By: Iman Zekri, Esq.

Whether you are seeking a name change for personal or professional reasons, changing your name in Florida requires you to file a petition, submit fingerprints, attend a court hearing, and obtain a judge’s approval. This article breaks down each step in the process and other key considerations.

Who Can Apply for a Name Change in Florida?

Any Florida resident can petition his or her local circuit court for a name change.

Can I Restore My Former Name During a Divorce in Florida?

Yes, if you are going through a divorce in Florida and want to restore your maiden or former name, you can simply request that in the divorce documents, rather than filing a separate name change action. You should include a short statement in your divorce petition that you are requesting the restoration of your former name. And at the final hearing in your divorce case, you should confirm that you would like your former name to be restored. The judge will then include the restoration of your former name in the final judgment of dissolution of marriage.

How Can I Change My Name in Florida Outside of a Divorce Case?

If you want to change your name in Florida and are not going through a divorce, you will need to follow each step in the four-step process outlined below.

Step 1: File a Verified Petition

To start the name change process, you must file a petition in the Florida county where you reside. Your petition should:

• Confirm that you are a Florida resident domiciled in the county where you are filing;
• Identify your date and place of birth, your father’s name, your mother’s maiden name, and every address where you have resided since birth;
• Provide the name of your spouse (if you are married) and the names, addresses, and ages of your children (if you have children);
• State whether your name has been previously changed;
• List your occupation, current employer, your employment history for the past five years, and your educational background;
• Indicate whether you have been known by any other names;
• Disclose any bankruptcies, arrests, or criminal offenses; and
• Affirm that you are not seeking a name change for any illegal purpose.

Step 2: Submit Fingerprints for a Background Check

Unless you are requesting that your former name be restored, you will need to have fingerprints submitted for a criminal background check. You must have your fingerprints taken in a manner that is approved by the Department of Law Enforcement. To comply with these requirements, you should have your fingerprints taken at a local law enforcement agency.

Step 3: Attend a Court Hearing

The court will then review your petition and the results of your background check. Following a hearing on your petition, the judge will decide whether to approve your request for a legal name change.

Step 4: Obtain a Final Judgment

If the judge approves your petition, the court will issue a final judgment granting your name change. If you were born in Florida, the clerk of court will send the judgment to the Office of Vital Statistics of the Department of Health. If you were born outside of Florida, you will receive a certified copy of the judgment to update your records in the place where you were born.

What Do I Do After My Name Change Is Approved?

Once your legal name is changed by a final court judgment, you should update your name with the Social Security Administration. Then, you should update your driver’s license at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Finally, you should update your passport. You should additionally notify your banks, employer, insurance companies, and any other institutions you interact with.

Ready to Speak with an Attorney?

An experienced attorney can help ensure your petition for name change is complete, guide you through the process, and represent your best interests. If you are a Florida resident and ready to change your legal name, you can schedule an initial consultation by calling me at 239-344‑1119 or emailing me at iman.zekri@henlaw.com.