The Filing Fee for a Name Change in Florida

A name change in Florida costs between $150 and $400 in court filing fees, depending on which county you file in and whether you need additional services. The base filing fee itself is set by each county clerk's office and typically falls between $150 and $250. If you need certified copies of your name change order, the clerk charges an extra fee per copy—usually $1 to $2 per page.

You pay the filing fee when you submit your petition to the circuit court in your county. Some clerks accept cash, check, or card; others have different payment methods. Call your county clerk's office before you go in person to confirm what they accept and the exact amount for your county.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver by filing a motion with the court. You will need to show that you cannot pay without hardship. The judge decides whether to waive the fee, reduce it, or allow you to pay in installments.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida county clerks charge between $150 and $250 for the name change filing fee, and the exact amount varies by county.
  • Certified copies of your name change order cost $1 to $2 per page and are needed to update your ID, Social Security record, and other documents.
  • You can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay, though the judge must approve it.
  • The total cost stays under $400 for most people unless you hire an attorney, which is optional for a straightforward name change.

What the Filing Fee Covers

The filing fee pays for the court to process your petition, assign it to a judge, and issue the final name change order. It does not cover the cost of certified copies, which you will need to update your driver's license, Social Security record, birth certificate, and bank accounts.

When the judge approves your name change, the clerk issues an order. You can request certified copies at that time or return later to order them. Most people order at least two or three copies because government agencies and financial institutions often require an original certified copy, not a photocopy.

Certified Copies and How Many You Need

A certified copy of your name change order is a court-stamped version that proves the change is official. Government agencies and banks will not accept a photocopy or a plain printout. The clerk charges per page, and a name change order is usually one or two pages, so each certified copy costs $1 to $4.

Most people order between three and five certified copies. You will need one for the Social Security Administration, one for your state ID or driver's license, and one for your bank. If you have a passport, employer records, or insurance policies, you may need additional copies for those as well. It is cheaper to order several at once than to return to the clerk's office later.

County-by-County Fee Differences

Florida law allows each county clerk to set the filing fee within a range. Larger counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hillsborough tend to charge toward the higher end—around $250—while smaller rural counties may charge $150 to $180. The difference reflects the cost of running the clerk's office in that county.

Before you file, contact your county clerk's office by phone or visit their website to confirm the exact fee. The clerk's office is located in the courthouse in your county seat. You can also ask whether they charge extra for rush processing or whether they offer payment plans if you need to spread the cost over time.

When You Might Pay More

If you hire an attorney to handle your name change, you will pay attorney fees on top of the court filing fee. A straightforward name change is straightforward enough that many people file without a lawyer, but some choose to hire one for peace of mind. Attorney fees for a name change typically range from $300 to $800, though this varies by attorney and location.

You may also pay extra if you need to publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper. Florida law requires publication in most cases, and the newspaper charges a fee—usually $50 to $150—to print the notice. Some counties have exceptions or allow you to skip publication under certain circumstances, so ask the clerk whether it applies to you.

How to Pay and What Happens Next

When you file your petition at the county clerk's office, you pay the filing fee at that time. Bring a check, cash, or card, depending on what the clerk accepts. Ask for a receipt and keep it with your court documents.

After you file and pay, the clerk assigns your case a number and schedules it for a judge to review. In most cases, the judge approves the name change without a hearing if everything in your petition is correct. You will receive notice by mail when the order is ready. At that point, you can return to the clerk's office to pick up certified copies or request them by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my filing fee back if the judge denies my name change?

No, the filing fee is not refunded even if the judge denies your petition. However, denials are rare in Florida if you follow the correct process and meet the basic requirements. The judge is most likely to deny a petition if you are trying to change your name to commit fraud or evade legal obligations.

Do I have to pay the filing fee all at once?

Most county clerks require payment in full when you file. Some offices may allow a payment plan if you ask, but this is not may provide. If you cannot pay the full amount, file a motion for a fee waiver instead of trying to negotiate a payment plan.

How much does it cost to change your name on your Social Security record?

The Social Security Administration does not charge a fee to update your name record. You will need to bring your certified name change order, a valid ID, and proof of citizenship to your local Social Security office. The only cost is the certified copy of your court order, which you already paid for at the clerk's office.

What if I need certified copies months after my name change is final?

You can order additional certified copies from the county clerk at any time. The cost per copy remains the same—$1 to $2 per page. It is faster and cheaper to order several copies when you first get your order, but you are not locked into that decision.

Does Florida charge differently for adults versus minors?

The filing fee is the same regardless of age. A minor's name change follows the same court process and costs the same as an adult's. The main difference is that a parent or guardian must file the petition on the minor's behalf.