Florida Name Change — Process, Fees & Required Forms
Your Florida name change at a glance: steps, cost, forms, and timing.
Florida Name Change at a Glance
| Filing Fee | About $400 (circuit court filing fee; some counties add a small fee). |
|---|---|
| Required Forms |
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| Waiting Period | Typically 2 to 3 months, including newspaper publication once a week for 2 consecutive weeks or as the court orders. |
| After Marriage | After marriage in Florida you can take your spouse surname using the marriage certificate through Social Security and the DMV. A full name change still needs the court process. |
| After Divorce | A former name can be restored in the final judgment of dissolution, or by a later petition. |
| Key Source | Fla. Stat. Sec. 68.07 (Change of Name). |
Step-by-Step Process
- File a Petition for Change of Name in the circuit court of the county where you live.
- Pay the filing fee.
- Publish notice of the petition in a local newspaper as ordered, often 2 consecutive weeks.
- Attend the hearing; the judge reviews the petition.
- The court signs a Final Judgment of Change of Name; update your records with certified copies.
Rules for Adults and Self-Help
Florida requires publication unless the court waives it, such as for a minor or safety. Adults generally must publish.
What to Know Before Filing
Florida follows a petition, publish, hear, judgment path. Marriage-based surname changes are handled administratively. Re-confirm current fees with the Florida circuit court.
Figures above are a general reference for Florida. Name-change fees, forms, publication rules, and waiting times differ by state and can change. Confirm current requirements with the Florida state court clerk before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a name change cost in Florida?
In Florida, the court filing fee is typically a few hundred dollars, and some counties add local fees. If you have low income you can usually request a fee waiver. Publication and any legal help are extra.
Do I need a court order to change my name after marriage in Florida?
A surname change after marriage can usually be done with your marriage certificate through Social Security, the DMV, and your bank, without a court order. Changing your full legal name still requires the petition and court order described above.