Florida Divorce Cost Estimator

A Florida dissolution of marriage costs $2,500 for an uncontested case and $13,500 or more for a contested divorce, based on 2022 state data. The court filing fee starts at $295 under Florida Statute § 28.241, with attorney fees averaging $300 per hour. Total costs depend on whether you dispute time-sharing, property division, or alimony — contested cases with children average $20,300.

The base filing fee for a Florida dissolution of marriage is $295 under Florida Statute § 28.241. Additional surcharges of $5, $55, and $37.50 may apply depending on your county, bringing the total clerk cost to approximately $392.50. Fees vary by county, so verify the exact amount with your local Clerk of Court before filing.

Florida divorce attorneys typically charge $260 to $330 per hour, with the statewide median at approximately $300 per hour. Initial retainers range from $2,500 to $5,500 for standard cases, while contested divorces involving time-sharing or complex property may require $5,000 to $10,000 upfront. Some attorneys offer flat fees of $1,500–$3,000 for simple uncontested dissolutions.

Florida courts grant fee waivers through the Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, which waives the $295 filing fee and other court costs for qualifying individuals. Eligibility is based on income, household size, and financial hardship. You must file the application with the Clerk of Court, who will review your financial information and issue a determination before your case proceeds.

Florida requires mandatory mediation before trial in all contested family law cases. Private mediators charge $200–$350 per hour, with total mediation costs averaging $3,000–$8,000 for both parties. Court-connected mediation is significantly cheaper at $60 per person per session for households earning under $50,000, or $120 per session for those earning $50,000–$100,000. Indigent parties receive court-connected mediation at no cost.

An uncontested Florida dissolution of marriage typically costs $2,500 total, including the $295 filing fee, attorney fees of $1,500–$3,000 (flat rate), and minor costs for process service ($40–$100) and document preparation. Both spouses must agree on all terms — property division, alimony, and a Parenting Plan if minor children are involved. Filing pro se can reduce total costs to under $500.

Beyond filing fees and attorney retainers, Florida divorces carry several additional costs. The mandatory Parent Education course under § 61.21 costs $15–$50 per parent. Financial Affidavit preparation (Form 12.902) and Mandatory Disclosure under Rule 12.285 may require real estate appraisals ($300–$500) or business valuations ($3,000–$5,000). A court-appointed guardian ad litem under § 61.403 costs $150–$300 per hour.

Florida allows pro se filing for dissolution of marriage, and the Florida Courts Self-Help Center at help.flcourts.org provides free forms and instructions. Your total cost filing without an attorney is approximately $295–$450, covering the filing fee plus process service. However, cases involving disputed time-sharing, alimony, or significant assets benefit from legal representation — the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at floridabar.org/public/lrs connects you with qualified attorneys.