Governor DeSantis Signs Controversial Bill Into Law, Limiting Florida Alimony Payments, Doing Away with Permanent Alimony – What Does it All Mean?

2023 was a big legislative year in Florida when it comes to Florida marriage and divorce laws. One of the biggest pieces of legislation – and undoubtedly one of the most controversial on the legislature floor – was a bill that would modify the state’s laws regarding alimony (also called “spousal maintenance”) payments after a divorce. The controversial alimony measure was signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and became effective on July 1, 2023. But what exactly does the new law do when it comes to alimony payments in Miami? To help Miami residents better understand the new measure in Florida, we discuss how it might affect you in your divorce here.

Doing Away with “Permanent Alimony” in Florida

At the outset, alimony or “spousal maintenance” in a divorce is money that is paid by one ex-spouse to the other ex-spouse after the divorce is over. Typically, alimony or spousal maintenance is awarded to one spouse when they were financially dependent on the other spouse during the marriage and may have financial hardship as a result once the divorce is finalized. Permanent alimony refers to alimony that is awarded permanently, which typically means that payments are made by one ex-spouse to the other until the ex-spouse receiving the alimony payments dies. One of the key things that the new law addresses is permanent alimony in Florida. By signing the legislation into law, Governor Ron DeSantis did away with permanent alimony in Florida altogether.

Other Provisions Under the New Florida Alimony Law

In addition to doing away with permanent alimony, the new law sets up a process for ex-spouses paying alimony to modify alimony payments, and sets a limit on what is called “rehabilitative alimony”, alimony paid to an ex-spouse to help them get back on their feet and into the workforce, self-supporting. Individuals who seek alimony but were married for less than three years will not be eligible to receive alimony payments under the new law, and individuals who were married for 20 or more years can receive alimony payments for only up to 75% of the term during which they were married. Opponents of the legislation say that the new law impacts women adversely as opposed to men. One Florida republican who receives permanent alimony was quoted stating, “He (DeSantis) has just impoverished all the older women of Florida, and I know at least 3,000 women across the state of Florida are switching to Democrat and we will campaign against him, all the way, forever.”

Legal Help with Your Miami Alimony Case

If you are seeking legal help with your alimony case in Miami, contact the experienced Miami alimony attorneys at True North Law, P.A. The experienced Miami alimony attorneys at True North Law, P.A. are here to help Miami individuals with their complex and challenging alimony issues for the best chance of success. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact True North Law, P.A. and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

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