Florida Alimony Attorney

By Nadia Pazos, Florida Family Law Attorney · AV Preeminent · 4.6★ Google (56 reviews)

Florida significantly reformed alimony in 2023. The framework that applied to divorces filed before July 1, 2023 is different from what applies now. Pazos Law Group represents both payers and recipients in Florida alimony matters under the current statute, Fla. Stat. § 61.08.

The 2023 Florida Alimony Reform

Florida enacted major alimony reform in 2023. Key changes:

• Permanent alimony eliminated for new cases filed on or after July 1, 2023
• Durational alimony caps tied to length of marriage
• Bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational remain available
• Modification rules clarified for retirement and supportive relationships

Existing permanent alimony orders generally remain enforceable; the reform applies prospectively to new cases.

Types of Florida Alimony

Bridge-the-Gap

Short-term, identifiable transition needs (deposits, short-term living expenses). Capped at 2 years. Not modifiable.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Designed to help a spouse complete education or training to become self-supporting. Requires a specific written rehabilitative plan. Generally limited to 5 years.

Durational Alimony

Economic assistance for a set period. 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)
• 75% of a long-term marriage (20+ years)

What Florida Courts Consider

Under Fla. Stat. § 61.08, the court considers:

• The standard of living established during the marriage
• Duration of the marriage
• Age, physical, and emotional condition of each spouse
• Financial resources of each party, including non-marital assets
• Earning capacity, education, and employability
• Contribution to the marriage (homemaker, caregiver, career sacrifices)
• Responsibilities for minor children
• Tax treatment and consequences
• Sources of income, including investments

Modifying Florida Alimony

Florida alimony can typically be modified or terminated based on substantial change in circumstances:

• Retirement of the paying spouse
• Significant change in income (either party)
• Supportive relationship of the receiving spouse (Fla. Stat. § 61.14)
• Remarriage of the receiving spouse (terminates most forms)

See our blog post on modifying Florida alimony and child support.

Alimony in High-Net-Worth Florida Divorce

HNW alimony cases involve:

• Normalizing income for business owners (avoiding double-dipping)
• Lifestyle analysis by forensic accountants
• Treatment of equity compensation, deferred comp, and trust distributions
• Tax structuring of payments

For details, see divorce for business owners in Florida and forensic accountants in Florida divorce.

Florida Alimony Calculator

Use our Florida Alimony Calculator to estimate alimony under the current statute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is permanent alimony still available in Florida?

No, for divorces filed on or after July 1, 2023. Existing permanent alimony orders from before that date generally remain enforceable.

How long does Florida alimony last under the 2023 reforms?

Durational alimony cannot exceed 50% of a short-term marriage (under 10 years), 60% of a moderate marriage (10-20 years), or 75% of a long-term marriage (20+ years).

Can alimony be waived in a prenup?

Yes. Florida prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can waive or modify alimony, subject to Fla. Stat. § 61.079 standards (full disclosure, voluntary execution, substantive fairness).

Does adultery affect Florida alimony?

Florida is a no-fault state, but adultery can affect alimony if marital assets were dissipated on the affair (gifts to a paramour, travel, hotels).

How is alimony calculated for self-employed spouses?

Income normalization by a forensic accountant. The court considers actual cash flow, not just reported W-2 income.

This page is general information. Florida alimony is fact-specific and depends on the post-2023 reform framework. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.