Florida Child Support & Time-Sharing in 2025

When parents separate in Florida, two of the biggest issues are time-sharing (custody/visitation) and child support. These decisions affect not only your financial life but also your relationship with your children. Here’s what you need to know today under Florida law, explained in plain English for parents living in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

50/50 Time-Sharing Is Now the Starting Point

Since July 2023, Florida law says that courts must begin with a presumption of equal time-sharing (50/50). That means the law assumes it’s best for children to spend equal overnights with both parents. But it’s only a starting point. A parent can rebut the presumption by showing that equal time is not in the child’s best interests. For example, documented domestic violence or threats of harm, a parent who refuses to communicate or co-parent, or serious logistical problems such as parents living far apart or children with unique medical or schooling needs. Judges must always weigh the statutory “best interest factors” (things like stability, safety, and each parent’s willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent) before approving or modifying a parenting plan.

Parenting Plans: The Roadmap for Raising Your Child

Every case with children requires a Parenting Plan approved by the court. It spells out how day-to-day decisions are shared, detailed time-sharing schedule (week-on/week-off, 2-2-5-5, or 3-4-4-3 are common in South Florida), who handles school, health care, and extracurriculars, how parents and children will communicate, and any special arrangements for safe exchanges if there are safety concerns. A recent case, Salazar v. Blanco (3d DCA, June 2025), reversed a time-sharing order because the trial judge failed to attach a Parenting Plan or explain how the statutory factors were applied. This shows that the paperwork must be done right, or the ruling can be overturned.

Child Support: How the Numbers Are Calculated

Florida uses statewide guidelines (F.S. §61.30) to determine child support. Here’s the process simplified. First, gross income for each parent is determined (wages, bonuses, retirement, etc.). Courts can impute income if a parent is intentionally underemployed. If income information is missing, the law presumes at least full-time minimum wage. Second, each parent’s net income is calculated and combined. Third, the guideline table sets a basic support amount, then adds child-related expenses like health insurance, uninsured medical/dental expenses, and work-related daycare costs. Fourth, each parent’s share is based on their percentage of the total income. Fifth, time-sharing adjustments apply if each parent has at least 20% of the overnights. Even in 50/50 cases, child support usually applies because parents rarely earn the exact same amount. Sixth, courts can deviate from the guideline number (up or down) if special circumstances justify it, but
they must give reasons in writing.

A key update in Rouson v. DOR (2d DCA, Jan. 2025) reversed a child support order because the judge failed to use actual historical income for retroactive support and didn’t attach a guideline worksheet. This shows how important accurate numbers and worksheets are.

Equal Time Doesn’t Mean Zero Support

This is a common misconception. Florida law makes clear that equal time-sharing does not eliminate child support. If one parent earns more, or pays for health insurance and daycare, the math almost always leads to a support obligation—even when time is 50/50.

Other Practical Points for South Florida Parents

Both parents must complete a four-hour DCF-approved parenting course before a final judgment is entered. Most cases are sent to mediation before trial. Courts can require supervised or neutral exchange locations if needed for safety. These requirements are standard in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach family courts.

Bottom Line

Florida courts start at 50/50, but every case depends on the child’s best interests. Parenting Plans must be thorough, and trial judges must follow the statutory checklist. Child support follows a formula—don’t assume it disappears just because time is equal. Recent appellate cases show that details matter: incorrect or missing findings can overturn orders.

JUST CALL GABE! 954-533-7593

If you live in South Florida and are facing custody or child support issues, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Every family is different, and the court system can be overwhelming. Call my office at 954-533-7593 or visit JustCallGabe.com to schedule a consultation. Let’s build the right plan for your children and protect your rights.