Child support in the state of Florida is mandatory until the child reaches the age of 18; however, it can still continue if the child has not graduated from high school but will by the age of 19 and/or if the child is declared legally dependant beyond the age of 18 due to a physical or mental illness. Child support is based on the gross income minus allowable deductions such as federal and state taxes, mandatory retirement payments, spousal support from a previous marriage or the marriage before the court, other child support orders that are actually being paid and the like. Paternity can still be established up to four years after the child in question reaches the age of 18. Health insurance costs and up to 75% of day care costs incurred because of work or school can and will be taken into consideration for child support obligations. There are some exceptions to the child support laws in the state of Florida. You can find the laws available on the internet.