• Florida child support laws protect the state's minor children.Jupiterimages/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  The Florida Department of Revenue is authorized to place liens on the property of parents who fail to comply with child support court orders. The purpose of the penalties is to ensure that minors in the state receive the financial support that they need to thrive. Parents who are unable to make the payments due to unforeseen life changes (e.g., layoff) should contact the department to inquire about setting up an alternate payment arrangement.
  
  

Property Liens

• Liens can be placed upon a parent's home, auto or boat if the parent falls behind in their child support payments. The Florida child support enforcement agency will issue a subpoena administratively to parents who become delinquent in their payments prior to placing a lien on their property. Liens for lack of child support payments remain effective for up to 20 years.
  
  

Setting up Payment Plans

• Contact the Florida Department of Revenue's child support services division to set up a payment plan as soon as you notice that you might be unable to make a payment. The agency works with parents who experience hardships (e.g., layoff, decrease in pay) to review and make adjustments to their court order or establish a temporary plan that helps them become current in their child support payments.
  
  

Removing Property Liens

• Pay the balance that is owed on child support back payments in full before you request that the property liens be removed. As soon as your payments are caught up, contact the Child Support Enforcement Agency and ask them to remove each lien.