Florida Divorce Cost Breakdown

Divorce costs in Florida vary significantly based on whether your case is contested and whether you hire an attorney. Here's what you need to know:

Average Uncontested
$12,500
Average Contested
$20,000

Florida Filing Fees by County

Filing fees in Florida vary by county. Here are the fees for major counties:

County Filing Fee
Miami-Dade County $409
Broward County $409
Palm Beach County $409
Hillsborough County (Tampa) $409
Orange County (Orlando) $409
Pinellas County $409

Attorney Fees in Florida

Hourly Rates

$200 - $500 per hour

Average: $325/hour

Flat Fee (Uncontested)

$1,800 - $4,000

For simple, agreed divorces

Average Retainer

$4,000

Upfront deposit required

Cost Scenarios for Florida

DIY Uncontested

$450 - $650

Simple agreed divorce with minimal assets.

Cost Breakdown:
  • Filing fee: $409
  • Service fee: $40-100
  • Parenting course: $0-50
  • Copying: $15-50

Attorney-Assisted Uncontested

$2,500 - $5,500

Attorney handles paperwork for agreed terms.

Cost Breakdown:
  • Attorney flat fee: $1,800-4,000
  • Filing fee: $409
  • Court costs: $200-500

Mediated Divorce

$4,000 - $10,000

Mediation to resolve disputes.

Cost Breakdown:
  • Mediator: $2,500-6,000
  • Filing fee: $409
  • Attorney review: $1,000-2,500

Contested Divorce

$12,000 - $30,000

Litigated divorce with hearings.

Cost Breakdown:
  • Attorney fees: $10,000-25,000
  • Court costs: $1,500-3,000
  • Experts: $1,000-3,000

Additional Costs to Consider

Item Cost
Parenting course (required) $25 - $50
QDRO preparation $500 - $2,000
Home appraisal $400 - $600

10 Ways to Reduce Divorce Costs in Florida

1

File DIY for uncontested cases

2

Use court self-help centers (free)

3

Complete parenting course online ($25)

4

Mediate rather than litigate

5

Apply for fee waiver if income-qualified

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Divorce Costs

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Florida?

The filing fee in Florida is $409 statewide. Total DIY costs run $450-650 for uncontested divorces.

Are there fee waivers in Florida?

Yes, you can apply for a fee waiver if you can't afford the filing fee. Complete Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status.

Ready to Start Your Divorce?

Whether you choose DIY or hire an attorney, understanding costs helps you budget effectively.