Today’s question was submitted via email - Please do research on this and bring it up on the radio. A Bill has been proposed and modified many times. 2 years ago it was PASSED by the House and Senate, BUT SCOTT VETOED IT. Florida PERMANENT ALIMONY and NON-MODIFIABLE is extremely unfair. Only 7 States have PERMANENT ALIMONY.
So many HORROR stories, including mine. It is truly "Until Death Do You Part". It is re-modified again and up for vote. Hopefully, the NEW (fair) Governor will not VETO it. He seems to be fixing everything Scott screwed up.
Bottom Line: I’ll start by sharing the news you don’t want to hear. Governor Ron DeSantis isn’t going to have an opportunity to decide whether to sign alimony reform into law or not this year. Two bills, one in the state Senate and one with the state House were filed at the start of the legislative session. This is key if a bill has a chance of becoming law. However, just over a week ago, the bills stalled out in committee prior to coming to full votes in both chambers. Here's what is in these reform bills. End of permanent alimony, duration caps, new considerations for length of marriage, changes made retroactively to existing alimony arrangements and retirement income exclusions.
So, to your concerns, the proposal would have addressed your frustrations. As for the changes, aside from ending permanent alimony, marriage length considerations would have been revised to three categories. Short-term: under 11 years, Medium-term: 11-20 years and Long-term: 20+ years.
Given the stalled status of this reform, it’s unlikely you’ll see another effort until next year. In the meantime, if it’s important to you, it’s worth contacting your state House and Senate representatives. Let them know how you feel. It’s always a good idea to advocate for what you want with your elected officials but especially at the state and local level. They’re especially accountable to you or should be.
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