New Divorce Laws in Florida (2025): What Every Spouse Should Know

By: Carol Ann Mazza Date Posted: March 6, 202512:48 am

Florida’s divorce laws significantly changed in 2025. Alimony, property division, and child custody arrangements have been significantly updated.

The most significant change eliminates permanent alimony and replaces it with defined payment timeframes. 

This marks a shift in how the state handles post-divorce financial support.

Residing in the state of Florida for at least six months prior to filing for divorce has been a long standing requirement. Still, many couples find this requirement surprising, so it’s important to plan ahead when considering divorce in Florida.

The new laws that recently went into effect, apply to both current divorces and existing arrangements. Military families have special considerations, particularly regarding retirement benefits and spousal support calculations.

Key Takeaways

• Residency requirements must be met before filing for divorce in Florida.
• New Florida divorce laws in 2025 eliminate permanent alimony and set clear support timeframes.
• Military divorces follow both state property laws and federal benefits regulations.

What Changed in 2024-2025?

Florida’s divorce laws changed significantly starting July 1, 2024, with additional updates taking effect in 2025. These changes affect alimony payments, property division, and parenting plans.

Summary of Key Legislative Updates

New Florida divorce laws introduced significant changes to alimony calculations and spousal support rules, creating clearer guidelines for judges to follow.

Property division now includes updated rules for determining asset values. Courts must consider additional factors when making interim partial judgments.

Key Changes:

• Modified alimony duration calculations
• Updated property division standards
• Revised parenting plan requirements
• New rules for modification requests

Comparison with Previous Laws

Alimony modifications now follow stricter guidelines. Before 2024, modification requests required proof of cohabitation. The new system allows for changes based on additional factors.

Previous vs. New Rules:

• Property Division: More detailed considerations are required
• Parenting Plans: Enhanced flexibility for arrangements
• Settlement Agreements: Additional required elements

How These Changes Affect Spousal Support & Property Division

Florida’s latest divorce reforms change spousal support calculations and property division. The new rules aim to make these processes more predictable for both spouses.

Revised Spousal Support Calculations

New alimony guidelines now focus on durational support rather than permanent payments. 

The court considers the marriage length and each spouse’s financial situation more carefully than before.

The support amount depends on three main factors:

• The income difference between spouses
• Length of marriage
• Each spouse’s earning capacity

Durational alimony has become the standard type of support. This means payments last for a set time period instead of indefinitely, in the case of permanent alimony.

Updated Property Division Guidelines

The new laws maintain Florida’s equitable distribution principle but add clearer rules about what counts as marital property. 

Each spouse must now provide detailed financial records within 45 days of the day the petition for divorce was served.

Key changes to property division include:

• More protection for inherited assets
• Clearer rules about splitting business assets
• New guidelines for dividing retirement accounts
• Special considerations for digital assets and cryptocurrencies

Recent reforms give judges specific factors to consider when dividing property, making outcomes more predictable for both parties.

Impact on Child Custody & Parenting Plans

Florida’s 2025 custody laws strengthen co-parenting and provide clear guidelines for parents living apart. 

These changes aim to keep both parents actively involved in their children’s lives while making time-sharing arrangements more flexible.

New Child Custody Determination Guidelines

The Florida custody guidelines now emphasize “parental responsibility” instead of traditional terms like sole or joint custody. This change helps courts make decisions based on what is best for children.

Parents must work together on important decisions about:

• Education choices
• Healthcare needs
• Religious upbringing
• Extra-curricular activities

Courts now look more closely at each parent’s ability to maintain a loving, stable relationship with their child. 

They also consider how well parents can work together and respect each other’s role in the child’s life.  Each parent is responsible to maintain the relationship between the other parent and the children.

Adjustments to Parenting Plans and Visitation Schedules

Parents who move within 50 miles of their child’s primary home can request changes to their parenting plan.

Key considerations for parents creating parenting plans include:

• Flexible scheduling options for working parents
• Virtual visitation rights
• Holiday and special occasion arrangements
• Transportation Responsibilities

Parents can now create more detailed plans for their specific work schedules and their child’s activities.  If the parents instead let the judge create their parenting plan, 50/50 timesharing will likely be the outcome.

Working outside of the law (i.e., in an out of court process) allows more creative solutions for parents to stay connected with their children.

Struggling with uncertainty amid Florida divorce law changes? Let our empathetic professionals at Collaborative Now provide personalized guidance—schedule your consultation and begin reclaiming your confidence and peace today.

Key Considerations Before Filing for Divorce  in Florida and Under New Laws

Florida residency requirements state that at least one spouse must live in Florida for 6 months before filing the petition for dissolution. 

Spouses should gather important papers early in the process:

• Financial records (bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs)
• Property documents (deeds, vehicle titles, mortgage papers)
• Insurance policies and retirement account statements
• List of assets and debts acquired during the marriage

Store copies of these documents in a safe place outside the home. Take photos or scan important papers as backups.

Strategic Case Planning

Filing costs start at $408 in Florida. Spouses should create a realistic budget for legal fees and court costs.  Understanding all the process options available (and the advantages and disadvantages of each) for divorcing couples/couples with paternity matters is vital.

Planning should focus on these key areas:

• Child custody arrangements and parenting plans
• Division of marital assets under Florida’s equitable distribution laws
• Temporary living arrangements
• Communication strategies with the spouse

Consider the timing of the filing.  When deciding when to begin the process, consider work schedules, school calendars, and financial obligations.

Legal Advice: How to Protect Your Interests

Making smart legal choices during a divorce can help protect your future and reduce stress. 

Working with qualified professionals and exploring different resolution options gives you the best chance at a fair outcome.

Consulting a Family Law Attorney

Legal guidance can make a big difference in protecting your rights during divorce proceedings. A qualified attorney will explain your options and help you make decisions about how to proceed.

The best time to talk to a lawyer is before filing any paperwork. This allows you to understand the various process options available to you and the advantages and disadvantages of each, allowing you and your spouse to choose the best option for your family.

Before meeting with attorneys, make a list of questions. Ask about their experience with cases like yours and their approach to divorce cases.

Keep detailed records of all conversations and agreements. Your attorney can help identify which documents you need to gather and preserve.

Negotiation and Out of Court Dispute Resolution Options

Mediation is required before going to family court in Florida.

Mediation often costs less than litigation and gives you more control over the outcome.

Consider these options:

• Mediation: A neutral third party helps the spouses reach agreements
• Collaborative divorce: Each spouse has an attorney and everyone agrees to stay out of court and work towards a resolution that works for both spouses and the family
• Arbitration: A private judge makes binding decisions

Choose the method that best suits your situation. Some couples need minimal help, while others benefit from more structured support.

Document everything related to your marriage’s financial aspects. Make copies of tax returns, bank statements, and property records.

Key steps to protect yourself:

• Create a new email account for divorce-related communication
• Change passwords on personal accounts
• Start a divorce expense tracking system
• Take photos of valuable property
• Keep a notebook handy and write down questions and information as you think of it

Find local divorce support groups. They provide emotional support and practical advice from others who understand your situation.

Stay calm during negotiations. Emotional decisions often lead to regrets later. Consider ways such as therapy, exercise, meditation, or social activity to address emotions.

Conclusion

Florida’s new divorce laws have removed permanent alimony in favor of time-limited support arrangements, creating more explicit financial boundaries for divorced couples.

The courts now emphasize equal time-sharing for child custody. Parents must create detailed parenting plans that reflect this new priority.

Property division rules remain based on equitable distribution but with updated guidelines for handling digital assets and retirement accounts.

Every divorce case is unique and deserves individual attention. Speaking with a qualified family law attorney helps ensure protection under these new laws.

Don’t let divorce overwhelm you. Transform uncertainty into empowerment with Carolann Mazza’s services.  Contact us for a comprehensive consultation and secure the confident future you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are the New Divorce Laws in Florida for 2025?

Florida’s 2025 divorce laws streamline the process and update key areas, including alimony, property division, and child custody. 

Major changes include eliminating permanent alimony and introducing clear duration caps on temporary, rehabilitative, and durational support.

How Do the 2025 Changes Affect Spousal Support?

The new laws aim to balance financial needs with the paying spouse’s ability to pay. Emphasis is placed on temporary and durational support. Permanent alimony has been abolished.

What Is New in Property Division Under the 2025 Laws?

The new rules simplify the process and promote fairness in dividing marital and non-marital property.

How Are Child Custody Arrangements Impacted in 2025?

The revised laws emphasize parental involvement.

Changes include presumed 50/50 timesharing.

What Documents Do I Need to File for Divorce in Florida in 2025?

Essential documents include  the divorce petition, financial affidavits, tax returns, bank statements, and records of monthly expenses and income..

Organizing these documents will help strengthen your case and streamline the filing process.

How Can I Modify or Terminate Alimony Under the New Laws?

Modification or termination is possible if circumstances substantially change (e.g., job loss, retirement, remarriage).

You must file a court motion with updated financial documentation and evidence of the change.

Where Can I Get Legal Advice on Florida Divorce Laws 2025?

Consult a specialized family law attorney for personalized guidance on navigating the new legal landscape.

Schedule a consultation to help you understand your rights and develop an effective strategy. Contact Carolann Mazza