FL S1978

Adds new subsection (9) to section 61.08, F.S., providing that alimony awards cannot leave the payor with significantly less net income than the recipient unless there are written findings of exceptional circumstances.

Expands durational alimony eligibility to include marriages of long duration if there is no ongoing need for permanent support, in addition to short or moderate duration marriages.

Requires written findings of exceptional circumstances for permanent alimony awards following short marriages, and requires clear and convincing evidence for moderate duration marriages.

Mandates that when awarding permanent alimony, courts must include a finding that no other form of alimony is fair and reasonable under the parties' circumstances.

Makes amendments applicable to initial alimony awards and modifications entered after July 1, 2011, but prohibits using these amendments to modify awards existing before that date.