In Florida, defined-benefit pensions earned during the marriage are marital property. The coverture fraction isolates the marital portion so it can be divided cleanly. Two payout methods available: deferred distribution (QDRO at retirement) or present-value offset (paid now).
Under the deferred method, the non-participant receives their share directly from the plan when payments begin. A QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) is submitted to the plan administrator naming the alternate payee.
Under the offset method, the marital portion is valued today and the participant keeps the pension while giving the non-participant an equivalent asset (cash, home equity, other retirement accounts).