Updated May 2026
How to Change Your Name in Florida (2026 Cost + Steps)
The cost of a legal name change in Florida is $449, which includes a $401 court filing fee, and $48 for certified copies of the court order. Fingerprinting or background checks may add $57 for petitions that require them.
Court filing fee: $401 · Processing time: ~8 weeks · Fingerprinting required
Estimated costs by reason
Totals include Social Security (free), driver’s license, and adult passport selections—matching the calculator defaults.
| Reason | Estimated total cost | Timeline | Publication required |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Marriage | $213 | ~2 weeks | No |
| After Divorce | $213 | ~2 weeks | No |
| Court Order (Adult) | $671 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Child Name Change | $721 | ~10 weeks | No |
| Gender Marker Change | $671 | ~10 weeks | Sealed |
Which state are you in?
Why are you changing your name?
Which documents do you need to update?
How to Change Your Name in Florida
Florida court filing fees for name changes run $400-$435 depending on the county - among the higher-cost states. Broward County is $401, Miami-Dade runs $408, and Orange County (Orlando) is around $400. After-marriage name changes using a Florida marriage certificate bypass the court petition entirely and are significantly cheaper.
Florida requires fingerprinting as part of the court-order name change process - a requirement most states don't have. You'll need a LiveScan fingerprint taken at an approved location (typically $75-$100) submitted with your petition. This adds both time and cost that surprises most people going through the process for the first time.
Florida does not have a general publication requirement for adult name changes, but the state does require a background check. If you have a felony conviction, Florida law restricts name changes to prevent fraud - you'll need to disclose this on your petition and the court may require additional documentation.
The Florida DMV (FLHSMV) requires a new driver's license after a legal name change. Fee is $48 for a new license. You'll need certified copies of your court order or marriage certificate, plus your current Florida ID and proof of address.
Florida is a no-fault divorce state, and name restoration clauses can be included directly in divorce decrees - strongly recommended to avoid a separate petition later.
Key Florida links: Florida Courts self-help (flcourts.gov/self-help), Florida DMV (flhsmv.gov), Florida Legal Aid (floridabar.org/public/consumer). Fee waiver forms are available at any Florida clerk of court office for those who qualify based on income.
Florida name change fees at a glance
| Court filing fee | $401 |
| Certified copies (4 × $12 each) | $48 |
| Newspaper publication(not required) | N/A |
| Fingerprinting / background check | $57 |
| Driver's license / State ID | $35 |
| Processing time | ~8 weeks |
| Fee waiver available | At or below 200% federal poverty level |
Common reasons in Florida
Name Change Guides for Florida
FAQ: Florida name changes
- How much does it cost to change your name in Florida?
- Court filing fees in Florida start around $401 for a petition (counties may differ). Add certified copies (4 × about $12 each), optional publication ($0), DMV fees, and passport fees depending on your path.
- How long does a name change take in Florida?
- Many Florida court petitions finish in about 8 weeks, but crowded dockets, publication, or fingerprinting can add time. After-marriage updates using a certificate are often faster because they skip the petition.
- Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Florida?
- Most standard adult name change petitions in Florida do not require newspaper publication, but a judge can still impose notice requirements in some cases.
- Can I change my name for free in Florida?
- You may qualify for a reduced or waived court filing fee in Florida if you meet the court’s income guidelines (At or below 200% federal poverty level). Certified copies, DMV fees, and passports still usually cost money.
- What documents do I need to change my name in Florida?
- Commonly: a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order; government-issued photo ID; proof of Florida residency for court filings; and Social Security verification before DMV updates.
- How do I change my name after marriage in Florida?
- If you take your spouse’s surname as shown on your Florida marriage certificate, you typically update Social Security first, then your driver’s license, then banks and payroll. Hyphenated or new invented names may still require a court petition—check local court rules.
Voter Registration After Your Name Change
After legally changing your name in Florida, you should update your voter registration so it matches the name on your government-issued ID. Florida offers online voter registration paths for many voters, though some counties still require mail or an in-person visit for certain updates. If your registration still shows an old name close to an election, you may face additional checks at the polling place. See the full 50-state voter registration guide for deadlines, typical documents, and official Vote.gov links.
Related: SAVE Act & name change overview