Spousal support, often called alimony, is a monthly payment made to a spouse after a divorce to help with the financial costs and lifestyle changes from married to single life. These payments are separate from child support and aren’t automatically awarded. In Florida, spousal support is only granted in specific cases when a spouse requests it, usually when filing the initial divorce petition. Learn more about how spousal support works below.
What Qualifies You For Spousal Support In Florida?
To be eligible for spousal support in Florida, you must demonstrate a financial need and show that your ex has the financial ability to make the requested payments. You must also formally request spousal support payments to receive them.
How Florida Determines Alimony
A few factors determine whether you’ll be granted spousal support once the divorce is finalized. Here are the factors Florida courts consider:
Financial Need
The primary goal of spousal support is to help a lesser-earning spouse transition from married to single life while maintaining a similar lifestyle. Displaying your financial need for spousal support is one of the most important factors in determining how much and how long spousal support will be awarded.
Standard of Living
If you enjoyed a higher standard of living during the marriage, you may be awarded higher monthly payments—as long as you can justify why the payments are warranted.
Marriage Length
Spousal support payments are temporary and will end after a specific time. Florida law sets maximum time-frames for spousal support payments. Spousal support for short-term marriages that lasted less than ten years cannot exceed 50% of the marriage length. Those married between 10 and 20 years cannot have spousal support payments that last longer than 60% of the marriage length. For couples who have been married for more than 20 years, spousal support payments can’t exceed 75% of the marriage length.
Future Earning Potential
Whether you’ll receive spousal support payments greatly depends on how quickly and likely you will find employment to support yourself as you transition from married to single life. The court will consider your education, previous work experience, contributions to the family, and the current job market when determining spousal support payments in Florida.
Types of Spousal Support
There are several types of spousal support available:
Durational
Durational is the most common type of spousal support in Florida. This type of support is granted for monthly payments of a set amount for a specified length based on the factors described above.
Temporary
This type of support is issued to help with expenses and bills while the divorce is finalized, as divorce proceedings can last several months.
Rehabilitative
This type of spousal support is granted to help with everyday expenses while a spouse gains education and training to reenter the workforce after a divorce. If you request this type of support, you must provide a plan that shows your goals for future employment to become self-sufficient. These payments cannot last longer than five years.
Bridge-the-Gap
Florida is one of only a few states that offer this type of spousal support. It covers the expenses associated with the initial transition to single life, such as relocating, rental deposits, and furnishing a new home. It can also help cover expenses like HOA fees and utility bills for the familial home while it’s sold. This type of support is temporary and can’t last longer than two years.
Recent Changes to Spousal Support in Florida
Several guidelines regarding spousal support changed with new laws that went into effect on July 1, 2023, which apply to all divorce cases filed after that date. These changes eliminated permanent alimony, previously awarded in divorce cases involving long-term marriages in instances where one spouse could never become financially independent. It also states that durational or temporary spousal support can be modified or eliminated if the requesting spouse has a sudden increase in income (such as a job promotion) or enters a long-term, stable relationship regardless of marital status.
Remsen Family Law Firm: Navigating Divorces in 2025 and Beyond
Our team at the Remsen Family Law Firm is here to help you with all aspects of divorce proceedings, from requesting spousal support in Florida to creating a parenting plan. Let us help you get back on your feet. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case to see how we can help you through your divorce proceedings.
