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Penalties for Failure to Pay Child Support in Florida
By Terence Channon, eHow Contributor

Penalties for Failure to Pay Child Support in Florida
In Florida, child support payments by the noncustodial parent are required by law and are established via a court order. The Florida court system views child support as a right to the child that cannot be waived by either parent -- it is an absolute must. There are significant penalities for failing to pay child support, and the state has an array of enforcement methods at its disposal to collect child support payments and punish those that do not comply with the law.
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Driver's License Suspension

If the noncustodial parent is not paying the court-ordered child support, the state can suspend this parent's driver's license. Often, the suspension of the license can happen without the immediate knowledge of the parent not paying child support. Particularly in Florida where public transportation is limited, losing a license is a devastating consequence. Reinstatement is possible once back payments are made and additional reinstatement fees are paid. Driving with a suspended license in Florida is a serious crime punishable by fines and possible jail time. Professional licenses can also be suspended.

Take IRS Refunds
If you are behind in your child support and expecting a big tax refund from the IRS, you may find the refund reduced or eliminated to bring you current in your child support payments. The State of Florida will intercept a tax refund for the entire amount being refunded if necessary. This can also occur without notice. The state can also intercept IRS stimulus checks in an effort to collect child support.

Garnish Wages & Liens
The state can also send a formal notice to an employer requiring child support be paid directly out of the pay check of the noncustodial parent. Commonly referred to as wage garnishment, a person behind in child support payments can find themselves with significantly reduced take-home pay and perhaps even some embarrassment at the office. The state can also place a lien on personal property, including a house, to motivate back payments of support.

Negative Credit Reporting
Child support payments are no different than any other financial obligation or arrangement in that they must be paid. Parents delinquent in paying child support payments may find this reported on his or her credit score. This may show up as a judgment, collection or delinquent payment notice. Regardless of how it is positioned, the negative reporting harms credit scores and makes it more difficult to borrow money.

Seize Bank Accounts
The state of Florida can even seize the bank accounts of parents who are not paying child support. There are limitations on the amount and types of funds that can be seized. For instance, a certain portion of wages or government benefits are exempt from seizure. However, anything up and beyond that amount can be frozen and taken from the account in an effort to make the child support payments current.

Arrest
The child support enforcement group in Florida can also obtain an arrest warrant from the court to take a non-paying parent into custody. The jail time can be lengthy, and may be upwards of six months or until the back child support payments are made.

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