A method for determining floating tap positions in a DFE of a receiver is disclosed. The method include providing a group of floating taps for the DFE; obtaining a baseline eye opening value for the receiver when the group of floating taps is disabled; providing a plurality of floating tap distribution configurations, each specifying a distribution configuration for the group of floating taps within the DFE; obtaining a plurality of eye opening values for the receiver, each particular eye opening value corresponding to a particular floating tap distribution configuration when the group of floating taps are distributed within the DFE according to the particular floating tap distribution configuration; comparing each of the plurality of eye opening values against the baseline eye opening value; and identifying an optimal floating tap distribution configuration based on the comparison of each of the plurality of eye opening values against the baseline eye opening value.