Florida Alimony & Spousal Support (2026)
Florida is one of the few states with an actual guideline formula for alimony amount, under Fla. Stat. § 61.08. It's still advisory in most cases — a judge can deviate from it — but it gives a real, citable starting point instead of pure guesswork.
The guideline formula
Following the 2023 reform, Florida caps 'durational' alimony (the main form of alimony for marriages that don't qualify for permanent support) so the amount does not exceed 35% of the difference between the parties' net incomes.
Duration for durational alimony is capped based on the length of the marriage: for a short-term marriage (under 10 years), duration may not exceed 50% of the length of the marriage; for a moderate-term marriage (10-20 years), up to 60%; for a long-term marriage (20+ years), up to 75%. Courts can deviate from these duration caps only under exceptional circumstances, supported by clear and convincing evidence.
What determines alimony in Florida
Under Fla. Stat. § 61.08 (Florida Statute § 61.08 (2023 alimony reform, SB 1416)), a court considers:
- Each party's standard of living during the marriage
- Duration of the marriage
- Each party's age and physical/emotional condition
- Financial resources of each party, including marital and non-marital assets and liabilities
- Each party's earning capacity, education, vocational skills, and employability
- Contribution of each party to the marriage (homemaking, child care, education, career building)
- Responsibilities each party will have regarding minor children
- Sources of income, including investments and portfolios
- Tax treatment of an alimony award
- Any other factor necessary for equity and justice
Good to know
- Florida's 2023 reform eliminated permanent alimony for new cases going forward, replacing it with durational, rehabilitative, and bridge-the-gap alimony, each with its own rules — the caps above describe durational alimony specifically, the type most comparable to general alimony in other states.
Also need a child support estimate?
Alimony and child support are calculated completely separately in Florida. If you also have children, use our free Florida child support calculator — that one does compute a real number, based on the official guideline formula.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida have an alimony formula?
Yes, since a 2023 reform. Florida caps durational alimony — the main type of alimony now available — at no more than 35% of the difference between the parties' net incomes.
How long does alimony last in Florida?
Duration is capped by marriage length: up to 50% of the marriage length for marriages under 10 years, up to 60% for marriages of 10-20 years, and up to 75% for marriages of 20 years or more. Courts can only exceed these caps in exceptional circumstances.
Did Florida eliminate permanent alimony?
Yes. Florida's 2023 alimony reform (SB 1416) eliminated permanent alimony for new cases, replacing it with durational alimony (capped as described above), rehabilitative alimony, and bridge-the-gap alimony.
Source: Florida Statute § 61.08 (2023 alimony reform, SB 1416) · Last verified 2026-07-22
Disclaimer: This page explains the general legal framework for alimony in Florida and is for informational purposes only — it is not legal advice and does not predict the outcome of any specific case. Laws change; always verify with the official source above or a family law attorney licensed in Florida before making decisions.