Alimony or spousal support is one of the most contested aspects of any Florida divorce. As of July 1, 2023, the laws surrounding alimony in Florida changed significantly with the signing of Senate Bill 1416.
Whether you’re pursuing or contesting spousal support, understanding how Florida’s new alimony law affects your rights and obligations is critical.
At Cooper & Cooper, P.A., we help clients throughout Jacksonville, Fleming Island, St. Augustine, and all of Northeast Florida navigate divorce, property division, and alimony matters with clarity and compassion.
What Changed in Florida’s Alimony Law? ✅
🔹 Permanent Alimony Has Been Eliminated
As of July 1, 2023, Florida no longer allows permanent alimony. This marks a major shift in family law and impacts many divorcing or divorced couples.
Previously, permanent alimony could be awarded after long-term marriages to ensure ongoing financial support. Now, Florida courts are limited to the following types:
🔍 Types of Alimony Allowed Under the New Law
1. Temporary Alimony (Pendente Lite)
Support paid during the divorce process to help maintain the status quo until the final judgment.
2. Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Short-term support (up to 2 years) that helps a spouse transition from married life to independence.
3. Rehabilitative Alimony
Support intended to help a spouse gain education or job training. Requires a detailed plan and cannot exceed 5 years under the new law.
4. Durational Alimony
Support for a set period after divorce, but may not exceed the length of the marriage. The new law provides a formula to calculate the exact amount of time and amount that can be awarded. The duration also depends on the length of the marriage:
- Short-term marriage (under 10 years): limited support
- Moderate-term marriage (10–20 years): longer, but capped
- Long-term marriage (20+ years): longer duration possible, but still limited
📌 Important: Permanent alimony is no longer an option — even in long-term marriages.
⚖️ Factors the Court Considers When Awarding Alimony
Florida courts evaluate several factors before awarding any form of alimony. These include:
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Duration of the marriage
- Financial resources of each party
- Earning capacity and employability
- Age and physical/emotional condition of both spouses
- Contributions to the marriage (e.g., homemaking, child care, education)
- Responsibilities regarding minor children
- Any history of domestic violence
🔁 Can Alimony Be Modified?
Yes — if there’s a substantial change in circumstances, alimony may be modified or terminated. This includes:
- Involuntary job loss
- Retirement
- Significant changes in income
- Remarriage or cohabitation by the receiving spouse
📖 You may also be interested in:
Modifying Family Law Orders in Florida (2025 Update)
📍 Serving Northeast Florida
At Cooper & Cooper, P.A., we represent clients in:
- Duval County (Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach)
- Clay County (Fleming Island, Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, Keystone Heights)
- St. Johns County (St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach)
- Nassau County (Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Amelia Island)
- Putnam County (Palatka)
- Baker County (Macclenny, Glen St. Mary)
📞 Speak with an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Northeast Florida
Whether you’re seeking alimony or defending against it, you deserve experienced legal counsel who understands the complexities of Florida’s newly reformed laws.
🕒 Free 30-minute consultations available
📞 Call (904) 717-2327
🌐 Visit coopercooperpa.com/
Protecting your family, your legacy, & your peace of mind.
