Can I Get Divorced in Florida If I Was Married in Another State?

Quick Answer: Yes, absolutely. Florida courts can divorce couples married anywhere in the world, as long as you meet Florida's residency requirement.

The Only Requirement: Residency

To file for divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have been a Florida resident for at least 6 months before filing. Where you got married is irrelevant.

You can prove Florida residency with:

Florida driver's license
Florida voter registration card
Utility bills showing Florida address
Affidavit from a third party

Why Where You Married Doesn't Matter

Marriage and divorce are separate legal matters:

Marriage: Created under the laws where you got married
Divorce: Handled by courts where you live now

Florida recognizes all legal marriages from other states and countries.

Special Situations

Married Abroad

Florida recognizes marriages performed in other countries if they were legal where performed. You can divorce in Florida with residency.

Same-Sex Marriage

Florida recognizes all legal same-sex marriages. Same process applies.

Destination Wedding

Married in Vegas? The Caribbean? Florida courts handle these divorces regularly.

What Florida Law Applies

Even though you married elsewhere, Florida law governs your divorce:

Property division follows Florida's equitable distribution
Alimony follows Florida statutes
Child custody follows Florida's best interests standards

Common Concerns

Q: Do I need documents from where I was married?

A: You'll need your marriage certificate, but Florida courts don't need anything else from the original state.

Q: What if my spouse lives in another state?

A: You can still file in Florida. You'll need to properly serve your spouse in their state.

Q: Does this affect property division?

A: No. Florida divides property based on Florida law, regardless of where you married.

Ready to File?

If you've lived in Florida for 6+ months, you can divorce here regardless of where you married. Schedule a $95 Strategy Session to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for divorce in Florida if I was married in another state?

Yes. Florida courts can grant divorces to couples married anywhere—another state or even another country. The only requirement is that at least one spouse has been a Florida resident for at least 6 months before filing.

Do I need my marriage certificate from another state for Florida divorce?

Yes, you'll need your marriage certificate as proof of marriage. You can usually obtain a copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were married.

What law applies to my divorce if I was married in another state?

Florida law applies to divorces filed in Florida, regardless of where you were married. This means Florida's rules on property division, alimony, and child custody will govern your case.

Can I divorce in Florida if my spouse lives in another state?

Yes, you can file for divorce in Florida if you meet the 6-month residency requirement, even if your spouse lives elsewhere. You'll need to properly serve your spouse in their state.

Can I Get Divorced in Florida If I Was Married in Another State?