Florida Alimony Calculator
Estimate Florida alimony under post-SB 1416 (July 2023): bridge-the-gap (2-yr max), rehabilitative (5-yr max), or durational with 50%/60%/75% duration caps and 35% net income differential ceiling.
SB 1416 alimony type comparison (bridge-gap/rehabilitative/durational), duration caps chart by marriage length.
Need vs ability analysis, adultery impact modeling, supportive relationship defense scenarios.
Florida Alimony Law in 2026 — Post-SB 1416 Framework
Florida's alimony landscape was transformed when Governor DeSantis signed SB 1416 on June 30, 2023 (effective July 1, 2023). Two foundational changes:
- Permanent alimony was eliminated for divorces filed on or after July 1, 2023.
- Durational alimony amount is now capped at 35% of the net income differential per Fla. Stat. §61.08(8)(c).
The framework has remained stable through 2026 — no amendments overturned SB 1416. Existing pre-July 2023 permanent alimony orders remain in force until modified (and modification is subject to the new framework).
Florida Alimony Types & Statutory Caps
1. Temporary (pendente lite) — during litigation, no statutory cap
2. Bridge-the-Gap — max 2 years, non-modifiable, short-term transition
3. Rehabilitative — max 5 years, tied to court-approved rehab plan (§61.08(7))
4. Durational — duration capped by marriage length, amount capped at 35% of net income differential
Durational duration caps (§61.08(8)):
Under 3 yr marriage: not eligible for durational
Short (under 10 yr): up to 50% of marriage length
Moderate (10 to under 20 yr): up to 60% of marriage length
Long (20+ yr): up to 75% of marriage length
Durational amount cap (§61.08(8)(c)):
Lesser of: (a) recipient's reasonable need, or (b) 35% of difference between parties' net incomes
The 35% Net Income Differential Cap
This is the most-missed provision of SB 1416. Even if a spouse demonstrates significant reasonable need, the durational alimony amount cannot exceed 35% of the difference between the payor's net monthly income and the payee's net monthly income. This replaces the old "reasonable need" standard with a hard statutory ceiling.
Example: Payor net $10,000/mo, payee net $3,000/mo. Net differential = $7,000. Maximum durational alimony = $7,000 × 35% = $2,450/mo, regardless of need calculation.
Retirement & Supportive Relationship Modifications
SB 1416 added two major modification rights under Fla. Stat. §61.14:
- Retirement modification (§61.14(1)(c)1): Payor may petition to modify or terminate alimony upon reaching Social Security normal retirement age.
- Supportive relationship termination (§61.14(1)(b)): One year or more of a "supportive relationship" (shared finances, cohabitation, mutual support) creates a rebuttable presumption that alimony should be reduced or terminated.
Worked Example — 2026
15-Year Marriage, $110K vs $35K Income
Spouse A earns $110,000/yr gross ($8,250/mo net approximate). Spouse B earns $35,000/yr gross ($2,600/mo net approximate). Marriage: 15 years (moderate bucket, 60% duration cap).
Official Sources & Legal References
Frequently Asked Questions
When to Consult a Florida Family Law Attorney
SB 1416 created nuanced eligibility tests and caps. Consult a licensed Florida attorney if your case involves: marriages near category boundaries (9.9 vs 10 yr, 19.9 vs 20 yr), modification of pre-July 2023 permanent alimony, disputes over "supportive relationship" termination, retirement-based modification, or high-income cases where 35% cap interacts with equal timesharing presumption.