Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Divorce in Florida
Open-data reference.
Filing a divorce in Florida costs $400–$409 - among the most expensive of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Simplified: 30-60 days. Uncontested: 4-8 weeks. Contested: 6-18 months., and a mandatory waiting period of 20 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
No-fault (irretrievable breakdown) or mental incapacity
What This Means for Your Divorce Filing in Florida
Filing for divorce in Florida costs $400–$409 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Petition fee $409 in most counties. Fee waivers available. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 20 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Simplified: 30-60 days. Uncontested: 4-8 weeks. Contested: 6-18 months.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Florida lays out 6 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 5 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: One spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months immediately before filing. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - No-fault (irretrievable breakdown) or mental incapacity (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Petition fee $409 in most counties. Fee waivers available.
How Florida compares to other states
Florida ranks #2 of 10 states for divorce filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound divorce filing fee, from $225 (NC) to $435 (CA); Florida is highlighted at $409.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial disclosure (Form 12.902)
- 20-day waiting period after service
- Parenting plan if children involved
- Final hearing or default judgment
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File Petition in Circuit Court
- 2
Serve spouse (20-day response window)
- 3
Exchange financial disclosures
- 4
Negotiate settlement agreement
- 5
Attend final hearing
- 6
Judge enters Final Judgment of Dissolution
Important Notes
Florida is an equitable distribution state. Simplified dissolution available for qualifying couples.
Grounds / Eligibility
No-fault (irretrievable breakdown) or mental incapacity
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $400–$409
- Residency
- One spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months immediately before filing
- Waiting Period
- 20 days
- Typical Timeline
- Simplified: 30-60 days. Uncontested: 4-8 weeks. Contested: 6-18 months.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Florida?
The filing fee for divorce in Florida is $400–$409. Petition fee $409 in most counties. Fee waivers available.
How long does divorce take in Florida?
Simplified: 30-60 days. Uncontested: 4-8 weeks. Contested: 6-18 months.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Florida?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for divorce in Florida, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Florida resources.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Florida?
Florida requires a mandatory waiting period of 20 days before the process can be finalized.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Florida?
One spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months immediately before filing
What documents are needed for divorce in Florida?
Key requirements include: File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage; Financial disclosure (Form 12.902); 20-day waiting period after service.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Florida court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |