Frequently Asked Questions
How is the child support amount determined?
In Florida, the amount of child support is governed by the guidelines established by section 61.30 of the Florida Statutes.
What are the Child Support guidelines based on?
The child support guideline's dollar amount is based on the number of children and the combined income of the parents. The child support obligation is divided between the parents in direct proportion to their income or earning capacity. The parent with whom the child lives most of the time (the "custodial" parent) is paid the established support by the other parent (the "non-custodial" parent).
The Court, at its discretion may increase or decrease, up to five percent, the guideline's dollar amount. The amount may be increased or decreased in excess of five percent if the Court makes the proper findings and gives written reasons for the change.
How long does it take to obtain a support order and receive child support payments once the completed application is received by Child Support Enforcement?
Some cases are more complicated and the length of time depends upon the unique circumstance of each case. Providing additional information when requested will assist in obtaining a child support order in a timely manner. Factors contributing to the complexity of the case may include the following:
- Difficulty in locating the noncustodial parent
- Paternity establishment
- Multiple potential fathers
- Noncustodial parent lives in another state
- Scheduling court hearings, when necessary
May I request an appointment for assistance in completing the application?
Yes. If you need assistance completing the application or wish to request an appointment, call Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-622-KIDS (5437).
I received a delinquency notice stating I am behind on my child support payments. I know I am up-to-date. Why has this happened and what do I do now?
In order for a Notice of Delinquency to be issued, the depository records must reflect that a payment is more than 15 days late and the delinquency amount is greater than the periodic payment amount. If you feel the Notice of Delinquency was issued in error, notify the Department of Revenue at 1-800-622-KIDS (5437) or at the address on the Notice of Delinquency.
How can I check on the payments or status of a case?
You can check the payment collection and distribution online at http://www.myfloridacounty.com/services/child_support/. You can also check payments and case history by calling 1-800-622-KIDS (5437) or 1-877-769-0251. Be prepared to give the full name of the custodial parent and noncustodial parent, and social security numbers for each, to speed processing of your inquiry.
My child support order was entered in another state. Can my order be enforced through Florida?
Yes. Providing a certified copy of the support order and payment history may expedite processing of the case. If you do not have a copy of the order, it is important to provide the identity of the court or agency and the county/state in which the support order was obtained and the approximate date of the order.
I want to apply for Child Support Enforcement services to modify an existing court order. What should I do?
If it has been more than three years since your support order was entered, you may request a review by the Department of Revenue of your current support order. You may obtain the Request for Review and Adjustment form from the Child Support Enforcement web site.
Can the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement Program help me with custody or visitation issues?
No, the Department is restricted from involvement in custody or visitation issues.
For More Information
For more information, go to https://taxapp2.state.fl.us/kb/. This is a data base with many more frequently asked questions that is searchable by category and key words.
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