Florida uses a guideline formula for temporary spousal support and a multi-factor analysis for permanent support. Understand your eligibility, estimated amount, and likely duration under §61.08.
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Temporary support in Florida is calculated using a guideline formula during the divorce proceedings to maintain the financial status quo.
Durational alimony amount is capped at 35% of the net income difference between the parties (§61.08(8)(c)). Duration is capped based on marriage length: short-term (<10yr) = 50% of marriage, moderate (10-20yr) = 60%, long-term (20+yr) = 75%.
Permanent (long-term) support in Florida is determined by a statutory multi-factor analysis under §61.08. The court weighs the following factors to arrive at a fair support amount and duration. Unlike the temporary formula, there is no mathematical calculation for permanent support — it is a discretionary determination by the judge based on the totality of the circumstances.
The types of spousal support available in Florida include: Bridge-the-gap (2yr max, non-modifiable), Rehabilitative (5yr max, requires plan), Durational (capped at marriage length, 35% net income cap), Lump sum (non-modifiable). The type ordered depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and the supported spouse's ability to become self-supporting.
Primary statute: §61.08
The court considers these 10 statutory factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support:
Standard of living during marriage and anticipated needs post-divorce
Duration of the marriage (short/moderate/long-term)
Age, physical, emotional, and mental condition of each party
Financial resources and income of each party
Earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, employability
Contributions to the marriage including homemaking, childcare, education, and career building of the other party
Responsibilities to minor children
Tax treatment and consequences of the alimony award
All sources of income available to either party
Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice
Bridge-the-gap: max 2 years. Rehabilitative: max 5 years. Durational: short (<10yr) = 50% of marriage; moderate (10-20yr) = 60%; long (20+yr) = 75%. Permanent alimony abolished by SB 1416 (2023).
Duration is one of the most heavily litigated aspects of spousal support. The length of the marriage is the single most important factor in most cases, but the court also considers the supported spouse's age, health, job skills, and the time needed to acquire education or training for appropriate employment.
Permanent alimony abolished by SB 1416 effective July 1, 2023.
Retirement modification: reaching customary retirement age creates rebuttable presumption of changed circumstances (§61.14(1)(c)1).
Supportive relationship/cohabitation (§61.14(1)(b)) creates rebuttable presumption of decreased need.
Adultery affects alimony only if it caused adverse economic impact on the marital estate (§61.08(1)(a)).
Enterprise vs. personal goodwill distinction codified by HB 521 (2024).
SB 1416 (eff. July 1, 2023): abolished permanent alimony, created retirement modification right, capped durational alimony at 35% net income difference. HB 521 (eff. July 1, 2024): enterprise vs. personal goodwill distinction codified, coverture fraction for nonmarital real property.
Find out if you qualify, how much you might receive (or pay), and for how long.
Residency Requirement
6 months state residency
Mandatory Waiting Period
20-day waiting period after filing (§61.19)
No-Fault Ground
Irretrievably broken
State Income Tax
No state income tax
Florida uses a formula for temporary spousal support: Durational alimony amount is capped at 35% of the net income difference between the parties (§61.08(8)(c)). Duration is capped based on marriage length: short-term (<10yr) = 50% of marriage, moderate (10-20yr) = 60%, long-term (20+yr) = 75%. For permanent support, the court applies a multi-factor analysis under §61.08.
Florida recognizes the following types of spousal support: Bridge-the-gap (2yr max, non-modifiable), Rehabilitative (5yr max, requires plan), Durational (capped at marriage length, 35% net income cap), Lump sum (non-modifiable). The type awarded depends on the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the requesting spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay.
Bridge-the-gap: max 2 years. Rehabilitative: max 5 years. Durational: short (<10yr) = 50% of marriage; moderate (10-20yr) = 60%; long (20+yr) = 75%. Permanent alimony abolished by SB 1416 (2023).
Yes. Spousal support orders in Florida can generally be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either party's income, retirement, cohabitation of the supported spouse, or other qualifying events as defined by statute.
Get a personalized spousal support analysis based on Florida's actual statutory framework.
Start My Free FloridaEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Florida family law and does not constitute legal advice. Spousal support calculations are estimates and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Florida family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: §61.08.