How much does a divorce cost in Florida?
A divorce in Florida costs $2,500 to $15,000 in 2026. What changes your price is below.
The court filing fee is $408 across Florida, plus a $10 summons fee. Divorce.law puts uncontested divorces with a lawyer at $2,500 to $5,000, and contested divorces at $11,000 to $14,000 on average, with complex cases passing $25,000. Florida family lawyers charge about $260 to $600 an hour.
Find out what it will cost you
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
How much does a divorce cost in Florida by type?
| Filing fee | $408, plus $10 per summons. |
|---|---|
| Do it yourself, uncontested | About $408 to $908 with court forms. |
| Simplified dissolution | About $500 and up, no children. |
| Uncontested, with a lawyer | $2,500 to $5,000. |
| Contested | $11,000 to $14,000 on average. |
| Complex or trial | $25,000 to $50,000 or more. |
| Lawyer hourly rate | $260 to $600, most charge $300 to $400. |
What pushes a quote up
| Agree or fight | Contested cases cost many times more. |
|---|---|
| Children | Custody issues add hearings and experts. |
| Property | Homes and businesses need valuations. |
| City | Miami and Fort Lauderdale lawyers charge more. |
| Trial | Going to trial costs the most. |
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Florida?
If you agree on everything, you can file with the court's free forms and pay just the $408 fee plus service. Many flat fee lawyers handle uncontested cases for $1,500 to $4,000. A simplified dissolution is the cheapest path, but it is only for couples with no children who agree on everything.
How much does a divorce cost in Florida with a child?
Children usually mean a parenting plan and child support forms. If you agree, costs stay near the uncontested range. If you fight over custody, Boyer Law Firm says contested cases often land between $15,000 and $50,000.
Can't afford the $408?
Florida lets low income filers ask the court to waive the fee.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a Florida family lawyer about your case.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask flat fee or hourly.
- Ask what the retainer covers.
- Ask the cost if the case becomes contested.
- Ask about mediation costs.
- Get the fee agreement in writing.
Ways to pay less
- Agree on as much as you can.
- Use mediation.
- Hire a lawyer for one task, like reviewing papers.
- Bring organized financial records.
- Ask for a fee waiver if your income is low.
Before you decide
Other costs to plan for
Serving your spouse costs about $40 if a sheriff does it, or $65 to $225 with a private process server. Mediation is required in most contested Florida family cases and is billed by the hour or session. Custody evaluations, home appraisals and business valuations add more if you need them.
How long it takes
Florida has a 20 day waiting period after filing. Simple uncontested cases can finish in about a month or a few months. Contested cases often take 12 to 24 months, and time is what drives lawyer bills up. The more you agree on early, the less you pay.
Who pays the lawyer?
Each spouse usually pays their own lawyer. In some Florida cases, a judge can order the spouse with more money to help pay the other's fees so both sides can be fairly represented. Ask a Florida family lawyer whether this could apply to you, because it can change what you pay by thousands of dollars.
Florida is a no fault state, so you do not need to prove wrongdoing.
About $2,500 to $15,000. The filing fee is $408. About $2,500 to $5,000 with a lawyer, or about $408 to $908 on your own. Near the uncontested range if you agree; $15,000 to $50,000 if custody is contested. $408, plus $10 per summons.Common questions
How much does a divorce cost in Florida?
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Florida?
How much does a divorce cost in Florida with a child?
What is the Florida divorce filing fee?
Other service costs