Florida maintains a separate property system for married couples. This means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally owned solely by the individual who acquired them. For instance, if one spouse earns a salary, that income is considered their separate property. This contrasts with community property states where such income would be jointly owned by both spouses.
The separate property system offers distinct advantages in certain situations, such as protecting one spouse’s assets from the other’s creditors. Historically, this system has roots in common law traditions that predate modern community property concepts. This distinction carries significant legal and financial ramifications for married couples residing in Florida, particularly regarding estate planning, divorce proceedings, and debt liability. Understanding this foundational principle is essential for navigating legal and financial matters related to marriage within the state.