Florida · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Florida

Alimony (spousal support) in Florida, from the state's own law: when a court can order it, amount and length, recent changes, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

The short answer

Florida has no permanent alimony (since 2023). The judge may award temporary, bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (up to 5 years, with a plan), or durational alimony (not available if the marriage lasted less than 3 years).

Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
Fla. Stat. 61.08.

When Florida courts can order alimony

Adultery can be considered.

Amount, limits and length

  • Florida has no permanent alimony (since 2023).
  • The judge may award temporary, bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (up to 5 years, with a plan), or durational alimony (not available if the marriage lasted less than 3 years).
  • Durational alimony can't exceed 50% of the marriage length for marriages under 10 years, 60% for 10-20 years, and 75% for 20+ years, except in exceptional circumstances.

Law: Fla. Stat. 61.08.

Recent changes in Florida

2023 alimony reform (Ch. 2023-315, SB 1416, effective July 1, 2023) eliminated permanent alimony and set the current limits; no 2024-2026 change to residency or waiting period found.

Good to know

Florida ended permanent alimony in 2023 and capped durational alimony at 50%, 60% or 75% of the marriage length (Fla. Stat. 61.08).

Alimony and property in Florida

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property. The judge starts from an equal split of marital assets and debts and can make it unequal only for a reason, such as contributions to the marriage or wasting assets.

How to ask for alimony in Florida

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Florida courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    Base filing fee up to $295 for a dissolution of marriage (Fla. Stat. 28.241), plus other charges set by statute and the county clerk (summons, service). Can't afford it? File an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status with the clerk of court.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Very common.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Florida

How does alimony work in Florida?

Florida has no permanent alimony (since 2023). The judge may award temporary, bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (up to 5 years, with a plan), or durational alimony (not available if the marriage lasted less than 3 years). Durational alimony can't exceed 50% of the marriage length for marriages under 10 years, 60% for 10-20 years, and 75% for 20+ years, except in exceptional circumstances. Adultery can be considered.

How much alimony is paid in Florida, and for how long?

Florida has no permanent alimony (since 2023). The judge may award temporary, bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (up to 5 years, with a plan), or durational alimony (not available if the marriage lasted less than 3 years). Durational alimony can't exceed 50% of the marriage length for marriages under 10 years, 60% for 10-20 years, and 75% for 20+ years, except in exceptional circumstances.

Has alimony law in Florida changed recently?

2023 alimony reform (Ch. 2023-315, SB 1416, effective July 1, 2023) eliminated permanent alimony and set the current limits; no 2024-2026 change to residency or waiting period found.

Is Florida a community property state?

No. Florida uses equitable distribution. Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property. The judge starts from an equal split of marital assets and debts and can make it unequal only for a reason, such as contributions to the marriage or wasting assets.

More about divorce in Florida

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.