How to Change Your Name in Florida — Complete 2026 Guide

Changing your name after marriage in Florida is the most straightforward option. Your marriage certificate serves as your legal proof of name change — no court petition required.

Step 1: Get your certified marriage certificate. You'll need multiple certified copies (not photocopies) since most agencies keep the original. Order 3-5 copies from the county clerk where you were married. Florida marriage certificates vary; check the vital records office.

Step 2: Update Social Security first. Visit your local Social Security office with your current driver's license or passport, your certified marriage certificate, and proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport). You'll fill out Form SS-5 on-site. Your new Social Security card arrives in 5-10 business days by mail after SSA processes your request.

Step 3: Update your Florida driver's license. After your SSA update, go to your county's tax collector office (they handle driver's licenses in most Florida counties). Bring your current license, certified marriage certificate, new Social Security card, and two proofs of your Florida address. The license fee varies; check your state's DMV.

Step 4: Update everything else. With your new driver's license and Social Security card, you can update your passport, bank accounts, voter registration, and employer records. Most agencies accept your marriage certificate as proof of your name change.

Florida doesn't have a time limit for changing your name after marriage, but it's easier to do it sooner rather than later. If you're also moving, coordinate your address changes at the same time.

Florida makes it easy to restore your prior name during divorce proceedings. You don't need a separate court step (rules vary by state) if your divorce decree includes name restoration language.

During your divorce: If you have a lawyer, ask them to include a name-restoration clause; if not, ask the court self-help center how to request one. The standard language is "The former name of [your current name] is hereby restored to [prior name]." This costs nothing extra — it's part of your divorce filing.

If your divorce is already final: You have two options. If your divorce decree already includes name restoration language, use that certified copy as your proof of name change. If it doesn't mention name restoration, you'll need a separate court step (rules vary by state) in the county where your divorce was granted.

Using your divorce decree: A Florida divorce decree with name restoration language works the same as a marriage certificate for updating your documents. Take certified copies to Social Security first, then your county tax collector for your driver's license update, then other agencies.

Most Florida judges routinely grant name restoration requests during divorce, especially if you're returning to a name you used before marriage. The key is including this request in your divorce paperwork rather than waiting until later.

Adult court-ordered name changes in Florida require filing a petition, a fingerprint background check (unless you are restoring a former name), and attending a hearing. No newspaper publication is required for adults (Fla. Stat. 68.07). This process applies when you want to change your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce.

Who can file: Florida residents 18 or older who are bona fide residents of, and domiciled in, their county (Fla. Stat. 68.07). You must file in the county where you currently live.

Step 1: File your petition. Complete a "Petition for Change of Name (Adult)" and file it with the clerk of court in your county. The filing fee varies by county; check your court. Unless you are restoring a former name, you'll also need fingerprints for a background check — contact your local sheriff's office for fingerprinting services.

Step 2: No publication for adults. Florida does not require newspaper publication for an adult name change. The court can hear your petition once the background check results come back (or right after filing if you are restoring a former name) (Fla. Stat. 68.07).

Step 3: Attend your hearing. The court will schedule a hearing date when you file your petition. Bring identification and be prepared to explain why you want to change your name. Florida judges typically approve name change requests unless there's evidence of fraud or other illegal purpose.

Step 4: Get your court order. If approved, the judge will sign an "Order Granting Change of Name." Request several certified copies from the clerk — you'll need these to update your documents.

Reasons for denial: Florida courts can deny name change petitions if you're trying to avoid debts, hide from law enforcement, infringe on someone else's rights, or choose a name that's obscene or confusing. Having a criminal background doesn't automatically disqualify you, but the judge will consider it.

How long the court process takes varies by county; check your court (official source). Some counties move faster than others.

Changing a child's name in Florida requires either both parents' consent or a court order when parents disagree. The process varies significantly based on your family situation.

Both parents agree: If both legal parents consent to the name change, file a joint petition with both signatures notarized. You'll still need court approval, but the process is typically straightforward. Include the child's birth certificate, both parents' IDs, and explanation of the name change reason.

One parent objects or is absent: File a petition and formally notify the other parent by certified mail or process server. If they don't respond, the court may grant the petition. If they object, you'll need a hearing where the judge decides based on the child's best interests. Fees and timing vary by court.

Special circumstances: If one parent has abandoned the child, had their parental rights terminated, or is deceased, provide legal documentation (court orders, death certificate, etc.). A parent's absence alone isn't enough — you need legal proof they're not involved in the child's life.

Age considerations: Children 14 and older must consent to their own name change in writing. Some judges will interview the child privately to ensure they understand and agree to the change.

Filing fees for minor name changes are similar to adult petitions, and you may need to publish notice depending on your situation. The court's primary concern is the child's best interests, not the parents' preferences.

Florida supports name changes for gender identity, and you can often update your name and gender marker simultaneously. The process combines a court petition for name change with requests for updated identity documents.

Court petition process: Follow the same adult name change petition process outlined above. When explaining your reason for the name change, simply state that you want a name that better reflects your gender identity. Florida courts routinely approve these petitions.

Gender marker on driver's license: Florida requires a court order or amended birth certificate to change the gender marker on your driver's license. Self-attestation isn't currently accepted. Petition the court (if you have a lawyer, you can ask them to help) for an order that specifically addresses both your name change and gender marker change.

Birth certificate amendment: If you were born in Florida, you can petition for an amended birth certificate reflecting your gender identity. This requires a court order and sometimes medical documentation. An amended birth certificate makes updating other documents much easier.

Medical documentation: While not always required for name changes, some courts may request a letter from your healthcare provider confirming your gender identity treatment. This is more common for gender marker changes than name changes alone.

Privacy considerations: Court records are generally public, but you can request to seal sensitive portions of your petition. Some counties are more accommodating than others regarding privacy in gender identity cases.

If your situation is complex, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state, especially if you're also changing your gender marker or seeking privacy protections. Many Florida cities have LGBTQ+ legal clinics that offer reduced-cost assistance.