As of 2015, Florida is not a community property state. In community property states, any money earned during a marriage or property paid for by those earnings is considered to be owned equally by both spouses. In common law states, such as Florida, money and property belong to the spouse listed as the owner, even if acquired after marriage.
There are nine states that are community property states:
- California
- Louisiana
- Texas
- Washington
- Idaho
- New Mexico
- Wisconsin
- Nevada
- Arizona
Couples in Alaska have the option to opt into a community property marriage. Community property laws affect how spouses complete their tax forms and can help determine whether they should file individually or jointly.
