By Nadia Pazos, Family Law Attorney, Pazos Law Group · Updated June 2026

Florida Alimony Reform 2023 (SB 1416): What Changed and What It Means

Florida's alimony statute was rewritten by Senate Bill 1416, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2023 and effective July 1, 2023. It is the most significant change to Florida spousal-support law in decades. This guide explains, in plain English, exactly what changed under SB 1416 and the amended Fla. Stat. § 61.08.

1. Permanent alimony is eliminated

The headline change: Florida courts can no longer award permanent (lifetime) alimony. Before the reform, a spouse in a long marriage could receive support indefinitely. SB 1416 removed that option entirely. The four remaining forms of alimony are:

• Temporary — support during the divorce case itself.
• Bridge-the-gap — short-term help transitioning to single life (max 2 years).
• Rehabilitative — support tied to a specific, written plan to gain education or skills (max 5 years).
• Durational — support for a set number of years, now subject to the caps below.

For how each type is calculated, see our companion guide: The Four Types of Alimony in Florida, and estimate a range with the free Florida Alimony Calculator.

2. Durational alimony now has a length cap

Durational alimony cannot be awarded for a marriage of less than 3 years. For longer marriages, the maximum length of the award is tied to the length of the marriage:

Example: after a 12-year marriage, durational alimony could last up to about 7.2 years (60% of 12). A court can exceed these limits only under specific, written findings of exceptional circumstances.

3. Durational alimony now has an amount cap

The monthly amount of durational alimony may not exceed the lesser of:

• the recipient's reasonable need; or
• 35% of the difference between the parties' net incomes.

This is a hard ceiling that did not exist before the reform, and it is often the controlling number in higher-income cases.

4. Retirement and modification

SB 1416 also gave paying spouses a clearer path to modify or terminate alimony when they reach customary retirement age, and it addressed reductions when the recipient is in a supportive relationship. Any modification still requires going back to court and meeting the applicable legal standard — it is not automatic.

5. Does the new law affect alimony that was already ordered?

The amended statute applies to alimony cases pending or filed on or after July 1, 2023. By itself, SB 1416 does not reopen or cancel awards that were already final before that date; changing an existing award still requires a proper motion and a substantial change in circumstances. Because this area has been litigated, anyone with an older award should speak with a Florida family-law attorney about their specific facts.

What it means for you

If you are divorcing in South Florida, the practical effect is that support is now more predictable and time-limited. The length and amount caps make it easier to estimate a realistic range early — which is exactly what our alimony calculator is built to do. For a tailored analysis, Pazos Law Group offers confidential consultations in English and Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Florida eliminate permanent alimony?
Yes. Effective July 1, 2023, SB 1416 removed permanent (lifetime) alimony. Courts may award temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony under § 61.08.

How long can durational alimony last?
It is unavailable for marriages under 3 years, and is capped at 50% of the marriage length for 3–10 year marriages, 60% for 10–20 years, and 75% for marriages of 20+ years.

How is the amount capped?
Durational alimony cannot exceed the lesser of the recipient's reasonable need or 35% of the difference between the parties' net incomes.

Can I use the new law to change my existing alimony?
Not automatically. The law applies going forward (cases pending or filed on/after July 1, 2023); modifying a final award still requires the normal legal standard. Talk to a Florida attorney about your situation.

Sources

Fla. Stat. § 61.08 (2023, as amended by SB 1416); Florida Senate, 2023 Bill Summary for SB 1416 (flsenate.gov). This article is general information, not legal advice, and the law may change; consult a licensed Florida attorney about your situation.