If you are going through a divorce in Florida or just want to understand how alimony works now in 2025, you are in the right place. Florida’s alimony laws can affect how long, how much, and whether one spouse has to pay to support the other. This blog will break down alimony in Florida in plain English.
What is Alimony? (also known as spousal support)
Alimony is when one spouse pays to the other, during or after a divorce (or both) to help with living expenses. Fundamentally it is based on need for assistance and the other parties’ ability to pay. A judge decides on how much and for how longalimony will be needed based upon a statutory formula. Alimony laws can be different in each state. To learn more about Florida alimony laws, continue reading.
No More Permanent Alimony
One of the biggest changes that Florida has experienced fairly recently is that there is no longer permanent alimony. (permanent wasn’t usually permanent anyway, it was modifiable under certain circumstances) What this means is there is no lifetime alimony, no monthly payments that last forever, there is a time limit.
The 4 Types of Alimony in Florida
There are four types of alimony in Florida:
- Temporary Alimony: This is paid while the divorce is going on. It ends when the divorce is final. It helps with bills and living expenses.
- Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: This is short-term. It is used to help with the expenses of getting a new place, a new car, and to transition to single life.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: This helps with getting job training, education, or certifications to start fresh with a new career.
- Durational Alimony: Like the name suggests, this type of alimony has a set time limit after divorce.
- Lump Sum Alimony- As the name implies, it’s (usually) a one-time payment of a specific sum of money.
How Much Alimony Can You Get?
You can get up to 35% of the difference in net incomes between you and your ex.
Can Alimony in Florida Be Changed/Modified Later?
In some cases, yes. (although the parties can agree that the alimony be non-modifiable) Take these examples, for instance:
- If someone who is paying alimony retires at a normal age, they can request that the court lower the amount or end the payments altogether.
- If the ex-spouse receiving alimony moves in with someone new and they are in a financially supportive relationship, their alimony may be lowered or stopped.
- Major life changes, such as losing a job, experiencing illness, or a change in income, can cause a change in the amount of alimony.
Divorce can be a painful and messy experience. Needing or having to pay Alimony can make things even more difficult. Florida’s new laws are designed to be fair and just. It also encourages people to be self-reliant with a new career. If you have questions about alimony, consult a Florida Divorce attorney today.
