The short answer
A Florida divorce takes at least 20 days from filing under § 61.19, Florida Statutes. Florida courts aim to finish uncontested divorces within 90 days and contested divorces within 180 days, though disputed cases can run longer.
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
Most Florida divorces follow a clear, predictable path, and you can often tell early on how long yours will take.
Twenty days is the shortest it can take. A judge cannot sign your final judgment, the court order that ends the marriage, until 20 days after you file the petition. Florida courts aim to finish uncontested divorces within 90 days and contested divorces within 180 days. If you and your spouse disagree, it can take longer.
Source: § 61.19, Florida Statutes (2026), and Rule 2.250 of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, as of October 2026. The statute reads:
"No final judgment of dissolution of marriage may be entered until at least 20 days have elapsed from the date of filing the original petition for dissolution of marriage; but the court, on a showing that injustice would result from this delay, may enter a final judgment of dissolution of marriage at an earlier date."
The 90-day and 180-day figures are goals the courts set for themselves, not promises. Rule 2.250 calls them "presumptively reasonable," and time when a case is inactive does not count toward them.
| Path | Who it fits | Time from filing |
|---|---|---|
| Simplified dissolution | No minor children, no pregnancy, full agreement on property and debts, no alimony | 20 days minimum; often finished at one short hearing |
| Uncontested divorce | You agree on everything, including any children and support | 20 days minimum; court goal of 90 days |
| Contested divorce | You disagree on property, alimony, children or support | Court goal of 180 days; can run longer if it goes to trial |
What makes a Florida divorce take longer?
Disagreement adds the most time. The more issues you and your spouse fight over, the more steps the court needs before it can rule.
- Residency: You or your spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months before filing, under § 61.021, Florida Statutes. If neither of you has, you must wait before you can start.
- Serving your spouse: Your spouse must get formal notice of the case. A spouse who is hard to find or dodges service can add weeks.
- Financial disclosure: Both spouses must exchange financial records, such as a financial affidavit, a sworn list of income, debts and assets. Missing paperwork slows things down.
- Children: Parents must agree on a parenting plan, a schedule for time with the children, or let the judge decide. This often adds time.
- Mediation and trial: Many contested cases go to mediation, a meeting where a neutral person helps you settle. Cases that do not settle wait for a trial date.
- Court calendar: Busy counties may take longer to set hearings.
Tip: Settling every issue in a written marital settlement agreement, a signed contract covering property, debts and children, is the surest way to keep your divorce close to the 20-day minimum.
If your spouse disagrees, has a lawyer, or you share children or a house, talk with a Florida family lawyer early. A lawyer can tell you which path fits and how long it is likely to take in your county.
Frequently asked questions
How Quickly Can I Get a Divorce in Florida?
Twenty days after filing is the fastest, under § 61.19, Florida Statutes. A judge can go faster only if you show that waiting would cause injustice. To come close to 20 days, you and your spouse must agree on everything and file a signed settlement agreement, often through a simplified dissolution.
Does Florida require a separation period before divorce?
No. Florida does not require you to live apart for any set time before filing. The only waits are the 6-month residency rule in § 61.021, Florida Statutes, before you file, and the 20-day wait in § 61.19 before a judge can sign the final judgment.
What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in Florida?
Six months. Under § 61.021, Florida Statutes, you or your spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing the petition. Clerks often ask for proof, such as a Florida driver's license or ID card issued at least 6 months before you file.
What is a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage?
It is Florida's shortest divorce process, under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.105. It fits couples with no minor children, no pregnancy, full agreement on dividing property and debts, and no alimony request. Both spouses must sign, give up the right to a trial and appeal, and attend the final hearing.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Florida?
$408, plus $10 for each summons issued, as of October 2026, according to the Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The same $408 applies to a simplified dissolution. Other counties charge similar amounts, so check with your county clerk. Card payments may add a processing fee.
Sources
- Section 61.19, Florida Statutes (2026): Entry of judgment of dissolution of marriage, delay period, The Florida Legislature
- Section 61.021, Florida Statutes (2026): Residence requirements, The Florida Legislature
- Rule 2.250: Time Standards for Trial and Appellate Courts and Reporting Requirements, Ruledex (Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration)
- Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce), Seminole County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Simplified Dissolution of Marriage checklist, Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida