Current types of alimony
The reform eliminated permanent alimony for new awards. The remaining forms include temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony, each designed for a different purpose and timeframe.
Bridge-the-gap support addresses short-term transitional needs. Rehabilitative support is tied to a specific plan for education, training, or work experience. Durational support provides economic assistance for a set period.
- Temporary alimony during the case
- Bridge-the-gap alimony, limited in length
- Rehabilitative alimony with a defined plan
- Durational alimony capped by length of marriage
Need and ability to pay
The threshold questions are whether one spouse has an actual need for support and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay. Without both, alimony is generally not appropriate.
Courts then look at statutory factors such as the standard of living, length of marriage, each spouse’s age and health, financial resources, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child care.
Duration and length of marriage
Florida now uses defined ranges to classify short-, moderate-, and long-term marriages, and durational alimony is limited to a percentage of the length of the marriage depending on that classification.
These limits make careful analysis of dates, finances, and realistic budgets more important in negotiation.
Modification and retirement
Alimony may be modified in certain circumstances, including substantial changes in income. The updated statute also addresses reasonable retirement and supportive relationships.
Because the law is relatively new and fact-specific, individual advice is essential before agreeing to or contesting a support proposal.