Florida divorce timeline (2026)
A cooperative Florida dissolution is paced by two things: the 20-day statutory wait and your county's hearing calendar. The 20 days is the earliest a judge can finalize; realistic total time from filing to a signed final judgment is usually four to eight weeks for an uncontested case, longer in busy counties.
Residency requirement
One spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months before filing
Waiting period
20 daysMeasured from the filing date; a judge can shorten it only for genuine hardship.
- 1
Prepare and gather documents
Complete the petition, financial affidavit, and settlement agreement.
- 2
File with the circuit court
Submit to your county clerk and pay the $408 fee (or file the waiver).
- 3
Serve your spouse
Deliver the papers, or have your spouse sign a waiver of service.
- 4
20-day waiting period
The court cannot enter a final judgment until 20 days after filing.
- 5
Final hearing and judgment
A short hearing, then the judge signs the final judgment ending the marriage.
In short, expect a 20-day waiting period in Florida, plus your county's scheduling time. Our filing checklist keeps the stages in order.
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