Florida's 2023 reform was enacted through Senate Bill 1416, Chapter 2023-315. It removed permanent alimony as a form of new award. Existing orders are not automatically cancelled; effective-date and modification questions require an individual review.
Separate eligibility, amount and duration
First, there must be need and ability to pay. Then the court considers statutory factors, including resources, earning capacity, health and family responsibilities. The duration and amount limits do not replace that analysis.
The ordinary duration limits
- Under three years of marriage: durational alimony is unavailable.
- Three to under 10 years: the ordinary limit is 50% of marriage length.
- 10 to under 20 years: the ordinary limit is 60%.
- 20 years or longer: the ordinary limit is 75%.
Length is measured from marriage to filing. The statute allows exceptional extensions under specified conditions. Temporary, bridge-the-gap and rehabilitative support have their own rules.
A worked example to check
For a 12-year marriage, the ordinary durational limit is 12 × 60%, or 7.2 years. Suppose net monthly incomes are $8,000 and $3,000. The difference is $5,000; 35% is $1,750. If the recipient's reasonable need is $1,500, the amount ceiling is $1,500, not $1,750. That example does not establish entitlement, ability to pay or the final award.
Try the Florida limits calculator. It uses net income and a separate need input, and explains its exclusions alongside the result.
Prepare questions before negotiating
- Which form of support is being considered, and why?
- How were income, deductions, need and ability to pay documented?
- Does the case involve an existing order or an effective-date issue?
- Are there facts that could support an exceptional extension or modification?
Bring the order, relevant dates, current income records and a monthly budget. Avoid treating a percentage as a settlement recommendation.
Primary sources
Checked September 29, 2026: Florida Statutes 61.08 and SB 1416 legislative record.
Educational information only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Florida attorney about your circumstances.