Learn Center · Forms, factors, and the 2023 rewrite

Alimony (Spousal Support)

Florida alimony comes in statutory forms — temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational — awarded on need and ability to pay plus the § 61.08 factor list. Permanent alimony was eliminated for new cases by the 2023 reform.

← All topics

The court first finds need and ability to pay, then works the statutory factors: marriage length, standard of living, ages and health, incomes and earning capacities, contributions to the marriage, and more.

Marriage length matters structurally: the statute classifies short, moderate, and long-term marriages and caps durational alimony accordingly.

Alimony can be modified or terminated on substantial change — including retirement and supportive relationships — under § 61.14. Silence about alimony in a settlement is not the same as a clean waiver; state a position.

Attorney-review note: Alimony is factor-driven, not formulaic — attorney review is recommended before proposing or accepting terms.

Frequently asked — Florida answers

How much alimony will I pay or receive?

There is no fixed formula like child support. Need and ability to pay come first, then the factor list; durational awards carry statutory caps tied to marriage length. Scenario planning with an attorney is genuinely valuable here.

Does adultery change alimony?

The statute lets courts consider adultery of either spouse and its economic circumstances in determining amount — it is a factor, not a punishment scheme.

Can alimony end if my ex moves in with someone?

A supportive relationship can support reduction or termination under the statute. Documentation of the relationship's economics is what moves these cases.

From member firms

Contribute an article →

No published member articles on this topic yet — firm members can submit practice articles for review, published with attribution and a link to their site.