TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday officially received a controversial measure that would eliminate permanent child support — the lawmakers’ fourth attempt in recent years to reformulate the state’s child support laws.
The bill (SB 1416) would partially abolish permanent alimony and create a formula for alimony payments based on the length of marriages.
Among other changes, it would allow alimony payers to apply for changes if “a supportive relationship” exists or has existed with their ex-spouses in the previous year.
DeSantis, who is running for president, vetoed a child support bill last year, and former Gov. Rick Scott vetoed two child support measures.
But after years of wrangling over the issue, the Florida Bar’s family law department and advocates have agreed to an overhaul of the system of this year’s version.
The bill progressed steadily through the legislature, receiving final approval on May 2nd.
However, the proposal drew criticism from members of the First Wives Advocacy group, which is made up mostly of older women who rely on ongoing child support payments.
Proponents of the measure claim it would “codify” court rulings on permanent child support into state law.
Senator Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican who pushed the bill, claimed the proposed changes would not unconstitutionally affect existing child support rules, an issue DeSantis addressed in his veto last year.
However, other supporters of the measure acknowledged that the measure would allow changes to the current arrangements for permanent alimony payments.
CBS Miami team
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