Typical Divorce Settlement in Florida: What to Expect (2026 Guide)
Learn what a typical divorce settlement looks like in Florida. Understand average outcomes for property division, alimony, child support, and custody arrangements.
What Does a Typical Divorce Settlement Look Like in Florida?
Quick Answer: A typical Florida divorce settlement includes a 50/50 or 60/40 split of marital assets, the lower-earning spouse receiving alimony for 30-75% of the marriage length, child support based on state guidelines, and shared parental responsibility with a time-sharing schedule.
Every divorce is unique, but understanding typical outcomes helps you set realistic expectations and negotiate effectively.
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Average Property Division in Florida Divorces
Under F.S. 61.075, Florida uses equitable distribution—not automatic 50/50.
Statutory Standard: Courts "must begin with the premise that the distribution should be equal, unless there is a justification for an unequal distribution based on all relevant factors." — F.S. 61.075(1)
Typical Asset Division Outcomes
| Scenario | Typical Split | Statutory Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Short marriage, both working | 50/50 | Equal contributions per F.S. 61.075(1)(a) |
| Long marriage, one stayed home | 55/45 or 60/40 | "Services as homemaker" valued per F.S. 61.075(1)(a) |
| One spouse wasted assets | 60/40 or more | "Intentional dissipation" per F.S. 61.075(1)(i) |
| Significant separate property | 50/50 of marital only | Non-marital excluded per F.S. 61.075(6)(b) |
What Gets Divided (F.S. 61.075(6)(a))
Marital Property — acquired during marriage:
- Family home equity (presumed marital if held as tenants by entireties)
- Retirement accounts (per statute: "all vested and nonvested benefits... accrued during the marriage")
- Investment accounts opened or funded during marriage
- Vehicles purchased during marriage
- Business interests including enterprise goodwill (2024 amendment)
- Furniture and personal property
Separate Property (F.S. 61.075(6)(b)) — not divided:
- Assets owned before marriage (must prove pre-marital value)
- Inheritances (if not commingled)
- Gifts from third parties to one spouse
- Income from non-marital assets (if kept separate)
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Typical Alimony Outcomes in Florida
After the 2023 alimony reform, Florida eliminated permanent alimony. Here's what typical settlements look like now:
Alimony by Marriage Length
| Marriage Length | Typical Alimony Duration | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years | Rarely awarded | Bridge-the-gap only |
| 3-10 years (short-term) | Up to 50% of marriage length | 20-30% of income difference |
| 10-20 years (moderate) | Up to 60% of marriage length | 25-35% of income difference |
| 20+ years (long-term) | Up to 75% of marriage length | 30-40% of income difference |
Alimony Calculation Example
Scenario: 15-year marriage, husband earns $150,000, wife earns $50,000
- Income difference: $100,000
- Typical alimony: $25,000-$35,000/year
- Typical duration: 7-9 years (50-60% of 15 years)
- Monthly payment: $2,000-$3,000
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Typical Child Custody Arrangements
Florida strongly favors shared parental responsibility (joint custody). Here are typical time-sharing arrangements:
Common Time-Sharing Schedules
| Schedule | Description | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 Week-on/Week-off | Alternating weeks | Parents live close, flexible schedules |
| 50/50 2-2-3 Rotation | 2 days, 2 days, 3 days rotating | Younger children, frequent contact |
| 60/40 Every-other-weekend plus | EOW + one weeknight | One parent primary, other has demanding job |
| 70/30 Standard | Every other weekend | Long distance, work constraints |
Typical Child Support Amounts
Florida uses income shares model. Typical monthly support for one child:
| Combined Income | 50/50 Time-Sharing | 70/30 Time-Sharing |
|---|---|---|
| $6,000/month | $0-$200 | $400-$600 |
| $10,000/month | $100-$300 | $700-$1,000 |
| $15,000/month | $200-$400 | $1,000-$1,400 |
| $20,000/month | $300-$500 | $1,300-$1,800 |
*Support varies based on income split, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses.*
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What Settlement Negotiations Typically Look Like
The Negotiation Process
Typical Compromises
| Issue | Common Compromise |
|---|---|
| House | One keeps house, other gets retirement accounts |
| Retirement | QDRO splits 401k/pension, each keeps their IRA |
| Vehicles | Each keeps their primary vehicle |
| Debts | Whoever's name it's in takes responsibility |
| Alimony | Lump sum buyout vs. monthly payments |
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Factors That Affect Your Settlement
You May Get More Than 50% If:
- Your spouse wasted marital funds
- You sacrificed career for family
- You have primary custody of children
- Your spouse hid assets
- Marriage was very long-term
You May Get Less Than 50% If:
- You committed adultery that affected finances
- You have significantly higher earning potential
- You wasted marital assets
- Most assets were your spouse's separate property
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How to Get a Fair Settlement
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Divorce.law Can Help
We've negotiated hundreds of Florida divorce settlements. Our AI-powered analysis helps identify all marital assets and calculate fair division quickly and accurately.
Flat-fee pricing means you know your costs upfront—no surprise bills for "settlement negotiations."
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About the Author
Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq.
Florida Bar #21022 · 20+ Years Experience · LL.M. Trial Advocacy
Antonio is the founder of Divorce.law and creator of Victoria AI, our AI legal intake specialist. A U.S. Navy veteran and former felony prosecutor, he has handled thousands of family law cases across Florida. He built this firm to deliver efficient, transparent legal services using technology he developed himself.
Have questions? Ask Victoria AIFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average divorce settlement in Florida?
The average Florida divorce settlement divides marital property approximately 50/50, with the lower-earning spouse receiving alimony for 30-75% of the marriage length. Child support follows state guidelines based on income and time-sharing. Most settlements are reached through mediation without trial.
Is Florida a 50/50 divorce state?
No, Florida is an 'equitable distribution' state, not a 50/50 community property state. This means assets are divided fairly, which is usually close to 50/50 but can vary based on factors like marriage length, contributions, and economic circumstances of each spouse.
How much alimony can I expect in Florida?
Typical alimony in Florida ranges from 20-40% of the income difference between spouses, lasting 30-75% of the marriage length. A 15-year marriage with a $100,000 income difference might result in $2,000-$3,000/month for 7-9 years.
What is a fair divorce settlement?
A fair settlement in Florida typically includes: equitable (usually near-equal) division of marital assets, appropriate alimony based on need and ability to pay, child support per state guidelines, and a parenting plan that serves children's best interests. 'Fair' depends on your specific circumstances.
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