Using a Florida alimony calculator can help in calculating alimony by providing an estimate of potential alimony payments based on income, marriage duration, and financial need. An alimony calculator: Florida tool considers key factors like income, marital property, and statutory guidelines to determine a fair amount.
Florida Alimony Laws 2025
The new alimony law in Florida, effective July 1, 2023, eliminates permanent alimony and permanent periodic alimony.
Under the new law, Florida courts consider multiple statutory factors when determining alimony awards, including the spouse requesting alimony’s financial resources, the payer’s net income, and their ability to pay alimony. Alimony calculations under Florida alimony laws are based on monthly net income, and the alimony award cannot exceed 35% of the difference between incomes.
Under the new alimony law:
- long-term marriages (20+ years): durational alimony is limited to 75% of the marriage duration
- while marriages lasting 10-20 years: 60% of the duration
- marriages lasting 3-10 years: 50% of the duration.
Under the new law, if the length of the marriage is under 3 years, spouses are not privy to any alimony amounts.
Additionally, alimony is no longer tax deductible for the spouse ordered to pay alimony, nor are they considered taxable income for the spouse who receives alimony. This change means those who pay alimony cannot claim it as a tax deductible expense.
Florida courts also examine marital assets, financial affidavits, and combined gross income when making alimony determinations.
The new law also emphasizes financial independence, requiring the spouse receiving alimony to demonstrate a need for financial support and an inability to secure appropriate employment.
Under the new law, alimony calculated in Florida now ensures a fair and equitable resolution that encourages both parties to become financially self-sufficient after the divorce process. To estimate how much alimony may be awarded, individuals can use a free alimony calculator to review estimated annual alimony based on their marriage’s length, financial resources, and income.
What Replaces Permanent Alimony in Florida?
As of July 1, 2023, permanent alimony and permanent periodic alimony have been eliminated under Florida alimony law. Instead, Florida courts may award durational alimony instead of permanent alimony, which provides financial support for a set period based on the length of the marriage.
Additionally, rehabilitative alimony may be granted in place of permanent alimony if the spouse requesting alimony needs time to acquire sufficient education, but it cannot exceed five years. Bridge-the-gap alimony remains available for short-term financial resources and is limited to two years. These reforms ensure that spousal support is temporary and encourages financial independence.
Types of Alimony in Florida
The type of alimony in Florida is based on the factors mentioned above, but again main considerations are the length of the marriage and the financial circumstances of each party.
Florida Alimony Calculator for Temporary Alimony
Calculating alimony obligations in Florida requires estimating temporary alimony payments by factoring in monthly net income, marital property, and financial need.
For example, if the spouse receiving alimony earns $2,000 per month while the payer’s net income is $8,000 per month, the court may order temporary alimony to cover rent, utilities, or other basic expenses while the divorce case is pending.
While a free alimony calculator can provide an estimate, courts consider other statutory factors to determine an appropriate alimony award. Because temporary alimony terminates once the divorce is finalized, it often transitions into durational, rehabilitative, or bridge-the-gap alimony, depending on the final ruling.
If you’re using a Florida alimony calculator, contacting a Tampa divorce lawyer can help provide a better figure.
Bridge-The-Gap Alimony Calculator Florida
Calculating alimony amounts in Florida requires estimating bridge-the-gap alimony payments by considering monthly income, financial need, and marital property.
For example, if the spouse requesting alimony earns $2,500 per month, but their rent and essential expenses total $4,500 per month, the court may award bridge-the-gap alimony to cover the shortfall for up to two years.
Since this type of alimony in Florida is designed to provide short-term financial assistance, it does not require proof that the recipient needs education or other skills to achieve independence. While a Florida alimony calculator can estimate alimony amounts, Florida law makes final alimony decisions based on various account factors, ensuring a fair resolution.
How is Rehabilitative Alimony Calculated in Florida
Estimating rehabilitative alimony payments requires factoring in monthly income, financial need, and the time required to acquire sufficient education or vocational skills.
For example, if the spouse requesting alimony earns $2,000 per month but needs to complete a two-year nursing program, the court may award this type of alimony in Florida for the duration of their education. Unlike bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative alimony requires a clear career-building plan. If the recipient fails to follow the plan they can be disqualified from alimony in Florida. Or if they finish early, alimony can be modified.
Florida Alimony Calculator for Durational Alimony
A Florida alimony calculator can estimate durational alimony payments by factoring in monthly income, financial need, and the length of the marriage. Under Florida statutes, durational alimony is awarded when financial support is necessary but permanent alimony is no longer an option.
For example, if the spouse requesting alimony earns $3,000 per month, while the payer’s net income is $9,000 per month, the court may order this type of alimony in Florida for a set number of years based on the duration of the marriage.
In marriages lasting 10–20 years, alimony payments may last up to 60% of the marriage length, while in a long-term marriage (20+ years), alimony awards may last up to 75% of the marriage length.
Unlike rehabilitative alimony, this type of alimony in Florida does not require a career-building plan, but it cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
Florida Alimony Calculator: Factors That Affect Alimony Payments
What Florida Alimony Calculator Uses to Make Alimony Calculations Based on The Length Of The Marriage
The length of the marriage is one of the most important factors in determining alimony under Florida statutes. Courts classify marriages into three categories:
- Short-term marriage – Less than 10 years
- Moderate-term marriage – 10 to less than 20 years
- Long-term marriage – 20 years or more
These classifications impact how alimony is calculated in Florida, including the maximum duration of alimony payments and whether other types of spousal support may be available.
Alimony for Short-Term Marriages
For marriages lasting less than 10 years, Florida courts typically limit durational alimony to 50% of the duration. In these divorce cases, the spouse receiving alimony awards must prove a financial need and show that the payer’s monthly income allows them to pay alimony while still meeting their own financial obligations.
Other potential forms of spousal support marriages lasting more than 3 but less than 10 years include:
- Bridge-the-gap, which helps with short-term financial needs for up to 2 years
- Rehabilitative, which is awarded if the spouse seeking alimony needs time to acquire sufficient education or vocational skills for appropriate employment
Alimony for Moderate-Term Marriages
For marriages lasting 10 to less than 20 years, durational alimony can be awarded for up to 60% of the marriage duration. Courts will review financial affidavits, the payee’s gross annual income, and the payer’s net income to determine how much alimony is appropriate.
Example:
- A couple was married for 15 years.
- The spouse seeking alimony earns $2,500 in monthly income, while the spouse ordered to pay alimony earns $8,000 per month.
- The court may award durational alimony for up to 9 years (60% of 15 years), depending on the financial resources of both parties.
Alimony for Long-Term Marriages
For marriages lasting 20 years or more, durational alimony may be awarded for up to 75% of the marriage length. The court considers factors such as:
- The spouse’s ability to work and maintain financial independence
- The physical and emotional condition of the spouse receiving alimony
- Whether the recipient is caring for minor children
- Exceptional circumstances that may affect the fair and equitable resolution
Financial Circumstances and Alimony in Florida
Florida alimony calculations are based on the payer and payee’s net income, not the payer and payee’s gross annual income.
When determining alimony under Florida alimony law, courts assess the financial resources and each spouse’s ability to be self sufficient. The spouse seeking alimony must demonstrate a need for financial resources, while the payee’s gross annual income and ability to pay are also considered. The court also evaluates multiple other statutory factors, including monthly income, combined gross income, marital assets, and financial affidavits, to determine how much alimony is appropriate.
What Florida Alimony Calculator Uses to Make Alimony Calculations Based on Income
- Net Income vs. Gross Income – Florida law bases alimony calculations on the payer’s net income, not gross income. This means deductions for taxes, Social Security, health insurance, and mandatory retirement contributions are factored in before determining alimony. While the payee’s gross annual income may be reviewed for financial assessments, actual alimony payments are determined using monthly income.
- Marital Property – Florida alimony law considers whether the spouse seeking alimony has enough resourses or marital assets to maintain independence. If the lower earning spouse has the ability to pay their bills independently, the court may adjust or deny alimony payments.
- Physical and Emotional Condition – If the spouse receiving alimony has exceptional circumstances, such as a physical or emotional condition that prevents them from becoming self-sufficient, courts may issue rehabilitative or durational alimony awards
A Florida alimony calculator can help estimate how much alimony may be awarded based on what we’ve discussed.
Child Custody
The ability of the spouse requesting alimony to secure appropriate employment is influenced by whether they are the primary caretaker of minor children. Courts consider whether spouses responsible for minor children need time to acquire sufficient vocational skills or education beforehand. To learn more, contact a Tampa custody attorney.
Using an Alimony Calculator in Florida
To estimate how much alimony may be awarded, a free alimony calculator in Florida considers:
- Marriage duration and financial affidavits
- Alimony amounts calculated in Florida based on income levels
- Estimated annual alimony based on the new alimony law
The Florida alimony calculator can help individuals secure alimony by providing an estimate tailored to their financial circumstances. However, courts make final alimony determinations based on all account factors, ensuring an outcome that aligns with Florida statutes and family law. Contacting a Tampa divorce planner is advised.
How Much is Alimony in Florida Typically?
The amount awarded when courts award alimony depends on factors such as monthly income, financial need, and ability to pay. There is no fixed formula, but courts typically order a spouse to pay alimony based on 35% of the difference in income between spouses, though this varies based on the type of alimony in Florida that’s awarded.
In some cases, the court may order a lump sum instead of monthly alimony payments, especially if dividing assets allows for a one-time settlement. While a Florida alimony calculator can provide an estimate, courts determine the final amount based on other relevant factors.
How To Calculate Alimony in Florida
- Determine the Type of Alimony
- Assess Monthly Net Income
- Apply Income Difference
- Factor in Marriage Duration
- Evaluate Financial Resources
- Consider Lump Sum vs. Monthly Payments
- Use an Alimony Calculator or Contact a Divorce Attorney to Assist With Calculating Alimony in Florida
When Can You Modify Alimony Payments in Florida?
If significant changes occur, such as the payee’s total income increasing due to remarriage or a supportive relationship, the alimony award may be modified or terminated. Contact a Tampa alimony modification attorney to learn more.
Tampa Spousal Support Attorney
Contact an experienced Tampa alimony lawyer today for the necessary answers to file your petition.
Call the law office of Quinn Law Firm, P.A., to discuss your situation.
