The short answer
A Florida divorce cannot be finalized until at least 20 days after the petition is filed (§ 61.19, Florida Statutes). Agreed divorces usually finish within one to a few months, while contested divorces often take many months or more, depending on the disputes and the court's calendar.
How long does a Florida divorce take?
20 days is the legal minimum. A Florida judge cannot sign the final judgment, the court order that ends your marriage, until 20 days after the petition is filed. If you and your spouse agree on everything, most cases finish in one to a few months. If you disagree about children, money or property, a contested divorce can take many months or longer.
The 20-day rule comes from § 61.19, Florida Statutes (2026 text, current as of October 2026):
"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."
Your court's calendar matters too. In Flagler County, the clerk says it can take 30 to 90 days after filing for the court to review a new case and set a hearing (as of October 2026).
| Path | Who it fits | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Simplified dissolution | No minor children, no alimony, both agree on property and debts | At least 20 days; often one to three months while the court sets a hearing |
| Uncontested regular divorce | Spouses agree on all issues, including children and support | At least 20 days; often one to a few months, plus 45 days for the parenting course if you have children |
| Contested divorce | Spouses disagree on children, support, alimony or property | Many months or longer, depending on financial disclosure, any court-ordered mediation and the trial date |
What makes a Florida divorce take longer?
Most delays come from built-in deadlines and from disagreements. These are the main time steps under Florida law:
- Residency: One spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months before filing (§ 61.021, Florida Statutes).
- Waiting period: No final judgment for at least 20 days after filing (§ 61.19, Florida Statutes).
- Answer: Your spouse has 20 days after being served to file a response (Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.140).
- Financial disclosure: Each spouse must give the other financial papers, like tax returns and bank statements, within 45 days of service (Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285). Simplified dissolutions skip this step.
- Parenting course: With minor children, the person who files must finish the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course within 45 days of filing. The other parent has 45 days from service (§ 61.21, Florida Statutes).
- Disputes: Every issue you cannot settle may need mediation, a meeting with a neutral helper, or a trial. Both add time.
Tip: Settling issues early and sending your financial papers on time are the two easiest ways to keep your case moving.
If your spouse disagrees with you or hides money, talk to a family lawyer. You can read more in our Divorce and Separation guides.
Frequently asked questions
How Quickly Can I Get a Divorce in Florida?
20 days is the fastest. A judge cannot enter the final judgment sooner unless you prove a delay would cause injustice (§ 61.19, Florida Statutes). In practice, even agreed cases take longer, because the court must review the case and set a hearing. In Flagler County that can take 30 to 90 days (as of October 2026).
Does Florida require a separation period before divorce?
No. Florida has no required separation period before you file. You only need to meet the 6-month residency rule in § 61.021, Florida Statutes. After filing, you must wait at least 20 days for the final judgment under § 61.19. You and your spouse can keep living at the same address while the case is open.
What is a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage?
A Simplified Dissolution of Marriage is a faster divorce for couples who agree on everything. You qualify if you have no minor or dependent children, the wife is not pregnant, and neither of you asks for alimony. You must also agree on how to split property and debts. You both give up the right to a trial and an appeal, and you both attend the final hearing.
What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in Florida?
6 months. Under § 61.021, Florida Statutes, one spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before the petition is filed. Only one spouse has to meet this rule. The court will want proof, such as a Florida driver's license, a voter registration card or a witness who confirms where you live.
Do parents have to take a parenting class?
Yes. Under § 61.21, Florida Statutes, both parents in a divorce with minor children must complete the Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before the final judgment. The parent who files has 45 days after filing. The other parent has 45 days after service. Each parent must file proof of completion with the court.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Florida?
$408 in Flagler County, as of October 2026. The Flagler County Clerk charges $408 for both regular and simplified dissolutions, and the fee is not refunded if you reconcile. Other counties may charge different amounts or add costs, such as fees for serving papers on your spouse, so check with your county clerk before you file.
Sources
- Section 61.19, Florida Statutes (2026): Entry of judgment of dissolution of marriage; delay period, Florida Legislature
- Section 61.021, Florida Statutes (2026): Residence requirements, Florida Legislature
- Section 61.21, Florida Statutes (2026): Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, Florida Legislature
- Dissolution of Marriage, Flagler County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
- Rule 12.140, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure: Defenses, FloridaRules.net
- Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure: Mandatory Disclosure, FloridaRules.net