How to File for Divorce in Florida (2026)
July 9, 2026 · 1 min read
Florida's six-month residency rule, 'irretrievably broken' grounds, and the simplified dissolution option, how to file an uncontested Florida divorce.
Free divorce tips
Occasional, useful guidance. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ready when you are
Begin your divorce online
Take the first step at your own pace. No account needed to start.
Begin your divorce- Attorney-reviewed guides
- All 50 states + DC
- Flat fee, no hidden costs
- Self-help service, not a law firm
Florida calls divorce 'dissolution of marriage.' It's a no-fault, equitable-distribution state with a relatively quick process for couples who agree.
Residency requirement
At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing. You'll typically prove this with a Florida driver's license or a witness affidavit.
Grounds
Florida is no-fault: you state the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' There's no need to prove fault.
Simplified vs. regular dissolution
Florida offers a 'simplified dissolution' for couples who have no minor children, no request for alimony, and who agree on dividing everything. It's faster and requires less paperwork. Couples with children or who want support use the regular uncontested process. Florida has no long mandatory waiting period, though a judge generally can't finalize until at least 20 days after filing.
Where to file
You file with the Circuit Court in your county and pay the filing fee, with a waiver available if you qualify. Your spouse is served or signs to accept, and once the paperwork is in order a judge can finalize, often within a couple of months.
This is general information, not legal advice; confirm the current rules with your Florida county court. We tailor your Florida forms and instructions to your county when you begin.
