Alimony
Alimony in Florida Divorce
Understanding Florida’s Updated Alimony Rules
Florida Alimony Law Has Changed, know what to expect! Spousal support can affect your future for years, make sure you have clarity, strategy, and a steady hand on your side.
Whether you expect to pay or receive alimony, it’s one of the most misunderstood, and most emotionally charged, parts of divorce.
As of July 1, 2023, Florida implemented significant reforms to its alimony laws, including the elimination of permanent alimony in all divorce cases pending or filed on or after that date. In its place are more defined rules about what support is available, when it applies, and how long it lasts.
At Justin Andersson, P.A., we help clients across Panama City, Panama City Beach, and all of Northwest Florida understand exactly how alimony works, and how to protect your financial interests on either side.
Navigating Florida’s Alimony Structure
What Types of Alimony Exist in Florida?
Florida Statutes Section 61.08 now allows for four forms of alimony (spousal support):
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Temporary Alimony
- Support paid while the divorce is pending. Designed to maintain the financial status quo until the case is finalized.
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Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
- Short-term support (up to 2 years) to help one spouse transition from married to single life. Not modifiable and ends upon death or remarriage.
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Rehabilitative Alimony
- Support provided to help a spouse become self-supporting through education, job training, or career development. Requires a specific written rehabilitative plan. Duration may not exceed 5 years; the amount varies.
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Durational Alimony
- Designed to provide financial assistance for a set period of time. It is not available after a marriage lasting less than 3 years, and its length may not exceed 50% of the length of a short-term marriage, 60% of a moderate-term marriage, or 75% of a long-term marriage, except in exceptional circumstances.
Plan Smarter Under Florida’s New Alimony Law
Alimony Reform Highlights (Florida 2023)
- Permanent alimony is no longer awarded in cases pending or filed on or after July 1, 2023.
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Durational limits are tied to length of marriage:
- Short-term (under 10 years): up to 50% of marriage duration
- Moderate-term (10 to 20 years): up to 60%
- Long-term (20+ years): up to 75%
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The amount of durational alimony is capped at the lesser of:
- The recipient’s reasonable needs, or
- 35% of the difference between the parties' net incomes
Fair Support Starts with These Core Considerations
Factors That Affect Alimony in Florida
Judges weigh multiple factors when deciding alimony:
- The length of the marriage
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each party’s income and earning potential
- Whether one spouse sacrificed career or education for the family
- Age and health of both spouses
- Contributions to the marriage, both financial and non-financial (e.g., homemaking, childrearing)
Alimony FAQs
Common Questions We Hear
Not in a new case. Permanent alimony cannot be awarded in divorce cases pending or filed on or after July 1, 2023, and durational limits now apply. If you already pay permanent alimony under an older judgment, that award was not automatically ended. It stays in force until a court modifies or terminates it, so get advice before you change or stop payments.
Alimony can be awarded only if the spouse asking for it proves a need for support and your ability to pay. For durational alimony, the amount is also capped at 35% of the difference between your net incomes, and any award generally may not leave you with significantly less net income than the recipient unless the court makes written findings of exceptional circumstances. We'll help present a full financial picture.
Durational and rehabilitative alimony can be modified based on a substantial change in circumstances, and rehabilitative alimony can also be modified or ended if the rehabilitative plan is not followed or is completed early. The length of durational alimony can be changed only in exceptional circumstances, and bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be modified at all.
We can formalize your agreement into a legally binding document that complies with Florida's current laws.
Alimony Service Locations
We provide knowledgeable alimony representation throughout Bay County, including:
Whether you are seeking alimony, contesting a request, or modifying an existing alimony order, we help you understand your rights and pursue a fair financial outcome based on Florida law.
What We Do for You
- Assess your eligibility or exposure for any type of alimony
- Build financial disclosures and present a clear picture of income and expenses
- Draft or challenge rehabilitative plans when needed
- Represent your interests in mediation or court
- Negotiate durable, realistic terms that protect your future
Dedicated to Your Future
WHY CHOOSE JUSTIN ANDERSSON, P.A.?
- Clarity, Strategy, and Real Guidance
- Focused on Divorce & Family Law
- Honest Communication
- Personalized Support
Who We Serve
Proudly Representing Families Throughout the Florida Panhandle
From the coast to the Wiregrass line, we provide trusted legal representation in:
Surrounding Areas
- Jackson County
- Marianna
- Graceville
- Sneads
- Gulf County
- Port St. Joe
- Wewahitchka
- Calhoun County
- Blountstown
- Altha
- Washington County
- Chipley
- Vernon
- Holmes County
- Bonifay
- Ponce de Leon
Wider Northwest
Florida & Panhandle Region
- Walton County
- Defuniak Springs
- Freeport
- Santa Rosa Beach
- Okaloosa County
- Fort Walton Beach
- Crestview
- Niceville
- Santa Rosa County
- Milton
- Navarre
- Escambia County
- Pensacola
- Cantonment
- Gulf Breeze
Whether you live in Panama City or commute in from across the Panhandle, we offer virtual consultations, flexible scheduling, and personalized legal support from a team that understands Northwest Florida values.
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