A plain-language guide to Florida family law

Florida calls divorce a dissolution of marriage. This guide explains how the process works, what Florida calls custody, and how support and property are handled. It is general information, not legal advice.

01Dissolution of marriage and residency

Florida is a no-fault state. A court can dissolve a marriage that is irretrievably broken, and one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. Florida does not have legal separation, though a spouse can ask for support unconnected with a dissolution.

02Parenting plans and time-sharing

Florida does not use the word custody. Instead, parents share parental responsibility and follow a parenting plan that sets a time-sharing schedule. Courts decide based on the best interests of the child, and shared parental responsibility is the usual starting point unless it would harm the child.

03Child support

Florida sets child support with statewide guidelines that consider both parents' net incomes, the number of overnights, health insurance, and childcare. The court can adjust the guideline amount in limited circumstances.

04Alimony

Florida law was revised in 2023 and no longer provides permanent alimony. Courts may award temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony based on one spouse's need and the other's ability to pay, along with statutory factors.

05Equitable distribution

Florida divides marital assets and debts through equitable distribution, starting from a presumption of an equal split. Nonmarital property, such as most assets owned before the marriage, generally stays separate.

06When to talk to a Florida attorney

Consider speaking with a licensed Florida attorney when parenting, support, or property is disputed, when there are safety concerns, or when a case touches more than one state. The official resources below are a good starting point.