Name Change FAQs

The specific requirements for a name change that is not a part of a divorce or adoption case are:

• You will need to be at least 18 years;
• You must be a legal Florida resident; and
• You must also be willing to submit your fingerprints for a state and national criminal history background check.

You file it in the county where you are a resident.

A name change petition could be denied if your reasons for doing so are:

• To avoid creditors;
• To invade the property rights of others, whether partnership, patent, good will, privacy, or trademark;
• For an illegal purpose or ulterior motive; or
• To avoid arrests

No. After a name change petition has been granted, you are responsible from providing the different agencies with a certified copy of the judgement so that they can update their records. There could be delays in disbursing your benefits if you do not comply in a timely manner.

The process is relatively short and can be done in less than 2 months. You have to wait for the results of your criminal background check before the case can proceed to a final hearing.

Both parents must consent to the name change of a minor but if one parent objects, the judge can still grant the request, as long as it is in the best interests of the child. There is no similar requirement for adults requiring a name change.

Yes. There is no requirement to publish notice of a pending name change petition, so persons with an objection may not be aware of the case. The court has an independent duty to decide whether a name change is consistent with public interest and a reasonable objection may influence the court’s decision.