How to Legally Change Your Last Name in Florida
In Florida, you legally can change your name by filing a petition in court. You can restore your last name after a divorce, change to a different name or change the name of your minor child. You do not have to hire an attorney to prepare and file your documents or attend the court hearing. After you file your petition, it usually only takes a few weeks to get a hearing.
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Instructions
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Get a Petition for Change of Name and a Final Judgment of Change of Name from the Florida State Courts website or at the clerk's office in the county in which you reside. If you are changing the name of a minor child, get the Petition for Change of Name for a minor. Call the county clerk's office and ask about the filing fee. Fees vary in each county and usually change each year.
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Get your fingerprints taken for a state and national criminal background check at a local county sheriff's office. This is unnecessary if you are restoring your former name after a divorce.
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Gather the requested information listed on your petition. Complete the petition with a black ink pen or by using a typewriter. Fill in the case information at the top, including the circuit court, county, family division and your name as the petitioner. The case number is assigned when you file the petition.
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Sign the form in blue ink in front of a notary public or a deputy clerk at the clerk's office. File the petition at your local clerk's office and pay the fee. Ask for a copy of the petition. Get your case number from the clerk and save it.
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Obtain a hearing. Ask the clerk of court or the family intake staff at the county clerk's office how to schedule the hearing and where the hearings are held.
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Prepare the Final Judgment of Change of Name by filling in the information about the case at the top and the case number.
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Attend the hearing. Bring your driver's license, a copy of your petition and the Final Judgment of Change of Name for the judge to sign. Dress in business casual clothes or a suit. Don't wear a hat or sunglasses inside the courtroom, and turn off your cell phone. Be polite and courteous and answer questions that the judge may ask you.
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File the Final Judgment of Change of Name that was signed by the judge in the county clerks office.
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Tips & Warnings
You can hire a lawyer to prepare the forms and attend the final hearing with you. You can use a nonlawyer to prepare the forms.
If you are in the process of a divorce or an adoption, request a change of name in your case instead of filing a petition to change a name.
