Florida DIY Divorce: A Complete Guide

Florida offers one of the fastest DIY divorce paths in the country, with only a 20-day waiting period and streamlined court forms. Whether you qualify for simplified dissolution or need the standard uncontested track, understanding your options can save thousands in legal fees. This guide covers e-filing through the Florida Courts portal, Supreme Court-approved forms, mediation resources, and eligibility requirements.

Simplified Dissolution: The Fastest Track

Simplified dissolution under Family Law Rule 12.105 is Florida's most streamlined divorce process. To qualify, you must meet all of these requirements:

• No minor or dependent children (and wife is not pregnant)
• Both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
• Both spouses agree on division of all property and debts
• Both spouses waive rights to trial and appeal
• Both spouses can attend the final hearing together

If you qualify, both spouses file jointly using Form 12.901(a) (Petition for Simplified Dissolution). There's no service requirement since both parties sign together, and you pay only one filing fee. Cases can be finalized as quickly as 3-4 weeks after filing.

Uncontested Regular Dissolution

If you don't qualify for simplified dissolution—perhaps you have children or one spouse can't attend the hearing—you can still pursue an uncontested divorce. In this track, both spouses agree on all issues and sign a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and, if children are involved, a Parenting Plan.

Use Form 12.901(b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) depending on whether you have children and property. Even though it's uncontested, one spouse files first and serves the other, who then files a response or waiver.

E-Filing Through the Florida Courts Portal

Florida offers electronic filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. The portal is free to use and eliminates trips to the courthouse.

The Florida Courts Self-Help Center provides "DIY Florida" guided interviews specifically designed for self-represented filers. These interviews walk you through the required questions and generate properly formatted forms.

To file for divorce using the portal:

• Create an account at myflcourtaccess.com
• Complete the appropriate petition form
• Upload your supporting documents
• Pay the filing fee electronically
• Submit to your county's Circuit Court

Residency Requirements

Before filing for divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for six months immediately before filing, per Florida Statute 61.021. You can prove residency with a Florida driver's license, voter registration card, or a corroborating witness affidavit using Form 12.902(i).

Filing Fees and Fee Waivers

The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Florida is approximately $408-$409, depending on the county. This includes statutory surcharges for the Child Welfare Training Trust Fund, Domestic Violence Trust Fund, and General Revenue.

Additional costs include:

• Summons issuance: approximately $10
• Service of process: varies by sheriff/process server
• Recording fee at judgment: up to $10.50

If you cannot afford court costs, Florida offers fee waivers. File the Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status with the clerk's office, and approved applicants have filing fees deferred.

The 20-Day Waiting Period

Florida imposes a 20-day mandatory waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. This is one of the shortest waiting periods in the country. Combined with court scheduling, most uncontested Florida divorces are finalized within 30-75 days when paperwork is complete and error-free.

The waiting period can only be waived in limited circumstances when the court finds an earlier judgment is necessary to avoid injustice.

Mediation Options

While mediation isn't mandatory statewide, many Florida circuits require it before a contested final hearing. Under Florida Statute 44.102, courts may refer family cases to mediation, and many circuits have established mediation programs with sliding-scale fees.

If you and your spouse struggle to reach agreement, mediation can help bridge the gap without going to trial. Mediation may be conducted in person or remotely by audio or video technology when ordered or agreed upon by the parties.

Estimate Your Florida Divorce Costs

Use our calculator to estimate your total Florida divorce costs, including filing fees and potential service costs. For a complete document checklist, see our Florida divorce filing checklist.