Fla. Stat. Ch. 61

Contempt & Enforcement

A court order only helps if it’s followed. When an ex refuses to pay support or violates the parenting plan, Florida gives the court real teeth. Here are the enforcement tools.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Joseph Grant, Family Law Attorney (Fla. Bar #97315). Last reviewed: June 2026

The Power of Contempt

Florida courts retain authority to enforce their support and parenting orders, including through civil contempt. When a party willfully violates an order — for example, refusing to pay court-ordered support despite the ability to pay — the court has a range of remedies to compel compliance.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 61.17 — Enforcement of Support & Orders
"A court of this state that issues an order for support or a parenting plan … retains jurisdiction to enforce compliance, including through the court’s contempt powers."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

The Remedies

Enforcement Tools
For unpaid support: income withholding, seizure of tax refunds, license suspension, liens, and — for willful nonpayment — contempt including possible jail.

For time-sharing violations: make-up time, modification, and other sanctions.

Attorney’s fees: the violating party may be ordered to pay.

A key point: child support and time-sharing are separate. A parent cannot withhold the child because support is unpaid, and cannot stop paying because time is being denied — each is enforced on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my ex won’t pay child support in Florida?
You can seek enforcement through the court or the Department of Revenue. Remedies include income withholding, interception of tax refunds, suspension of licenses, liens, and — for willful nonpayment despite ability to pay — civil contempt, which can include jail.
Can I stop paying support if my ex won’t let me see the kids in Florida?
No. Support and time-sharing are enforced separately. You cannot withhold support because time-sharing is being denied, nor withhold the child because support is unpaid. Instead, you enforce each right through the court.

Charged Under This Statute?

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This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 61.17 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.