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Florida Alimony Calculator

Updated for 2023 reform: Calculate alimony with new caps and limitations. Permanent alimony eliminated for cases filed after July 1, 2023.

2023 Reform Updated
35% Income Cap
Duration Limits

Understanding Florida's 2023 Alimony Reform

What's Eliminated

  • Permanent Alimony: No longer available for cases filed after July 1, 2023
  • Indefinite Duration: All alimony must have specific end dates
  • Open-Ended Obligations: No more lifetime support commitments
  • Automatic Adjustments: Cost-of-living increases eliminated

Three New Types

  • Bridge-the-Gap: Max 2 years, transition needs, non-modifiable
  • Rehabilitative: Max 5 years, requires specific plan, modifiable
  • Durational: Strict caps based on marriage length and income
  • Temporary: During proceedings only

New Caps and Limitations

Amount Limits:

  • • Maximum 35% of net income difference
  • • No exceptions for exceptional circumstances
  • • Applies to ALL durational alimony
  • • Cannot be waived by agreement

Duration Limits:

  • • Short-term (<10 years): 50% of marriage max
  • • Moderate-term (10-20 years): 60% of marriage max
  • • Long-term (20+ years): 75% of marriage max
  • • No judicial discretion to exceed

Calculator Features

2023 reform compliance
35% cap enforcement
Duration limit calculation
Marriage length analysis
Income disparity assessment
Alimony type guidance

Florida Alimony Statutory Factors (F.S. § 61.08)

Two-Pronged Test Required First

Before any alimony can be awarded, the court must find: (1) the requesting party has an actual need for support, and (2) the other party has the ability to pay. Only then are the statutory factors considered.

Primary Factors

Standard of Living During Marriage

The lifestyle established during the marriage sets expectations for post-divorce support levels.

Duration of Marriage

Marriage length determines category and maximum duration caps under 2023 reform.

Age & Physical/Emotional Condition

Health, age, and emotional well-being affect earning capacity and support needs.

Financial Resources

Both marital and non-marital assets/liabilities distributed to each party.

Earning Capacity & Education

Vocational skills, employability, and time needed for training/education.

Additional Considerations

Contributions to Marriage

Homemaking, childcare, education, and career building contributions.

Minor Children Responsibilities

Current and future childcare responsibilities affecting earning capacity.

Tax Consequences

Post-2018: Alimony not deductible by payor, not taxable income to recipient.

Available Income Sources

All income sources including investments and asset-generated income.

Equity & Justice Factors

Catch-all provision for any other factors necessary for fair outcome.

Alimony Termination & Modification Rules

Automatic Termination Events

Death of Either Party

Bridge-the-Gap and Durational alimony automatically terminate upon death.

Remarriage of Recipient

Alimony terminates upon remarriage unless otherwise specified in agreement.

Supportive Relationship (F.S. § 61.14)

May be modified/terminated if recipient enters relationship providing equivalent support.

Modification Standards

Bridge-the-Gap

Non-modifiable in both amount and duration.

Rehabilitative

Modifiable based on substantial change, plan non-compliance, or completion.

Durational

Amount modifiable; duration only under "exceptional circumstances" with clear/convincing evidence.

Detailed Calculation Examples

Marriage Length Categories & Duration Caps

Short-term (<10 years)

Max Duration: 50% of marriage length

Example: 8-year marriage = max 4 years alimony

Moderate-term (10-20 years)

Max Duration: 60% of marriage length

Example: 15-year marriage = max 9 years alimony

Long-term (20+ years)

Max Duration: 75% of marriage length

Example: 24-year marriage = max 18 years alimony

35% Income Cap Calculation

Formula: Lesser of Need OR 35% of Income Difference

Step 1: Calculate each party's monthly net income

Step 2: Find the difference (Higher Income - Lower Income)

Step 3: Calculate 35% of that difference

Step 4: Award lesser of: recipient's need OR 35% cap

Example: $8,000 vs $2,000 net income = $6,000 difference × 35% = $2,100 maximum

Related Resources

Florida Family Law Guide

Understand the legal framework behind your calculations

Read Law Guide
Child Support Calculator

Calculate your other Florida support obligations

Calculate Now