Filing for divorce in Florida can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the emotional weight of what’s ahead. Here’s the short answer: to file for divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months, and you’ll need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with your local circuit court. But knowing the steps and what happens between filing and finalization makes the process far less intimidating. If you’re a Panama City resident navigating how to file for divorce in Florida, this guide walks you through every stage so you know exactly what’s coming.
Before anything gets filed, Florida divorce law requires you to meet two core conditions.
Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for a minimum of six months before filing. You can prove this with a valid Florida driver’s license, a voter registration card, or an affidavit from a third party confirming your residence.
Grounds for Divorce: Florida is a no-fault divorce state under Fla. Stat. § 61.052. That means you do not need to prove infidelity, abuse, or any wrongdoing. You only need to demonstrate that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” That’s it.
For Panama City residents, divorce is filed at the Bay County Circuit Court. If you live in surrounding communities, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Springfield, or Parker, you’ll file in the same court.
Florida offers two main divorce paths:
Simplified Dissolution of Marriage: Available only when both spouses agree on all terms, have no minor children, neither spouse is pregnant, and neither party is seeking alimony. Both spouses must appear together at the final hearing.
Regular Dissolution of Marriage: Required when children are involved, when property or debts must be divided, or when one spouse is requesting alimony. This is the most common path and covers both uncontested and contested divorces.
If you and your spouse already agree on everything, you may qualify for an uncontested divorce, a faster, more affordable route. If there are disputes over child custody, property, or support, you’re likely looking at a contested divorce, which requires more preparation and legal strategy.
The divorce process officially begins when you file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court in the county where you or your spouse lives. In Panama City, that’s Bay County Circuit Court.
The petition must include:
The current filing fee in most Florida counties is approximately $408–$410. If you cannot afford the fee, you may apply for a fee waiver through the court.
Working with a divorce lawyer in Panama City at this stage helps ensure your petition is filed correctly the first time, avoiding costly rejections or delays.
After filing, your spouse must be officially notified. This is called “service of process.” A process server or sheriff’s deputy typically delivers the divorce papers.
Once served, your spouse has 20 days to file a response. They can:
If your spouse is served but does not respond within 20 days, you may be able to proceed without their participation.
Both spouses are required by Florida Family Law Rule 12.285 to exchange financial documents within 45 days of service. This mandatory disclosure includes income records, tax returns, bank statements, and a list of all assets and debts.
A Certificate of Compliance (Form 12.932) must be filed confirming you’ve completed this step. Skipping or delaying financial disclosure can slow your entire case.
In most Florida divorce cases involving disputes, the court will require mediation before scheduling a trial. Mediation gives both parties a chance to resolve disagreements with the help of a neutral third-party mediator, without a judge deciding the outcome.
If mediation succeeds, the agreement becomes binding and is submitted to the court for approval. If mediation fails, your case proceeds to litigation. An experienced uncontested divorce attorney in Panama City or a contested divorce attorney can guide you through both scenarios.
Once all issues are resolved, either through agreement or court ruling, a judge reviews and approves the settlement at a final hearing. If approved, the judge signs the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which legally ends your marriage.
Important: You are not divorced on the day of your hearing. Your divorce is official on the date the judge signs the final judgment.
The timeline from filing to finalization ranges from 4–6 weeks for a simple uncontested divorce to 12–18+ months for a contested case with complex issues.
Understanding the difference between a contested vs uncontested divorce in Florida is important because it can affect how long the process takes, how much it costs, and whether you will need to go to court.
An uncontested divorce in Florida is generally resolved faster and at a fraction of the cost. A contested divorce requires more hearings, more documentation, and often, courtroom litigation. Either way, having a family lawyer in Panama City, FL, in your corner protects your rights and keeps the process moving forward with a clear strategy.
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
An uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as 4–6 weeks. A contested divorce typically takes 6–18 months or more, depending on the complexity of the issues involved.
Do I have to go to court to get divorced in Florida?
Not always. If your divorce is uncontested and all terms are agreed upon, a final hearing may be brief and straightforward. Contested divorces are more likely to require multiple court appearances.
Can I file for divorce in Florida if my spouse lives in another state?
Yes. As long as you meet the six-month Florida residency requirement, you can file for divorce in Florida even if your spouse lives elsewhere.
Does Florida require a waiting period before a divorce is finalized?
Florida does not have a mandatory waiting period like some other states. However, there is a minimum 20-day period after service before a default can be requested.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Florida?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney. However, mistakes in paperwork, missed deadlines, or unclear agreements can create serious legal and financial consequences. Working with a Panama City family law attorney is strongly recommended.
Understanding how to file for divorce in Florida can make the process feel less stressful and more manageable. Whether your case is uncontested or contested, taking the right steps early can help avoid delays and costly mistakes. Working with an experienced attorney can also give you the guidance and support you need to move forward with confidence.
Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle, but it does need to be handled carefully. At Justin Andersson, P.A., we focus exclusively on divorce and family law in Northwest Florida.
Ready to talk? Schedule your consultation with your lawyer at Justin Andersson P.A. today. Call 850-871-7397, email info@850DivorceLawyer.com, or book your consultation online.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Justin Andersson is not board certified in marital and family law by The Florida Bar. For full details, please see our Legal Disclaimer page or email info@850DivorceLawyer.com to request a copy.
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