Fla. Stat. § 61.08

Florida Alimony

Florida’s 2023 reform rewrote alimony — ending permanent alimony and putting hard caps on duration and amount. Here is what spousal support looks like now.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Joseph Grant, Family Law Attorney (Fla. Bar #97315). Last reviewed: June 2026

The End of Permanent Alimony

In July 2023, Florida enacted sweeping alimony reform (SB 1416). The headline change: permanent (lifetime) alimony was eliminated. Under the amended § 61.08, even a long marriage can no longer result in indefinite support — every award now has a defined end.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 61.08 — Alimony (2023 Reform)
"The court may grant bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony … [P]ermanent alimony [is no longer available]. Durational alimony may not exceed [defined percentages of] the length of the marriage."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →

The Types That Remain

Alimony After 2023 — Four Types
Temporary: support while the divorce is pending.

Bridge-the-gap: short-term help transitioning to single life (capped at 2 years).

Rehabilitative: support while gaining education or job skills (generally capped at 5 years, under a defined plan).

Durational: support for a set period, tied to marriage length.

The Caps

Durational alimony now carries two key limits: its length is capped as a percentage of the marriage’s length, and its amount may not exceed the lesser of the recipient’s reasonable need or 35% of the difference between the parties’ net incomes. The reform also created clearer pathways to modify or end alimony at retirement or where a "supportive relationship" exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Florida get rid of permanent alimony?
Yes. The 2023 reform (SB 1416) eliminated permanent alimony under § 61.08, effective July 1, 2023. Even long marriages no longer result in indefinite support — all alimony now has a defined end. The remaining types are temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational.
How is alimony calculated in Florida now?
For durational alimony, the amount generally cannot exceed the lesser of the recipient’s reasonable need or 35% of the difference between the parties’ net incomes, and the duration is capped as a percentage of the marriage length. The court makes specific written findings on need and ability to pay.
Can alimony be modified when the paying spouse retires in Florida?
Yes. The 2023 reform created clearer grounds to modify or terminate alimony upon the paying spouse reaching normal retirement age, and where a supportive relationship exists. Courts are now required to consider retirement as a basis for modification.

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This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 61.08 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.