Florida Family Courts and Filing for Divorce
Family law cases in Florida are handled by the circuit courts, and you file in the county where you or your spouse lives. Knowing which court applies, what forms it requires, and what it costs prevents avoidable delays at the start of a case. This page explains each, and the broader divorce process is covered separately.
Which Court Handles Your Case
Florida’s circuit courts have jurisdiction over divorce, custody, support, and related family law matters. You file in the circuit court for the county where you or your spouse resides. Each county sits within one of Florida’s judicial circuits. Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, is part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, and Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater, is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit. A well-regarded Tampa family lawyer or a Clearwater family lawyer can confirm the correct venue for your case.
Filing Procedures
A case begins when you file a petition for dissolution of marriage with the clerk of the circuit court. Most filings are submitted electronically through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, although clerks also accept paper filings. After filing, the other spouse must be served with the petition and given the opportunity to respond.
Required Forms
Florida provides standardized documents called Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms, available without charge through the Florida Courts self-help resources. The forms include the petition for dissolution, a financial affidavit, and, in cases involving children, a parenting plan, a child support guidelines worksheet, and a custody jurisdiction affidavit. Using the correct form for your situation helps the clerk accept the case without delay.
Court Fees
The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Florida is $408, set by the state legislature, though the amount can vary slightly by county. Additional costs include a fee to issue the summons and the cost of serving the other spouse. If you cannot afford these fees, you may apply for a determination of civil indigent status, which can waive the filing fee. For matters beyond the courthouse, the page on local resources for families in transition lists support services across the state.
The McKinney Law Group prepares and files family law cases throughout the Tampa Bay area and handles each matter from filing to final judgment. Consult a St. Petersburg family lawyer and contact our office to schedule a consultation regarding your situation.