What changed with Florida alimony in 2023?

Florida's 2023 alimony reform (SB 1416) eliminated permanent alimony and created a framework based on length of marriage and financial need.

Florida Family Law FAQs (Quick Answers)

Quick answer: These FAQs cover the most common questions about divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, paternity, and injunctions in Florida. Each section links to deeper resources on this site.

Want the full Family Law overview? Visit our main Family Law hub, or jump to the FAQ index below.

This page is an index of our in-depth FAQ articles and related resources. Each link below takes you to a dedicated page with fuller explanations, practical tips, and what to expect. For the broader overview — including local county pages — start with our Florida Family Law hub.

Note: Florida family law changed significantly in 2023 — including major changes to alimony, parental rights, and time-sharing calculations. If your situation involves a 2023-or-later case, or a modification of an older order, speak with an attorney before assuming the old rules apply.

Start here

How does divorce work in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault divorce state. Either spouse can file by stating the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” The process involves filing a petition, serving the other party, mandatory financial disclosure, and resolving all issues by agreement or court order.

Florida Divorce Attorney
How to File For Divorce
Divorce — What Does ‘Contested’ Mean?
2025 Divorce Statistics in America

How is child custody decided in Florida?

Florida uses “parental responsibility” and “time-sharing” instead of custody. Courts presume shared parental responsibility is in the best interest of the child unless evidence shows otherwise.

Florida Child Custody Lawyer
Child Custody in Florida: Legal Rights and Process Explained
Florida Custody Laws: Is Florida a Mother State?

How is child support calculated in Florida?

Florida uses an income shares model — both parents’ incomes are combined and support is calculated based on guidelines, adjusted for time-sharing, health insurance, and childcare costs. See Fla. Stat. § 61.30.

Florida Child Support Lawyer
How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

What is alimony in Florida and did it change in 2023?

Yes — significantly. Florida’s 2023 alimony reform (SB 1416) eliminated permanent alimony and created a new framework based on length of marriage and financial need.

Florida Alimony Attorney
Dissolution of Marriage — Calculation of Alimony

FAQ index

Divorce

How do I file for divorce in Florida?
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
Can I modify a divorce agreement after it is finalized?

Child custody and time-sharing

What is shared parental responsibility in Florida?
How does the court decide time-sharing?
Can a parent relocate with a child after divorce?
What happens if a parent violates a custody order?
Do grandparents have rights in Florida?

Alimony and child support

What types of alimony exist in Florida after the 2023 reform?
How long does alimony last?
Can alimony be modified?
How is child support calculated?
What happens if a parent stops paying child support?

Paternity

How do I establish paternity in Florida?
What rights does an unmarried father have?
Can paternity be challenged after it is established?

Injunctions and protective orders

What types of injunctions are available in Florida?
How do I file for a domestic violence injunction?
What happens at an injunction hearing?
Can an injunction be modified or lifted?

Authoritative resources

Florida Bar note: This page is for general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and the best next step depends on the specific facts of your situation.