Alimony & Spousal Support Attorney St. Augustine, FL

Alimony Law in Florida: What Has Changed and What It Means for You

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Alimony is one of the most contentious issues in any divorce. Whether you are the spouse who sacrificed a career to raise a family or the spouse who built a business while your partner managed the household, the alimony decision will define your financial reality for years — sometimes decades — after the divorce is final. The stakes are enormous, and the law is more complex than ever following Florida's landmark 2023 alimony reform.

Christine Leonard, Esq. has handled alimony cases on both sides — aggressively pursuing fair support for spouses who need it and fiercely defending clients against inflated or unjustified claims. She understands the nuances of the new law, the factors courts weigh most heavily, and the strategic moves that determine whether you pay too much, receive too little, or get the outcome you deserve.

Florida’s 2023 Alimony Reform: What Changed

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On June 30, 2023, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1416 into law, fundamentally transforming alimony in Florida. The most significant change: permanent alimony has been eliminated for all cases filed after July 1, 2023. This was the most dramatic overhaul of Florida's alimony statute in decades, and it affects every divorce case involving spousal support.

The reform also established new guidelines linking the duration of alimony to the length of the marriage, created presumptions that favor or disfavor alimony based on marriage length, and provided clearer standards for modification and termination. Understanding these changes is critical to building an effective alimony strategy — whether you are seeking support or fighting to minimize your obligation.

Types of Alimony in Florida

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Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony is awarded during the divorce proceedings to maintain the financial status quo while the case is pending. It terminates when the final judgment is entered. Temporary alimony ensures that a dependent spouse can pay bills, retain legal counsel, and maintain stability while the divorce moves through the courts. Christine Leonard aggressively pursues temporary support when her clients need it — and challenges excessive temporary awards when defending against them.

Bridge-the-Gap Alimony

Bridge-the-gap alimony helps a spouse transition from married life to single life. It is limited to a maximum of two years, cannot be modified in amount or duration, and terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. This type of alimony is designed to cover identifiable, short-term needs such as securing housing, purchasing a vehicle, or covering living expenses while transitioning to financial independence.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony supports a spouse who needs education, training, or work experience to become self-sufficient. It requires a specific, detailed rehabilitative plan that outlines the steps the receiving spouse will take to achieve financial independence — such as completing a degree, obtaining a professional certification, or gaining work experience in a specific field. Rehabilitative alimony can be modified or terminated if the receiving spouse fails to follow the plan or completes it early.

Durational Alimony

Durational alimony provides financial support for a set period of time. Under the 2023 reform, durational alimony cannot exceed a percentage of the length of the marriage: up to 50% of a short-term marriage (under 10 years), up to 60% of a moderate-term marriage (10-20 years), and up to 75% of a long-term marriage (20+ years). This replaced permanent alimony as the primary form of long-term spousal support. The amount is subject to a formula that considers the difference in the parties' incomes and other factors.

Factors Courts Consider in Alimony Decisions

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Florida courts evaluate multiple factors when determining whether to award alimony, the type of alimony, and the amount. These include:

The standard of living established during the marriage. The duration of the marriage. Each spouse's age, physical condition, and emotional condition. Each spouse's financial resources, including marital and non-marital assets. Each spouse's earning capacity, educational level, vocational skills, and employability. The contribution of each spouse to the marriage, including homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other spouse. The responsibilities each spouse will have with regard to the children. Any adultery or other relevant misconduct.

Christine Leonard knows how to present these factors in the light most favorable to her clients. She gathers the financial evidence, retains the expert witnesses, and builds the compelling case that produces the right result — whether that means maximizing your alimony award or minimizing your alimony obligation.

Alimony Modification & Enforcement

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Life after divorce does not stand still. Incomes change. Jobs are lost. Health declines. New relationships form. When a substantial change in circumstances occurs, you may be entitled to modify or terminate an existing alimony obligation.

Under the 2023 reform, the paying spouse's retirement at a reasonable age — including the customary retirement age for their profession or the age at which Social Security retirement benefits begin — can serve as grounds for modification or termination. Additionally, if the receiving spouse enters into a supportive relationship (cohabitation), the paying spouse may petition for reduction or termination of alimony.

Christine Leonard handles modification and enforcement cases with the same aggressive approach she brings to initial alimony litigation. If your ex-spouse is hiding income to avoid paying, she will expose it. If you are overpaying based on outdated circumstances, she will fight to correct it. If your ex is violating a court order, she will hold them accountable through contempt proceedings.

Alimony cases are won or lost on the strength of the financial evidence and the quality of legal advocacy. Do not trust this fight to a general practitioner or a firm that delegates your case to a paralegal. Contact Christine Leonard for a consultation to discuss your divorce and alimony case today.

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