State Guide • 7 min read • March 23, 2026
How to Change Your Name in Florida: Requirements & Process (2026)
Florida requires a court petition with fingerprinting. This guide covers costs, timelines, and what LGBTQ+ residents should know.
Florida name change overview
Florida handles name changes through the circuit court in the county where you reside. The process requires a petition, fingerprinting, and a hearing. Florida does not require newspaper publication for name changes, which is a privacy advantage.
The process applies equally regardless of your reason for changing your name.
Step 1: File the petition
File a Petition for Change of Name (Adult) in the circuit court of your county of residence. Most counties provide fillable PDF forms on their clerk's website.
- Filing fees vary by county.
- Must include your full legal name, date of birth, address, and proposed new name.
- Disclose any criminal history — a record does not automatically disqualify you.
- Fee waivers are available — file an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.
Step 2: Fingerprinting
Florida requires a full set of fingerprints submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a background check.
Visit a livescan fingerprinting location (many UPS stores and sheriff's offices offer this). Cost is approximately $40-$75. Results go directly to FDLE.
Step 3: Hearing and court order
A final hearing is scheduled approximately 30-60 days after filing. You must attend in person. The judge verifies your identity, confirms the petition details, and issues the order.
Bring a valid photo ID and your petition. Hearings are typically 5-10 minutes.
LGBTQ+ considerations
Florida does not have a specific gender marker change process separate from the name change. Gender marker updates on Florida driver's licenses require an amended birth certificate or court order specifying the gender change.
For LGBTQ+ legal support in Florida, organizations like Southern Legal Counsel and the ACLU of Florida offer free consultations. NameRight provides county-specific guidance so you know exactly what your local clerk requires.
After the court order
Request at least 3 certified copies of your court order from the clerk (approximately $1-$2 per copy in Florida). Then update your records in order.
- Social Security Administration — update first.
- Florida DHSMV — bring court order and SSA letter.
- Passport, banks, employer, insurance.
- Track all updates with NameRight's checklist.
Keep moving forward
Pair this guide with your state-specific rules or start from a pathway that matches your situation if you want a calmer next step.
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