The short answer
Yes. Florida lets you represent yourself in a divorce using Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms, as long as one spouse has lived in Florida for 6 months before filing (§ 61.021, Florida Statutes). Couples with no children who agree on property and debts can use simplified dissolution under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.105.
Can I get divorced in Florida without a lawyer?
You can handle this, and many people in Florida do it without hiring anyone.
Yes. Florida lets you represent yourself in a divorce, which the courts call a dissolution of marriage. You fill out Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms and file them with the clerk of the circuit court. One spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months before filing. The judge must still sign a final judgment, the court order that ends the marriage.
- Residency: One spouse must live in Florida for 6 months before filing (§ 61.021, Florida Statutes, 2026).
- Grounds: The marriage is "irretrievably broken," meaning it cannot be saved. No separation period is required (§ 61.052, Florida Statutes, 2026).
- Waiting period: The judge cannot enter a final judgment until at least 20 days after you file, unless that delay would cause an injustice (§ 61.19, Florida Statutes, 2026).
- Filing fee: $408 in Pasco County and $409 in Miami-Dade County, plus $10 per summons, as of October 2026.
For a full walk-through of the forms, see how to get a divorce in Florida without a lawyer.
What does doing it yourself depend on?
How easy it is depends mostly on whether you have children and whether you agree. The more you and your spouse agree on, the simpler the paperwork.
- Children: If you share minor or dependent children, you need a parenting plan and child support forms. Simplified dissolution is not allowed.
- Agreement: If you agree on how to split property and debts, the case is uncontested, meaning there is nothing for the judge to decide. A contested case usually means hearings, and often a lawyer.
- Alimony: Alimony is support one spouse pays the other. If either spouse wants it, you cannot use simplified dissolution.
- Your spouse's cooperation: If your spouse won't sign, you must have them formally served with a summons, the court notice of the case.
Under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.105, simplified dissolution is open only to spouses who swear they have no minor or dependent children together, the wife is not pregnant, and they have divided their property and agreed on who pays joint debts. Both spouses must go to the final hearing. The rule also says the clerk or family law intake staff must give you the forms and help you fill them out.
Tip: Many circuits run a family court self-help program. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit's program in Miami-Dade reviews your forms before filing for an $85 service fee, as of October 2026. It cannot give legal advice.
If you're not sure your case is simple enough, read do I need a lawyer for divorce in Florida.
| Path | Who can use it | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Simplified dissolution | No shared minor children, wife not pregnant, no alimony, full agreement on property and debts | Joint petition (Form 12.901(a)) signed by both spouses; both attend the final hearing |
| Uncontested regular dissolution | Spouses who agree on everything, including those with children | Petition, financial affidavits, marital settlement agreement, and a parenting plan if you have children |
| Contested dissolution | Spouses who disagree on property, support or parenting | Summons, disclosure, likely mediation and hearings; a lawyer is strongly advised |
When should I talk to a lawyer instead?
Doing it yourself works best when the case is simple and calm. Get legal advice if any of these apply.
- Abuse or safety risks: Domestic violence changes how the case should be handled.
- Big assets: A house, a business or retirement accounts can be easy to divide wrongly.
- Disagreement over children: Time-sharing and support decisions last for years.
- Your spouse has a lawyer: You may be at a disadvantage on your own.
Warning: Once the judge signs your final judgment, it is hard to undo. Mistakes about property or debts can be very costly to fix later.
You can also hire a lawyer for just part of the case, such as reviewing your settlement agreement. To compare costs, see how much a divorce lawyer costs in Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Florida?
No. Florida does not require a lawyer for divorce. You can file Florida Supreme Court approved forms with the clerk yourself. A lawyer is wise if you have children and disagree, own a business or significant property, face domestic violence, or your spouse has hired an attorney.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Florida?
About $408 to $409, as of October 2026. Pasco County charges $408 for both regular and simplified dissolution. Miami-Dade charges $409. Expect $10 per summons if your spouse must be served. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the clerk to find you indigent, which can waive clerk fees.
How Quickly Can I Get a Divorce in Florida?
20 days is the minimum. Under § 61.19, Florida Statutes, a judge cannot enter a final judgment until at least 20 days after the petition is filed, unless delay would cause an injustice. In practice, uncontested cases often take longer, depending on the court's hearing calendar in your county.
Does Florida require a separation period before divorce?
No. Florida has no required separation period. Under § 61.052, Florida Statutes, you only need to show the marriage is irretrievably broken, or that a spouse has been legally found mentally incapacitated for at least 3 years. You must still meet the 6-month residency rule.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Florida?
Simplified dissolution, filed without a lawyer, is usually cheapest. You pay mainly the clerk's filing fee, about $408 to $409 as of October 2026. It is only open to couples with no shared minor children, no alimony requests, and full agreement on property and debts. Both spouses must attend the final hearing.
Sources
- § 61.021, Florida Statutes (2026): Residence requirements, The Florida Legislature
- § 61.052, Florida Statutes (2026): Dissolution of marriage, The Florida Legislature
- § 61.19, Florida Statutes (2026): Entry of judgment of dissolution of marriage, delay period, The Florida Legislature
- Rule 12.105, Simplified Dissolution Procedure, FloridaRules.net
- Family Court Fees & Costs, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
- Family Court Self-Help Program, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida