How Long Does Divorce Take in Florida? (2026)

Florida has one of the fastest divorce timelines in the country. With only a 20-day mandatory waiting period — and the ability to waive even that — a smooth uncontested Florida divorce can be finalized in about a month.

The Short Answer

The 20-Day Waiting Period

Florida Statutes § 61.19 requires a 20-day waiting period after filing before the court can enter a Final Judgment of Dissolution. This is one of the shortest mandatory waiting periods of any state.

Can it be waived? Yes. If both parties include a waiver of the waiting period in their Marital Settlement Agreement, the judge can enter the Final Judgment without waiting 20 days.

When does it start? From the date the petition is filed — not from service.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Stage 1 — Preparation (1–2 weeks)

Gather documents, download forms, reach agreement with spouse on key terms.

Stage 2 — Filing (1 day)

File at the Clerk of the Circuit Court. 20-day clock starts here.

Stage 3 — Service (1 day–2 weeks)

Cooperative spouse: Signs Acceptance of Service immediately — can happen same day as filing. Formal service: Sheriff typically serves within 1–2 weeks. Response deadline: 20 days after service.

Stage 4 — Mandatory Financial Disclosure (45 days)

Both parties must exchange financial documents within 45 days. This runs simultaneously with other steps. Start immediately.

Stage 5 — Parenting Class (if children) (1–2 weeks)

Complete the 4-hour mandatory parenting class. Available online. File certificates with the court.

Stage 6 — Draft and Finalize MSA and Parenting Plan (1–3 weeks)

Get your Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan in final form.

Stage 7 — Schedule and Attend Final Hearing (1–3 weeks)

Contact the court to schedule. In low-volume counties, you may get a date within days. Miami-Dade and Broward may take longer.

Stage 8 — Final Hearing and Signed Judgment (1 day)

Brief hearing (15–30 minutes for uncontested cases). Judge signs Final Judgment.

Stage 9 — File Signed Judgment (1 day)

File with clerk. Get certified copies. Done.

What Speeds Up a Florida Divorce

Both spouses cooperative — The biggest factor. When both sign documents promptly and complete disclosure on time, the process moves fast.

Waiving the 20-day period — Including a waiver in your MSA lets the judge sign the Final Judgment at the first available hearing.

Completing the parenting class early — If children are involved, complete this in the first week. Don't let it hold up your final hearing.

E-filing — Florida's statewide e-filing portal speeds up the filing and processing steps.

Smaller counties — Less busy courts schedule final hearings faster. If you live near a county line and both qualify, the less-populated county may be faster.

What Slows a Florida Divorce Down

Incomplete financial disclosure — The 45-day requirement must be met. Missing documents delay everything.

Missing parenting class certificates — Cannot finalize with children until both parents' certificates are filed.

Incomplete or vague Parenting Plan — Judges send back Parenting Plans that don't meet Florida's detailed requirements. This is one of the most common delays.

Court scheduling backlogs — Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach courts are busy. Getting a final hearing date can take several weeks.

Contested issues — Any dispute that can't be resolved requires additional hearings, mediation, or trial.

After the Divorce Is Final

• Social Security Administration — name change
• Florida DMV — driver's license
• Passport
• Bank accounts
• Vehicle titles (Florida DHSMV)
• Real estate deeds (county recorder)
• Retirement accounts (QDRO if applicable)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance beneficiaries
• Employer HR records
• Will and estate planning

FAQ

Can I get divorced faster than 20 days in Florida? Only if both parties waive the 20-day period in writing in the MSA. With a waiver, the judge can sign the Final Judgment as soon as all paperwork is complete and a hearing is scheduled.

Does the clock start at filing or service? The 20-day waiting period starts at filing, not at service. Service triggers the respondent's response deadline (20 days), but the waiting period starts the day you file.

Is Florida really one of the fastest states for divorce? Yes. With only a 20-day waiting period (waivable) and a well-organized form system, Florida consistently produces some of the fastest uncontested divorce timelines in the country.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.