Recent Changes to Florida Alimony Laws – Permanent Alimony is Eliminated

The changes to the Florida Alimony Statute took effect on July 1, 2023 for all initial petitions for dissolution of marriage or support unconnected with dissolution of marriage pending or filed after 7/1/23. These changes are important because they could impact the type of alimony someone may be awarded.

Here Is a Summary of the Major Changes:

The New Alimony Statute Redefines the Length of Marriages:

1. Short-term marriage is modified from 7 years to 10 years of duration.
2. Moderate-term marriage is modified from greater than 7 years but less than 17 years to between 10 and 20 years.
3. Long-term marriage is modified from 17 years to 20 years or longer.

Types of Alimony: (Permanent Alimony has been eliminated)

1. Bridge-The-Gap Alimony (NO CHANGE)
2. Rehabilitative Alimony
   1. Rehabilitative Alimony may not exceed:
      1. more than 5 years.
3. Durational Alimony:
   1. Durational Alimony may not exceed:
      1. 50% of the length of a short-term marriage (no durational alimony for marriages lasting less than 3 years).
      2. 60% of the length of a moderate term marriage.
      3. 75% of the length of a long-term marriage.

Extension of the lengths of time alimony may be extended under exceptional circumstances:

The Court may extend the lengths for the alimony under exceptional circumstances by a showing of clear and convincing evidence that the extension is necessary after the Court’s review of various factors.

The above information is a summary of some of the changes to Florida Alimony Laws. For more information regarding the new alimony laws, contact The Law Offices of Patricia Palma, P.A. at (813) 258-3211 to schedule an appointment or you can book online at www.palmadivorcelaw.com.