How do I legally change my name in Florida?

To legally change your name in Florida, you must file a Petition for Change of Name with the circuit court, complete fingerprinting and a background check, and attend a court hearing. If approved, the judge will sign a Final Judgment of Name Change, which you use to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and other records.

How much does it cost to change your name in Florida?

Court filing fees for an adult name change are approximately $400, plus $50-75 for fingerprinting and background check. Total court costs are about $450-500. Attorney fees range from $1,495 for full-service representation to $1,500-$3,000+ with hourly billing.

How long does a name change take in Florida?

An adult name change in Florida typically takes 4-8 weeks from filing to receiving your Final Judgment. This includes 1-3 weeks for the background check to process and 2-4 weeks for the court to schedule your hearing.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name in Florida?

You're not legally required to have a lawyer, but the process involves specific forms, fingerprinting coordination, e-filing, and a court hearing. Errors can cause delays or denial. Our full-service name change representation costs $1,495 and includes everything from petition to hearing.

Can a felon change their name in Florida?

Having a felony doesn't automatically disqualify you from a name change, but the judge will review your criminal history. Identity-related crimes, outstanding warrants, or evidence of fraudulent intent may result in denial. Each case is evaluated individually.

Florida Adult Name Change: Complete Legal Guide (2026)

How to Legally Change Your Name in Florida

Changing your name in Florida requires a court order. Unlike some states that allow common-law name changes, Florida requires you to petition the court, complete a background check, and attend a hearing.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about adult name changes in Florida.

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When Do You Need a Court-Ordered Name Change?

You NEED a Court Order To:

Get a new Social Security card with your new name
Update your driver's license to a new name
Change your passport name
Open bank accounts in your new name
Change your name on legal documents

Exceptions (No Court Order Needed):

Marriage: When you marry, you can change your surname through marriage—no separate petition needed. Present your marriage certificate to Social Security and DMV.

Divorce: You can request restoration of your maiden name in your divorce petition—no separate petition needed.

For all other name changes, you need to petition the court.

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Reasons People Change Their Names

Common Reasons

Divorce: Didn't request maiden name restoration in divorce
Personal preference: Dislike current name
Religious or spiritual: Converting to a new faith
Gender identity: Name consistent with gender identity
Professional: Stage name or author name
Correction: Fixing errors from birth certificate
Family reasons: Adopting stepparent's name, honoring family member

Reasons That May Be Denied

Fraudulent intent (avoiding debts, criminal record)
Attempting to confuse or mislead
Offensive or obscene names
Names that include titles (Dr., Esq.) or numbers

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Florida Adult Name Change Requirements

Step 1: File the Petition

Required documents:

Petition for Change of Name (Adult)
Civil cover sheet
Filing fee (~$400)

Information needed in the petition:

Current legal name
Requested new name
Reason for the change
Residency information
Criminal history disclosure

Step 2: Complete Background Check

Florida requires fingerprinting and a background check:

Fingerprinting: Done at a Florida Department of Law Enforcement approved location
Background check: FDLE and FBI records search
Cost: Approximately $50-75
Processing time: 1-3 weeks

Step 3: Hearing

Once your background check clears:

The court schedules a hearing
You attend (usually via Zoom)
The judge reviews your petition
If approved, the judge signs the Final Judgment of Name Change

Step 4: Update Your Records

With your Final Judgment, update:

Social Security Administration - Get new card first

Florida DMV - Driver's license/ID card

U.S. Passport - If you have one

Banks and financial institutions

Employer/HR department

Professional licenses

Voter registration

Insurance companies

Utility companies

Everything else - Subscriptions, memberships, etc.

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Timeline for Adult Name Change

Step	Timeframe
Prepare and file petition	1-3 days
Fingerprinting	1-2 days
Background check processing	1-3 weeks
Court hearing scheduled	2-4 weeks after clearance
Hearing and judgment	Same day
Total time	4-8 weeks

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Name Change Costs

Court and Processing Fees

Fee	Amount
Court filing fee	~$400
Fingerprinting	$50-75
Certified copies of judgment	$2-5 each
Total court costs	$450-500

Attorney Fees

Our full-service representation: $1,495

Includes:

Petition for Change of Name preparation
Fingerprint and background check coordination
E-filing with the court
Hearing scheduling
Remote hearing representation
Final Judgment of Name Change
Instructions for updating records

Traditional hourly billing:

$1,500-$3,000+

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What the Judge Considers

At your hearing, the judge will:

Review your background check - Any serious criminal history may be an issue

Confirm your identity - You are who you say you are

Consider your reason - Is it legitimate?

Check for fraud - Is this an attempt to avoid debts or deceive?

Ensure proper procedure - Was the petition properly filed?

Factors That May Cause Denial

Felony convictions (especially identity-related)
Outstanding warrants
Evidence of fraudulent intent
Failure to complete background check
Improper petition or procedure

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Sex Offender Notification

If you're a registered sex offender, you:

Must notify Florida Department of Law Enforcement of your intent to change names
Must comply with additional registration requirements under your new name
May face additional scrutiny or denial

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Name Change and Immigration

If you're not a U.S. citizen:

Name changes are possible but may affect immigration status
USCIS should be notified of name changes
Consult an immigration attorney if you have pending applications
Green card holders should update their cards after name change

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Keeping the Name Change Private

In most cases, name changes are public record. However, you can request a confidential name change if:

You're a victim of domestic violence
You're in witness protection
There are safety concerns with the name change being public

The petition to make it confidential requires additional documentation and court approval.

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Common Name Change Mistakes

1. Trying to Skip the Court Process

You cannot legally change your name just by "using a new name." Florida requires a court order for legal name changes.

2. Forgetting the Background Check

Your case cannot proceed without fingerprinting and background check. Complete this immediately after filing.

3. Not Updating Social Security First

Always update Social Security first after getting your court order. Other agencies require your new Social Security card.

4. Expecting Same-Day Results

Name changes take 4-8 weeks. Plan accordingly if you need your new name by a specific date.

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Get Your Name Changed Legally

A name change in Florida requires court approval—there's no shortcut. At Divorce.law:

$1,495 full-service representation
We handle everything: petition, fingerprints, filing, hearing
Remote hearing representation included
Statewide Florida service

Start your new identity the right way—legally.