Florida Divorce Self-Help Tools

Free calculators and plain-English guides for your Florida divorce — built on current Florida law, not guesswork.

Calculators

The basics

Florida divorce at a glance

How property is divided Equitable distribution — fair, but not always 50/50 (§61.075)
Filing fee ~$409 in Miami-Dade · varies by county
Residency requirement 6 months in Florida before filing (§61.021)
Waiting period Minimum 20 days after filing
Fault required? No — only that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" (§61.052)
Mediation Required before trial in most Florida counties
Typical uncontested cost ~$1,500 · Contested: $15,000+
⚖️ 2023 Alimony Reform

Florida eliminated permanent alimony in 2023 (Chapter 2023-300, effective July 1, 2023). Durational alimony is capped at 50% of the length of the marriage for marriages under 20 years. Permanent alimony no longer exists in Florida.

Source: FL Statute 61.08 · Chapter 2023-300

Common questions

What people ask us

How long does a divorce take in Florida?

Uncontested divorces in Florida can be finalized in as little as 4–6 weeks after the 20-day mandatory waiting period. Contested divorces typically take 6–18 months depending on complexity and county backlog.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Florida?

No. Florida allows pro se (self-represented) divorce filings, especially for simplified dissolution of marriage where both parties agree. However, if children, significant assets, or disputes are involved, most attorneys strongly recommend legal representation.

Is Florida a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Florida only requires one spouse to testify that the marriage is 'irretrievably broken.' Fault is not required and typically does not affect property division or alimony.

How is property divided in Florida divorce?

Florida uses equitable distribution, which means marital assets and debts are divided fairly — not always 50/50. Judges consider factors like contribution to the marriage, economic circumstances, and duration of the marriage.

Did Florida eliminate permanent alimony?

Yes. Effective July 1, 2023, Chapter 2023-300 eliminated permanent alimony in Florida. The remaining alimony types are bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational. Durational alimony is capped at 50% of the marriage length for marriages under 20 years.

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All 67 counties

Find your county court

Each county has its own Clerk of Courts where you file divorce paperwork and search public records. Select your county to find their website and case search portal.

Self-help resources vary by county. Visit the Florida Courts self-help page for statewide guidance.

Official sources