The short answer
As of October 2026, an uncontested divorce in Florida costs about $408 in court fees: the $397.50 filing fee plus a $10.50 Vital Statistics fee at the final judgment. Forms, service, a parenting course or a lawyer add to that, and you can ask the clerk to waive the fees if your income is low.
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Florida?
$408 is the usual court cost as of October 2026, and you can often do the paperwork yourself. Florida clerks charge a $397.50 filing fee when you file. They charge a $10.50 Vital Statistics fee when the judge signs the final judgment, the court order that ends the marriage. Forms, service, a parenting class or a lawyer cost extra.
Sources: the filing fee schedules of the Manatee County and Osceola County Clerks of Court, as of October 2026. The Osceola County Clerk lists a total of $416 for a simplified divorce: an $8 form packet, the $397.50 filing fee and the $10.50 Vital Statistics fee.
What does the cost of an uncontested divorce depend on?
Your total depends mostly on whether you have children, how your spouse gets the papers and whether you hire a lawyer. An uncontested divorce is one where you and your spouse agree on everything, such as property, debts and parenting.
- Filing fee: $397.50, paid to the clerk when you file the petition, the form that starts the case.
- Vital Statistics fee: $10.50, paid when the final judgment is entered.
- Form packets: Optional. Some clerks sell printed packets. Osceola County charges $8 for simplified divorce, $20 for an uncontested divorce without children and $30 with children.
- Summons: $10 each, if your spouse must be formally served. A summons is the court notice that tells your spouse about the case.
- Service: Starts at about $40 for the sheriff or a process server. You may skip this if your spouse signs and files an answer instead.
- Parenting course: If you have minor children, both parents must take a course of at least 4 hours under § 61.21, Florida Statutes. Providers may charge a reasonable fee.
- Lawyer: Optional. Fees vary widely by lawyer and county, so ask for a written quote.
Tip: If your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can apply to the clerk for civil indigent status under § 57.082, Florida Statutes. If approved, you do not pay the filing fees up front.
You also need to meet two rules before you file. One spouse must have lived in Florida for at least 6 months before filing, under § 61.021, Florida Statutes. And a judge cannot sign the final judgment until at least 20 days after filing, under § 61.19, Florida Statutes, unless waiting would cause an injustice.
Payment rules differ by county. Osceola County, for example, takes cash, money orders and cashier's checks, but not personal checks or cards. The clerk does not refund filing fees, so check the forms before you pay.
| Path | Court costs | Common extras |
|---|---|---|
| Simplified dissolution (no children, both agree) | $408 ($397.50 filing + $10.50 Vital Statistics) | Optional form packet; both spouses must attend filing and the final hearing |
| Uncontested divorce without children | $408 | $10 summons and about $40 or more for service, if your spouse is served |
| Uncontested divorce with children | $408 | Parenting course fee for each parent; summons and service if needed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the filing fee for divorce in Florida?
$397.50 as of October 2026. Florida clerks charge this fee to file a petition for dissolution of marriage, including a simplified dissolution. A separate $10.50 Vital Statistics fee is due when the final judgment is entered, so the court total is about $408. If you cannot afford it, you can apply for civil indigent status with the clerk.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get a Divorce in Florida?
A simplified dissolution of marriage is usually the cheapest way. You file together, without lawyers, and pay about $408 in court fees as of October 2026. It only works if you have no minor or dependent children, the wife is not pregnant, you agree on dividing property and debts, and both of you appear at filing and the final hearing.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Florida?
No. Florida does not require a lawyer, and many couples handle an uncontested divorce using the Florida Supreme Court approved family law forms. A lawyer is still a good idea if you have children, a house, retirement accounts, a business, alimony questions or any concern about safety or fairness. Even a one-time review of your agreement can prevent costly mistakes.
What is a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage?
A Simplified Dissolution of Marriage is Florida's shortest divorce process for couples who agree on everything. You can use it if you have no minor or dependent children, the wife is not pregnant, you have agreed how to split property and debts, and one spouse has lived in Florida for 6 months. Both spouses file together and attend the final hearing.
How Quickly Can I Get a Divorce in Florida?
20 days after filing is the earliest in most cases. Under § 61.19, Florida Statutes, a judge cannot sign the final judgment until at least 20 days have passed since the petition was filed, unless waiting would cause an injustice. Uncontested cases often take longer, depending on the court's hearing schedule and how fast you finish the paperwork.
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, which runs at least 4 hours. The parent who files must finish within 45 days after filing. The other parent must finish within 45 days after being served. Providers may charge a reasonable fee.
Sources
- Dissolution of Marriage, Osceola County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Family Law Filing Fees, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Domestic Relations, Lake County Clerk of Courts
- § 57.082, Florida Statutes (2026): Determination of civil indigent status, The Florida Legislature
- § 61.21, Florida Statutes (2026): Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, The Florida Legislature
- § 61.19, Florida Statutes (2026): Entry of judgment of dissolution of marriage; delay period, The Florida Legislature
- § 61.021, Florida Statutes (2026): Residence requirements, The Florida Legislature