Modifying or Ending Alimony in Florida
In Florida, bridge-the-gap and durational alimony end on death or the recipient’s remarriage; bridge-the-gap is not modifiable; durational amounts can change on a substantial change in circumstances, while their length changes only in exceptional circumstances.
What ends each form
Bridge-the-gap alimony terminates on the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient and cannot be modified in amount or duration. Durational alimony terminates on the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. Rehabilitative alimony can be modified or terminated on a substantial change in circumstances, on noncompliance with the rehabilitative plan or on completion of the plan before the term expires (Fla. Stat. 61.08(6)-(8)).
Changing the amount of durational alimony
The amount of durational alimony may be modified or terminated based on a substantial change in circumstances in accordance with section 61.14. The length of durational alimony may not be modified except under exceptional circumstances, and it may not exceed the length of the marriage except as the statute allows.
Supportive relationships and retirement
Among the factors the court may consider is a supportive relationship as provided for in section 61.14(1)(b) or a reasonable retirement as provided for in section 61.14(1)(c)1. These are the grounds on which a payor can ask a court to reduce or end an award, so a payor who retires or a recipient who enters a supportive relationship should talk to an attorney before changing payments.
Securing the award
To the extent necessary to protect an award, the court may order the obligor to buy or maintain a life insurance policy or a bond, or to secure the award with other assets, but only on specific findings of special circumstances. The court may apportion the cost of the insurance or bond between the parties.
Payment through the depository
Alimony orders entered after 1985 direct payments through the state depository unless there is no minor child, or there is a minor child and both parties ask that payments need not go through it, in which case either party can later require depository payments by affidavit of default.
What to bring to an attorney
Bring the judgment, proof of what has changed (income, retirement, remarriage or a supportive relationship) and records of payments. A clear before-and-after comparison is the most useful evidence.
Next steps
See how long alimony lasts in Florida for the duration limits and the Florida alimony calculator for your dates. Keep proof of any change in income, remarriage or retirement.
Frequently asked questions
Does remarriage end alimony in Florida?
Bridge-the-gap and durational alimony terminate on the recipient's remarriage.
Can Florida bridge-the-gap alimony be modified?
No. It is not modifiable in amount or duration.
Can the length of Florida durational alimony be changed?
Only under exceptional circumstances. The amount can be modified or terminated on a substantial change in circumstances.
Can alimony be secured with life insurance in Florida?
Yes, to the extent necessary to protect the award and on specific findings of special circumstances.
Does a supportive relationship affect alimony in Florida?
A supportive relationship under section 61.14 is a factor the court may consider and can support a request to change an award.
Official sources
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Florida statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Florida attorney.