DeSantis Vetoes Alimony Bill, Voicing Concern at Retrospective Elements

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.—Gov. Ron DeSantis  has vetoed a bill that would have altered the state’s alimony laws to allow for people when they retire—a controversial push that critics say “threatened to impoverish older ex-spouses who have been homemakers and depend on the payments.”

It is an emotionally charged issue that has a long history dating back to Rick Scott’s tenure as governor between 2011 and 2019.

On June 24, DeSantis decided he was not going to overhaul the alimony law that has now been “up to bat” three times and has had its third strike.

The bill would have nixed permanent alimony and set up maximum payment based on the “duration of marriage.”

In the past, the measure has drawn emotional debate among legislators during the session that ended in March.

DeSantis expressed concern over the bill allowing ex-spouses to have existing alimony agreements amended.

“If CS/CS/SB 1796 were to become law and be given retroactive effect as the legislature intends, it would unconstitutionally impair vest rights under certain pre-existing marital settlement agreements,” the governor wrote in his veto letter.

During the legislative process, many ex-spouses turned out to tell legislators that they did not want the bill because they agreed to give up assets at the time of their divorce in exchange for “permanent alimony awards.”

Those in favor of the bill said that the bill would “modernize” Florida’s alimony laws by making the process more “equitable and predictable” for those seeking a divorce.

In a written statement Marc Johnson, a Tampa lawyer and also the president of Florida Family Fairness released a prepared statement expressing disappointment in the governor’s decision to veto the bill.

“We are incredibly disappointed by the veto of this much needed bill. Today, Gov. DeSantis chose divorce lawyers over Florida’s families and parents who love their children

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases