Florida Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Florida using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Florida divorces typically cost 30% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Florida
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $400 - $410
- Waiting period
- 20 days
- Residency requirement
- 180 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,500 - $5,000
- Attorney hourly rate
- $250/hr - $500/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Florida: What You Should Know
Florida's mandatory mediation requirement applies to virtually all contested issues, adding mediation cost to every contested Florida divorce. The 2023 legal reforms (eliminating permanent alimony and adopting the equal parenting time presumption) are still being litigated and interpreted, which means Florida divorce cases involving alimony or custody in 2024 to 2026 may face more uncertainty and legal fees as courts work through how the new law applies to specific fact patterns. South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) has significantly higher attorney rates and court backlogs than Central and North Florida.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Florida on this page.
Divorce Cost in Florida - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Florida?
An uncontested divorce in Florida typically runs $1,500 - $5,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $13,000 - $45,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Florida?
The court filing fee for divorce in Florida is $400 - $410. Add about $40 for serving papers on your spouse, plus a typical county clerk surcharge of around $10. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Florida?
An uncontested divorce in Florida usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 14 months. Florida requires a mandatory waiting period of 20 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 180 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Florida?
No, Florida allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Florida attorneys typically charge $250/hr - $500/hr. Florida also requires mediation in many divorce cases, which can reduce the need for adversarial legal representation.
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
Florida follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $600 to $2,000 in Florida.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.