Florida's current system for collecting and disbursing child support payments will not meet new federal requirements and is facing a serious funding shortfall in many counties.
We evaluated four options for addressing these problems. Two of these options may be desirable. Privatizing the collections and disbursement process would meet federal requirements and would save an estimated $2 million to $4.3 million annually. The option of privatizing collections but retaining the role of the Clerks of the Circuit Court in disbursing payments would produce the least disruption to the current system and may produce undetermined savings. However, this option may not meet the federal requirement for a single statewide computer system.
The Legislature could take no action to resolve the Clerks' funding shortfall. However, this could be interpreted as an unfunded local mandate. Feasible options for addressing this shortfall include: changing delinquency notice requirements, which would save $500,000 annually, and raising payment handling fees charged to parents.

Child Support Enforcement Program, Florida Department of Revenue
Report 00-24 December 2000
Establishment of the State Disbursement Unit Raises Cost to Process Child Support Payments
Report 00-11 September 2000
Supplemental Analyses Child Support Collection and Disbursement Clerks of Circuit Court
Report 96-59 February 1997

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.