Gov. DeSantis signs landmark child support reform bill to eliminate permanent child support | Lowndes

On June 30, 2023, Governor DeSantis signed into law landmark Legislation significantly affecting Florida child support law. The new law will come into effect on July 1, 2023 and will apply to all initial applications for dissolution of marriage filed or pending on or after July 1, 2023.

Key points of the new law include:

1. Abolition of permanent maintenance. Florida no longer recognizes permanent alimony and will recognize four types of alimony: (1) temporary; (2) close the gap; (3) rehabilitation measures not to exceed 5 years; and (4) permanent.
2. Changes the perpetual alimony as follows:
   1. It cannot be awarded to marriages of less than three years;
   2. The length of maintenance must not exceed 50% of short-term marriages (< 10 years); 60% of medium-term marriages (10-20 years); and 75% of long-term marriages (20+ years); And
   3. The amount of alimony shall be determined by reasonable needs and shall not exceed 35% of the difference between the parties’ net incomes, whichever is less.
3. Courts can consider the implications of adultery when determining alimony, whether or not it has financial implications.
4. Proof of a special circumstance is required to secure maintenance with a life insurance policy.

Stay tuned for more detailed information from us on the implications of this law in the coming weeks.

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