Florida’s Alimony statute, Fla. Stat. 61.08, has been revamped by the Florida legislature. The newly enacted law was opposed by many out of concern for the detrimental impact it may have on women who have not worked during their marriage or who have worked in a limited capacity or at a lower-paying job to focus on child-rearing or support of the other spouse’s career. The new law was signed by the governor on June 30, 2023, and took effect on July 1, 2023. The statute makes broad changes regarding various aspects of alimony, including the criteria for modification. This article focuses on how the changes will affect initial alimony determinations.

Forms of Alimony

The most significant change is the elimination of permanent alimony in favor of a formula-based system that establishes the maximum length of time alimony can be paid and caps the amount of alimony.