What DoesChild Support Actually Cover in Florida—and What Costs Are Split Separately?

In Florida family law cases, one of the most common points of confusion between co-parents is this: What exactly does child support cover—and what doesn't it cover?

Whether you're preparing a parenting plan, modifying support, or just trying to get clarity, understanding the distinction between what's included in base child support and what additional costs should be split is crucial. Otherwise, you're likely to end up with resentment, unnecessary arguments, or unpaid expenses no one budgeted for.

Let's break it down.

What Child Support Is Meant to Cover in Florida

The basic child support amount—calculated using Florida's child support guidelines—is intended to provide for a child's essential day-to-day needs. That includes:

• Housing (rent, mortgage, utilities)
• Food and groceries
• Basic clothing and personal care
• Transportation (gas, car expenses)
• Basic educational needs (public school access, basic supplies)

This number comes from a formula that considers both parents' income, the number of overnights each parent has, and some basic expenses like health insurance or child care (if included at the time the calculation was done).

But here's the catch: the guidelines are just a starting point. They don't cover everything your child might need or do. That's where “shared” or “split” costs come into play.

What Costs Are Typically Split Separately

Many important and often expensive costs fall outside of the standard support calculation. In Florida, the following are commonly addressed in parenting plans as shared expenses between the parents:

1. Uncovered Medical Expenses

This includes:

• Co-pays
• Prescriptions
• Therapy (mental health, OT, speech, etc.)
• Dental and vision care

These are usually split 50/50 unless your agreement says otherwise.

2. Extracurricular Activities

Think:

• Sports
• Music lessons
• Dance classes
• Clubs and competitions

Whether your child plays competitive soccer or takes weekly art classes, these costs are usually not part of base child support and should be discussed and addressed in writing.

3. Camps and Summer Programs

Many families split the cost of:

• Summer day camps
• Overnight or specialty camps
• Spring or winter break programs

These can be major expenses and are often forgotten until summer is around the corner.

4. Childcare (if not already included)

Childcare is sometimes part of the guideline calculation, but if it wasn't included when child support was calculated—or if your child starts a new daycare, after-school program, or babysitter—you'll want to revisit how that cost will be handled.

5. School-Related Costs

While public school tuition isn't an issue, these costs are often split:

• Lab or course fees
• Class trips
• Laptop or tablet for school

If your child attends private school, those costs should absolutely be addressed in your parenting plan or by court order.

Why It Matters

If your parenting plan or court order doesn't clearly state who pays for what, you're setting yourself up for future conflict. Don't assume that child support “covers everything.” It doesn't—and courts know that.

At Family Matters Law Group, we help families not just understand these distinctions but build parenting plans that actually reflect real-life parenting. Because being vague about money now almost always leads to fights later.

Need help reviewing your child support order or negotiating shared expenses?

We offer flat-fee legal coaching, document help, and full legal representation throughout Florida.