Support in Florida (2026)

The 2023 Florida Alimony Reform

Florida’s alimony landscape changed dramatically with the passage of SB 1416 in 2023, signed by Governor DeSantis on June 30, 2023, with an effective date of July 1, 2023. The most significant change: Florida eliminated permanent alimony for all new cases filed on or after that date, making Florida one of the first large states to fully abolish permanent spousal support.

Before SB 1416, Florida courts could award permanent alimony following a long-term marriage (17 years or more under the prior framework), and permanent awards were common in marriages lasting 20 or more years. The reform replaced that system with strict durational caps tied to the length of the marriage. Under the revised Florida Statutes Section 61.08, durational alimony cannot exceed:

• 50% of the length of the marriage for short-term marriages (less than 10 years)
• 60% of the length of the marriage for moderate-term marriages (10 to 20 years)
• 75% of the length of the marriage for long-term marriages (20 years or more)

In exceptional circumstances, the court may exceed these caps, but it must make specific written findings justifying the deviation. The reform also codified that adultery may be considered as a factor in alimony determinations, including the financial impact of the adultery on the parties. Importantly, SB 1416 applies only to cases filed after its effective date — existing permanent alimony awards entered before July 1, 2023, remain enforceable, though they may be subject to modification under the new standards.

For a comprehensive analysis of the reform’s impact, see our guide on Florida’s 2023 alimony reform.

How Florida Calculates Child Support

Florida uses an income shares model, which means both parents’ incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation. The idea behind this approach is that the child should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents had stayed together.

The calculation begins with each parent’s net income, which is gross income minus allowable deductions such as federal and state taxes, Social Security contributions, mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement payments, and health insurance costs (excluding the child’s portion). Both net incomes are then combined and compared against the state’s child support guidelines schedule found in Florida Statutes Section 61.30, which sets a base support amount according to the combined income and the number of children.

Each parent’s share of the total obligation is proportional to their share of the combined income. If one parent earns 60% of the combined income, that parent is responsible for 60% of the child support obligation.

For more detail on how income shares models work across all states, see our guide on how child support is calculated. For a detailed look at Florida’s specific guidelines, see our guide on Florida child support guidelines.

Adjustments to the Guideline Amount

Several factors can adjust the base guideline amount in Florida:

• Child care costs necessary for a parent’s employment or education are added to the base obligation and divided proportionally.
• Health insurance premiums for the child are added to the base amount.
• Non-covered medical, dental, and prescription expenses exceeding $250 per year are typically split proportionally.
• Overnight time-sharing adjustments. When a parent exercises at least 20% of overnight stays (73 or more overnights per year), the court applies a formula that reduces the noncustodial parent’s obligation to reflect the direct costs they incur during those overnights.

Courts may deviate from the guidelines by up to 5% without a written finding, but deviations beyond 5% require the court to explain why the guideline amount is unjust or inappropriate. Additional deviation factors listed in Florida Statutes Section 61.30 include extraordinary medical or educational expenses, the independent income of the child, seasonal variations in income, the age of the child, and special needs of a child with a physical or mental disability.

You can estimate your potential support amount using our child support calculator.

Modifying Child Support in Florida

Either parent may petition for a modification of child support upon showing a substantial change in circumstances that was not anticipated at the time of the original order. Under Florida Statutes Sections 61.13 and 61.14, modification is also available when there is at least a 15% change (or $50 per month, whichever is greater) between the existing order and the amount that would result from applying current guidelines to the parties’ present circumstances.

Common grounds include a material change in income for either parent, a change in the time-sharing schedule, a change in the child’s needs (such as new medical or educational expenses), or the emancipation of one child in a multi-child order.

Child support in Florida generally continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

Florida’s Department of Revenue, Child Support Program, has broad enforcement authority. Available remedies include:

• Income deduction orders (wage garnishment), which are automatic in most cases
• Interception of federal and state tax refunds
• Suspension of driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and professional licenses
• Reporting to credit bureaus
• Passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500
• Property liens
• Contempt of court proceedings, which can result in incarceration

Past-due child support in Florida accrues interest, and arrears cannot be retroactively forgiven — courts can only modify obligations going forward.

Alimony Types Under the Reformed Statute

Under the reformed Florida Statutes Section 61.08, the following types of alimony remain available:

• Bridge-the-gap alimony. Designed to help a spouse transition from married to single life. It addresses short-term, identifiable needs and is limited to a maximum of 2 years. It cannot be modified in amount or duration.
• Rehabilitative alimony. Intended to help a spouse acquire education, training, or work experience needed to become self-supporting. The requesting spouse must present a specific rehabilitative plan. This type can be modified if the plan is completed, is not being followed, or circumstances change.
• Durational alimony. Awarded when the other forms are insufficient to meet the receiving spouse’s needs. Its duration is capped based on the length of the marriage as described above.

Factors the Court Considers for Alimony

When determining whether to award alimony and in what amount, the court evaluates factors listed in Florida Statutes Section 61.08, including:

• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The duration of the marriage
• The age and physical and emotional condition of each party
• The financial resources of each party, including non-marital and marital assets and liabilities
• The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of each party
• The contribution of each party to the marriage, including homemaking, child care, education, and career-building of the other party
• The responsibilities each party will have regarding minor children
• Tax treatment and consequences to each party
• All sources of income available to each party, including investments and benefits
• Adultery of either spouse
• Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties

When to Seek Legal Guidance

Florida’s 2023 alimony reform fundamentally changed the analysis for anyone going through a divorce in the state. If your case involves support issues — whether you expect to pay or receive alimony — understanding the new durational caps and the elimination of permanent alimony is critical. For child support, cases involving high income, self-employment, or complex time-sharing arrangements benefit from professional analysis. Consider scheduling a free consultation to discuss your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in Florida?

Florida uses the income shares model under Florida Statutes Section 61.30. Both parents’ net incomes (gross income minus taxes, Social Security, mandatory retirement, union dues, and health insurance) are combined and applied to the guidelines schedule. Each parent’s share is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. Additional costs for childcare, health insurance premiums, and non-covered medical expenses exceeding $250 per year are added and divided proportionally.

How long does child support last in Florida?

Child support in Florida generally continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19. Support also terminates upon the child’s emancipation, marriage, or entry into military service.

How does overnight time-sharing affect child support in Florida?

When a parent exercises at least 20% of overnight stays (73 or more overnights per year), the court applies a formula that reduces the noncustodial parent’s obligation to reflect direct costs incurred during those overnights. Courts may deviate from the guidelines by up to 5% without a written finding, but larger deviations require written justification.

Did Florida eliminate permanent alimony?

Yes. Under SB 1416, signed in 2023, Florida eliminated permanent alimony for all new cases filed after July 1, 2023. The remaining types are bridge-the-gap (up to 2 years, not modifiable), rehabilitative (requires a specific plan), and durational alimony. Durational alimony is capped at 50% of marriage length for short-term marriages (under 10 years), 60% for moderate-term (10-20 years), and 75% for long-term (20+ years).

How does the 2023 alimony reform affect existing permanent alimony awards?

SB 1416 applies to cases filed on or after July 1, 2023. Existing permanent alimony awards from before that date remain enforceable, but they may be subject to modification petitions under the new standards. If a paying spouse seeks to modify a pre-2023 permanent award, the court applies the current statutory framework, which means the modified award cannot result in a new permanent alimony obligation.

How This Guide Was Researched

This guide was developed through a detailed review of Florida Statutes Sections 61.08 (alimony, as amended by SB 1416), 61.13 (parental support obligations), 61.14 (enforcement and modification of support), and 61.30 (child support guidelines schedule and calculation methodology). The enrolled text of SB 1416 was reviewed to verify the elimination of permanent alimony, the durational caps, and the effective date provisions. Enforcement mechanisms were confirmed through the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program publications and the Florida Courts self-help portal.

Sources and Legal References

This guide draws on the following Florida statutes and official resources:

• Florida Statutes Section 61.08 — Alimony types, factors, and durational caps (as amended by SB 1416, effective July 1, 2023)
• Florida Statutes Section 61.30 — Child support guidelines schedule, income calculations, and adjustment factors
• Florida Statutes Section 61.13 — Parental support obligations and time-sharing adjustments
• Florida Statutes Section 61.14 — Enforcement and modification of support orders
• SB 1416 (2023) — Elimination of permanent alimony and establishment of durational caps

Official Florida Resources

• Florida Courts — Family Courts Self-Help Information
• Florida Family Law Forms

For more about how we research our guides, see our editorial policy and sources methodology.

Related Guides

Florida-Specific Guides

• Florida’s 2023 Alimony Reform
• Florida Child Support Guidelines
• Child Custody in Florida
• Divorce in Florida

National Guides

• How Child Support Is Calculated
• How Alimony Works
• How to File for Child Support
• Child Support Enforcement