Florida's 2023 Alimony Reform: What Changed

Florida changed its alimony law in 2023. For divorce cases finalized on or after July 1, 2023, courts can no longer award permanent, lifetime alimony. Several other forms of support remain available, and the length of durational alimony is now limited based on how long the marriage lasted.

The End of Permanent Alimony

The most significant change is the end of permanent alimony for new cases. For divorces finalized on or after July 1, 2023, a Florida court cannot order lifetime support. Awards that were already in place before the change generally remain in effect. (Sources: Fla. Stat. § 61.08; 2023 Senate Bill 1416.)

What Forms of Alimony Remain

Florida courts may still award several types of alimony, depending on the facts of the marriage:

• Temporary alimony during the divorce case.
• Bridge-the-gap alimony to help with the move to single life.
• Rehabilitative alimony to support a plan to become self-supporting.
• Durational alimony for a set period of time.

(Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.08.)

Limits on Durational Alimony

Durational alimony is now subject to limits tied to the length of the marriage, and the amount is also subject to statutory caps. Whether alimony applies at all, and what type and amount, depends on factors such as the length of the marriage and each spouse’s income and needs. (Source: Fla. Stat. § 61.08(8).)

Talk With a Miami Alimony Lawyer

The 2023 changes affect both people who may pay and people who may receive support. To understand how the current law applies to your situation, speak with a Miami alimony lawyer. We help clients across Miami-Dade and South Florida.