Alimony vs. Child Support in Florida: What Is the Difference Between?
Divorce in Florida isn’t just about breaking up—it’s about setting up two separate lives while ensuring financial stability for everyone involved, especially children. But when money comes into the equation, things can get confusing fast. Enter alimony and child support—two terms that often get mixed up but serve very different purposes.
If you’re wondering what sets them apart, how Florida courts decide who pays what, and what factors affect these payments, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it!
Alimony: Supporting a Former Spouse
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, also called spousal support, is a payment made by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce. The goal? To help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living—at least temporarily—so they don’t face financial ruin post-divorce.
Unlike child support, alimony is not automatic. The court evaluates whether one spouse needs support and whether the other spouse can afford to pay it.
Types of Alimony in Florida
Florida recently eliminated permanent alimony and now offers four main types:
Temporary Alimony – Support granted while the divorce is pending.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – Short-term support (up to 2 years) to help transition to single life.
Rehabilitative Alimony – Helps the receiving spouse gain education or job training.
Durational Alimony – Provides financial assistance for a set period based on marriage length.
The amount and duration of alimony depend on Florida Statute § 61.08, which considers:
- The length of the marriage (short: <10 years, moderate: 10-20 years, long: 20+ years).
- The financial needs and resources of each spouse.
- The standard of living during the marriage.
- Contributions to the marriage (e.g., homemaking, supporting the other spouse’s career).
Remember: Unlike child support, alimony is not determined by a formula—it’s up to the judge’s discretion depending on the unique circumstances of each case.
Child Support: Financially Supporting the Kids
What Is Child Support?
Unlike alimony, child support is not about supporting a former spouse—it’s about supporting the kids. Florida law requires both parents to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing, even after divorce.
Under Florida Statute § 61.30, child support is calculated using a standard formula based on:
Each parent’s income.
How much time the child spends with each parent.
Healthcare and daycare costs.
Other necessary expenses (e.g., school tuition, extracurricular activities).
Key Facts About Child Support in Florida
- It’s mandatory if the court determines a parent owes it.
- It cannot be waived by either parent.
- It lasts until the child turns 18 (or 19 if still in high school). It can be ordered for lifetime for specially-disabled children.
- Modifications can be requested if circumstances change (e.g., job loss, major medical expenses).
Fun Fact: Even if the receiving parent remarries, child support does not change—because the financial responsibility belongs to the biological parents.
Can You Be Ordered to Pay Both?
Yes! If a couple has children and one spouse earns significantly more, the court may order both alimony and child support. The good news? Courts consider child support first, ensuring children’s needs are prioritized before calculating alimony payments.
What If Someone Doesn’t Pay?
Florida courts don’t take unpaid support lightly. If an ex refuses to pay alimony or child support, legal action can include:
Wage garnishment (money deducted from their paycheck).
Driver’s license suspension (yes, the DMV gets involved).
Seizing tax refunds (kiss that tax return goodbye).
Holding them in contempt of court (which can result in fines or jail time).
The Bottom Line: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Alimony and child support serve different purposes, but both are crucial for financial stability after divorce. If you’re unsure what you owe—or what you’re entitled to—don’t rely on guesswork.