Changing Your Name
Fla. Stat. 68.07 — a verified petition in the county of residence, with fingerprints for a records check
A Florida resident petitions the court in the county where they live to change their name. Before the hearing the petitioner has fingerprints submitted for a state and national criminal history check, unless the change restores a former name, and pays its cost. The results, including any sexual predator or offender registration, go to the court.
- Bona fide residence and domicile in the county.
- Date and place of birth, parents' names, and where the petitioner has lived since birth, if known.
- Spouse and children, if any.
- Any earlier name change, when, where and by what court.
- Occupation and employers for the 5 years before filing.
Those are among what the verified petition shows. Within 5 business days after the final judgment, the clerk reports it to the Department of Law Enforcement.
Sources for this section (1)
- Fla. Stat. 68.07 — Change of name
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Florida attorney.