Alimony in Florida After 2023: What the New Law Means for Your Divorce

In July 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1409 into law, fundamentally reshaping alimony in Florida for the first time in decades. The most significant change: permanent alimony was abolished. If you are divorcing in Broward County or anywhere in Florida, the updated law affects both what you may receive and what you may be required to pay.

What Changed Under Florida's 2023 Alimony Reform

Permanent alimony is no longer available for divorces finalized after July 1, 2023. The law now establishes four types of alimony: temporary (during the divorce process), bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years), rehabilitative (to support education or retraining), and durational (for a defined period not exceeding the length of the marriage). Courts must now start from a presumption that equal distribution of income is equitable.

How Courts Calculate Alimony Under the New Law

The 2023 law requires courts to consider the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity and financial resources, the duration of the marriage, contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and child-rearing), each party's age and physical condition, and any other relevant factor. The law caps durational alimony amounts at 35% of the difference between the spouses' net incomes.

Can Existing Alimony Orders Be Modified?

The 2023 law also makes it easier to modify or terminate existing alimony awards. Retirement of the paying spouse is now grounds for modification, and cohabitation by the receiving spouse creates a rebuttable presumption that alimony should be reduced or terminated. If you have an existing alimony order, you may have grounds to seek modification.

Protect Your Financial Future with Expert Divorce Counsel

Whether you're seeking alimony or fighting to limit what you must pay, the 2023 reforms make experienced legal representation more important than ever. Bechert & Associates, P.A. handles divorce and alimony matters throughout Broward County, including Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Deerfield Beach. Call today for a confidential consultation.