Divorce in Florida doesn't have to be expensive. Your total out-of-pocket cost depends almost entirely on two things: whether your case is contested, and whether you hire an attorney. Here's a plain-language breakdown of every cost you'll encounter.
Florida Divorce Filing Fees
The first check you write goes to the Clerk of Court. Filing fees vary slightly by county:
- Miami-Dade County: $408
- Most other Florida counties: $300–$408
- Summons fee: ~$10 (required if your spouse needs to be formally served)
- Service of process: $40–$75 (sheriff or private process server)
If you can't afford the filing fee, ask the clerk about an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status — you may qualify for a waiver.
The Cheapest Path: Simplified Dissolution
Florida's simplified dissolution of marriage is the lowest-cost option available. Both spouses file together, attend one hearing together, and walk out legally divorced — often in 30–60 days.
To qualify, you must both:
- Agree the marriage is irretrievably broken
- Have no minor or dependent children together (and the wife must not be pregnant)
- Have no significant disputed property or assets
- Agree to waive the right to appeal
If you qualify for simplified dissolution, your total out-of-pocket cost can be under $500 — just the filing fee, a notarization or two, and any copies you need.
What If There Are Children or Disputed Assets?
Simplified dissolution is off the table if you have minor children or can't agree on assets. You'll file a regular uncontested or contested dissolution instead.
For a regular uncontested divorce (both spouses agree on everything but file separately), expect to add:
- Service of process: $40–$75, unless your spouse signs a notarized waiver
- Certified copies of the final judgment: ~$1–$2 per page (you'll want at least 2–3 copies for your records)
- Parenting class (if you have children): $25–$50 per parent, required by Florida law
Attorney Fees: The Biggest Variable
Hiring an attorney is the single biggest cost driver in a Florida divorce.
- Simple uncontested divorce with an attorney: $1,500–$3,000
- Contested divorce: $3,000–$25,000+, depending on how much you fight over
Attorneys bill by the hour — typically $250–$400/hour in Florida. Every email, phone call, and court appearance adds up. A contested custody battle or high-asset divorce can easily exceed $25,000 total for both sides.
If your divorce is uncontested, you do not need to pay attorney fees to get properly prepared documents.
Document Preparation: The Middle Ground
You have a third option between "figure it all out yourself" and "hire an attorney."
A licensed Florida document preparation service prepares your court paperwork — correctly, completely, and ready to file — at a fraction of attorney rates. Document preparers are not attorneys and do not give legal advice. They handle the paperwork so you can focus on your life.
Total cost comparison for an uncontested Florida divorce:
| Option | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY (forms from flcourts.gov) | $350–$500 |
| Document prep service | $950–$1,150 |
| Attorney (uncontested) | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Attorney (contested) | $5,000–$25,000+ |
The DIY number assumes no errors. Most first-time filers make at least one, which means a rejected filing and a second trip to the courthouse.
Hidden Costs Most People Miss
Beyond the filing fee, watch for these line items:
- Notarization: $10–$25 per document (Florida requires notarized signatures on several forms)
- Photocopies: $0.15–$1.00 per page at most clerk offices
- Certified copies: $1–$2 per page — required if you need the judgment for a name change, refinancing, or retirement account update
- Parenting class: Required for any case involving minor children — $25–$50 per parent, must be completed before the final hearing
- Mediation (contested cases): $100–$300/hour — required in most Florida counties before a judge will hear a contested case
Pro Se Divorce Is Legal in Florida
Florida law explicitly allows you to represent yourself in divorce proceedings. The courts call this "pro se" — and judges see pro se litigants every single day.
The Florida Supreme Court has approved standardized family law forms specifically for self-represented filers. These are free to download at flcourts.gov. The challenge isn't access to the forms — it's knowing which ones you need, how to fill them out completely, and how to put the packet together correctly for your county.
What You'll Actually Pay — Realistic Scenarios
Scenario 1: Simplified dissolution, no children, agree on everything
- Filing fee: ~$408
- Notarization: ~$25
- Certified copies: ~$10
- Total: ~$450–$500
Scenario 2: Uncontested divorce with minor children, using document prep
- Document prep fee: $650
- Filing fee: ~$408
- Service of process: ~$50
- Parenting class (×2): ~$80
- Certified copies: ~$10
- Total: ~$1,200
Scenario 3: Contested divorce with attorney
- Retainer: $3,000–$5,000
- Ongoing fees: $250–$400/hour
- Total: $5,000–$25,000+
Get Your Florida Divorce Documents Prepared
If your divorce is uncontested, you don't need to guess at the paperwork or pay attorney rates to get it done right.
View the Uncontested Divorce Package →
Get all your Florida divorce documents professionally prepared for $650 — you only pay the court filing fee separately. Correct forms, complete packet, ready to file.
Important Disclaimer
Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed Florida attorney or the Florida Bar Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes about Florida court procedures. Every case is different — if you have questions specific to your situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney.