HB 445 Summary

• Court must suspend child support payment orders when a parent is involuntarily unemployed due to incarceration lasting longer than 30 days, with suspension continuing for at least 30 days after release from incarceration.

• Amendment applies to both child support orders under section 61.13 and enforcement proceedings under section 61.14 of Florida Statutes.

• Court must deny a contempt order if the obligor failed to make child support payments while involuntarily unemployed due to incarceration lasting longer than 30 days or during the 30-day period following release from incarceration.

• Court must state reasons in its order for granting or denying contempt in child support cases.

• Effective date: July 1, 2018.