How Is AlimonyDetermined in Florida?

Florida significantly reformed its alimony laws in 2023, eliminating permanent alimony and introducing stricter guidelines on duration and modification. If you're going through a divorce, understanding how alimony works under current law is essential — whether you're the one who might pay or receive it.

Florida's 2023 Alimony Reform

Florida's alimony statute was rewritten effective July 1, 2023. The most significant change: permanent alimony was eliminated. Courts can no longer award alimony that lasts indefinitely. Every alimony award now has a defined endpoint.

This was a major shift for long-term marriages where one spouse had been out of the workforce for years. If your case involves alimony, it needs to be evaluated under the current law — older information may no longer be accurate.

Types of Alimony Available in Florida

Bridge-the-Gap Alimony — Short-term support to help a spouse transition from married to single life. Maximum duration is 2 years. Not modifiable.

Rehabilitative Alimony — Supports a spouse who needs to develop skills, education, or work experience to become self-supporting. Requires a specific rehabilitative plan. Duration is based on the plan's timeline.

Durational Alimony — Provides support for a set period of time. Under the 2023 reforms, duration cannot exceed 50% of the length of a short-term marriage (under 10 years), 60% of a moderate-term marriage (10–20 years), or 75% of a long-term marriage (over 20 years). This is the most commonly awarded type.

Courts may award a combination of types, and payments can be made in lump sum or periodic installments.

How Courts Determine Whether Alimony Is Appropriate

Before awarding alimony, a Florida court must find two things:

• One spouse has a financial need for support
• The other spouse has the financial ability to pay

If both aren't present, alimony is not awarded regardless of how long the marriage lasted.

Factors Courts Consider in Setting the Amount and Duration

• Length of the marriage
• Standard of living established during the marriage
• Each spouse's earning capacity, education, and employability
• Contributions of each spouse (including homemaking and childcare)
• Each party's assets and financial resources
• Age and physical and emotional health of each spouse
• Tax consequences of the award
• Any interruption to either spouse's career or education for the benefit of the marriage

Can Alimony Be Modified or Terminated?

Yes. Alimony can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances — such as a significant change in either party's income, employment, or health. Under the 2023 reforms, a recipient spouse's supportive relationship with a new partner can also be grounds for modification or termination.

Durational alimony terminates automatically upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. Bridge-the-gap alimony is not modifiable in amount or duration once awarded.

Protecting Your Interests

Alimony is one of the most negotiated and contested issues in Florida divorces. The amount and duration can significantly affect both parties' financial futures for years. Whether you are the higher-earning spouse concerned about what you may owe, or the spouse who stepped back from your career during the marriage, having experienced legal counsel ensures the outcome reflects the full picture — not just what the other side presents.