Florida Petition for Change of Name

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Florida Petition for Change of Name

A Florida petition for change of name is submitted to the circuit court to request that a resident’s name be legally changed to a new name. The form requires the person to provide details regarding their personal history, including family, education, employment, profession, criminal record, bankruptcy, and creditors.

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Last updated November 6th, 2025

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A Florida petition for change of name is submitted to the circuit court to request that a resident’s name be legally changed to a new name. The form requires the person to provide details regarding their personal history, including family, education, employment, profession, criminal record, bankruptcy, and creditors.

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Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a resident of the county in which the request is filed.
  • If under 18, parental permission is required.
  • Cannot be for an illegal or improper purpose.

How to Legally Change a Name in Florida

Step 1 – Background Check

Unless the name change request is for the restoration of a previous name, the person changing their name (the petitioner) must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.[1]

The Department of Law Enforcement can be contacted to find a convenient location to have the petitioner’s fingerprints taken. The petitioner will need to receive their background results before proceeding with their name change request, which may take several weeks.

Step 2 – Petition for Change of Name

The following forms must be completed:

Forms that require notarization can be notarized in advance by a notary public or at the time of filing by the court clerk (for a fee).

Step 3 – File Forms

The Petition for Change of Name and supporting forms, including a copy of the criminal background check results (if required) and any related court documents (marriage certificate/divorce decree, etc.), must be filed with the circuit court in the petitioner’s jurisdiction.[2]

If the petitioner cannot afford to pay the filing fees, they can complete and file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status to request the fees be waived.

Step 4 – Hearing Date

At the time of filing, the petitioner will request a hearing date for their petition, which, depending on the court, may be granted immediately or scheduled after filing, with the date provided by mail.[3] In some cases, the court may process the name change request without a hearing.

Step 5 – Hearing and Judgment

The petitioner must arrive on time for their hearing, which will be presided over by a general magistrate, hearing officer, or judge. Appropriate dress is required.

If the petition is granted, the Final Judgment of Change of Name will be signed, and the court will notify the Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health and Department of Law Enforcement about the name change.[4]

Marriage and Divorce

While going through a marriage or divorce, a person can request that their name be changed in their marriage license application or divorce settlement agreement.

Following approval, their name change will be made official through their marriage license or divorce decree.

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