On June 30th, of 2023. SB 1416 was signed into law. The new law overhauls Florida’s alimony system, introducing new restrictions and limitations that can, and will, affect those who receive alimony or are set to receive alimony.
By being aware of the restrictions and limitations SB 1416 creates, a spouse who is set to receive/receives alimony can make decisions that will allow them to achieve the best possible outcome regarding their alimony.
What Is Florida’s New Alimony Bill?
The state of Florida’s new alimony bill is known as “Senate Bill 1416” or “SB 1416,” for short. Right within this alimony bill, there are a set of restrictions and limitations that affect alimony as it currently stands.
Some of the most notable restrictions and limitations that SB 1416 creates are as follows:
- Permanent alimony is no longer available to those seeking alimony.
- Rehabilitative alimony can last for no more than five-years.
- Durational alimony can last for no more than three-years.
- The spouse seeking alimony must prove that they need it.
Every single one of these restrictions and limitations will affect those who are set to receive alimony. But, before we can dive into that, we must go over how these restrictions and limitations will affect spouses who receive alimony.
How Will Florida’s New Alimony Bill Affect Spouses Who Receive Alimony?
The simple answer to this question is “It won’t.” Rather, the new alimony bill will not retroactively affect any existing alimony agreements.
A spouse who is currently part of a permanent alimony arrangement will be able to continue receiving permanent alimony. The same is true for other types of alimony, such as rehabilitative alimony.
Even though the above is true, a spouse who would like to receive alimony, but has yet to develop an agreement, is bound to the restrictions and limitations this new bill creates.
How Will Florida’s New Alimony Bill Affect Spouses Who Would Like To Receive Alimony?
A spouse who would like to receive alimony in a divorce is bound to the restrictions and limitations that SB 1416 has created. Some of the restrictions and limitations that a spouse will face, due to SB 1416, are as follows:
- A spouse can no longer obtain permanent alimony.
- A rehabilitative alimony agreement can last for no more than five-years.
- A spouse can no longer obtain durational alimony for more than three-years.
Outside of the above, a spouse who would like to obtain alimony must prove that they need it. And, in turn, it must also be shown that the spouse who is set to pay alimony is able to do so.
As a result of SB 1416, a judge can more easily modify, or terminate, current alimony agreements. For this reason, alimony is, in some ways, less secure than it once was.
Speak With A Tampa Alimony Lawyer Today
Even with the passing of SB 1416, you can still obtain a favorable alimony agreement. Speak with a Tampa alimony lawyer at Westchase Law, P.A. today and we will assist you in obtaining the alimony arrangement that suits your needs.
Sources:
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1416
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1416/BillText/er/HTML