How to modify child support or alimony in Florida
Sources last checked 3 November 2026. Information only, not legal advice.
The short version
In Florida you ask the circuit court to change a support order by filing a supplemental petition. For child support the court’s form is Form 12.905(b), Supplemental Petition for Modification of Child Support (11/15). The instructions say the court can change a child support order or judgment if the judge finds a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties and that the change is in the child(ren)’s best interests. For alimony the form is Form 12.905(c), Supplemental Petition for Modification of Alimony (11/15). Its instructions say the judge must find a substantial change in circumstances.
What the motion can ask for
- Child support: the petition asks you to state the amount in the current order, explain the substantial change in circumstances, say how you want child support modified, and explain why the change is in the child(ren)’s best interests.
- Alimony: the instructions say the court can change temporary, permanent periodic, durational and rehabilitative alimony. They also say lump sum and bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be modified.
What else you file
- Family Law Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or (c)), for both child support and alimony.
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e)), for child support. If you do not know the other parent’s income, the form says you may file the worksheet after their financial affidavit has been served on you.
- Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j)), for child support, if not previously filed.
- Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure (Form 12.932). The instructions say it must be filed within 45 days of service of the supplemental petition on the respondent, unless you and the other party agree not to exchange these documents.
- Settlement Agreement, if you have agreed on any or all issues. There is no form, but the instructions say you may build one from the Marital Settlement Agreement forms (12.902(f)(1) or (f)(2)).
- Temporary relief while the case is pending: a Motion for Temporary Support and Time-Sharing (Form 12.947(a) with children, 12.947(d) without).
What the statute says
Section 61.14, Florida Statutes, covers modification of support, maintenance and alimony. Wording below is a plain-language summary of the statute as we read it on 3 November 2026.
- Either party may ask the circuit court for an increase or decrease when “the circumstances or the financial ability of either party changes”.
- The court may order a change “retroactively to the date of the filing of the action”, that is, back to the date the modification case was filed, “as equity requires” (the statute leaves it to the judge).
- The court must reduce or terminate alimony if the paying party proves, by a preponderance of the evidence, a supportive relationship that “has existed in the 365 days before the filing of the petition”. The statute lists factors the court weighs.
- The court may reduce or terminate alimony after the paying party has “reached normal retirement age as defined by the Social Security Administration” and has retired or taken measurable steps to retire.
Notice, service and hearing
- Where to file: with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the original order was entered. The child support instructions say to speak with a lawyer if the order was made in another state or the child(ren) live in another state. Sign the form before a notary public or deputy clerk.
- Service: you must properly notify the other party. If you know where they live, use personal service. Constructive service is only for when you absolutely do not know, and then the court may grant only limited relief. If the other party is in the U.S. military, more steps may apply (Form 12.912(a)).
- Answer time: if personal service is used, the other party has 20 days to answer after being served.
- If no answer in 20 days: you may file a Motion for Default (Form 12.922(a)), then ask the clerk, family law intake staff or judicial assistant to set a final hearing. Notify the other party of the hearing with a Notice of Hearing (Form 12.923).
- If uncontested: if the answer agrees with everything, and you have completed mandatory disclosure, you can ask to set a final hearing.
- If contested: file a Notice for Trial (Form 12.924) once disclosure is complete. Some circuits may require mediation first. If the other side files a counterpetition, you answer within 20 days using Form 12.903(d).
- E-service: self-represented people may serve documents by e-mail but are not required to. If you elect it, you must follow the procedures. See Forms 12.914 and 12.915 and Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516.
Before you file
- Court staff cannot give legal advice. See legal aid in Florida for free or low-cost help, or the Florida divorce kit for the wider process.
- This page does not state a filing fee, because the forms do not. They say that if you cannot pay, you may get an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status from the clerk, and the clerk decides whether fees are deferred. Ask the clerk for the current fee.
- Child support amounts follow the state guidelines. See how child support is calculated in Florida and alimony in Florida.
- The forms are dated 11/15. Check that you have the current version before you file.
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