be mailed to the following location:

State Disbursement Unit PO Box 8500 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-8500

Non-custodial parents who refuse to pay child support are liable for both regular and past-due payments. The FL Child Support Enforcement Agency will use a number of methods to collect and enforce the payment of child support.

Licenses: The Child Support Enforcement Agency can suspend a non-custodial parent’s driver’s license, or other licenses such as professional, occupational, or hunting and fishing licenses.

Tax Refunds: IRS tax refunds can be intercepted to pay Florida child support payments.

Lottery Winnings: Florida Lottery winnings over $600 can be confiscated and used to pay child support payments.

Liens: The Florida Child Support Enforcement Agency can place a lien on property such as homes, land, cars, and boats owned by the non-custodial parent until the child support payments are made.

Levies: The non-custodial parent’s bank accounts can be garnish to make up for back child support payments.

Credit Bureaus: The FL Child Support Enforcement Agency will report any child support debt to the consumer credit bureaus, affecting the non-custodial parent’s credit rating.

Arrest Warrants: In cooperation with Florida’s court system, the Florida Child Support Enforcement Agency will issue an arrest warrant for a non-custodial parent who refuses to pay child support payments that have been established by a court order.

In order to file and enforce child support, the custodial parent must first have a Florida dna paternity testing done on the alleged father. By having a Florida dna paternity testing done, this will prove that the non-custodial parent is indeed the father of the child.

Checking Your Child Support Status
Either parent can check on the payment collection and distribution of child support via the Florida Association of Court Clerks' web site. You can also review payment and case history information by calling the Florida Child Support Enforcement Office at 1-800-622-KIDS (5437) or 1-877-769-0251. You will need to provide the full name and social security numbers for both parents in order to expedite your request.

For More on Child Support Laws

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