The Florida name change process starts in circuit court, costs between $150 and $400, and takes four to eight weeks from filing to final order
You file a petition in the circuit court of the county where you live, pay the filing fee, and attend a brief hearing where a judge signs off on your new name. Florida does not require a reason — you can change your name for any purpose except to commit fraud or evade the law. The court publishes your petition in a local newspaper for two weeks, then issues a final order you can use to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents.
The process is the same whether you are an adult, a minor with parental consent, or a parent changing a child's name. The main variables are the county filing fee (which ranges by location) and whether you need a lawyer. Most people handle this without one.
Key Takeaways
- You file a petition in your county's circuit court, not online or by mail — you must appear in person or through your lawyer at the hearing.
- The court requires publication of your petition in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks before the judge can sign the final order.
- Filing fees range from $150 to $400 depending on your county, and you pay the newspaper publication cost separately (usually $50 to $150).
- Once the judge signs the final order, you use it to update your Social Security number, Florida driver's license, and birth certificate with the state vital records office.
- The entire process from filing to final order typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on court scheduling and newspaper publication timing.
Where to file and what documents you need
Go to the circuit court clerk's office in the county where you live. You can find the address and phone number on your county's official website — search "[your county name] Florida circuit court clerk." Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card or number. If you are changing a minor's name, bring the child's birth certificate and the consent of both parents (or a custody order if one parent has sole custody). If you are a minor yourself, you need written consent from a parent or guardian.
The clerk will give you the petition form — it is called a "Petition for Change of Name" — and a list of approved newspapers in your county. You fill out the form with your current legal name, the name you want, and your reason (which can be as straightforward as "personal preference"). The clerk will tell you the exact filing fee for your county and the cost to publish in the newspaper they recommend.
Filing the petition and paying fees
Pay the filing fee to the clerk when you submit your petition. This covers the court's processing and the judge's review. The amount varies: some counties charge $150, others $300 or more. Call your clerk's office before you go so you know the exact amount and whether they accept cash, check, or card.
You also pay the newspaper publication cost at the same time or shortly after. The clerk will direct you to the newspaper they recommend — usually a local paper that publishes legal notices. You contact the newspaper directly, give them a copy of your petition, and pay them to run it for two consecutive weeks. This cost is separate from the court filing fee and typically ranges from $50 to $150.
Keep copies of your filed petition and all receipts. You will need them to prove publication when you go to the hearing.
The newspaper publication requirement and hearing
Florida law requires your petition to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in your county for two consecutive weeks. This is a public notice — it tells anyone who objects to your name change that they can show up in court and say so. In practice, objections are rare unless the change is being made to evade a debt or criminal obligation.
After the two weeks of publication are complete, the newspaper sends you an affidavit of publication — a document proving the notice ran on specific dates. Bring this to your hearing. The clerk will also tell you the date of your hearing, which is usually scheduled four to six weeks after you file.
At the hearing, you appear before a judge (or your lawyer appears on your behalf). The judge asks you why you want to change your name. Answer honestly and briefly — "personal preference" or "I have always gone by this name" are both acceptable. The judge will review your petition, confirm the newspaper published it, and if everything is in order, will sign the final order on the spot or within a few days.
Getting your final order and updating your documents
Once the judge signs the final order, the clerk gives you certified copies. Order at least three or four — you will need them to update your Social Security card, driver's license, birth certificate, and possibly bank accounts or employer records. Each agency may ask for one.
Start with the Social Security Administration. Go to your local Social Security office with your final order and a valid photo ID. They will update your Social Security card at no cost. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Next, go to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license or state ID. Bring your final order, your current license, and proof of your new name (the final order itself serves this purpose). The fee is $20 to $30 depending on whether you renew your license at the same time.
To update your birth certificate, contact the Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics. Mail them a certified copy of your final order along with a request form (available on their website). The fee is $5 to $15 for a new birth certificate. Processing takes two to four weeks by mail.
Name changes for minors and special circumstances
If you are changing a child's name, the process is identical except you must have written consent from both parents, or a custody order if one parent has sole custody. If the other parent will not consent, you can still petition the court, but the judge will hold a hearing to determine whether the change is in the child's best interest. Bring any relevant custody documents and be prepared to explain why the change benefits the child.
If you are a minor yourself and want to change your own name, you need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian does not have to appear at the hearing, but their signed consent form must be filed with your petition.
If you have a criminal record or outstanding debt, the court may deny your petition if it appears the name change is intended to evade the law or a legal obligation. Be honest with the judge about your situation — attempting to hide it will only hurt your case.
Cost breakdown and timeline
| Step | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit court filing fee | $150–$400 (varies by county) | Paid at filing |
| Newspaper publication | $50–$150 | Arranged within 1 week of filing |
| Newspaper publication period | None | 2 consecutive weeks |
| Court hearing | None | 4–6 weeks after filing |
| Judge's final order | None | Same day or within 1 week |
| Certified copies of order (per copy) | $1–$5 | Same day or next business day |
| Social Security card update | None | 1–2 weeks |
| Florida driver's license update | $20–$30 | Same day or 1–2 weeks by mail |
| Birth certificate update | $5–$15 | 2–4 weeks by mail |
Total out-of-pocket cost ranges from $230 to $600, depending on your county and how many certified copies you order. Total time from filing to having all documents updated is typically eight to twelve weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Florida?
No. The process is straightforward enough that most people file the petition themselves. A lawyer charges $300 to $800 to handle it, which is often more than the court and publication fees combined. You only need a lawyer if the other parent is contesting a minor's name change or if you have a complex legal situation.
Can I change my name without publishing it in a newspaper?
No. Florida law requires two weeks of newspaper publication. There is no way around this requirement, and the judge cannot sign the final order without proof of publication.
What if I want to change my name back to my maiden name after a divorce?
You can do it through the name change process described here, or you can request it as part of your divorce decree. If your divorce is already final, use the circuit court petition process. If your divorce is pending, ask your lawyer to include the name change in the final judgment — this is usually faster and costs less.
How long does the name change stay valid once the judge signs it?
Forever. The final order is a permanent court document. You can use it to update your documents at any time, and you do not need to renew it or file anything again.
Can the court deny my name change petition?
Yes, but rarely. The judge can deny it if the change appears intended to commit fraud, evade a legal obligation, or harm someone else. If you have unpaid child support, outstanding warrants, or are trying to hide from a creditor, the court may refuse. Be honest at your hearing — judges are more likely to grant a petition when you are straightforward about your situation.