How do I legally change my name in Florida?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Florida?

Florida adult name changes are governed by Florida Statutes § 68.07 and filed in the circuit court of the county where the petitioner resides. 1. File the Petition - Complete Petition for Change of Name (Adult) — Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a). - File with the clerk of the circuit court ; filing fee is approximately $400 (varies slightly by county; Miami-Dade ~$401). - Petition must include reason for change, prior names, residence history, and disclosure of any criminal record. 2. Fingerprint Background Check - Florida requires fingerprint submission to FDLE for an FBI/FCIC/NCIC background check (Fla. Stat. § 68.07(3)). - Use a Live Scan vendor; cost ~$50–$80. Results sent directly to the court. - Waiver available if changing name due to marriage, dissolution, or adoption already reflected in a court order. 3. Hearing - After the background check clears (4–8 weeks), court sets a brief hearing. - Petitioner appears and answers basic questions; judge signs Final Judgment of Change of Name . - No publication requirement for adult name changes in Florida. 4. After the Decree - Order certified copies ($10 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Florida DL at DMV ($25 duplicate fee). - Update U.S. passport, voter registration, banks, employer. 5. Divorce-Based Name Restoration - Florida courts must restore a former name on request in the dissolution judgment (Fla. Stat. § 61.041) — no separate petition. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Florida adult name changes are governed by Florida Statutes § 68.07 and filed in the circuit court of the county where the petitioner resides.

1. File the Petition

Complete Petition for Change of Name (Adult) — Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.982(a).

File with the clerk of the circuit court; filing fee is approximately $400 (varies slightly by county; Miami-Dade ~$401).

Petition must include reason for change, prior names, residence history, and disclosure of any criminal record.

2. Fingerprint Background Check

Florida requires fingerprint submission to FDLE for an FBI/FCIC/NCIC background check (Fla. Stat. § 68.07(3)).

Use a Live Scan vendor; cost ~$50–$80. Results sent directly to the court.

Waiver available if changing name due to marriage, dissolution, or adoption already reflected in a court order.

3. Hearing

After the background check clears (4–8 weeks), court sets a brief hearing.

Petitioner appears and answers basic questions; judge signs Final Judgment of Change of Name.

No publication requirement for adult name changes in Florida.

4. After the Decree

Order certified copies ($10 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Florida DL at DMV ($25 duplicate fee).

Update U.S. passport, voter registration, banks, employer.

5. Divorce-Based Name Restoration

Florida courts must restore a former name on request in the dissolution judgment (Fla. Stat. § 61.041) — no separate petition.

This is legal information, not legal advice.