How to Change Your Name
in Florida
Court requirements, required documents, filing fees, and a step-by-step process for legally changing your name in Florida.
Filing Fee
$400-$450
Court fee
Timeline
4-8 weeks
To court order
Court
Circuit Court
Where you file
Florida Name Change — Key Facts
Filing Court
Circuit Court
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside
Filing Fee
$400-$450
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Newspaper Publication
Not required
No Publication Required in Florida
No publication required in Florida.
Florida-Specific Rule
Florida does NOT require newspaper publication for adult name changes, making it one of the more straightforward states. However, a background check (fingerprints) is required.
Required Documents in Florida
Petition for Change of Name (Form NC 6.1)
Birth certificate (certified copy)
Government-issued photo ID
Filing fee payment
Fingerprint card for background check
Final Judgment of Change of Name (Form NC 6.2)
6-Step Name Change Process in Florida
Complete the Name Change Petition
File your petition in File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. The petition includes your current name, requested new name, and reason for the change.
Gather Required Documents
Collect: Petition for Change of Name (Form NC 6.1), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Fingerprint card for background check, Final Judgment of Change of Name (Form NC 6.2).
Pay the Filing Fee
The filing fee in Florida is approximately $400-$450. Ask the clerk if fee waivers are available for low-income petitioners.
Wait for Court Processing
No newspaper publication is required in Florida. The court will process your petition and schedule a hearing or issue the order directly.
Attend Your Court Hearing (if required)
Some Florida courts hold brief hearings for name change petitions. Others issue orders without a hearing if no one objects. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks total.
Update Your Records
After receiving your court order, update your Social Security card (SSA.gov), driver's license (DMV), passport, bank accounts, employer records, voter registration, and other official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Name Change
Where do I file for a name change in Florida?
In Florida, you file in the Circuit Court. File in the Circuit Court in the county where you reside. Make sure to bring all required documents and payment for the filing fee.
How much does a name change cost in Florida?
The filing fee in Florida is approximately $400-$450. If publication is required, add $50–$200 for newspaper fees. You'll also want 2–3 certified copies of your court order ($5–$20 each) to update your records.
Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper in Florida?
No publication required in Florida.
How long does a name change take in Florida?
From filing to receiving your court order, expect 4-8 weeks in Florida. After you receive the order, updating all your identification documents (SSA, DMV, passport, bank) typically takes another 2–4 weeks.
What documents do I need to change my name in Florida?
For your name change petition in Florida, gather: Petition for Change of Name (Form NC 6.1), Birth certificate (certified copy), Government-issued photo ID, Filing fee payment, Fingerprint card for background check, Final Judgment of Change of Name (Form NC 6.2). JustiPal™ provides a complete Florida-specific document checklist.
Related Resources
Free Check
Name Change Readiness
See if you have everything needed to file in Florida. Takes 2 minutes.
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Name Change Intake Package
Guided intake with Florida-specific checklist, court forms, and your complete filing packet.
- Guided intake workflow
- Florida document checklist
- Court form preparation
- Post-order update checklist
Document preparation · Not a law firm
JustiPal™ prepares documents — we don't provide legal advice. For complex situations (criminal history, minor name changes, etc.), consult an attorney in Florida.
Other State Guides