How to Change Your Name in Florida

How to Change Your Name in Florida

To change your name in Florida, you must petition the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction where you live for a name change. Changing a person’s name is discretionary with the court, which means the court will decide to either allow or disallow the change.

First, you must have a sufficient reason to change your name. It cannot be for a fraudulent purpose, cannot cause deliberate confusion, cannot include profanity or a racial slur, and cannot infringe upon the rights of another person.

There are also different requirements for a name change if you are a minor instead of an adult. For example, a name change action that involves a child must include the written consent of every adult who has legal rights over the minor.

Florida Name Change Process for Adults

Adults who want to change their name in Florida must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Florida resident;
• Be a resident of the County where the name change petition will be filed;
• Be 18 years of age or older;
• Have no illegal purpose for requesting a name change and attest that the change will not violate the rights of another person or legal entity;
• Have not had your civil rights suspended or, if they have been suspended, your civil rights have been fully restored.

If you meet each of these requirements, you would then file a name change petition with the Circuit Court in your jurisdiction. You must also submit a set of fingerprints with the petition, unless you are asking for your former name to be restored. The Court then holds a hearing on your petition and, if the Court grants the order, it will enter a final judgment and you are free to use your new name.

Florida Name Change Process for Minors

The name change requirements for minors in Florida include:

• Be a Florida resident;
• Be a resident of the County where the name change petition will be filed;
• Be 17 years of age or younger;
• Have no illegal purpose for requesting a name change and attest that the change will not violate the rights of another person or legal entity;
• Have not had your civil rights suspended or, if they have been suspended, your civil rights have been fully restored; and
• All adults with legal rights over the minor must provide written consent for the name change.

If the minor meets these requirements, the name change petition will be filed with the Superior Court in the minor’s jurisdiction by a parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem. The Court holds a hearing on the petition and, if the order is granted, the Court will enter a final judgment and the minor can use the new name.

Changing your name in Florida is a legal process requiring court approval, which means you should have a Florida attorney to guide you. Contact one of the experienced attorneys at Jurado & Farshchian, P.L., at (305) 921-0440, or email us at info@jflawfirm.com.

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