Understanding Spousal Support: Duration, Amounts, and Modifications
TL;DR: How Does Spousal Support Work in Florida?
Q: How long does alimony last in Florida, and can it be changed?
A: It depends. Florida courts consider factors like marriage length, income disparity, and future needs when awarding alimony. Support can be temporary or long-term, and modifications are possible if financial circumstances significantly change.
“Am I Going to Have to Pay Alimony?”
It’s one of the first and most emotional questions asked during divorce: Will I owe spousal support—and for how long? Whether you’re expecting to receive or pay it, spousal support (alimony) in Florida can be a major point of stress, especially when it comes to duration and dollar amounts.
What Florida Courts Actually Consider
Florida law offers several types of alimony, each tailored to the needs of the divorcing couple. The court won’t apply a one-size-fits-all formula. Instead, it reviews:
How long you were married
Each spouse’s income and future earning potential
Whether one spouse gave up career opportunities to support the family
Living standards during the marriage
Physical and emotional health of both parties
What People Often Get Wrong About Alimony
We’ve observed that some people believe alimony is always permanent—or that it ends the moment someone gets a job. Others think they can’t change the amount once the divorce is finalized. These beliefs can create frustration, financial missteps, or even courtroom surprises.
Here are a few common misconceptions:
Myth: Alimony lasts forever. Fact: Florida eliminated permanent alimony in 2023. Most awards are durational, tied to the length of the marriage.
Myth: You can’t modify alimony. Fact: Modifications are possible if there’s a substantial change in circumstances, like job loss or retirement.
Myth: You must be married 10 years to qualify. Fact: Short-term marriages (under 7 years) may still qualify for temporary support in some cases.
So How Long Does It Last?
Florida generally breaks down marriage duration like this:
Short-term: Under 7 years
Moderate-term: 7–17 years
Long-term: Over 17 years
The longer the marriage, the longer the support may last. Durational alimony will not exceed the length of the marriage, and rehabilitative alimony (for retraining or education) is usually capped at 5 years. Bridge-the-gap alimony is limited to 2 years and is non-modifiable.
What You Can (and Often Should) Do
We can’t provide legal advice here—but we can tell you what we often see from people navigating Florida divorces:
They gather detailed financial records early in the process
They document career sacrifices or caregiving history
They consider future cost-of-living needs, not just current bills
They ask if modification clauses should be built into any agreement
Need Help Navigating Spousal Support?
Every case is different. If you’re unsure what your divorce could mean for alimony, schedule a consultation with Brandon Legal Group today. We can help you understand what’s typical—and what’s negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my alimony later?
Often, yes. Courts may modify alimony if you can show a significant change in financial circumstances—like losing a job, retiring, or a major health event.
How is alimony calculated in Florida?
There’s no fixed formula. Judges look at both spouses’ incomes, assets, marriage duration, and each person’s needs and ability to pay.
Does Florida still have permanent alimony?
No. As of 2023, Florida law eliminated permanent alimony. Support now falls into categories like bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational—with defined timelines.
