Florida’s 7-year rule applies to several different legal contexts, including background checks, adverse possession, and divorce. Here's how it works in each area:

1. Background Checks (Employment & Credit)

• Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Florida law, employers and credit agencies cannot report certain negative information (e.g., civil judgments, tax liens, and most non-conviction records) if it is older than 7 years.
• However, criminal convictions can still appear indefinitely unless state law prohibits it.
• Some employers, especially those in financial services or positions with high salaries (over $75,000), may have different reporting rules.

2. Adverse Possession (Property Claims)

• Florida allows individuals to claim ownership of another person’s land through adverse possession if they openly and continuously occupy it for at least 7 years.
• The occupant must pay property taxes and meet other requirements (e.g., making improvements or maintaining the land).
• This rule is meant to prevent land from being abandoned and encourage its use.

3. Divorce (Alimony Duration)

• In Florida, the 7-year mark often distinguishes between short-term and moderate-term marriages for alimony purposes.
• A marriage lasting less than 7 years is generally considered short-term, making long-term alimony less likely.
• Marriages between 7 and 17 years are considered moderate-term, which may lead to more favorable alimony awards compared to short-term marriages.
• The length of the marriage impacts the type and amount of spousal support a judge may grant.