Alimony is a monetary payment from one spouse to another, either during or after a divorce. Although this is a relatively common term associated with divorce, the State of Florida no longer uses the term “alimony”, but rather uses “spousal support,” which is a much more modernized version of alimony. Traditionally, alimony was used in English courts when divorce was not allowed. Instead, the couple had to separate homes, but the husband would have to continue to support his wife even after the separation. This type of payment was made regardless of the wife’s financial situation as most women did not have an income source outside of her relationship with her husband.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a completely separate payment that one parent may pay to the other to help support their child(ren). In most circumstances, child support is granted to the custodial parent (the parent who has physical custody of the children). Like spousal support, child support is based on the relative income of the couple. However, it is specifically focused on ensuring that the child’s basic needs are met. The payment is made to the custodial parent, however, the money should be used to maintain the household for the child and address things like healthcare, education, and other care-related expenses.

Alimony vs Spousal Support in Florida: What’s the Difference?

Q: What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support, like alimony, is a payment from one spouse to another that occurs during or after the divorce. The difference between alimony and spousal support is that it is not automatic, and it is much more limited today than it ever has been. For example, spousal support is not always only granted to wives. In fact, according to a survey published in 2018 , the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers reported that 54 percent of attorneys surveyed saw an increase in the number of women paying spousal support to their former husbands. The purpose of spousal support is to help the lower-earning spouse adjust to life as a single person. Spousal support is often paid for a short time while the other spouse makes this transition. However, the State of Florida also has permanent spousal support, which may be appropriate in situations where one spouse cannot work or will never be able to reach the income level that he or she was accustomed to during the marriage.

During a divorce, one spouse may be required to make one or more types of financial payments to the other. These payments may be ordered while a case is pending or after a divorce is finalized. Because each type of support serves a different legal purpose, a spouse may end up paying or receiving more than one form of assistance.

Understanding the difference between alimony vs spousal support can help reduce confusion and allow divorcing spouses to better understand their legal rights and financial obligations under Florida law.

Alimony vs Spousal Support: Is There a Legal Difference in Florida?

In Florida, there is no legal difference between alimony and spousal support. Florida courts and statutes use the term alimony to describe financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce.

The phrase spousal support is commonly used by the public, but it is not an official legal term under Florida law. As a result, when people compare spousal support vs alimony, they are usually referring to the same type of court-ordered payment.

What Is Alimony Under Florida Law?

In Florida, alimony is a court-ordered monetary payment made from one spouse to the other either during or after a divorce. Alimony is intended to help the receiving spouse meet reasonable financial needs and maintain stability following the end of the marriage.

Florida courts award alimony only after determining that one spouse has a financial need and the other spouse has the ability to pay. More details about how alimony works can be found on our
Florida alimony page.

Purpose of Alimony After Divorce

The purpose of alimony is not to punish either spouse, but to address financial imbalance created by the marriage. Courts often consider whether one spouse gave up career opportunities, education, or income to support the household or raise children.

Although alimony originated during a time when economic opportunities were limited, modern Florida alimony laws focus on fairness and financial reality rather than tradition.

What Is Spousal Support and How Is It Different From Alimony?

Spousal support is a general, non-technical phrase used to describe financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. In Florida, spousal support is frequently used interchangeably with alimony in everyday conversation, but it is not the legal term used by the courts.

Regardless of terminology, Florida judges evaluate all spousal support requests under state alimony laws.

Spousal Support vs Alimony: Common Misunderstandings

Many people assume spousal support and alimony are separate payments. In Florida, this is incorrect. Courts apply the same legal standards whether a request is described as spousal support or alimony. Additionally, spousal support is not limited to one gender. Either spouse may be ordered to pay alimony depending on income, earning capacity, and financial need.

How Florida Courts Determine Alimony Amounts

When deciding whether to award alimony and how much should be paid, Florida courts closely examine the financial circumstances of both spouses. There is no automatic formula, and every case is evaluated individually.

Factors Courts Consider When Awarding Alimony

Florida courts may consider factors such as:

The length of the marriage
Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
The standard of living established during the marriage
Each spouse’s age and physical condition
How marital assets and debts were divided

If one spouse receives a substantial share of marital property, the court may reduce or deny ongoing alimony. The goal is to reach a fair and equitable outcome based on the overall financial picture.

Alimony vs Child Support: Understanding the Difference

Although both involve financial payments, alimony and child support serve different purposes. Alimony is designed to support a former spouse, while child support exists to meet the financial needs of a child. Child support payments help cover expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, education, and other child-related costs. Unlike alimony, child support in Florida follows statutory guidelines and is not discretionary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony and Spousal Support in Florida

Is spousal support different from alimony in Florida?

No. Florida law recognizes only alimony. Spousal support is an informal term used to describe the same type of payment.

Can either spouse receive alimony?

Yes. Either spouse may receive alimony based on financial need and the other spouse’s ability to pay.

Is alimony automatic in a Florida divorce?

No. Alimony is not guaranteed. Courts evaluate each case individually before awarding support.

Can alimony be modified or terminated?

Yes. Alimony may be modified or terminated if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as remarriage or a significant change in income.

Alimony vs Spousal Support in Florida: What’s the Difference?

Alimony vs Spousal Support: Is There a Legal Difference in Florida?

What Is Alimony Under Florida Law?

Purpose of Alimony After Divorce

What Is Spousal Support and How Is It Different From Alimony?

Spousal Support vs Alimony: Common Misunderstandings

How Florida Courts Determine Alimony Amounts

Factors Courts Consider When Awarding Alimony

Alimony vs Child Support: Understanding the Difference

Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony and Spousal Support in Florida

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