Florida employs equitable distribution, not community property, in dividing assets during divorce proceedings. This means marital assets are not automatically split 50/50. Instead, courts aim for a fair, though not necessarily equal, division. For example, if one spouse significantly contributed to acquiring assets, the court may award them a larger share. Considerations include each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, economic circumstances, and any dissipation of assets.
Equitable distribution aims to ensure both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living post-divorce. It acknowledges the diverse roles individuals play within a marriage, whether as primary breadwinners or caretakers. Historically, the adoption of equitable distribution replaced older systems that often disadvantaged homemakers or lower-earning spouses, thus providing a more balanced approach to asset division upon dissolution of marriage.