How to Modify Child Support in Florida (and When You Can)

Life changes — and so can your financial situation.

You might lose a job, take a pay cut, get a raise, or face new expenses for your child. Whatever the reason, many parents wonder: Can child support be modified in Florida once it’s been ordered by the court?

The short answer is yes, but only under certain circumstances — and the process isn’t automatic. Here’s what you need to know about how child support modification works under Florida law, when it’s allowed, and what steps to take if you need to request a change.

The Law Behind Child Support Modification

Child support modification in Florida is governed by Florida Statutes § 61.14 and § 61.30.
These laws allow a parent to request a modification when there has been a substantial, permanent, and involuntary change in circumstances since the last order was entered.

In plain English, this means:

• The change must be significant enough to affect your ability to pay (or your child’s needs),
• It must be lasting — not a short-term or temporary issue, and
• It must not be something you caused on purpose (like quitting a job to avoid payments).

What Qualifies as a “Substantial Change” in Florida?

The court decides whether a change is substantial on a case-by-case basis, but some of the most common qualifying circumstances include:

1. A Significant Change in Income

If you’ve lost your job, taken a lower-paying position, or had your work hours reduced through no fault of your own, you may qualify.
Likewise, if the receiving parent’s income increases substantially, that can also justify a change.

Generally, courts look for at least a 15% or $50 difference in the monthly payment amount (whichever is greater) before considering a modification (§ 61.30(1)(b), Fla. Stat.).

2. Changes in Parenting Time

If your parenting schedule has changed substantially — for example, your child now lives with you more often — the support amount may be recalculated.
Florida’s child support formula directly factors in the number of overnight stays each parent has per year.

3. Changes in the Child’s Needs

Support can be adjusted if the child develops new medical needs, educational expenses, or other costs not accounted for in the original order.
Conversely, if expenses decrease (for instance, aging out of daycare), the paying parent can request a reduction.

4. Emancipation of a Child

When a child turns 18 or graduates high school (whichever comes later, per § 743.07(2), Fla. Stat.), child support for that child typically ends.
However, if you have multiple children under one order, the amount may need to be recalculated rather than automatically stopping.

How to Request a Child Support Modification in Florida

If you think your situation qualifies, here’s what the process generally looks like:

1. File a Supplemental Petition for Modification

You’ll need to file a “Supplemental Petition to Modify Child Support” in the same circuit court that issued the original order (§ 61.14, Fla. Stat.).

2. Serve the Other Parent

The other parent must be formally notified and given an opportunity to respond.

3. Provide Proof of the Change

Gather documentation like pay stubs, tax returns, termination letters, or medical bills — anything that supports your claim.

4. Attend a Hearing or Mediation

The court may require mediation before a hearing to see if you can agree on the new amount.

5. Court Decision

If mediation doesn’t resolve it, the judge will decide whether the change qualifies and issue a new support order if appropriate.

What Doesn’t Qualify for Modification

Not every financial change counts. The court is unlikely to grant a modification if:

• You voluntarily left a higher-paying job or reduced your income intentionally.
• The change is temporary (like short-term unemployment).
• You’re behind on payments and using “hardship” as a retroactive excuse.

It’s also worth noting that remarriage by itself doesn’t change your obligation unless it directly affects income or the child’s support needs.

Can Child Support Be Modified Without Going to Court?

Yes — sometimes.

If both parents agree to change the amount, they can submit a written stipulation to the court for approval. However, the court must sign off before the change becomes legally enforceable.

Simply agreeing between yourselves, without a court order, can lead to problems later if one parent disputes it.

The Role of the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)

If your child support order is being enforced through the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), you can also request a review directly with that agency.

The DOR periodically reviews cases — generally every three years — or sooner if a parent shows a qualifying change in circumstances.

What Does it All Mean?

Life rarely stays the same, and Florida law recognizes that child support orders sometimes need to change with it.

Whether you’ve had a major drop in income or your parenting schedule has shifted, it’s important to handle modifications legally and promptly — not informally.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies or need help filing the right paperwork, Melendez Law Office can guide you through every step of the process.

Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how to request a fair and accurate modification under Florida law.