Florida residents may wish to change their name for various reasons, such as legal matters like marriage or divorce, or for personal reasons following a significant life event. In Florida, individuals are eligible for a name change if they meet the following criteria: (1) they have never been arrested or convicted of a crime; (2) they have not been declared bankrupt; (3) they have no outstanding money judgments; and (4) they are not seeking the name change for any illegal or ulterior motives. Name change requests must be filed in the county where the individual resides.
Name Change Due to Marriage or Divorce
In Florida, changing your name following a marriage or divorce is a straightforward process. After marriage, a certified marriage certificate is issued, and following a divorce, an official divorce decree is provided. These documents serve as legal proof for a name change and can be presented to the relevant Florida government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Office, to update your name.
Name Change for Other Reasons
For name changes not related to marriage or divorce, a Florida Petition for Change of Name of an Adult must be filed. This petition should include:
- Current name and the new name
- Current residence and all previous residences since birth
- Birth information and names of biological parents
- Names and addresses of children over 18 years old
- Current occupation and employment history for the past five years
- Educational background
- Criminal history
- Reason for why the person is looking to change their name
- Any additional former names
In addition, the petitioner must obtain state and federal background checks, along with fingerprints from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, to accompany the petition. All documentation must be submitted to the Florida courts for review.
