Major Alimony Reform in Florida: What You Need to Know
In a significant shift that affects divorcing spouses across the state, Florida officially eliminated permanent alimony as of July 1, 2023. This sweeping change, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis through Senate Bill 1416, fundamentally alters how alimony is awarded and modified in Florida family courts.
At Craig A. Vigodsky, P.A., we’re here to help you understand these changes and how they may affect your divorce or modification case in Pensacola and the surrounding areas.
What Changed? The End of Permanent Alimony in Florida
Under the new law, permanent alimony is no longer an option in Florida divorce proceedings.
Instead, judges may only award one of the following four types of alimony:
1. Temporary Alimony
Provides support while the divorce is pending, ending once the final judgment is entered.
2. Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Helps a spouse transition from married to single life and is limited to a maximum of two years.
3. Rehabilitative Alimony
Supports a spouse as they pursue education, job training, or career development. It must be part of a specific, court-approved plan and cannot exceed five years.
4. Durational Alimony
Now the most common form, durational alimony offers support for a set period based on the length of the marriage:
- Up to 50% of the marriage duration for short-term marriages (under 10 years)
- Up to 60% for moderate-term marriages (10–20 years)
- Up to 75% for long-term marriages (20+ years)
New Alimony Calculation Standards
The court must now ensure that durational alimony does not exceed the recipient’s reasonable needs or 35% of the difference between the parties’ net incomes, whichever is less.
This creates greater predictability and helps prevent unfair financial burdens on the paying spouse.
Easier Modification Based on Life Changes
The 2023 reform also makes it easier for paying spouses to modify or terminate alimony basedon two common life changes:
Retirement
A paying spouse who reaches normal retirement age (as defined by Social Security) may petition the court to modify or end their alimony obligation. Judges are now required to consider retirement as a valid basis for modification.
Supportive Relationships
If the alimony recipient enters into a supportive relationship—such as cohabitating with or receiving substantial support from another adult—the paying spouse can seek a reduction or termination of alimony. This applies even if they are not legally remarried.
Does the Law Apply to Existing Alimony Cases?
No. The law does not apply retroactively. If your divorce was finalized before July 1, 2023, your current alimony agreement remains in effect.
However, if you’re seeking a modification (due to retirement, financial changes, or a supportive relationship) and filed your request after July 1, 2023, the new standards may impact your case.
Why This Reform Matters for Pensacola Families
Whether you’re paying or receiving alimony, the 2023 reform is a landmark shift in Florida family law. Here’s how it may impact you:
✅ For Paying Spouses:
- No more indefinite support
- Caps on alimony duration and amount
- Clearer legal standards for modifying or ending alimony
✅ For Recipients:
- Continued access to time-limited financial support
- Opportunities to rebuild independence through education or training
- Fair, needs-based assessments of support
Get Trusted Legal Guidance in Pensacola
At Craig A. Vigodsky, P.A., we’ve been representing clients in Pensacola and the Florida Panhandle for over two decades. We understand how personal and financially impactful alimony cases can be, and we provide:
- Customized legal strategies tailored to your goals
- Skilled representation in negotiations, mediation, or trial
- Clear, honest communication throughout the entire process
📞 Call (850) 912-8520 to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Pensacola family law attorney.
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