Florida Child Support Enforcement Resource Center
- Florida Child Support Enforcement Measures
- Who Can Enforce Court-Ordered Child Support in Florida
- Florida Child Support Services Caseload Statistics
- Interest on Missed Florida Child Support Payments
- Statute of Limitations on Back Child Support
- Statute of Limitations for Determination of Paternity
- Age of Emancipation / Age of Majority
- How Are Child Support Payment Amounts Determined in Florida?
- Custody and Visitation Issues
- You Have Options
Even if the non-custodial parent lives outside the state of Florida, the law requires cooperation between states. The non-custodial parent is legally required to make regular child support payments, regardless of where they live.
Florida Child Support Enforcement Measures
If a non-custodial parent does not pay child support, he or she is subject to enforcement measures in accordance with Federal and Florida child support law to collect regular and past-due payments.
- Interception of IRS tax refunds
- Interception of Lottery winnings
- Interception of Workers' compensation benefits
- Interception of Unemployment benefits
- Interception of Insurance settlements
- Freezing and/or seizure of financial accounts
- Liens against property such as personal property, vehicles, boats mobile homes and real property
- Support delinquencies are reported to credit agencies
- Licenses/documents that can be suspended include: Driver licenses, Passports, Professional licenses, Vessel registrations, Recreational licenses
- Jail time for up to 179 days for contempt of court
- Full or partial payment to purge contempt
Who Can Enforce Court-Ordered Child Support in Florida?
The Florida Child Support Enforcement is the state-run child support enforcement office for Florida. The Florida Department of Revenue is required by federal law to provide services through Child Support Enforcement (CSE) and is funded by the federal government and the State of Florida.
| FLORIDA CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT CASELOAD STATISTICS1 | |
|---|---|
| Full Time Equiv. Staff | 3,143 |
| Total Caseload | 714,271 |
1 U.S. Office of Child Support Enforcement, Boxscores for FY 2005
Support Collectors Collects Past Due Florida Child Support
If Florida Child Support Enforcement hasn't been able to get the results you want or you don't feel they're giving your case the personal attention it deserves, Support Collectors can help.
Support Collectors has developed a proven system that teams attorneys, investigators and enforcement specialists to work your case from every possible angle. We work nationwide and our only business is collecting support. Our success rate is up to three times better than the Florida CSE and we never charge you a cent unless we put money in your hands.
Interest on Missed Florida Child Support Payments
The State of Florida charges interest on judgments. A missed payment becomes a judgment by operation of law. Interest rates on judgments are determined annually by the state Comptroller.
Florida's Statute of Limitations on Back Child Support Payments (Arrears)
There is no statute of limitations in Florida for child support arrears enforcement.
Florida's Statute of Limitations for Determination of Paternity
The statute of limitations in Florida for establishment of paternity is 4 years after the child's 18th birthday.
Age of Emancipation / Age of Majority in Florida
The age of majority in Florida is 18. (Florida Statutes § 743.07)
Support is automatically terminated at age 18 unless child(ren) is/are declared legally dependent beyond that age due to mental or physical disability; the child is 18 and still in high school and will graduate prior to age 19; or support has otherwise been ordered to continue.
How Are Child Support Payment Amounts Determined in Florida?
In Florida, support orders also include medical insurance. A support order payment amount is determined by use of the Florida Child Support Guidelines which take into account both parents' incomes, available medical insurance and specific financial obligations either may have.
The FL Department of Revenue has a Child Support Guidelines worksheet available to help calculate payment amounts.
Custody and Visitation Issues
Child support and visitation rights are separate issues. The court determines both and will usually order the non-custodial parent to pay support and the custodial parent to make the child available for visits.
The custodial parent must obey the court order for visitation, even if the non-custodial parent cannot or will not pay child support. The court can enforce any of its orders against either parent.
You Have Options
Any custodial parent not receiving public assistance may contract with a child support collection agency such as Support Collectors, or hire a private attorney, and at the same time have a case open with the Florida Child Support Enforcement. We work harder to collect the child support you are owed.
Collecting support is all we do and we give you the personalized, dedicated attention that your case deserves. Call us at (888) 729-6661 or get started online right now! We don't charge a cent until we put money in your pocket.
