Child Support Past 18 in Florida: High School Graduation and Age Limits
In Florida, orders entered on or after October 1, 2010 must provide that child support terminates on the 18th birthday. It continues past 18 only for a child still in high school and expected to graduate before 19, or by agreement, and the order must state the end date.
What is the child support age limit in Florida?
Eighteen. All child support orders and income deduction orders entered on or after October 1, 2010 must provide for child support to terminate on a child’s 18th birthday unless the court finds, or previously found, that the minor child, or the child who is dependent in fact and between 18 and 19, is still in high school and performing in good faith with a reasonable expectation of graduation before reaching 19, or the continued support is otherwise agreed to by the parties (Fla. Stat. 61.13(1)(a)1).
Does child support continue through high school in Florida?
Yes, in that situation. The guideline amount presumptively applies to a child who is dependent in fact, between 18 and 19, still in high school and performing in good faith with a reasonable expectation of graduation before 19 (61.30(1)(a)). It is a ceiling at the 19th birthday and does not require the school year to be finished first.
What date does Florida child support end? Examples
The usual end date is the 18th birthday, and the high school extension is bounded by the 19th:
| Child born | Support usually ends (18) | High school limit (19th birthday) |
|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2012 | March 15, 2030 | March 15, 2031 |
| August 31, 2010 | August 31, 2028 | August 31, 2029 |
| November 2, 2015 | November 2, 2033 | November 2, 2034 |
Try your own date in the Florida child support end date calculator.
What must the order say?
Orders entered on or after October 1, 2010 must also include a schedule, based on the record at the time, of the monthly obligation for all the minor children and the amount that will be owed for any remaining children after one or more are no longer entitled to support, and the month, day and year the reduction or termination takes effect (61.13(1)(a)1.b-c). Check your order for that date.
What if there are several children?
The schedule in the order shows the reduced amount when a child ages out. If your order has no schedule, or the amount is wrong, file to modify; the 15% or $50 line applies if you rely on the guidelines.
How does the 19th birthday cap work? Examples
A child who turns 18 in March of senior year usually graduates in June, so support runs to graduation, not to the 19th birthday. The cap matters only for a child still in high school at 19:
| Child born | Turns 18 | Latest high school end (19th birthday) |
|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2010 | September 30, 2028 | September 30, 2029 |
| January 10, 2011 | January 10, 2029 | January 10, 2030 |
The child must be dependent in fact and performing in good faith with a reasonable expectation of graduating before 19.
Do I need to file to end Florida child support at 18?
The order should already state the date. If it does not, or payments by income deduction continue after the date, ask the court or the Department of Revenue to update the order and stop the deduction. The statutes we read do not describe an automatic stop of income deduction.
Do arrears end when child support ends?
No. Termination of current support does not end judgments for installments already unpaid. See the Florida child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.
Frequently asked questions
Does child support end at 18 in Florida?
Yes for orders entered on or after October 1, 2010, unless the child is in high school and expected to graduate before 19, or the parties agree otherwise.
How long does Florida child support continue for a high school student?
Until graduation, and never past the 19th birthday, if the child is dependent in fact and performing in good faith.
What must a Florida support order say about the end date?
It must state the month, day and year the support reduces or terminates, and give a schedule for any remaining children.
Does Florida child support drop automatically when one child ages out?
The order must include a schedule for remaining children; if it does not, file to modify.
Do arrears end when Florida support ends?
No. Judgments for installments already unpaid remain.
Official sources
- Fla. Stat. 61.13: support of children; termination provisions
- Fla. Stat. 743.07: rights and obligations of persons 18 or older
- Fla. Stat. 61.14: modification and judgments
- Fla. Stat. 61.30: guidelines and children between 18 and 19
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Florida statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Florida attorney.