How to File Divorce in Florida Without a Lawyer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Filing for divorce in Florida without a lawyer is possible when both spouses agree on major issues. Florida calls divorce a Dissolution of Marriage and has no mandatory waiting period for uncontested cases. The filing fee is approximately $409. This guide covers every step of the process for a DIY divorce in Florida.

Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Florida?

Florida offers a simplified dissolution process for couples who meet specific requirements. You may qualify for a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage in Florida if:

Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
There are no minor or dependent children from the marriage
Neither spouse is pregnant
Both spouses agree on the division of all assets and debts
Neither spouse is seeking alimony
Both spouses are willing to appear in court together

If you do not qualify for the Simplified Dissolution, you can still file a regular uncontested dissolution without a lawyer if both spouses agree on all issues.

Florida residency requirement

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Florida for a minimum of 6 months before filing for dissolution of marriage. You must file in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse lives.

Florida divorce waiting period

Florida has no mandatory waiting period for dissolution of marriage. Once the paperwork is filed, processed, and a judge reviews it, the divorce can be finalized relatively quickly. For uncontested simplified dissolutions, the process can sometimes be completed in as little as 3–4 weeks after filing.

Step-by-step divorce process in Florida

Step 1 — Download Florida dissolution forms
Florida provides free divorce forms through the Florida Courts website at flcourts.gov. Florida has one of the best self-help systems in the country with complete form packets and instructions for every type of dissolution.

Step 2 — File at your county Circuit Court
File your completed Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the Circuit Court clerk’s office in your county. The filing fee is approximately $409 in most Florida counties. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties may have slightly different fees.

Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Petition. For a Simplified Dissolution, both spouses file together so no service is required. For a regular uncontested dissolution, your spouse can sign a Waiver of Service or be served by a process server or sheriff.

Step 4 — Complete mandatory disclosure
Florida requires both spouses to exchange financial disclosure documents called a Financial Affidavit. This lists all income, expenses, assets, and debts. Both spouses must complete and sign this form even for uncontested cases.

Step 5 — Attend the final hearing
For a Simplified Dissolution in Florida, both spouses must appear together at a brief final hearing. For a regular uncontested dissolution, a hearing may or may not be required depending on the county. The judge reviews the paperwork and signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

Required forms for divorce in Florida

Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901a) — if you qualify
OR Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form 12.901b) — regular uncontested
Financial Affidavit — both spouses must complete
Marital Settlement Agreement (Form 12.902f)
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
Notice of Social Security Number
If children are involved: Parenting Plan and Child Support Guidelines Worksheet

All forms are available free at flcourts.gov.

How much does a divorce cost in Florida?

The court filing fee in Florida is approximately $409 in most counties — one of the higher filing fees in the United States. For a DIY uncontested dissolution, your total cost is typically $409–$550. Attorney fees for an uncontested dissolution in Florida typically range from $1,500 to $5,000. Contested divorces with attorneys can cost $15,000–$40,000 or more.

How long does a divorce take in Florida?

Florida has no mandatory waiting period, so the timeline depends on court processing time. For a Simplified Dissolution where both spouses appear together, the process can sometimes be completed in 3–6 weeks. For a regular uncontested dissolution, most cases are finalized within 1–3 months. Contested divorces typically take 12–24 months.

Frequently asked questions — Florida divorce

Is Florida a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Florida is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only ground for dissolution of marriage in Florida is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse, and fault is not considered when dividing property or awarding alimony.

What is the difference between a Simplified and Regular Dissolution in Florida?

A Simplified Dissolution is faster and requires both spouses to appear together at the courthouse. It is only available for couples with no children, no pregnancy, no alimony, and full agreement on all assets and debts. A Regular Dissolution is used in all other cases and does not require both spouses to appear together.

Can I file for divorce in Florida without my spouse’s cooperation?

Yes. You can file a contested dissolution in Florida without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served and has 20 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default dissolution.

Does Florida require a Financial Affidavit for all divorces?

Yes. Florida requires both spouses to complete and exchange a Financial Affidavit in all dissolution cases. This document lists all income, expenses, assets, and debts. It is mandatory even for the Simplified Dissolution process.

What if I cannot afford the Florida divorce filing fee?

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status with the court clerk. If your income qualifies, the filing fee may be waived.

Divorce guides in other states

Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.

Legal disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Florida vary by county and individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Florida.