Divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, especially when one spouse has been financially dependent on the other. In Florida, alimony—also known as spousal support—may be awarded to help ensure a fair transition for the lower-earning spouse. But not everyone qualifies. Understanding who is eligible for alimony in Florida can help you prepare and protect your financial future during a divorce.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony is a court-ordered financial payment made by one spouse to the other after a separation or divorce. Its purpose is to provide financial support to a spouse who lacks the means to meet their own needs.

Factors the Court Considers

In Florida, alimony is not automatic. Instead, the court looks at a range of factors to determine if one spouse is entitled to receive it. These include:

• Length of the marriage
  Florida categorizes marriage durations as:

  • Short-term: less than 10 years

  • Moderate-term: 10–20 years

  • Long-term: more than 20 years

• Financial need and ability to pay
  One spouse must show a legitimate need for financial support, and the other must have the ability to pay.

• Standard of living during the marriage
  The court may try to help both spouses maintain a lifestyle similar to the one they had while married, if financially feasible.

• Earning capacities and employment history
  The court evaluates whether either spouse sacrificed career opportunities or education to support the other or care for the family.

• Age and physical/emotional health
  Health conditions that impact a spouse’s ability to work or earn income are important factors.

• Contributions to the marriage
  This includes both financial contributions and non-financial support, such as homemaking, child care, and helping a spouse pursue education or career goals.

• Responsibilities for minor children
  If one spouse will be the primary caregiver of the couple’s children, it may impact their ability to work and earn income.

Types of Alimony in Florida

As of recent reforms, Florida law allows for several types of alimony, depending on the circumstances:

• Temporary Alimony – Awarded during the divorce process but ends once the divorce is finalized.

• Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – Short-term support to help a spouse transition from married to single life, up to 2 years.

• Rehabilitative Alimony – Designed to support a spouse while they gain education or training for self-support.

• Durational Alimony – Provides support for a set period after a short or moderate-length marriage.

• Permanent Alimony – Less common and typically reserved for long-term marriages where a spouse is unlikely to become self-sufficient.

Note: Recent legislative changes in Florida have made permanent alimony much less common, and courts now prioritize temporary and rehabilitative options.

How to Request Alimony

If you’re considering alimony, it’s important to work with a family law attorney who understands Florida law. You’ll need to provide detailed financial information and make a case for your need—or your spouse’s lack of need.

Final Thoughts

Alimony in Florida is based on fairness, not punishment. Whether you’re requesting support or opposing it, a clear understanding of your rights and obligations can make a significant difference. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your financial future.

Ossian, Zdravko & Gregg, LLC practices law as a divorce attorney, and family law attorney in Palm Harbor, Clearwater and the surrounding area.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.attorney-palm-harbor.com/
or call (727) 787-5919.