Types of Alimony in Florida

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Florida allows temporary, bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (up to 5 years with a plan) and durational alimony, and the current statute does not list permanent alimony.

The four forms

Under Fla. Stat. 61.08(1) the court may grant alimony in the form or forms of temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative or durational alimony, as is equitable, in periodic or lump sum payments. It may combine forms, and it must make written findings of fact on the type of alimony and the length of time for which it is awarded.

Temporary alimony

Temporary alimony is awarded while the case is pending. It is separate from the forms the court can order in the final judgment.

Bridge-the-gap

Bridge-the-gap alimony helps a party make the transition from being married to being single and addresses legitimate, identifiable short-term needs. It may not exceed 2 years, terminates on the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient, and is not modifiable in amount or duration.

Rehabilitative

Rehabilitative alimony helps a party establish the capacity for self-support by redeveloping previous skills or credentials or by acquiring education, training or work experience. It requires a specific and defined rehabilitative plan in the order, may not exceed 5 years, and may be modified or terminated on a substantial change in circumstances, noncompliance with the plan or completion of the plan before the term expires.

Durational

Durational alimony provides economic assistance for a set period. It terminates on the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient, its amount can be modified or terminated on a substantial change in circumstances, and its length cannot be modified except in exceptional circumstances. It may not follow a marriage of less than 3 years. See how long alimony lasts in Florida for the limits.

Permanent alimony

The current statute does not list permanent alimony among the forms. It applies to all initial petitions for dissolution of marriage or support unconnected with dissolution pending or filed on or after July 1, 2023, so orders under earlier petitions may follow earlier law.

What to gather

Collect income and expense records for both spouses, the marriage dates, work and education history, health information that bears on earning capacity and information about the property each spouse will receive. They go to need, ability to pay and the statutory factors.

The threshold and the factors

The court first decides whether the party seeking alimony has an actual need and the other has the ability to pay, with the burden on the party seeking it, and then considers the factors in subsection (3). The court may consider adultery and its economic impact. The Florida alimony calculator shows the limits for your dates.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Florida Statutes 61.08: alimony

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.