Florida Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support payments under Florida's statutory formula. The state formula applies up to 35% of income.
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Spouse's Income
- Permanent alimony was eliminated by Florida SB 1416 (effective July 1, 2023).
- Post-2018 TCJA: alimony is not tax-deductible for the payor and not taxable income for the payee (federal).
Florida Alimony Laws
Florida reformed its alimony law in 2023, eliminating permanent alimony. The court considers need and ability to pay. Support amount is based on the net income difference, typically capped at 35%. Duration depends on marriage classification: short (<7yr), moderate (7-17yr), or long (17+yr).
Florida is one of the states that uses a statutory formula to calculate spousal support, providing more predictability in alimony outcomes. However, courts retain discretion to deviate from the formula when circumstances warrant it.
How Florida Calculates Spousal Support
Formula: Net income difference is the baseline. Bridge-the-gap: max 2 years. Rehabilitative: max 5 years. Durational: max 50% of marriage for <3yr, 60% for 3-10yr, 75% for 10-20yr. No permanent alimony post-2023 reform (SB 1416). Amount: typically 30-35% of net income difference.
Maximum percentage: 35% of the paying spouse's income.
While the formula provides a starting point, courts may adjust the amount based on factors such as the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse's financial resources, contributions to the marriage, and the requesting spouse's ability to become self-supporting.
Types of Alimony Available in Florida
Florida courts may award the following types of spousal support:
- Temporary
- Bridge The Gap
- Rehabilitative
- Durational
The type of alimony awarded depends on the circumstances of the divorce, including the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the requesting spouse, and the purpose the support is intended to serve.
Florida Alimony Duration Guidelines
Post-2023 reform: bridge-the-gap (max 2yr), rehabilitative (max 5yr), durational (50-75% of marriage length depending on duration). Permanent alimony eliminated for marriages filed after July 1, 2023.
Courts may modify the duration of alimony if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in income, retirement, remarriage of the recipient spouse, or cohabitation with a new partner.
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Alimony
How is alimony calculated in Florida?
Florida uses a statutory formula: Net income difference is the baseline. Bridge-the-gap: max 2 years. Rehabilitative: max 5 years. Durational: max 50% of marriage for <3yr, 60% for 3-10yr, 75% for 10-20yr. No permanent alimony post-2023 reform (SB 1416). Amount: typically 30-35% of net income difference. Courts may deviate from the formula based on specific circumstances of the case.
How long does alimony last in Florida?
Post-2023 reform: bridge-the-gap (max 2yr), rehabilitative (max 5yr), durational (50-75% of marriage length depending on duration). Permanent alimony eliminated for marriages filed after July 1, 2023. The actual duration depends on the specific facts of each case, and courts may adjust based on changed circumstances.
Can alimony be modified in Florida?
Yes, in most cases alimony can be modified in Florida if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common grounds include significant changes in income, job loss, retirement, serious illness, or the recipient spouse becoming self-supporting. Some types of alimony, such as lump-sum awards, may not be modifiable.
Is alimony taxable in Florida?
For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, alimony is not taxable income for the recipient and not tax-deductible for the payer under federal tax law (per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). Florida follows federal tax treatment. For pre-2019 agreements that have not been modified, the old rules may still apply.
Does Florida have permanent alimony?
No, Florida does not currently provide permanent alimony. The types of alimony available include: Temporary, Bridge The Gap, Rehabilitative, Durational. Duration is limited based on the length of marriage and other statutory factors.