Appreciation
Appreciation is the increase in an asset's value over time, such as a house, business, or investment account growing in worth during the marriage. In a Florida divorce, appreciation can matter because the rise in value of a nonmarital (separate) asset may become marital — and therefore divisible — if it grew due to marital funds or either spouse's effort during the marriage. Passive appreciation from market forces alone usually stays separate, while active appreciation tied to spousal work or marital money is often shared.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
The enhancement in value of an asset during the marriage; under F.S. §61.075, the appreciation of a nonmarital asset is a marital asset to the extent it results from marital labor or the expenditure of marital funds, while purely passive appreciation generally remains nonmarital.
Example
The condo was his before the wedding, but the appreciation during the marriage became a marital asset because they used joint income to renovate it.
Related Statutes
- 61.075
Related Terms
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