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Free guideUnderstanding Florida Name Changes for Adults and Minor Children
A free, plain-English overview of the Florida name change petition, fingerprinting, the approved forms, and updating your records.
What’s in the guide
Outside of marriage and divorce, a legal name change in Florida is made by filing a sworn Petition for Change of Name in the circuit court of the county where you live. Adults must also complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check unless the petition only restores a former name, and the change takes effect when a judge signs a Final Judgment.
This guide covers what the petition must disclose, fingerprinting, the Florida Supreme Court approved forms, the steps for adults and for minor children, and the order in which to update Social Security, your driver license, and other records. It links to section 68.07 of the Florida Statutes and the official forms so you can read the sources yourself.
What the 8-page guide covers
- How Names Are Changed in Florida
- Who May Petition and Where
- The Petition — What Must Be Disclosed Under Oath
- Fingerprinting and the Criminal History Check
- The Florida Supreme Court Approved Forms
- Step by Step — Adult Name Change
- Step by Step — Minor Child Name Change
- After the Judgment — Updating Your Records
- Costs and Timing
- Situations That Need Extra Care
- Do Your Own Research — Primary Sources
- Required Disclosures
Ready to start? Call or text 772-321-2290.
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Ready to start your paperwork?
Fill out the Florida Name Change intake form, or call or text 772-321-2290. Your document is prepared from the information you provide in writing. See document preparation.
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I am not an attorney. I am a nonlawyer document preparer and provide document preparation only, at your direction. I cannot give legal advice. This guide is educational information only.
Prepared by Jonathan Rexford, Nonlawyer Document Preparer and Florida Notary Public, Vero Beach, Florida · 772-321-2290 · jonathan@notarynearmenow.com