How do I open a child support case?

Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.

Can I modify my child support order?

Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.

What happens if I can't pay?

Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.

How is the amount calculated?

Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.

Child Support in Florida

11 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

11 Resources

1. Florida Department of Revenue — Child Support Program — Free

Florida's official state agency managing child support services including establishing paternity, setting and enforcing support orders, and collecting and distributing payments. Provides online case access, payment processing, and employer services. TTY: 1-800-955-8771. Miami-Dade: 305-530-2600. Accessible 24/7 via the online portal at childsupport.floridarevenue.com. Call (850) 488-5437 Mon-Fri 7:30 AM to 5 PM for case assistance.

(850) 488-5437 · 5050 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST (Miami-Dade: 305-530-2600, 8 AM - 5 PM) · Visit Website

2. Florida Child Support Calculator & Guidelines — Free

Official Florida child support guidelines from the Department of Revenue, based on Florida Statute 61.30 (income shares model). Explains how support amounts are calculated including both parents' gross income, healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and timesharing adjustments. A third-party estimate calculator is at FloridaChildSupportCalculator.com. Call (850) 488-5437 or visit floridarevenue.com for full guidelines. Understanding this formula is essential before any modification hearing.

(850) 488-5437 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Florida Courts — Child Support Modification Forms — Free

Official Florida Supreme Court Form 12.905(b) for filing a Supplemental Petition for Modification of Child Support. Within 3 years of the last order: must show at least a 15% or $50 change in support amount. After 3 years: at least 10% or 5 change. File in the county where the original order was entered. New amount becomes effective from the filing date. Available free online at flcourts.gov 24/7. File without an attorney using the self-help center in your county.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Florida DOR — Changing Support Orders — Free

Official state resource explaining how to modify child support orders through the Florida Department of Revenue. Either parent can request a review of the support order at any time. Explains when and how to file for modifications, required documentation, income thresholds, and the administrative review process. Call (850) 488-5437 Mon-Fri 7:30 AM to 5 PM or visit floridarevenue.com/childsupport for full instructions and to initiate a modification request.

(850) 488-5437 · Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST · Visit Website

5. Dads Evoking Change — Free

Nonprofit organization specifically helping fathers navigate the family court system including child support and custody. Offers free legal consultations, online group workshops, co-parenting therapy, and access to community resources for dads dealing with custody and support issues. Visit dadsevokingchange.org for the current workshop schedule. Services are available online to dads across Florida. A strong resource for fathers who feel overwhelmed by the family court process.

See website for workshop schedule · Visit Website

6. Fathers Help Network — Paid

Nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting fathers' rights by providing low-cost legal advice and assistance in seeking legal counsel for child support, custody, and visitation matters. Helps dads navigate the court system and understand their legal options. Visit fathershelpnetwork.org for information on services, fees, and how to request assistance. A resource for fathers who need guidance but cannot afford full-cost private legal representation.

See website · Visit Website

7. Florida Responsible Fatherhood Initiative (Father First FL) — Free

State-funded initiative through Florida DCF with 1.2 million in funding providing free services to fathers including help with employment, managing child support obligations, understanding child development, and enhancing parenting skills. Connected network of partner organizations throughout all Florida counties. Call (850) 300-4323 or visit fatherfirstfl.com to find your nearest Father First program and enroll in services available in your area.

(850) 300-4323 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

8. Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service — Paid

Official state bar referral service connecting fathers with family law attorneys experienced in child support matters including modifications, enforcement, and arrears. Low-cost initial consultations available with referred attorneys. Located at 651 E Jefferson St, Tallahassee. Call (800) 342-8011 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5:30 PM or search online 24/7 at floridabar.org/public/lrs. A good starting point for dads who need an attorney referral for child support issues.

(800) 342-8011 · 651 E Jefferson St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Phone: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Online: 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida — Free

Free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals throughout Central Florida including help with child support, custody, visitation, and other family law matters. Serves multiple counties in the Orlando and Central Florida region. Located at 122 E Colonial Dr, Suite 200, Orlando. Call (800) 405-1417. Extended hours Tue and Wed until 6:30 PM. Income eligibility required. Visit legalaccessforall.org for online application.

(800) 405-1417 · 122 E Colonial Dr, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32801 · Mon-Fri (varies by day, call for schedule) · Visit Website

10. Florida Law Help — Child Support Resources — Free

Free online legal information portal connecting low-income Florida residents with legal aid providers who handle child support cases. Search by county to find providers near you. Explains child support basics, rights, obligations, and the modification process under Florida law. Available 24/7 at floridalawhelp.org. Includes downloadable forms and plain-language guides for fathers navigating the child support system without an attorney.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

11. Florida Child Support Online Portal — Free

Official online self-service portal where parents can view case information, make payments, check payment history, update contact information, and manage their Florida child support accounts. Requires account registration with your case number. Available 24/7 at childsupport.floridarevenue.com. For technical help or case questions, call (850) 488-5437 Mon-Fri 7:30 AM to 5 PM. A convenient tool for dads managing ongoing support obligations.

(850) 488-5437 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?: Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?: Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?: Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?: Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.