Florida Legal Information - Steven deLaroche
Frequently Asked Questions - Alimony in Florida

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New Florida Alimony Laws Passed in 2023

Florida Divorce laws changed in July 2023. One of the biggest changes is that permanent alimony has been eliminated. The new law only applies to divorces filed on or after July 1, 2023. It cannot be used for divorces that were already filed before that date.

There are now only four types of alimony in Florida which are:

  • Temporary alimony – A judge can award temporary alimony when a couple has separated, but has not yet divorced. The judge can also award temporary alimony if the divorce is not yet finalized through the court system. You can appeal the award of temporary alimony while the divorce is pending.
  • Bridge-the-gap alimony – This type of alimony can be awarded for a set time period not to exceed 2 years. Once awarded the amount and time can not be modified.
  • Rehabilitative alimony – The length of this type of alimony cannot exceed 5 years. But, it can be modified or terminated based on certain circumstances.
  • Durational alimony – This type of alimony allows for economic assistance for a set period based on the circumstances of the marriage. But, it cannot be awarded for marriages of less than 3 years.
Many circumstances affect the amount and length of alimony that can be awarded. You should seek out a competent family law attorney who has knowledge of Florida divorce laws to protect your rights.

Alimony Laws in Florida

Alimony is always an important question when considering divorce. Alimony in Florida is not always automatic and it does not necessarily go on forever. The amount, length of time, and who pays who, depends on many factors.

Florida law actually provides for five different types of alimony:


  • Temporary Alimony - paid only during the divorce process
  • Bridge-the-gap Alimony - paid after the divorce is final but for a fixed-term of 2 years of less
  • Rehabilitative Alimony - paid for an ex spouse's education or job training
  • Durational Alimony - paid for a fixed time of the number of years of marriage or less.
  • Permanent Alimony - paid if no other form of alimony is fair or reasonable.


The type and amount of alimony determined by the judge depends on both need and ability to pay. When preparing a request for alimony it's critical to document all the income sources of your spouse, all investments you have jointly or individually, expenses that you will have after the divorce, property that may have been owned before the marriage, education plans, tax consequences, any children and who is paying the expenses of those children.

Florida alimony law also depends on the length of the marriage. The rules of alimony and the payments will change if the marriage was less than 7 years, or more than 17 years.

Choosing a divorce attorney is important to protect your financial future. Choose an attorney who understands the divorce laws in Florida.